As Commercials increase, and are synced to run on all channels at the same time... As Paid-For content turns from entertainment to advertising only... As rates go up, and quality of programming goes down... As "News" becomes more slanted, less well covered, or ignored entirely... As content gives way to "fluff"...
then the idea of on demand programming becomes much more attractive, and accordingly much less expensive.
The networks know it's coming and battle is being joined. TV's with media players built in, Roku, and a dozen other manufacturers are offering web based on demand programming. Google just announced their new media player and program.https://cast.google.com/chromecast/offer
(edit) oops... offer is over... here is CNet Reviewhttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-media-receivers/google-chromecast/4505-6739_7-35823617.html
Keeping up to date with all of these means for alternate viewing is becoming a full time project. While there have been a number of threads about Netflix or Roku, it might be a good time to share some of this new technology, to put forth ways of gaining control of content, and limiting or eliminating the expense of Pay TV as we know it. (All Legal Means).
Here are a few suggestions (for starters).
Add UTube to your ROKU... Youtube on Roku It works.
Don't know what full versions (not trailers) of movies are available on Utube?
(hundreds) try this Pegleg
Instead of looking for movies on the Netflix page, try this more directed search...instantwatcher.com - Streaming Movies and TV to watch instantly on Netflix
For those who haven't explored the capabilities of the Roku or any of the other media players, the recent addition of several dozen new channels offers some major streaming news and sports programs, that are continuous and free, and not interrupted by commercials and do not require searching for special content or 5 minute clips.
For movies that are normally offered on the pay channels like Hulu or Amazon or Netflix, a simple Google search for "free streaming (movie title)" will often bring up alternate sites... some with commercials, some not.
Those who continue with DirecTV can use the app "DirecTV Anywhere" to watch on phones or tablets.
There a so many new innovative internet based video alternatives to current pay TV that there will necessarily be a shakeout. Fortunately, the sheer volume of programs and videos that are already "in the can" should be enough to satisfy most appetites for entertainment... especially for those who may be paying $50 to $150 for hundreds of channels that they never watch.
We're keeping our DirecTV for now, but find the changes fascinating. This new technology is (obviously) not interesting to everyone, and changes won't all happen overnight, but like the advances in the internet and smartphones... changes in entertainment are becoming a big factor in our society. If it can also offer more efficient transmittal and lower costs... why not?
Any new stuff to share?
then the idea of on demand programming becomes much more attractive, and accordingly much less expensive.
The networks know it's coming and battle is being joined. TV's with media players built in, Roku, and a dozen other manufacturers are offering web based on demand programming. Google just announced their new media player and program.https://cast.google.com/chromecast/offer
(edit) oops... offer is over... here is CNet Reviewhttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-media-receivers/google-chromecast/4505-6739_7-35823617.html
Keeping up to date with all of these means for alternate viewing is becoming a full time project. While there have been a number of threads about Netflix or Roku, it might be a good time to share some of this new technology, to put forth ways of gaining control of content, and limiting or eliminating the expense of Pay TV as we know it. (All Legal Means).
Here are a few suggestions (for starters).
Add UTube to your ROKU... Youtube on Roku It works.
Don't know what full versions (not trailers) of movies are available on Utube?
(hundreds) try this Pegleg
Instead of looking for movies on the Netflix page, try this more directed search...instantwatcher.com - Streaming Movies and TV to watch instantly on Netflix
For those who haven't explored the capabilities of the Roku or any of the other media players, the recent addition of several dozen new channels offers some major streaming news and sports programs, that are continuous and free, and not interrupted by commercials and do not require searching for special content or 5 minute clips.
For movies that are normally offered on the pay channels like Hulu or Amazon or Netflix, a simple Google search for "free streaming (movie title)" will often bring up alternate sites... some with commercials, some not.
Those who continue with DirecTV can use the app "DirecTV Anywhere" to watch on phones or tablets.
There a so many new innovative internet based video alternatives to current pay TV that there will necessarily be a shakeout. Fortunately, the sheer volume of programs and videos that are already "in the can" should be enough to satisfy most appetites for entertainment... especially for those who may be paying $50 to $150 for hundreds of channels that they never watch.
We're keeping our DirecTV for now, but find the changes fascinating. This new technology is (obviously) not interesting to everyone, and changes won't all happen overnight, but like the advances in the internet and smartphones... changes in entertainment are becoming a big factor in our society. If it can also offer more efficient transmittal and lower costs... why not?
Any new stuff to share?
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