Watching movies from my itunes library on my tv...?

[Ziva]

So I was wondering if there was a way to connect my computer to the tv so that i could watch my itunes movies on my tv. Or if anyone has a simpler idea. Ive bought alot of movies on my itunes for my ipod but id also like to be able to watch them on my tv without having to buy them again as a dvd. Is there a way i can do this? Is it possible to connect my computer to my tv in such a way that the tv screen acts as my computer screen or something similar. I have both a desktop and a laptop if that makes any difference. I saw apple tv online- i believe this does the kind of thing i was looking for, am i right? still it would be really good if i could watch the movies ive already paid for without spending another $100, thanks guys!