The picture quality an Indoor Antennacan deliver has greatly increased in the past few years. This is largely due to Digital broadcasting – which is an improved method of TV broadcasting that offers cable Television Stations for free over the airwaves. In June 2009, TV stations in the US switched over to this new standard.
Determining if you have a built-in HDTV tuner is the first step before a HD Antenna purchase. High-definition tuners, which are also commonly referred to as HDTV, digital or ATSC tuners, are tuners built into HDTVs that allow you to access high-definition television broadcasts over-the-air. OTA refers to television broadcasts that can be accessed without any cable or satellite television service. Without a high-definition tuner, your won’t be able to view high-definition channels, even if you own a high-definition TV. Many older TV sets on the market come as “HDTV-ready”. The problem is that HDTV-ready TV sets cannot be used for watching HDTV over-the-air because they lack a tuner. If you don’t know whether your TV set has a built-in tuner, look for the RF antenna connector on the rear/side panel. If your still not sure check the manual or find out when the TV was made. The federal government mandated that all TVs made after February 2007 that cross state lines to be sold or that are imported from other countries must come equipped with a digital tuner. If yours was made after that, you’re set. If you find that your TV does not have one, dont worry, this is something you can purchase.
Suitable for those living in city apartments and for those in suburban homes, a compact HD Indoor Antenna lets viewers get Free HD Streaming in full resolution. To find out what channels are available in your area, visit a site called AntennaWeb. To get the most accurate estimate, enter your street address, town and zip code. If you are in a rush or don’t want to give out your personal information, just enter your zip code. You will then need to answer the structural questions and click Submit. The site will then ask you to confirm your location on a map; if it looks correct just click Continue. You will then see a list of stations along with the distance of each station from you…Results can vary, but from my experience with a newer HD Antenna you should be able to pull in most of the stations listed within 30 miles of your home.
When you are ready to make the leap check out Mohu; they make the best Indoor Antennas on the market and they are very reasonably priced. It only takes 5 minutes to plugin and you’ll gain access to local television shows and several HD Major Network TV Stations – such as NBC, CBS, ABC & FOX. (10% Off Coupon Below)
Performance: In side-by-side tests comparing against other major brands of indoor antennas, the Leaf/Leaf Plus performed better on average than all others tested. The Leaf Antenna was designed by experienced antenna engineers who have been designing antennas for the US military for years (see their sister company GreenWave Scientific). Get 10% off at GoMOHU.com with Leaf Coupon Code: killcablewithleaf
The Leaf Plus is unlike any other amplified HDTV antenna available! The Leaf Plus Amplified HDTV Antenna improves upon the top-selling Mohu Leaf Antenna by providing you with an additional range for remarkable reception. For channels that experience occasional dropouts or pixilation, the additional gain of the Leaf Plus will provide a far more reliable signal than other antennas.
How the Amplifier Works: The Leaf Plus gives you a USB power injector at the end of the antenna cable to provide power to the amplifier in the antenna housing. You can power the amplifier by using the supplied power cable or by pluging the USB cable into a USB port on your TV. There is not another Antenna like it on the Market! Get 10% off at GoMOHU.com with Leaf Plus Coupon Code: killcablewithleafplus
“If you are cutting the cable bill and streaming content…we have discovered probably the best thing you will ever plug into your HDTV. It’s the paper-thin HDTV antenna from Mohu.” - HDTV Magazine
~ 10% Off with our Coupon Code
…this time when I ran scan channels I was floored. My TV tuner found 14 channels. I was seriously impressed when I actually sampled the channels. I got 19 channels and three more (two of them analog) that do not work well. I cannot wait to connect a low power in line amplifier. With that I am sure I will get 22 channels, all with an indoor antenna and I do not need to reposition it to get them all. I cannot wait to see what happens when I position the Leaf to pick up stations to the North of me…
…We ditched our cable last year for OTA signals and already had two antennas (purchased at the Blue and Yellow store) when I
ordered the Mohu Leaf. The shipping was incredibly fast, the package was very simple, and the product installed in 5 seconds. Instantly, we went from receiving 15 channels with our previous antenna to receiving 23 channels with the Mohu Leaf…
…I was expecting my usual “ZERO CHANNELS FOUND” message. I walked out of the room while it was scanning and come back in and there’s Antenna TV playing. I almost passed out cold on the floor. This little paper-thin thing managed to get the Antenna TV affiliate from 70 miles away at my house between mountains. I moved the thing to the other window and got another 2 channels from another city 70 miles in the “other” direction…
Now you need to look at how to combine Hulu, Netflix and a Video Steamer to get even more of your favorite TV Shows in HD.
To learn more read Hulu + Netflix + Video Streamer = Big $avings. Then check out the Ultimate DVR Guide for the 2011 Fall TV Lineup - Most of which can be accessed via an OTA TV Signal!
Media center PCs have become more popular in the last few years. With the rising cost of satellite and cable TV packages, it only makes sense for users to integrate computers into their setup. Now more than ever, it’s cost-effective for users to switch to a media center PC and still watch the shows they love. There are a few media center apps on both Android and iOS that make this easier than ever.
