skip to main content

Internet and tv status

13 years ago

I currently have Netflix although we simply use the mail in process. It is my understanding that I could bring in a box that they recommend and proceed with their setup suggestions to stream the videos.

My real question though is what is available on the internet that would be worthwhile to download other than music. And my second question is how complex is the setup of connections between the tv and the computer.

My last question is what excites you if anything about this situation and where do you see it heading. I guess my question includes any thoughts on cable services as they currently exist.

Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

mike_kaiser_gw
13 years ago
You can stream video from Netflix and a number of other companies. Your choices will be more limited that with a physical disc but you don't have to wait. Especially with high definition movies, the picture may not be as good because they need to compress the video to send it over the Internet.

Many of these boxes stream much more than movies, you can listen to the radio, watch Podcasts, etc. You may not even need a box. Many new TV's and Blu-Ray players include the necessary software as do game consoles like XBox and Playstation 3.

The set-up is no more difficult than connecting a DVD or Blu-Ray player. You do want to be careful to ensure whatever box you choose has the necessary outputs to connect to your TV. The Apple TV, for example, only has an HDMI connection (although most of the others are more flexible when it comes to physical connections). You will also need a high speed internet connection and a home network.

As for the future, I think we'll see lots of online content. Although, personally, I really don't get the idea of paying to watch broadcast TV.
kudzu9
13 years ago
There are some answers regarding Netflix box (Roku) in this thread...

Here is a link that might be useful: Roku
Related Discussions
Looking for better internet and tv, phone service Bundle?
Q
Comments (10)
Don't forget to review local providers if you have any, and don't go by just the big name. Out here in my neck of rural America the Comcast TV cable that goes past my home, and ends just down the road, is service generations behind urban America. It has limited channel offerings, and no HD. Thus, Directv is my source and after 18 years is getting too expensive. ATT offers telephone only here, and they should hold a gun and wear a mask for what they charge; $83.70 a moth for unlimited nationwide long distance. I am going to be looking into their home wireless which will be $35.00 for the same service. I have local cellphone service, wish I didn't have to have one, and the 3G plan I use is bare bones with the cost less than half of the big boys at $35.00 a month. This includes 500 minutes and 3 unlimited nationwide long distance numbers which I have assigned to my children. My 4G wireless Internet connection comes from them too. A little pricey at $60.00 month for 20GB, but it roars and is reliable. As I have shared before I live in my area's Bermuda Triangle for electronic services so no bundles are available.I just cope with what is available. DA
...See More
internet/tv
Q
Comments (22)
mikeswife - you sound just like us. When I scrapped the cable TV I signed up for Amazon prime so I'd have something to watch besides network TV (which I was getting through the cable at the time). I only recently got streaming Netflix to work with decent video quality. Part of the problem was that Comcast wasn't allocating sufficient bandwidth to Netflix but they apparently came to some kind of agreement on that with Netflix paying them more $. Then I upgraded my cable modem and router and now all is good. And I'm saving over $100 per month. It's such a racket with Comcast. When I first scrapped the landline - no savings of course from the bundle. Then when I scrapped the last basic network TV channels I was getting through them, they raised my internet price by an equivalent amount and the rep on the phone gloated when he pointed out I'd be saving sixty cents. He conveniently left out the additional $6.69 in taxes and fees and when I pointed it out he said well, we have no control over that. It's this kind of thing that causes me to hate Comcast. They have a monopoly on decent internet service where I live so I have no choice there.
...See More
How Much Do You Pay for Phone, TV, Internet?
Q
Comments (39)
Yes, SW, we agree. When you have multiple users on any kind of data sharing system, it slows down. It's often not perceptible in real time, but it shows up as everything from ticks to pauses during HD streaming. I mentioned the ethernet connection as the most robust and stable, not as a necessity. It's the thing to compare the wi-fi to, given the same device/configuration. But that's assuming a short wire. I used to have to run a 100' ethernet cable up the stairs and through the maze every so often, before the double services, and it was noticeably slower than the 5' ones. :) LOL! Lukkiirish, I don't know about being a personal Google, but I often look things up. Like I looked up what my connection speeds were for this discussion. And why I didn't say what I actually pay for telecom because I'd have to parse too many bills to come up with a number. I can say that it seems to be in line with what others are paying for the bits I could compare off the top of my head. I do know a little about a lot of things and a lot about a few things, and I'm pretty good at researching the rest. :)
...See More
DirectTV internet streams
Q
Comments (4)
Sorry, I was confusing. I had OTA with an antenna (and I still do), but my favorite channel sometimes lost its sound. My wife persuaded me to get cable, which I did, but I decided to replace the cable with DirectTV, because of the internet perks. However, I can't get that same channel on DTV's internet service (it comes in fine on my TV).
...See More
powertoolgeek
13 years ago
I use Netflix streaming and I love it. got tired of the ridiculous rates my cable company charges for the various movie networks. One plus with Netflix, you get Starz movies as streaming options as well as many others. I bought a blue-ray player for $128 at ww just for the easy fact that it plays DVD's and when connected to my network will stream Netflix, youtube, and a couple of other options I don't remember. I love the concept of the Roku, and this just adds the benefit of a DVD/Blue-ray player ( on a side note, I do not own any Blue-ray movies, as I think HD streaming is going to replace it soon anyway) I have recently purchased a Seagate FreeAgent Theater+ as it enables me to also stream content stored on my local media server as well as NetFlix.

Related Stories

HOME TECH On the Internet, Nobody Knows You're a Lamp

Home appliances and devices are poised to get on the Internet and start messaging one another. Here's why that'll be great for you

HOME TECH How Smart TV Will Change Your Living Room

Get ready for the future of TV, in which your living room becomes a movie set, a communication hub and a gaming zone

HOME TECH Now Playing in Homes Everywhere: TV, the App

It's easier than ever to beam streaming content from mobile devices to your TV screen

HOME TECH New TV Remote Controls Promise to Do More — Without the Struggle

Dim your lights, set up user profiles and discover a remote you can't lose. Welcome to the latest and greatest way to change the channel

HOUZZ TV Houzz TV: This Maker‘s Home Makes Everything OK

By Nanette Wong

Maker Aleksandra Zee finds inspiration in a common building material and the serenity of home. Watch our latest episode of Houzz TV

HOME TECH New Strategies for Hiding the TV

By Becky Harris

Its easy to be discreet when you've got cabinets, panels and high-tech TV hiders like these

MORE ROOMS Where to Put the TV When the Wall Won't Work

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

See the 3 Things You'll Need to Float Your TV Away From the Wall

HOME TECH If ‘High-Def’ TV Isn’t High Enough, Maybe You Need Ultra-HD

The ultra-luxury next generation of TV, called Ultra-HD, is finally here. And so is the first content, if you know where to look

MORE ROOMS Tech in Design: Where to Put Your Flat-Screen TV

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

Popcorn, please: Enjoy all the new shows with a TV in the best place for viewing

MY HOUZZ Houzz TV: A Couple’s Garage Becomes Their Chic New Home

By Robert Burns

Portland, Oregon, homeowners find freedom in a city-approved garage home with DIY industrial flair

Sponsored

Manifesto, Inc.

9 Reviews

Columbus OH Premier Interior Designer 2x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

Can I stop my modem from gathering and sharing our data?

12

UPS needed - which ones?

9

sound missing on Dell

3

Upgrading Windows 11 from Home to Pro

2

Any suggestions for a very secure non-web-based email?

3