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Internet and tv status

15 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

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Comments (3)

mike_kaiser_gw
15 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
15 years ago
There are some answers regarding Netflix box (Roku) in this thread...

Here is a link that might be useful: Roku
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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.

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