Just want to learn how to connect your laptop to your tv? Click here
XBMC Media Center (Xbox Media Center) is one of the most popular solutions for media center computer users. The experience of using XBMX is made considerably simpler with the use of a remote app. Team-XBMC has brought an official, full-featured app named XBMX Remote to the Google Play store. It can install on any Android device and features the controls a user would expect, as well as library browsing.
Not sure what an Xbox is? Read “What is Xbox?“.
A similar solution, sharing the same name of XBMC Remote, exists on the iOS App Store. It is made by a different developer, but does offer basic remote features. Despite the fact that it isn’t as feature-laden as its Android brethren, the presence of apps on either platform means that it’s easy for owners of any smartphone to get rid of cable or satellite and keep the shows they love without sacrificing convenience.
Boxee is another popular platform for owners of media center computers. The service features a custom platform and interface that makes using the service as easy to use as possible. A few apps exist on both Android and iOS to simplify the process.
An official app for iOS, simply titled Boxee Remote, turns users’ iPhone or iPod Touch into a remote control for the Boxee service. It simply connects over a local network to a person’s Boxee setup, and then allows for remote control of Boxee without the need for external hardware. For users who don’t have a Boxee box or just want an extra remote, this is a terrific app. Although there is no official support for Android yet, a number of third-party solutions have shown up in the Google Play store. Boxee Wi-Fi Remote by Sunii Sadasivan is likely the most popular. It has a clean interface and is very reliable.
Even though the Boxee app for iPhone is impressive in its own right, it still pales in comparison to Boxee for iPad, the iPad’s own unique Boxee app. While the iPhone app is limited in its function to acting as a remote control, Boxee for iPad takes the tablet and turns it into another portal for users to access their media center computer. Videos can be streamed from the computer to the iPad at the press of a button. This includes streaming sources such as YouTube, but also extends to a user’s stored video collection.
The coolest part of Boxee for iPad might actually be in its ability to switch screens. Users of the the app can start watching a video on their iPad and switch to their TV at the press of a button. This function does require a Boxee box, but for users who have one it’s an indispensable feature. Being able to switch screens seamlessly means no more arguing over the television. (Boxee vs Roku)
All of these apps, combined with a media center computer and the best mobile broadband deals, help to make content more accessible. In the past, consumers who wanted to watch all the video that they wanted were forced to choose between paying a lot for satellite or cable TV or dealing with complicated computer-to-TV connections. These types of connections weren’t just complicated, but they were also complicated. With the apps that are available to turn smartphones and tablets into remotes and streaming centers, it’s now easier than ever to cut the cord.
Guest Post by EJ Parfitt who is a tech writer that has been writing for a short time now and has already picked up steam with several tech and sports sites . During his free time , you’re sure to catch him competing in local chess tournaments in downtown Fort Lauderdale FL.
Feb 12
26
Everything is getting smarter today – home security systems, phones, TVs. New generation of TVs available today come ready to go without a cable connection, stocked with Netflix, Hulu, Vudu and other apps. Smart TV or web connected TV sets are rapidly coming to market from likes of Intel, Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic and Vizio.
Television is the last of all media to get online and still not there yet compared to online books in ease and convenience. Services like Netflix and Hulu are very cheap, commercial free (in most cases) and provide lag-free, high quality streaming.
Only issue you need to work out is your broadband internet speed. Although the average speed has been increasing over the last few years it’s a known fact that you’re not usually getting what your provider says you are. Speeds can be affected by equipment, your distance and watching content on a smart TV might be a problem if you can’t upgrade to a higher speed.
All that being said, I think the best technology in web connected TV sets is yet to come.
Also see “What is Smart TV?”
Dec 11
11
There are many ways to access your favorite television shows and movies without paying over $100 a month for cable. The Internet has a wide variety of platforms for obtaining content, including streaming sites, network sites, pay services that offer on-demand video and content stores such as iTunes where you can buy video to keep in a digital library. You can also watch content by hooking up your laptop or game console to your television and channeling online content. There are also mail-in video services. Another platform, the Smart TV, offers a hybrid viewing experience that combines the functionality of your television set with the accessibility of your Web connection. Here’s what you need to know about how you can use Smart TV to replace your cable bill once and for all:
Smart TV, which is also referred to as Connected TV or Hybrid TV, comes in two platforms: A television set that includes Internet connection capabilities, or a set-top box with an Internet connection that can channel content through your television. These devices allow you to watch online videos through your television and to access other online content. For example, with many Smart TVs, you can also access e-mail, surf the Web, play games, and download apps. You are essentially turning your television screen into a giant computer monitor. In short, Smart TV allows you to access limitless content, thousands of movies, customizable apps, videos and the best of the web all organized in a simple to use interface.
As the idea of watching video online has become more popular, more companies have started to introduce Smart TV technology. Apple made a big splash when it introduced its set-top box as industry experts expected it to transform the industry the same way that the iPod transformed the music industry. However, the technology failed to make the impact that was expected. Google has introduced its own set-top box, which experts are also watching closely to see if it will succeed where Apple didn’t. Other players include the LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Google TV, (integrated TVs, not a boxes), Roku and Boxee (set-top boxes).
There are multiple (legal) options for accessing the content that you would get from cable through online sources. Many free streaming sites are available, including network websites like NBC.com, Comedy Central, and ESPN. Some pay sites like Hulu also offer free content.
