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| Starting out connecting my computer to a new TV for Netflix I'm new to this forum, and pretty new to this whole topic. I have a new digital TV on the way (will be here Tuesday) and I'd like to start watching more from the internet, and less from DirecTV (which I still have) or cable.
Before finding this forum, I assumed I would just use a PC and access Netflix, using the DV out from my computer to get the program onto my TV. I did not buy a TV with all the new wireless gizmos, as I figure they'd be obsolete in a year, while I can upgrade my computer more easily.
I've gotten two good ideas since coming to this forum. The first, is to consider taking one of my old laptops and leaving it permanently as a part of my tv control - I guess that makes it a "set top box". The other option is to buy a "Roku" (which I knew nothing about until tonight).
I assume if I get an external hard drive, I can also save what I'm watching, so I can view it later (as if it were a VCR).
My original plan was to get a DV cable and run it from my desktop computer over to the TV, and do everything from my desktop.
Right now, everything sounds so easy to do.... am I missing something that I'm unaware of? | |
 darciliciousCyber LibrarianPremium
join:2001-01-02
Forest Grove, OR
kudos:1
 ·Frontier FiOS
| I assume if I get an external hard drive, I can also save what I'm watching, so I can view it later (as if it were a VCR). If you're talking about Netflix's online streaming service, no, that's not how it works. You watch it while it's streaming; there is no (legal) way to save it locally (not even sure if it's possible due the "copy protection" that Silverlight implements -- which is what makes it possible for you to watch Netflix streaming videos).
Amazon's "video on demand" will allow you to download movies or TV shows for later viewing or you can just stream them.
There is also Hulu's streaming service as well, of course.
There are plenty of other streaming options as well. There are software programs like Boxee that provide a common interface to a lot of web-only content in addition to network TV content (Hulu again, CBS, CW, PBS, etc). | |
| reply to mikemyers0
They both have their pros and cons. The ROKU is cheaper ($100 + shipping) than even a low end laptop, and (in my experience) does a more smooth job of video playback (the PC will occasionally drop frames, for example). However, the PC will work with many web sites that the ROKU won't work with.
For programming available on both (I have both a ROKU and an Acer netbook hooked up to my 32" LCD TV), I personally prefer the ROKU. However, while programming is increasing on the ROKU (since the company released the channel development API to the public), there is still a lot of programming that is only available on a PC (HULU as just one example).
NOTE: Netflix only allows HD resolution streaming on approved devices (including the ROKU). The netflix PC client works, but it is SD quality video only! Now it is true that the majority of the netflix streaming is only encoded to SD, and HD quality encodes (when available) use a lot of bandwidth (around 3.5meg down for the HD stream). However, it still is the case that the ROKU can play those HD streams (when they are available, and you have enough bandwidth), but netflix has limited their PC client to being only able to view the SD streams.
NOTE: If you do get the ROKU, avoid the low end $80 model, because that entry level ROKU is SD only (just like the PC client). So if you are going to get a ROKU, at least get the $100 model that support netflix in HD... | |
| Thanks for all the information. I've checked out the better Roku that does HD, and that's what I'll be ordering as soon as I have everything else in place. Probably before I do any of that, I'll try things out with a PC, to learn more about this.
I'm confused about something up above. I know it's illegal to copy copyrighted CDs and video tapes, but I thought that ever since the Betamax decision ages ago, it was legal to make copies of anything that is sent to your home, provided it is for private use. With DirecTV and Dish, I can make a recording of anything I want to view, and watch it later. I believe I can buy a DVR and make a recording of anything that comes in over the air. Therefore, why would it be illegal to make a recording of a movie coming to my TV via my internet connection?
At some point in the future, I am going to have another question to ask. Let's say we get up to 1000 possible sources of "channels" to watch. How does someone keep track of what programs are present on which channels, and at what times?
...or, let's say I would really like to see an old TV show, perhaps the ancient "Highway Patrol" staring Broderick Crawford. Does anyone keep up any kind of database that you can use to look up if something you're interested in seeing is available somewhere on the 'net for viewing? | | |
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 nerdburgPremium
join:2009-08-20
Schuylkill Haven, PA
kudos:1
1 edit | You're correct, the Betamax Decision made it legal for you to make copies under certain circumstances. However, The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) makes it illegal for you to circumvent copy protection, even if you would have rights to the media under the Betamax Decision.
Oh and I like this site »instantwatcher.com - it's great for finding something to watch on Netflix. | |
Anon | reply to mikemyers0
I am using Roku from Netflix, saved myself time hooking up my computer to the TV plus I have an extra remote  .
It connects to your wireless home network nicely. | |
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