Category Archives: Reviews

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5 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Roku Player

Photograph of Roku XDS player with remote.

Photograph of Roku XDS player with remote. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are literally hundreds of ways to stream content via myriads of devices.  So why is Roku still one of the most popular choices for consumers?

  1. Incredible entertainment choice & flexibility – Roku has over 300 channels to select from, which means you are far more likely to pay for content you are actually interested it.  Besides the big names like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Instant Video, there are many targeted choices, including in genres like sports, news, education, lifestyle, fitness and much more.
  2. Works with virtually any television set – whether you have a HDTV set, or an old analog set with A/V composite connections, you will be able to set up your streaming player quickly and easily without a lot of fuss.
  3. Built in WiFi – makes connecting a snap with or without an Ethernet cable.
  4. Four models at various price points – starting at $49.99.  Standard and high definition options.  High-end Roku 2 XS has an enhanced remote with motion control for games along with a free copy of Angry Birds.  The box also has an Ethernet port for a wired connection (best for streaming), as well as a USB port for photos, video and music.   However, the Roku LT is still a quality standard-definition streaming media player that delivers content seamlessly.
  5. Software updates automatically pushed to your Roku player within 48 hours of release.  No need to deal with the technical aspects once your player is up and running.

You can read more about Roku here http://www.videostreamingserviceproviders.com/roku.htm

With so many outlets for digital content, Roku easily aggregates the best of the best on it’s Channel Store.  What’s conspicuously missing, however, is a VUDU app.  It seems that in order to stream VUDU content to your television set, you must have a D-Link MovieNite or Boxee Box player.

If you have an MHL-compatible HDTV, you might opt for the Roku streaming stick, which plugs into the HDMI port.  This device is wireless-enabled, ad can even be controlled by the TV’s remote control.

 

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Recent Disc to Digital Launch Includes DreamWorks Content, Improving Vudu Review

walmart beijing

walmart beijing (Photo credit: galaygobi)

Despite the fact that some WalMart stores were not prepared to handle the new disc to digital service being offered by WalMart’s Vudu service, the addition of DreamWork’s content drew a lot of praise from the industry and consumers.  Over 4,000 titles are available not only from DreamWorks, but also prominent entertainment distributors like Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Paramount Home Media Distribution, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, and Warner Bros Home Entertainment.

Richard Greenfield, a Wall Street research analyst from BTIG, utilized the disc to digital service himself, and noted that it “exceeded” his expectations.  WalMart, Vudu and UltraViolet received criticism regarding this service, noting that paying for a digital copy of content already owned might not fly with consumers.  Additional, there was doubt that such a service is even necessary when we have so many options to consume entertainment, including streaming services, and DVD mailing services like Blockbuster, as well as the ever-present Red Box kiosks.

The service will certainly enhance Vudu of the available service.  However, there have been reports that some WalMart employees knew nothing about the service, and even didn’t know what Vudu was, despite the fact that there was banners and posters around the store promoting the service.  In some cases, not all WalMart stores are up to speed, so you might want to make a phone call to your local WalMart store before you start the process.

Ben Drawbaugh of Engaget.com said “Overall I think it is going to be a petty successful service, once all the stores get on board.  For one, blu-ray bundles with digital copies typically cost more than $2 more than those without.  Two, being able to upgrade a DVD to HD for $5 is a good deal compared to throwing it away and buying the blu-ray – although I wish DVD to blu-ray offers ere expanded.”

Utilizing a service like VUDU means you can rent or purchase individual titles from the official website and stream to supported devices.  They have 99 cent movie of the day deals so you can save on content as well.  But consumers are advised to compare options at a resource like Streaming 411 to see what these services have to offer as well.

Learn more about Vudu here http://www.videostreamingserviceproviders.com/vudu.htm

Source:  http://www.homemediamagazine.com/walmart/walmart-adds-dreamworks-it-bows-disc-digital-27042

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10 Reasons to Select Blockbuster Total Access

Blockbuster envelope

Blockbuster envelope (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Many people were not aware that they can maximize their entertainment options with a DVD mailing subscription like Blockbuster’s service that also allows customers to swap out discs at participating local Blockbuster stores.  The online subscription gives consumers access to 90,000 titles, including movies, games & TV shows.  These titles are added to your personal queue, and when they become available, they are mailed to your home.