Video-on-demand services are offered through Hulu, Netflix, Blockbuster and Amazon Instant Video. These services include a large catalog of movies and television shows. Plans vary depending on the amount and type of content you would like to access, but basic plans can be accessed for as little as $9 a month. Read Online TV Channels to learn about all the different sites you need to know about when watching Internet TV.
Finally, you can purchase many movies and video shows for permanent storage in your digital library through content stores like iTunes and Amazon. Again, prices will vary.
Because Smart TV relies heavily on an Internet connection, you may have trouble accessing content because of a slow connection speed. Many cable providers have responded to the reduction in cable subscription and the transition to Internet TV by offering tiered broadband packages that intentionally limit how much content can be accessed at any given time. If you want to experience high speeds, you will have to pay more for the service.
The type of content provider you choose will also significantly impact the type of experience you have. For example, if you like to watch current episodes of your favorite television series when they air, you would not be able to do so if you were a subscriber of Netflix, which doesn’t get most television shows until after the season is over. However, Hulu offers current episodes of many popular television shows. Also, if you find that you are combining multiple services — such as subscribing to Hulu and buying movies from iTunes — to get all the content that you would have with cable and DVR, then you may find that you are paying the same amount or more for Internet providers as you were for cable. Make sure you evaluate the content and the pricing plans of several providers before you commit to anyone.
Have you ditched your cable for Smart TV? Tell us about the hardware you chose, how you are able to access content, and what your experiences have been like!
Guest Post by Amanda Tradwick is a grant researcher and writer for CollegeGrants.org. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware, and has recently finished research on college grants for high school students and student grants in New Hampshire.
Nov 11
9
Whichever one you choose; these five alternatives to cable are sure to let you catch up on all your favorite shows. Try them out today.
Guest Post by Christine Kane from internet service providers, she is a graduate of Communication and Journalism. She enjoys writing about a wide-variety of subjects for different blogs. She can be reached via email at: Christi.Kane00@gmail.com
Oct 11
30
As you already know, Amazon is an online retailer that sells books, DVDs, music, games, apparel, and other merchandise. However, what you may not know is that Amazon offers a video streaming service as well. It is called Amazon Instant Video (formerly Amazon VOD) and it is an Internet video on demand service, only available in the United States, which offers television shows and films for rental and purchase. You can watch Amazon Instant Video content on a big screen courtesy of a number of special TVs, Blu-ray players, DVRs, and set top boxes that come with the software installed.
In mid August 2011 Amazon announced that it now has 100,000 movies and television shows available to purchase or rent through its Amazon Video On Demand service. Of those, 9,000 are available to stream at no extra charge through its Amazon Prime membership program. Amazon Prime costs $79 per year and entitles the subscriber to free two-day shipping on most products. Start your one month free Amazon Prime trial today.
The Amazon Instant Video Division has been busy in recent months, cutting licensing deals with networks and studios, to increase its streaming content and to better compete with Hulu and Netflix. There are subtle differences between each of the major movie streaming and download services. Hulu focus on recent TV shows, Netflix provides the largest library of movies (with newer content being the main issue), and Amazon seems to fits somewhere in the middle with a mixture of new movies and TV shows. See Amazon’s new releases list
Pros - Reasonable prices, with a ton of content. High quality HD video (when available).Quick downloads, and Amazon Prime members get commercial-free streaming with select content.
Cons - Not all content is available in HD. The video library is smaller than competing services. Some content can’t be viewed for a specific time due to licensing restrictions.
Bottom Line - Amazon Instant Video has reasonable prices and a wide variety of programming. If you use Amazon to purchase a lot of merchandise, the Prime service now combines free shipping with free video streaming, which is an added bonus to an already great program.
Amazon provides a few different ways to explore its library of content. Either you can search for a program, or you can use product categories based on genre, release date, channel, and more. Clicking a movie or TV show link displays the rating, runtime, release date, and other pertinent information. TV shows allow you to watch program snippets, and movies let you watch trailers – both are available in full-screen.
TV shows range from 99 cents to $2.99 depending on release date and standard vs. high definition. If you are interested in an entire season, you can purchase it outright, or by a TV Pass. TV Passes grant access to current TV seasons with videos posting shortly after they have aired—often at a discounted price. Amazon TV Passes are only valid for the currently-running television season.
Amazon Instant Video limits you to just one viewing method for rented videos (which are typically priced at $2.99 or $3.99): watch now, watch later, or download for offline viewing. Once you choose a viewing method, you are unable to transfer that rented video to another device for viewing. Rented videos will expire within the time frame advertised at the time of purchase—typically within 24 or 48 hours of firing it up. You have 30 days to begin watching before the rental expires.
Purchasing or renting a video is as simple as clicking the Buy button and selecting a credit/debit card that you have saved to your Amazon account. Purchased videos can be streamed to your browser, or downloaded to a PC, TiVo, and two portable devices. Downloaded video doesn’t include advertisements. Click here to see Amazon Instant Video’s Best Sellers.
The Standard definition streaming video quality is what you’d expect; passable when viewed on a relatively small screen and a problematic when viewed on a large screen. That said, the streaming HD video is spectacular. Amazon definitely has a leg up on Netflix in this regard.
Thanks to the wide availability of Amazon Instant, Prime streaming titles are available on Mac or PC computers and on nearly 200 Internet-connected TVs and set-top boxes including Blu-ray players. To determine if your device is Amazon Video friendly check out their Compatible Devices list.
