Streaming TV

People everywhere have stopped paying for cable and satellite. Local channels are typically available with an outdoor antenna. Many compliment their outdoor antenna with streaming TV over the Internet. Following is some information about how streaming TV works. Most of our clients are able to do this themselves but if you have question, please ask. We're happy to help.

Connect your TV to the Internet

Streaming TV comes from the Internet so you'll need to connect your TV to the Internet with:

• A Smart TV with an Internet interface
• or
• A physical external box (device) to interface from the Internet to your TV.

The most popular streaming devices (external boxes) are:

• Roku
• Amazon Fire
• Apple TV
• Tivo
• Google Chromecast
• Wii
• Several Blue Ray players
• Many others

Most of today's Smart TVs and streaming devices interface with the Internet over your home WiFi. Some require a wired connection to your home network to access the Internet. Most current WiFi is fast enough to support streaming.

Access Content From Thousands of Channels

Once you've connected your TV to the Internet, you'll be able to access several streaming TV channels. There are thousands of streaming channels available. Some of the most popular streaming channels include:

• Netflix
• Hulu Plus
• Amazon Prime and Amazon Video
• Sling TV (Access to ESPN, AMC, HGTV, Food Network, Disney Channel, TNT, A&E, and others)
• HBO
• Showtime
• Feeln (Hallmark and similar content)
• YouTube
• PBS
• Vevo
• Thousands of others

Some of the channels are available for free and some require a monthly or annual fee.

Not all Smart TVs and not all streaming devices offer access to all the channels available. In other words, not all Smart TVs and devices have access to Hulu Plus, Sling TV, etc. Roku has access to more channels (over 3,000) than any other streaming device or Smart TV.

Getting Started with Streaming TV

If you want to start experimenting with streaming TV, we suggest:

• Any of the Roku devices (the most popular streaming device with over 3,000 channels).
• Netflix (the streaming channel with the most subscribers) or Amazon Prime (it gives you streaming TV, streaming music, and free Amazon shipping).

 

Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)

There are several DVRs available on the market and more being developed.

• Tivo (the closest DVR experience to Cable or Satellite TV)
• Channel Master
• Microsoft Digital Video Recording (very nice but a little technical and needs a customized PC)
• Several others but none with the reliability of the above

Some of the DVRs require an annual or monthly subscription. Others can be purchased and do not require a subscription.

If you want an experience closest to cable or satellite, we suggest a Tivo DVR. Tivos are available with and without a monthly/annual subscription.