Don’t want to wait for snail mail?  Take your disc (along with it’s mailing envelope) to your local store (you may want to give them a call to make sure they participate with the Blockbuster Total Access mailing service before making the trip – most but not all will be happy to work with you).  Present the disc to the checkout counter in it’s return envelope, and you can replace it with an in-store disc.

As an example – if you subscribe to a 3-disc out plan, you can have 2 discs out by mail, and one disc from in-store.  You won’t receive your next disc by mail from your queue until one of the discs is returned.  The disc from the store must be returned to the store, however, just like the mailing plan, discs taken out from the store are not subject to due dates like regular in-store rentals.

Blockbuster also has a digital media shop like iTunes, VUDU or Amazon Instant Video where you can rent titles for streaming. Check out information on iTunes here http://www.videostreamingserviceproviders.com/itunes.htm

So what are 10 reasons to select Blockbuster Total Access?  How about their Top Weekly Rental List

Current Blockbuster Online "Total Access&...

Current Blockbuster Online "Total Access" logo (2006-present) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

from Blockbuster stores nationwide for the week of April 15, 2012 (as reported on the official Blockbuster Blog):

  1. We Bought a Zoo
  2. The Darkest Hour
  3. War Horse
  4. The Sitter
  5. The Iron Lady
  6. The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo
  7. Immortals
  8. The Descendants
  9. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
  10. Alvin & The Chipmunks:  Chipwreckd
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Love Film Review & More

The official LoveFilm blog has had a couple of excellent entries lately that are great topics for an updated Love Film Review.

For instance, today Fern O’Sullivan wrote about how Love Film is updating their supported devices to watch content on your television.  Playstation3 was highlighted today as being updated now with the choice for either standard quality or high quality streaming.  Depending on your bandwidth, you have control with every title that you select.  High quality streaming requires a minimum of 3 Mbps, and it improves the picture and sound to near high def levels.  Standard quality will reduce buffering issues, as well as smooth out playback.

Back on March 15, Simon Waldman wrote about some updates made to the Rental List page on the LoveFilm website.  The new look and feel still retains the positive features previously available, including:

  • Titles at home panel, so you know what you’ve got available to you at home (or in transit)
  • Main rental list that can be managed and prioritised
  • Reserved list panel for anticipated releases

Changes include the ability to select the disc format (DVD or blu-ray) or game console (Xbox 360 or PS3)you want to select.  If there isn’t a selection option for your particular needs, it means it’s not available.  This eliminates a lot of frustration and question.

There are so many great options available today for online movies & television.  It’s truly becoming a buyers market!

Source:  LoveFilm Official Blog

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How to Compare Streaming Services the Easy Way

If the chart to the left is any indication, we would all be rich over time and have tons of money available for entertainment among other things we value.  But those of us feeling the pinch of the economy know better, and we are looking for ways to enjoy life for a better price in order to balance the ever-shrinking budget.  Online movies & TV shows are a great way to trim entertainment costs.

There is a lot of information to sift through if you wish to compare streaming services.  That’s both the good news and the bad news.  We have a lot of choice now – in the not-so-distant past we basically only had costly pay TV subscriptions where we paid for hundreds of useless channels, and we could supplement our home entertainment options through DVD or blu-ray.  In just a few years time new technology offerings have exploded; we have a variety of streaming providers that offer various models, including monthly subscriptions with total access to their entire libraries or the ability to rent or purchase individual digital titles for streaming.  Additionally, we will be seeing a lot more growth in the mobile broadband sector where streaming will become mainstream as the technology and data plans catch up.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s available:

  • Monthly subscriptions to a streaming library – Netflix and Hulu Plus offer one low price for total access to their entire library 24/7.  Amazon Prime members can also pay for an annual membership and access their 15,000 streamed titles.  Only Netflix has parental controls, so parents of young children will want to monitor their Hulu or Amazon streaming.
  • Online Content Stores – Vudu, Amazon Instant Video and iTunes are a great way to rent or purchase individual titles.  A combination of a monthly streaming service + supplementing with rentals or purchases is generally the way consumers tend to utilize these services.
  • DVD Mailing Services + Streaming – Netflix and Blockbuster have both options to American consumers, but Netflix is a subscription service, whereas if you wish to stream through Blockbuster, you will have to rent or purchase individual titles.  However, they do have plans for unlimited monthly DVD rental.  LoveFilm serves the United Kingdom, and is a great resource across the pond!
  • Specialized services – the Zune Marketplace allows you to rent or purchase shows.  You can also obtain a monthly or annual music pass for unlimited music streaming.  If you are a reality TV buff, SuperPass is the way to go!  They have live feeds and interactive TV shows on your favorites like Big Brother, The Biggest Loser, & Survivor.

 

Check out this resource for a great way to compare http://www.videostreamingserviceproviders.com/comparison.htm

There are also a variety of ways to access your content, but you will need to check with each available provider to see what devices they support.  If you wish to play movies on your tv for a great price, Roku works with virtually any television set out there, including High Definition.  Apple TV only works with High Def, but is a great, affordable choice as well.

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Netflix Vs Hulu – Netflix Wins When It Comes to Parental Controls

These days there isn’t a ton of difference between Netflix and Hulu if you are comparing Netflix’s streaming only option.  Both services score well for having a wide selection of television shows, including entire seasons programming.  Both companies are investing in original programming to differentiate themselves and to retain subscribers because of their unique offerings.  Netflix and Hulu are each lacking in newer releases of movies on demand.  And, both services cost $7.99 a month.

Netflix, however, has an edge in two areas.  For starters, if you opt for DVD + streaming, it will cost you more, but you will have a well-rounded service for movies and TV shows.  You will have to deal with the queue, and may have to wait awhile for certain flicks that are in demand with other subscribers via DVD.

Additionally, Hulu has no parental controls, which is certainly an issue for parents, especially of young children.  Netflix has rudimentary parental controls, but parental oversight is still required if certain members of the household wish to watch more mature content.  The folks over at Independent Game Thoughts wrote a very comprehensive review of the Netflix parental controls that we will summarize here:

  • Viewed or rented history cannot be deleted
  • Recently watched list, including mature content, bypasses maturity ratings even if account settings are changed back to PG setting
  • Even if you set up sub-accounts (and set age-appropriate ratings for these accounts) they do not allow for Instant Watch streaming; so if you want your child to be able to stream content, it will be from the same account you stream from
  • It takes up to 8 hours for a parental control setting to take effect

These are fairly serious issues, especially for parents who are concerned about protecting their children’s innocence by restricting the content available to them in an age appropriate manner.  On the other hand, Hulu demands parent oversight no matter what.  A parent can sign up for Netflix and then make the decision to never watch inappropriate content through the account their children access.  This would mean either forgoing your favorite content, or having a 2nd account that only parents and older children can access.

As mentioned before, both Netflix and Hulu have an inadequate http://www.videostreamingserviceproviders.com/comparison.htm available for instant view.  This is not their fault, but rather a reflection of the entertainment companies who own the copyrights to the hot new releases you wish to see.  Blanket license agreements with streaming services will mean that consumers do not purchase DVDs or view the content from other lucrative channels.  Utilizing a boutique service like Vudu, Amazon Instant Video or iTunes to rent or purchase individual titles can be the answer to round out your entertainment options.

 

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Comprehensive Vudu Review Helps You Compare Stream Services

Is Vudu a good choice to enhance your entertainment options? Our analysis of the streaming service is as follows:

Pros

Cons
  • HDX format available for highest quality streaming
  • Some content available in surround-sound and 3D
  • Many new releases available same day as their release to DVD
  • Large library with various price points for various quality content
  • Some of the best parental controls in the industry
  • Vudu to Go lets you watch content without an internet connection
  • No subscriptions or late fees
  • Downloading HDX content takes a long time, and is expensive
  • While the library is large, it has a lot of non-relevant content that many people would not be interested in renting or purchasing
  • For serious content consumers, a subscription to a streaming service would be more cost-effective.  This service is good as a supplemental service

It is notable to mention that Vudu is not the same business model as say iTunes or Amazon.  In other words, when you purchase content, you do not actually download an actual file; rather, you have paid for the rights to stream the content unlimited times from Vudu.  The exception to this is Vudu on the Go, where you can download content and take it with you on your mobile device view without an internet connection.