Amazon.com describes Amazon Video on Demand content as DVD quality. The average video bitrate of an Amazon video download equals 2500 kbit/s; which means that a 2 hour movie consumes roughly 2 GB of storage space. Due to the large size of the files being downloaded, the service requires a broadband internet connection capable of sustaining transfer speeds of 800 kbit/s. Amazon asserts that for customers with an internet connection of 3 Mbit/s or more, any Amazon Movie file will start playing within 5 minutes. Concerning software requirements – users of Amazon Streaming only need only a web browser with the Adobe Flash plug-in.
If you are trying to decide between a gaming console, set-top box, DVD player or Smart TV check out the full list of Amazon Instant Video Ready TVs and Devices. Click here if you have questions about a specific device, to register, or to learn how to connect a device to the internet.
Oct 11
10
Our society has become so reliant on the television. It is very rare that I go through a day without someone asking me if I saw something on TV last night, so it was very difficult for me to let my cable go, despite the fact that the cable company decided to double my monthly bill. My contract was up, so I didn’t have any obligation to keep that company, but I couldn’t imagine my life at home without some noise from the TV.
After canceling my cable service, I would play music, watch shows online through stolen internet, and go to friends’ houses whenever I could. These were all great alternatives, and it was all much easier than trying to make the ridiculous monthly cable payment, but I couldn’t help but miss being able to relax in my living room at the end of the day. That was when I realized that there was still another option, and I felt really stupid for not thinking of it sooner.
Our parents and grandparents used them for years, and yet we forget that we can still use rabbit ears to pick up local stations. Using an indoor antenna is as old as television itself, and recently, the switch from analog to digital TV has brought this alternative back into the limelight. However, people have become so used to their special channels that they wouldn’t even consider this to be an option.
The truth is, for most individuals, the antenna can be a very satisfactory option. It may even be better than cable for some households. Our lives usually keep us busy enough that we don’t really need hundreds of television channels to keep us entertained. When we do want to sit and relax in front of the TV, an indoor antenna can give us more than enough and without the high cost of cable or satellite.
The best Indoor Antenna on the Market today is the Leaf Indoor Antenna. Click here to learn why.
Rabbit ears are very inexpensive and easy to set up, but you need to be in a place where it will be possible to get good reception. Now that signals have switched from analog to digital, a weak signal could leave you with nothing instead of the fuzzy picture you used to get with analog.
There are certain techniques you can use to ensure you have the best signal possible with your antenna. The most important advice I can give is that you need to get your rabbit ears away from interference. Computers cause interference, and TVs, DVD and Blueray players, and other television equipment have computers in them. In other words, your television and other devices connected to it could interfere with your reception. When you get your antenna, make sure it is positioned far away from your entertainment center. Never put the antenna on top or near your TV or computer.
Some other sources of interference are florescent lamps, cordless phones, and fish tank heaters. If you are having trouble figuring out which appliance is affecting your signal, try turning them off one at a time. If this doesn’t work, you should try to look for a stronger signal spot. Walls also absorb signal, so your reception may be better if your antenna is on the side of your home that faces the transmitter you want to receive. It may take time to figure out where will be the best spot in your house, but a little research on your local transmitters and some patience will pay off in the end.
Switching to rabbit ears may not be the best option for everyone, but it can be a very inexpensive alternative to cable. If you aren’t sure this will be enough for you, I urge you to try it for a few months. It will cost you very little, and after a while, you will know for sure whether or not an antenna is the option for you.
To learn more about how to get HDTV without Cable read Using a Simple Indoor Antenna
Guest Post by Amy Young who is an author of articles related to frugal living, business, and financial advice for those looking to rent to own.
Oct 11
5
The Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. Ultimately, Microsoft is looking to turn your television into a web access device, and so is looking beyond the gaming industry. The Xbox 360 Live platform now allows you to watch a broad array of TV shows and other content through their gaming consoles. Microsoft describes the deal as ‘a new era in TV’ and the Xbox 360 will now aim to continue to prove that it is not only a games console, but also a connected media hub with a wealth of content.
Nearly 40 “world class TV and entertainment providers” are coming to Xbox Live, including Bravo, Comcast, HBO GO and Syfy in the US. These additions join Sky, ESPN and Hulu, which are already available on the Xbox online service. In June 2011, Microsoft also announced that live TV, YouTube and Bing were in the works for Xbox 360, promising to increase the amount of content on Xbox Live “by a factor of ten” this year.
Here’s a sample list of Entertainment Partners on Xbox 360 available to US residents:
Microsoft also made friends with some International content providers as well such as BBC (UK), Canal+ (France/Spain), MediaSet (Italy), and SBS On Demand (Australia)
It comes with four controller ports that allow for easy multiplayer gaming, multi-signal audio/video connections for simple and easy hookup to TVs and home theater systems, an Ethernet port for fast online gaming, a hard drive for saving downloaded content, a DVD player (blu-ray add on available).
The Xbox Console costs around $300 and includes one wireless controller and headset.
Wireless Connection or Wired Connection?
Bottom Line: More and more devices are hitting the market every day – looking to cash in on the internet TV revolution. The Xbox is a solid investment because it is not only a great game console and online media hub, but it is also a full featured DVD player. Have you looked into how much you could save by canceling your cable bill?
