Category Archives: tips

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Real Threat to Traditional Pay TV Subscriptions Lies in Skitter TV

Link TV

Link TV (Photo credit: Steve Rhodes)

Consumer rumblings have been getting louder and louder about the ridiculously high cost of pay tv content.  In fact, analysts have been reporting that consumers can expect to pay an average of $200 per month for cable TV by the year 2020.  Many other news sources have noted that cord cutting is not a myth.  Millions of people have abandoned the traditional model that has dominated the marketplace for several decades.

So what is stopping people from a major revolt?  Content.  The pay TV model is still the most convenient, and the best source, for the highest quality content, most people would agree.

But there are several “cord trimmers” who only keep cable around to gain easy access to local programming, perhaps because messing around with antennas is to much hassle, or more importantly, because the antennas are located too far away to pick up the programming they are interested in.  But rest assured, these consumers are avid fans of services that provide online TV shows & movies for a modest monthly price.  Learn more about these services here http://www.videostreamingserviceproviders.com/

Last month we reported on a new service being launched in New York City.  In fact, if Aereo beats legal battles, it will rock for consumers!  But, because they are rebroadcasting content via the internet without permission, it will be awhile before the legal system will settle this dilemma.  However, there is a content provider that has been quietly building legal relationships within various markets for the rebroadcast of content, which will be able to be accessed through streaming media devices like your Roku player for starters.  Atlanta-based Skitter TV is up and running in the Portland area, where consumers can view NBC, ABC, CBS and other local programming.

Learn more about Roku here http://www.videostreamingserviceproviders.com/roku.htm

 

Sources:

http://www.videostreamingserviceproviders.com/apps/blog/show/14095525-expect-to-pay-an-average-of-200-per-month-on-cable-tv-subscriptions-by-2020

http://gigaom.com/video/watch-out-aereo-skitter-tv-brings-live-tv-to-roku/

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Understanding Streaming vs. Internet Protocol Television Technology

Deutsch: HD-TV-Logo

Deutsch: HD-TV-Logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The ways in which we are accessing content, and how will will access it in the future, are rapidly transitioning.  There is so much choice available to consumers right now, that it can be extremely confusing to sort through it.  But this is the best time to educate yourself, while things are in a state of flux and the clear choices will emerge in the next few years.  A good rule of thumb right now is to not invest in a big ticket item if you don’t want to get stuck with a depreciating asset (unless you have money to spare, that is).  Remember the Beta and VHS wars of the past?

Streaming and IPTV are not interchangeable terms.  There are devices, such as high definition TV sets that are internet-connected, that can engage in both streaming as well as IPTV technology.  It’s also important to note that IPTV is not available everywhere.  In fact, availability is fairly limited in the United States.  However, streaming is literally available to anyone with a broadband connection 3 Mbps and above.

Identifying Where the Confusion Lies

Many of us believe that Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is simply a way to stream high definition versions of content online.  While certainly you can set up to stream on an internet-connected television set, IPTV technology is not simply an overpriced, high definition streaming media player.  Internet protocol technology powers many devices – your computer, your mobile device, and now, your television set.

What Exactly is IPTV Service?

IPTV service has to be subscribed to from an internet provider, and you must live within an area where they have expanded their fiber optic networks, in some cases, all the way to your doorstep.  The fiber optics are instrumental in delivering the top quality experience of IPTV.  Examples include Verizon FiOS and AT&T Uverse in the United States.

You can expect three kinds of content delivered via IPTV – live television options, video on demand, and time-shifted programming, which allows you to access content that has already begun and rewind it to the beginning.  Standard DVR technology will not allow that unless you already had the channel up and running when the program started.  It is the time-shifted programming that sets IPTV apart from a standard cable or satellite TV subscription.  The pricing is similar to a cable TV subscription, albeit a bit more expensive.  Satellite TV is still the lowest priced option.

What Exactly is Streaming?

When people throw around the term streaming, they usually are referring to accessing content from the internet and viewing it on their computer, mobile device, or TV set that has a streaming media player attached or built-in.  Popular streaming services include Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video and VUDU.  IPTV and streaming can co-exist in one home.  Streaming is very inexpensive, and streaming libraries are much larger than the on demand content that IPTV provides.  However, subscription television providers tend to get new releases far sooner than streaming services.  That is one of the reasons why it is so much more expensive than streaming services subscriptions.