For people who wish to build up an actual digital file library, iTunes is one company you’ll want to take a look at when you compare online digital media options.  However, their compatible device library is smaller than say Amazon Instant Video, as is Vudu’s.

Really, the bottom line is to determine what your goals are, and what resources (e.g. what compatible devices) you have available at your disposal.  All of these boutique content providers are great for supplementing your home entertainment choices.  A streaming subscription like Netflix and Hulu Plus is still the best value for the cost.

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Roku Review Reveals More Pros Than Cons

There is no product or service on the face of the earth that can be all things to all people, and when you check out a comprehensive Roku review to see the pros and cons you can make an educated choice.  First and foremost, Roku gets a big thumbs up for working with virtually any television set available.  It’s also relatively easy to set up, and good instructions are provided to facilitate the setup.  Customers appreciate the built-in WiFi capabilities, and especially the extreme value that the Roku player represents in taking a first step toward a more Smart TV-like experience, enabling streaming directly from the internet.

There are several excellent channels available at the Roku Channel Store, including the big names like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Instant Video.  However, there are also a number of categories that many users will find beneficial, including sports, news, music, games, kids programming, technology, lifestyle, spiritual, and fitness/outdoors that provides workouts and tips on upping your game.  So Roku rakes up a lot of pros when it comes to being able to stream tv shows, movies, games and much more.

While pros seem to outweigh cons, some issues noted include:

  • no YouTube
  • volume control on the remote
  • want more video choices
  • trouble shooting password
  • need fast internet service (we at Streaming Services Reviewed recommend a minimum of 3 Mbps, but 6 Mbps or higher is best for streaming)
  • Want more music videos

The largest complaint was “want more video choices”.  It should be noted that combining a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu Plus with on demand rental or purchase options from Amazon Instant Video or Vudu will give users the largest entertainment library for the best price.

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Fitness & Outdoors Channels Supported on Your Roku Player

While most people are familiar with the big name channels that the Roku streaming device has available in their Channel Store, like Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Instant Video, there are  some lesser known but important channels that will make your streaming device all the more valuable.  For the outdoor sportsman (and woman!) outdoor network Demand:  The Outdoors or Heading Outdoors to enjoy the thrill of hunting and fishing will likely appeal to you.  If you are more into Extreme Sports, and wish to get expert instruction from professionals in the area of snowboard, skateboarding, BMX or motorbiking, then Sports Skool Endurance Sports should be on your must-have list.  If you like to stay fit at home but hate the monotony of working out to the same old DVDs, Live Exercise Free Daily Workouts, Pilates Anytime, Sports Skool’s Yoga,  or Sports Skool Fitness brings trainers right into your living room.  There are channels that focus on various team sports, including baseball, hockey, softball, even LaCrosse, with drills and demonstrations from prominent names.  Shore up on your golf strokes as well.

For more information on other at-home stream options,  Streaming 411 has information on how to get the most out of your Roku Player.

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Hulu Plus CEO Reflects On 2011

On the official Hulu blog today, CEO Jason Kilar reflected on the performance of Hulu, and looked forward to the upcoming year in terms of growth, content expansion, and innovation.  Kilar reported that his empire grew the business 60% from prior year, to approximately $420 million.  The paid service currently has over 1.5 million subscribers, and their content offering grew more than 105%.  Additionally, the content offering for the free Hulu service grew 40%.  What customers are really interested in, of course, is the streaming service providers’ library.  Kilar noted that Hulu Plus is “the only online video subscription service that offers current season content from 5 of the 6 largest U.S. broadcast networks, with shows from The CW and Univision added this past quarter.”  Popular new series like Misfits, Once Upon a Time, Revenge, Grimm, Up All Night, Terra Nova, Una Familia Con Suerte, New Girl, The Secret Circle, Community, Ringer, and Hart of Dixie were included as new content for 2011.