If not, then try reading why I canceled my cable and let me know what you think.
To learn more about other Streaming Video Devices check out the Product Reviews Page.
Aug 11
19
What is HDMI?
Most of the instructional guides out there focus on how to connect an older computer to a TV – via a DVI, VGA, S-Video or a RCA connection. The problem with this approach is that analog video cables, such as these, break down the picture signal into three different cables — red, blue and green. When you’ve got analog cabling connecting digital sources (such as an LCD or plasma screen with a laptop), the digital video and sound signals have to be converted into analog to travel through the cable, before being re-converted back into digital at the receiving end. This leads to signal degradation and a resulting loss in video and sound quality. Below I will explain how to hook a laptop to a TV, retain the highest video and sound quality possible, and how to access full episodes of your favorite TV shows online – with no monthly subscriptions costs of any kind.
There are several sites you should know about when watching Internet TV, but for this article I will only mention my two favorite FREE sites. To see a full list go to: Online TV Channels
Simply put, HDMI is an all-digital connector that can carry high-definition video and several digital audio channels all on the one cable. HDMI delivers the highest video and sound quality available and has been on the market for a while now, so most new DVD players, set-top boxes and TVs feature at least one HDMI port. If you do not have HDMI on your computer you can use an adapter to convert HDMI to DVI. Learn more about this, and many other connection options by watching: How to Connect Your Laptop to Your Television
To connect your computer to a TV, your computer needs to have an output port that matches one of the input ports on your TV. And I know this is not want you hear, but if you do not have an HDMI Out port, you should probably buy a laptop that does. The good news is that laptops have dropped dramatically in price in the last few years, and you can get a great laptop (with a HDMI Out port) for under $350. If you cancel cable today, that laptop (on average), will pay for it’s self in 3 ½ months. After that, you will be saving up to $100 a month and will have a nice laptop that will last for years to come.
Without a good internet connection, you will not be able to watch TV shows or movies in high-definition. Your object should be to reach a download speed of at least 2Mbps (Faster the Better). To test the speed of your connection click here.
If you find that your internet connection is too slow, try these helpful tips:
If nothing seems to work contact your Internet Service Provider to find out what it would cost to increase your speed.
With cable costs going up and the economy getting worse, canceling cable is an excellent way to cut costs. Are you ready to make the leap? If not, why?
Jul 11
21
PlayOn allows you to enjoy your favorite TV Shows, and Movies from websites such as Netflix, Hulu (Including “Web Only” Content), YouTube and more; on your TV using your Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or Roku. PlayOn also works on your iPhone, Android phone, iPad, Google TV, and many other DLNA-compliant devices.
You can pay for PlayOn one of three ways: a monthly subscription ($4.99), a yearly subscription ($39.99), or for a one-time fee ($79.99); and through the below link you can get a 14 day FREE trial!
In addition to Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, PlayOn subscribers get access to sports content from ESPN, NHL.com, MLB.tv, ESPN3.com and NFL Rewind. You also get access to CBS, Comedy Central, TV.com, TBS, Oprah Winfrey, SyFy Rewind, Adult Swim, Spike TV, CNN, Fox News, PBS, PBS Kids, Nick, Cartoon Network, Amazon VOD, Youtube, MTV, BET, VEVO, and Pandora (PlayOn Music). Then there are the dozens of great channels available from third-party PlayOn plugins sites like: Crackle, Discovery Channel, Food Network, HGTV, and many International Channels.
5 Simple Steps: No technical knowledge is required
Minimum Requirements: * PC running Windows OS, * 512 MB RAM, * 100MB of available hard drive space for the install, * A networked PS3, Xbox 360, Wii or DLNA compliant device
Video Streaming Tips:
I really like PlayOn because it’s an easy way to see the shows I want when I want, and I don’t have to pay for cable.
“38% of PlayOn’s customers have canceled their cable and just stream everything for a fraction of the cost.” …Unknown publisher
The PlayStation 3 (PS3) system is the only video streaming gaming machine with a built-in Blu-ray player, hard drive, and Wi-Fi; and for these reasons is thought by many to be the best games console out there. Plus you can now stream Netflix & Hulu directly to your PS3 system – gaining access to thousands of movies, and TV shows at your fingertips.
Many people talk about how streaming video from their pc to their PlayStation 3, is the be-all end-all solution, but I feel that this is drastically over-complicating things. The PlayStation 3 video streaming solution that works really well for me is a combination of Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, and a USB flash drive. This solution costs a combined $17.99 a month and it provides access to more TV shows and Movies, in HD, then I could every have time to watch.
For those of you who still want to stream video content to your PS3 from your PC, I suggest checking out services like Playon and the Orb disc. Bear in mind though, you will need an optimized computing environment to retain the HD quality you have grown to love. In other words, to build a home network that seamlessly streams HD video from your PC to your PS3 can be costly and complicated.
To activate Netflix on your PS3 you will first need a Netflix subscription. If you can get away with the basic $7.99 plan that provides full access to their entire video library – then do it. The next step will be to connect your PS3 to the Internet – ideally via a wired connection as it provides a more consistent data feed. Then open up the PlayStation Network on the menu screen, select “What’s New”, and click on the Netflix icon to download and install the Netflix application. Once it is complete, you will see the Netflix app appear under the video icon on the PS3 menu screen.