The value of streaming lies in being able to access, on demand, entire past seasons of TV shows, as well as current programming.  Where it lacks in new movie releases, it more than makes up for in television content.  It can be an excellent way to keep yourself entertained on a budget, or it can also be a great supplement to your current television and movie options.

Where Does Smart TV Technology Fit In?

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 06: Sungsoo Kwak cont...

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 06: Sungsoo Kwak controls the LG ST-600 smart TV upgrader set-top box with a smart phone at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Hilton January 6, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology tradeshow, runs through January 9 and is expected to feature 2,700 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to about 126,000 attendees. The black box will upgrade a conventional televison to a smart TV and is planned to be released in May 2011. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Simplistically, Smart TV enables you to have access to social media, chat with other viewers of the show you’re watching, have advertising targeted to your viewing habits, and much more while watching television.  It is meant to make television a much more social experience.  This technology is still in its infancy, but you can dabble in it both through IPTV (such as with Verizon FiOS and the ability to surf the internet through your TV set and access social media) and streaming technologies like Google TV that allow you to access apps for social media.  However, true Smart TV that you can purchase off the shelf will continue to be a work in progress that is largely dependent on demand.  Our thought is that it will not take off until we have a serious economic upturn.

What can you do in the interim?  Keep the TV set that you have, and utilize a streaming media player to access content online unless you already have an internet-enabled television set.  If you want to dabble in more smart TV technology, you can opt for a device that uses Google TV technology, which is considered quite powerful and effective, even though it’s still a bit buggy.

Source:  http://www.eyepartner.com/iptv-solutions/what-is-iptv-3/

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Where to Find Furniture And Equipment For Your Home Theater


Image by gsloan

If you have a den, basement, or extra room in your house, you may want to consider turning that room into a home theater. A home theater can be a wonderful space your entire family will love. You will have the ability to watch your favorite films in the comfort of your own home. A home theater space doesn’t have to be expensive. Home theaters are more popular than ever, making it easy to find hundreds of retailers. With a little research, you can find quality viewing equipment, furniture, and decorative products all at a low, affordable cost.

A great place to begin your research for home theater equipment and furniture is the internet. The internet is a great place to find hundreds of manufacturers and retailers that sell specific home theater products. You can find thousands of items and read up on information and reviews to see what other customers like best. The downside of using the internet is not being able to see the items firsthand. Also, if you order big pieces of furniture or equipment, you will have to pay a lot to have them delivered. It is great to use the internet to find local retailers.

Shopping Around At The Chain Stores

If you want to shop in your local community, you can probably find everything you need in major chain stores. When you begin to shop for viewing screens, speakers, and surround sound options, visit your local Best Buy or Fry’s. Stores that sell electronics and appliances are always your best option. They will have the largest selections of flat screens and sound devices. These locations are also great because you can go into the stores and test products before you buy them. If you are unsure of what to get, professional staff should be able to give you helpful advice.

Next, you will probably want to shop for home theater furniture. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on home theater chairs. For comfort, all you need is a nice couch or recliner. You can even be creative and do throw pillows on the floor. Finding comfortable seating for your space can be done just about anywhere. Your local furniture stores are the best way to start. If you do want to spend more money and get something that is more like a real theater chair, look for manufacturers online. Many merchants allow customization of theater chairs. This means you can have them designed in whatever material, style, and color you desire.

Finding the right furniture and equipment for your home theater space is easy. It will be more affordable than you think.

Elite Home Theater Chairs – Custom made high end home theater chairs, Superior Quality, 10 Year Warranty. Create your elite home theatre seating on our site.

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Game Consoles: Comprehensive Entertainment Hub For Your Living Room

The Xbox 360 wireless controller in white.

The Xbox 360 wireless controller in white. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are just starting out trying to figure out what is video streaming and how can it fit into your home entertainment options, one of the issues at the forefront is how do you get content from the internet onto your television screen.

There are a variety of ways to accomplish this.  One way is to purchase a streaming media player.  Roku has the most relationships with various content providers available, and needs to be factored into any equipment comparison.  Apple TV is another well-known name in terms of having a great interface but quite a bit less content choice.  Google TV technology is making headway in both set-top boxes as well as internet-enabled TV sets and blu-ray players, particularly as more than just a streaming media player, but also integrating smart television technology for greater functionality.