Hulu also made great strides in developing apps for users to access Hulu’s content on a wide variety of devices, including Kindle Fire, Xbox 360, the Nook Tabet, LG, Vizio and Panasonic television sets, several blu-ray playes, and select Android smartphones.

Hulu is the only provider that has limited advertising in their content, a point which actually doesn’t seem to be an issue for it’s customers, especially with the ever-expanding content.  Their goal is to be “relentless in our mission to be the most effective video advertising service on the planet, which we believe is a function of respecting users and empowering them with tools like Hulu Ad Swap and Hulu Ad Selector.”

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Roku Marries Smart Television Concept With Simple Over-the-Top Streaming Device

Already one of the most popular manufacturers of over-the-top set top streaming devices, Smart TV technology takes a giant step forward with the new Roku Streaming Stick.  This device, which looks a lot like a USB flash drive, plugs into mobile high-definition link (MHL) enabled HDMI port, includes a streaming media player, WiFi, a processor, memory and software.

Roku CEO Anthony Wood says “We think there are some fundamental issues that are preventing the current breed of Smart TVs from gaining mass adoption.  We’ve found that it just taks a lot of work to keep the experience current and performing at it’s best.  We issue software updates almost every month, and add about one new channel per day.  It used to be sufficient enough to have a few key channels, but those days are rapidly fading.”

The streaming stick will enable regular updates to be applied, and because it is inexpensive, it can be easily replaced when it becomes outdated.  This means that users won’t have to purchase a new television set every time Smart TV technology advanced.  Instead, the plug-in device could be replaced, which could mean that widespread adoption would be much more likely because cost wouldn’t hold it back.

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What is a Podcast?

There is a lot of new terminology being thrown around, and if you are like me – over 40 and not raised on technology like my kids are – some of this lingo really sounds like a foreign language.  I’ve decided to start educating myself a bit more so that I can talk intelligently with my teenage son and his friends.  This week I’ve decided to learn what a podcast is.  For starters, there are lots of available media on the internet – web pages offer text, video, audio, and we are able to stream or download.  A podcast is a bit different.  The term is actually a play on words, combining iPod and broadcast.  An iPod is a completely portable MP3 player where songs can be saved and played anywhere you travel.  So you can deduct from the play on words, a podcast can be saved to any portable device and played without an internet connection.  Utilizing snippets of audio content pulled from the internet and saved to MP3 format, creators of these innovative little broadcasts have become the new way to listen to media for free.  You can select any genre of podcast you wish, and the topics covered are as endless as your imagination.  You can listen to formats that are more like a talk show, a news show, or a combination of music & talk.  Popular radio personalities make available their talk shows by podcast so you can consume radio without an internet connection wherever you go.  You can subscribe to their regular podcasts, which means they will be downloaded to your computer, where you can then sync them to your MP3 finger without lifting a finger.

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Copyright Nightmare in New Digital Age

A great article published by the New York Times on November 25, 2011 by Jeffrey Rosen discussed a new book written by Robert Levin entitled “How Digital Parasites Are Destroying the Culture Business, and How the Culture Business Can Fight Back.”   Digital parasites, asserts Levin, like downloaded music, aggregated news, streamed video, and e-books are destroying traditional business models of journalism and various media avenues like music, movies & television.  Technology activists demand that “Information wants to be free, because the cost of getting it out is getting lower and lower.”  There is the debate on whether these media-related industries have simply failed to adjust their expectations that their contributions should be handsomely rewarded, while a new generation of demanding, content hungry consumers want everything for free.  Ever jump onto Yahoo Answers?  The most asked question is “how to I watch “   you fill in the blank    ” for free?  On July 7, 2011 the New York Times wrote an article about how internet providers in the U.S. have signed a voluntary agreement to help these embattled industries with piracy issues.  When someone downloads a copyrighted piece of content on the internet illegally (whether they know it or not), the internet provider will contact the account owner.  If the practice continues, the provider will slow the connection speed to a snails pace.  It will be interesting to watch how things evolve in this mad dash to consume information online.