Now you need to add the Hulu Plus functionality. A subscription to Hulu Plus will cost $9.99 per month, and will give you access to full seasons of your favorite TV shows from more than 100 leading content providers, including ABC, NBC and FOX, and movies from many of the most well-known studios in the U.S. Once you have signed up for a subscription at www.Hulu.com, go back to PlayStation Network on the PS3 menu screen and download the Hulu app. Since you already a Hulu Plus subscription, you can enter your user name and password directly into the app.
VUDU offers another layer of content to PS3 users. Access doesn’t require a subscription and is a pay-as-you-go service. To install the
plugin go to the PlayStation Store and download the VUDU app for free. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll see it appear in the PS3 Menu under the “Video” icon. From there you will have access to thousands of movie titles – available for instant viewing in HD and HDX 1080p formats with no buffering or downloading. In short you get access to new releases, in blu-ray quality, the same day Amazon or Itunes make them available.
Finally, there is the USB drive; all you need to do is load up images, videos and music files to the drive, and plug it into the PS3. Organize your data into folders so the PS3 can read it easier (PHOTO, VIDEO, MUSIC) and your off running. If you have video, the files will play perfectly with no skips or pauses; which is often not the case when accessing this data through a home network.
eMarketer reports that four out of five US Internet users watch online video at least once a month, and because of this companies like Hulu and Netflix are flourishing. As consumers realize how much HD content Hulu and Netflix offers, and how easy it is to stream that content to their TV’s, more and more will question their costly cable TV bill.
Similar Posts:
Hulu and Netflix are the Future of TV
Educational Cartoons with Netflix
How to Cancel Cable & Keep your Favorite TV Shows
Jun 11
15
Most of us know that the Roku (and now the Roku – 2) is a small black box that allows you to instantly stream your favorite TV shows and movies to your TV, but most are unaware of how much content is really available. Not only can you stream tens of thousands of movies and TV shows from services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, & Amazon Video On Demand (VOD), but you can also stream sporting events and music from Pandora, iTunes, and MOG.
Netflix Instant Streaming on the Roku offers an impressive library of new, classic and obscure movies and television shows. You can also purchase content from Amazon for more current television shows. To learn more read Amazon Video on Demand. And what recently made the Roku the streaming box to beat, was the inclusion of Hulu Plus and its practically bottomless archive of movies and TV shows.
Sports fans were also taken into consideration with the integration of services like MLB.tv, where you can watch out-of-market games live or on demand, and local games shortly after they have ended. The Roku also offers a UFC channel with live and archived fights. Plus there is the Roku Newscaster, which combines into one offering – several different channels like CNN, NBC, ESPN, Fox, NPR and the BBC.
Learn how to access over-the-air TV stations for FREE by reading:
HD Without Cable – Using a Simple Indoor Antenna
With Wi-Fi and the High Definition playback, the Roku Player is probably the easiest way to stream movies and TV shows directly to your TV. To get the most out of your Roku, all you need is a high speed Internet connection, a TV and most importantly, the Roku Player. Your Internet connection must at least be 1.5Mbps, but if you’re a big fan of live sports events or high definition movies, it should be at least 3 or 5Mbps. To test the speed of your connection click here. Standard AV cables come with the package but if you have an HDTV, it’s highly recommended that you buy an extra HDMI cable.
There are 4 versions of the Roku (LT, HD, XD, & XS) and they all work with virtually any TV, offer 720p high-definition, have built-in wireless and a wired connectors, and provide a HDMI video output for HDTVs. The Roku XD offers everything previously discussed, plus 1080p high-definition, an enhanced remote, and an extended-range wireless N card. Finally there is the XS, which is another step up from the XD and if offers dual-band wireless technology, optical audio outputs, and a USB port for playing stored photos, music, and videos. The basic Roku offers free HD streaming (minus the cost of channel add-ons like Netflix) and costs ~$60 , which increases by $20 increments for each subsequent version. Roku is so confident that you will love their product, that they offer a 30 day money back guarantee.
Roku vs Boxee: Boxee is cheaper version of Google TV that can play back every file type imaginable, as well as stream internet videos through its browser + Flash player setup. In reality, it only does one of those things well; it is “Good at one thing, bad at everything else“. Boxee can handle any random video file you throw at it. It is a fantastic box for playing back downloaded video, and most likely the most robust file streamer out there. But there is no Hulu access (as of now), so what you are left with Netflix and a mish-mash of random internet videos. Plus the Boxee costs 2 times as much as the Roku – priced at around $200. Unless you torrent a lot of shows and movies and need one box to play back all the various formats, this box is not for you.
Now that the $10-a-month Hulu Plus service has launched, the Roku makes a compelling alternative to traditional cable or satellite. You’ll miss out on some content from standard cable channels and live sports, but the combined $19 cost for a Netflix and Hulu subscription is hard to ignore HD without cable when you look at your cable bill.
“15-20 % of Roku owners are cancelling their cable or satellite services agreement and are relying solely on a broadband connection to get their television programming,” said company VP Jim Funk in this exclusive interview with Beet.TV.
To learn more about other Streaming Video Devices check out Product Reviews Page
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HD Without Cable – Using a Simple Indoor Antenna - Over-the-Air TV Stations for Free!