But if you have children, or if you just love playing video games, the gaming console just might be your best best in terms of being a comprehensive entertainment hub for your living room.  Streaming services providers like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu, and to a lesser degree so far Amazon Instant Video, have been developing partnerships with the biggest names in gaming consoles, including Nintendo  Wii, Sony Playstation3, and Xbox 360, to support streaming their services right to your television set.

Game consoles such as the Wii, Playstation 3, ...

Game consoles such as the Wii, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360 (shown here) feature universal animated avatars. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Xbox 360 has been particularly proactive in developing these relationships with various streaming providers to make their console incredibly versatile to consumers.  Some of the apps require a subscription to a service, but others are free downloads from Microsoft’s app store.  You can even stream ESPN content through Xbox 360 if you have an Xbox Live subscription.

Sony PS3 is also a good option, having apps available with the major streaming services, as well as the ability to stream NFL Sunday Ticket.

But future releases of game consoles will likely be marketed more as entertainment hubs, rather than gaming consoles that also stream content as an afterthought.  The interfaces will be designed with everyone in the family in mind, and the ability to bundle services together will likely come into play, bringing gaming consoles into a whole new level of versatility.

Comparing streaming services is a way to help familiarize yourself with video content sources.

Source:  Mobiledia.com

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Vudu 99 Cent Movie of the Day

Many people turn to streaming services in order to slash the high costs they currently pay for premium television subscription packages.  However, if you’re not careful, you can end up over-paying on these services as well.  It’s great to look for tips on how to get the best content for the lowest possible prices.

Want an easy way to keep your entertainment costs low?  If you have a Twitter account, you can follow Vudu Inc. (@vudufans) and have them deliver to your Twitter inbox everyday the 99 cent movie of the day.  Vudu selects a movie each and every day of the week and makes it available for 99 cent rental.   Vudu movies recently featured for this low price include 12 Angry Men (yesterday’s selection, actually), Clash of the Titans, April Fool’s Day, and V is for Vendetta.  When you rent a title, you have up to 30 days to view it.  So, if you see something you like on Tuesday, but don’t plan on sitting down to watch it until the weekend, no problem.


If the 99 cent movie doesn’t appeal to you, how about new releases like War Horse, We Bought a Zoo, and A Little Bit of Heaven (this week’s releases).

Other Vudu bennies include their new disc to digital program coming soon, allowing you to convert your current DVDs and blu-rays into digital files for a nominal prices so that you can stream any time (plus have a backup plan in case the disc gets damaged).  You’ll have to check and see which entertainment companies are offering this service vial UltraViolet’s digital locker.

There is still a huge demand for dvd by mail rental, and oftentimes, these DVD services have new releases much more quickly than streaming services do.  If you live in the United States, you’ll love Blockbuster’s program.  UK residents have LoveFilm to turn to.

Clash of the Titans

Clash of the Titans (Image via RottenTomatoes.com)

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Free $10 to Spend at iTunes Store

Walmart.com has a special offer going on today through April 7 – they are selling $50 gift cards (delivered via email) to the iTunes Store for only $40.  This represents a 20% savings to anyone who grabs this great deal now.  You can find a link to order at videostreamingserviceproviders.com.  Scroll down to the Walmart.com special offer and click on the links to place your order.  Limit 2 per customer.

An iTunes Gift Card

An iTunes Gift Card (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Use Caution When Streaming to Your Mobile Device – 4 Useful Tips

Person with PDA handheld device.

Person with PDA handheld device. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It’s my job to try and convince you about all of the myriad benefits of streaming, and to introduce you to all of the streaming services available like Netflix, Hulu, and iTunes.  So why would I caution you about streaming to your mobile device?  Because the streaming industry won’t be served if people get a bad taste in their mouths after signing up for a service.  Knowledge is power, and as we wait for mobile technology to catch up with streaming technology, there are a few things you can keep in mind in order to not get burned in your experience.

  1. Check Your Data Plan Before Streaming – depending on the film quality, one hour of online streaming is estimated to use about 1.4 Gb of bandwidth.  Typical mobile broadband plans are sold at 250 MB, 3, 5 or 10 GB per month.  Video streaming could quickly chew through your allotted data.
  2. Be careful about downloading video – while in general you will probably save a small amount of data if you download and then view the film offline, it still uses a lot.  Use a broadband usage calculator to help you wrap your mind around what various activities will cost you in terms of data usage.
  3. Check how much data you have left – Many mobile devices enable you to log into your account and view how much data you have left.  As you get used to using your device, make this a standard practice until you are familiar with your typical usage patterns.
  4. Use public or your home WiFi for certain activities – No sense using your data if one of these is available.  For instance, if you have a Kindle Fire with a Netflix app, you can utilize public Wifi and stream to your heart’s content.  Why not apply this same logic to your mobile device with a limited data plan.  Additionally, you can use WiFi to download files and then view them later without an internet connection. You should be cautious about WiFi hotspots that your dataplan provides, however.  They may possibly deduct any data you use from your monthly allotment.