Amazon Video on Demand – Or is it Amazon Instant Video?
Hulu and Netflix are the Future of TV
Educational Cartoons with Netflix
eMarketer (a firm that publishes market research, statistics, and objective analysis on Internet Marketing) estimates that in 2011, 69.4 million adults will watch TV shows at least once a month through some type of Internet connection. This means that their favorite TV shows may be watched on a TV set, computer screen or mobile device, but that the video content will be accessed through an Internet connection. eMarketer also expects that by 2015, nearly 100 million adults, or 48% of all adult Internet users, will do the same.
With four out of five US Internet users watching online video at least once a month, companies like Hulu and Netflix are flourishing. And as users realize how much HD content Hulu and Netflix offers, more and more will question a costly cable bill.
Click here for a list of the best TV Streaming Sites
Click here to learn which Video Streaming Devices support Hulu and Netflix
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Educational Cartoons with Netflix
Apr 11
21
No one wants to stick their kid in front of the television all day, but sometimes parents just need a break – and there is no easier way to get that break than letting your child tune out to their favorite show. The trick is to make sure that what they are watching provides educational value.
This becomes tough with standard cable or satellite because people often find themselves simply flipping though channels until they find something that will keep their child entertained. However, keeping your kid entertained should never be your sole priority. You need to find programs that actually promote the ideals, attitudes, and behaviors that you feel would benefit your child’s growth.
With Netflix’s Watch Instantly video on demand streaming service (via your Netflix Queue), you get access to a huge library of children’s content. This library is searchable and categorized into sections such as Age Range (Ages 0-2, 2–4, and on…), Book Characters, Dinosaurs, Education, Family Comedy, Shows from Nickelodeon, etc… And with the Education section, you can hoan in on those programs that will best benefit your child. Search and navigate, add to your queue, and never again worry about the content that child is viewing.
Top Education Cartoons (for Toddlers) all of which are available through Netflix’s Watch Instantly Service :
I certainly do not recommend using TV as a babysitter (TV babysitter), but there are times when this form of entertainment can be a lifesaver as well as something fun for your child. Also checkout Parents TV (parents television counsel) to see how they are educating parents about television content.
For the above reason I highly recommend giving Netflix a try.
One more reason to Cancel Cable.
Related Articles:
Cord Cutters: Lose the Cable, but not the TV
Hulu and Netflix are the Future of TV
Guest post by Chris Sully of JumpstartMyPC.com
About this time last year I decided that enough was enough! The latest DirecTV bill had arrived and I opened it to find yet another price increase. I looked back at some old paperwork and found that my monthly bill had ballooned from $51 (May 2002) to over $112 (May 2010). Sure, I had added a second TV and DVR to my package, but a 220% increase! Compound that with the fact that my beloved TiVo DVR had been replaced with a horrible DirecTV DVR somewhere along that 8 year span and I simply couldn’t take it anymore. I headed straight to Google and began to research my next move. It was time to cancel cable.
The idea of dumping cable simply scared me and completely frustrated my wife. We are dedicated television and movie fans that spend at least 4 hours a day in front of our TV. Her first reaction when I brought up cancelling cable was not something I care to repeat in this article. It was very clear that I would need to make a decision that would work for both of us, so I began to compare the options:
Of course! It was about this time that the TiVo Premiere was released and information was flying around the internet about the latest DVR from the company that popularized it in the first place. I began researching the new hardware and it was beginning to look like I had found the solution to my problems, but would it meet my checklist of demands and would it really end up saving me money?
Here we are, almost a year later and I really could not be happier. The TiVo units have performed almost flawlessly (meeting all of the requirements listed above) and there have been some added benefits to making the switch.
If there was any debate that dumping DirecTV was an option, I have three words for you “Just Do It!”
Mar 11
16
I had the great pleasure of being interviewed by Anthony Pica of The Fire Finder earlier this week. The Fire Finder is an excellent blog that helps people cut through the B.S. of the finance world. Much like Kill the Cable Bill, this site is different. You will not find the ordinary mambo jumbo there, you will get real life finance instruction that you can live by. Click here to learn visit The Fire Finder website.
This interview posed questions about what KilltheCableBill.com provides, how we can helping people, how we came up with the idea, and how much people can save by utilizing what we offer.
What service does your website provide and who is it for?
Kill the Cable Bill is an informational resource that provides industry trend analysis, product / service reviews ( online video guide ), and simple but cost effective ways to make the transition from standard Cable to Online TV. This site is for people who want to decrease how much they spend on standard TV programing, while taking advantage of low cost Online TV.
How can this help people?
Simply: KilltheCablebill.com helps people save Time and Money. Not only can people learn how to rid themselves of cable or satellite costs, but they can also tap into product and service reviews that will help guide them towards fully utilizing low cost online video content.
Do people need to download anything to use your site?
There is no need to download or plug-in anything to access what KilltheCableBill.com has to offer. We are purely an informational resource that can be leveraged to make accurate decisions.
How did you come up with the idea?
Several months ago I decided to cancel cable due to a financial set back, and found myself overwhelmed by the amount of information on the topic. With cable costs going up and the economy getting worse, many people are finding that canceling cable is the only thing that make sense. With this growing demand for Online TV, vendors are popping out of the woodwork – all promising to fulfill this need. The problem is that most of the sites, services, and products out there only offer partial solutions, or no solution at all. Through my research I realized that there is a growing need for clarity in this space. And that people just like me, needed help making this complex transition from standard cable to Online TV.