By exercising a bit of caution and restraint, you can have your cake and eat it too.  Streaming can be part of your mobile activities, but the majority of your streaming should be reserved for your home internet connection.  Even there, restraint must be exercised, depending on the plans you have available to you.  Rest assured as this technology comes into it’s own, particularly as consumer demand continues to rise, internet providers will have to adapt with adequate data plans as well.

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Roku Founder Anthony Wood’s Reflections Two Years Later – Things Will Change!

As surely as the autumn leaves change, things will change!

Home Media Magazine asked Six Questions to Anthony Wood, Founder of Roku, two years ago.  At that time, the streaming market was just in its infancy, and his upstart media player that enabled Netflix to play on your TV set for just $115 was not yet key to subscription video on demand models, let alone boutique models like Amazon, which were not even on anyone’s radar.

Since that time, Roku has added hundreds of public and private  channels, and has developed several different streaming devices that play back content at various quality levels.  They have also sold more than 2.5 million devices (with the price having dropped), and they are now considered the #1 streaming media player despite the popularity of Apple TV.

Probably the most controversial (and most wanted) statement that Wood has made is that “he believes a major cable operator could begin offering separate a-la-carte programming via over-the-top internet services outside the typical bundled subscription as early as this year.”  Of course, this would mean huge savings for consumers who are paying through the nose for subscription cable or satellite TV subscriptions.  But right now, complete cord cutting seems to be risky with internet data caps, as noted by this article.

Clearly, right now shaving your cable to a bare bones subscription and supplementing with streaming services is the rule of the day if you watch a lot of TV (if you don’t, by all means, cut that cord!).  In order to make the best decision, make sure you find good resources that help you leave no stones unturned.  Streaming 411 analyzes all the services so that you know exactly what you are getting into.

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Are You Still Trying to Wrap Your Mind Around Video Streaming?

While lots of people have already got on the streaming wagon, there are still many people wondering what is video streaming and how will it benefit me?  Streaming itself has been around for a long time.  When you turn on your TV set, content is streamed there via a cable or satellite TV subscription through a set top media player connected to your TV set.

The term video streaming thrown around today refers to online subscription services like Netflix, Hulu, etc. where content is delivered via your internet connection instead of cable or satellite subscription.  The reason why it’s such a growing trend is that consumers have more choice as to what they view.  Other than pay per view on cable or satellite TV, choice is limited to what individual channels are serving up, with added flexibility of being able to record content on a DVR for later viewing.

Video streaming enables people to access an entire library of content.  Say, for example, you wish to sit down over a rainy weekend and watch TV.  You can opt to watch an entire season’s worth of one TV show back to back.

To compare streaming services, it’s helpful to find a good resource that bottom-lines it for you.  If you live in the United Kingdom, you will want to read about LoveFilm vs. Netflix to make a good decision for a streaming resource.

However, if you live in the United States, you will need help analyzing the top 5 streaming services.

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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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Understanding Video Streaming and the Differences Between Streaming and Downloading

Embracing a new technology usually depends on consumers having a certain understanding of how the technology works, and developing a comfort level in terms of feeling confident they can interact with the technology without a lot of difficult, frustrating and complicated troubleshooting.  This is certainly true of anyone who is wondering what is video streaming?  In simplified terms, it is very much like a filmstrip that captures sound and a series of moving images, except rather than being a physical entity that you can hold in your hand, it is rather a digital file saved in a compressed format.

These digital compressed files can either be streamed or downloaded, which of course begs the question “what is the difference between streaming and downloading?”  Both are considered delivery methods – in other words, your film can be delivered by two different servers – a streaming server where the content is played and watched at the same time online; or a web server, where the entire file is downloaded onto your computer.  For both technologies you must utilize a media player that is compatible with the file you wish to watch.  Many free media players interact with streaming and on demand services, or these services offer their own free downloaded software that not only acts as a media player, but also organizes your content and enables you to access their online store.