How much do think people can save using your site as a resource?
Through using the KilltheCableBill.com resource people will save money in a few different ways. Some will use the site to learn how to cancel their cable and move to an online setup; and others will use the site to fully optimize those devices used for streaming videos. For those who are just starting out and end up canceling cable, they will save upwards of $500 – $800 a year. For those who are in the market to purchase devices and services to support their online video content – knowing what to buy and what not to buy will save immense amounts of time and money that would otherwise go to waste.
Read the entire article at TheFireFinder.com
Click here to learn how to Cancel Cable and still watch all your favorite shows, on your TV and in HD.
Mar 11
12
If you spend anytime at all searching for how to watch your favorite TV shows online, the best TV streaming sites, or how to cancel cable, you will quickly find that the Internet is flooded with pseudo (fraudulent) sites offering streaming videos and pay to play programs that allow you to download and save videos. And with all the Internet TV scams out there ( Satellite TV Scam being the most popular ), and all the different products to choose from, knowing what not to do is critical. To help you with this problem we have put together, a list of scam sites that pretend to offer satellite video content to your PC. Most are selling customized video players that simply pull content from third party video streaming sites that are free anyway. Also make sure to pay attention to the fine print. You will notice statements like: “we do not host or offer video content of our own”, which means they are pushing user contributed content via free players.
Stay away from any site in the list below:
To read more about the different Internet Scams out there check out: ScamFreeInternet.com
Mar 11
6
The Future of TV is Online: Every day consumers are canceling cable, and are watching TV videos online (streaming videos), and on their TVs. The convergence of TV and Internet is here ( FreeTV ). To help make sense of this new landscape Yahoo! recently surveyed DSL-connected households in the U.S. The study focused on determining consumer usage of Internet-connected TV devices.
These four key findings emerged:
1. Consumers are online: 1 in 3 households are using Internet connected TV at least once a week, and 3 in 5 have online connected TVs. This can include a standalone TV without the need for an extra box or another device connected to your TV such as a gaming console or your digital media adapter.
2. Video Gaming consoles lead the pack: Gaming devices and built-in Internet-TV applications will be the most common method of accessing your favorite TV shows online, with 32% showing interest for each. Click here to learn about the best games console on the market.
3. Consumers want the most popular TV Programs, Movies, Music & Weather (in that order): Full-length TV programs or movies (68%), weather (65%) and gaming (64%) are the most common types of content accessed. Interestingly, weather and video games are accessed more frequently on a weekly basis. Users are also showing a lot of interest in accessing music on their TVs (44% interest in the next 12 months, second only to TV/movies).
4. Men are leading the charge: Males under 35 are more involved in Internet TV than women. Men own more TV brands and stay more aware of their Internet TV options. They are also more likely to subscribe to, or purchase more TV-related products, download more content, and connect their TVs to the Internet.
To learn more about this study read Seven Signs about Internet TV.
Are you the 1 in 3 to move to online programing, or are you still stuck paying the high cost of cable?
Your comments are very appreciated!
1. TIME: Too much television is a waste of time. If you cancel cable and only watch your favorite TV shows, you can spend more time with your friends and family.
2. MONEY: a cable or satellite subscription costs at least two times as much (on a monthly basis) as it does to utilize Hulu and Netflix. When times are tough the first thing that needs to go is entertainment. But if you can get the same entertainment at a fraction of the cost – then that is even better! Learn more by reading How to Cancel Cable & Keep your Favorite TV Shows.
3. TECHNOLOGY: Streaming Video is the future of TV. Before long all video entertainment will be via an online connection. Might as well get on-board now, learn the tricks, and save money in the process.
4. INFORMATION: Be more informed. When you don’t rely on cable news for your updates, you will learn to select those news stories that interest you. Rather than be at the mercy of local news anchors, you will revert to more reputable news feeds such as PBS, Bloomberg, CBS News, CNN, & LinkTV.
5. DIGNITY: Stop getting ripped off by the Cable Companies! Calling up the cable company and canceling your cable will simply make you feel good. Not only that, you will enjoy spending the extra money.
Have you canceled your cable yet? If so, why did you make the change?
If not, why haven’t you?
Related Article: Cord Cutters: Lose the Cable, but not the TV
Your Favorite TV Shows, Online and On Your TVCord Cutting is a fast growing trend. According to a new report by The Convergence Consulting Group, over the past two years 800,000 households in the US have canceled cable subscriptions; and the number of cable cancellations is estimated to increase to 1.6 million by the end of 2011.
There is only one thing that pains me about this trend; most who cancel cable revert to their computers for entertainment. When they should be asking: How do you hook a laptop to a TV? Or better yet how do you cancel cable and still watch all your favorite TV shows, on your TV and in HD?
Like most of you, when I am home looking to relax, I want to sit on my couch, controller in hand, and simply enjoy my favorite TV shows on my HDTV. What I dont want to be doing is fidgeting around with my computer, or be hunched over a small screen. There is no need to use a computer, you can get all the programing you love on your TV without the high cost of cable or satellite.
Click here to learn how….
Do you enjoy the comfort of cable, but hate the cost?
