There are a number of current threads that deal with various parts ofthe change from cable or satellite contract tv, to the various means of obtaining streaming TV, whether on the TV itself, PC's, or mobile devices. Not just a matter of cost, as in "Free", but convenience.
It seems to me that the tidal wave of choices is passing me by, as every time a new piece of software or hardware comes on the scene, there is reason to buy... and something new to understand about how it works.
Some examples
... how does one "throw" a movie on to a TV screen? Can you do it from your PC? or just from a Phone? Does the TV have to be a "Smart TV" or can the "throw" go through a media player?
... does the hardware have to match, to work, and if so, does that limit the flexibility of choices... ie. Apple to Apple... Google to Google.
... what is Plex? Try the wiki definition...
... "developer mode"... for the geeks among us, but is the way to avoid obsolescence... worthwhile learning?
... how do all the connections work? My tablet can control the Roku, but has an interface that allows easy searches and more information.
... how much bandwidth? Slow down the computer? What if there are two streaming movies at the same time?
... how many people can sign on to Netflix, Amazon or Hulu at the same time? Can your next door neighbor or your kids still use your account if you give him the password?
... each "new" piece of hardware has its own peculiairity... my Sony player is already obsolete, and there no support or automatic update. Some of the newer media players have dropped in price to less than $25... will they survive?
...apparently, some of the newer "Smart" TV's have limitations. Is this the time to buy? or is this unintended obsolescence?
...can a wireless USB receiver be used to transfer pictures, videos, music etc, from a computer to a USB enabled media player...eliminating the wired USB connection?
I know some of the answers, but believe that we can share some of this information, and perhaps help a little bit in planning for the future, both to learn, and to save some money along the way. Would you share your own experience and help to sort through what may be the big evolution in how we receive entertainment, news and sports?
Perhaps we could keep this to discussion, and limiting favorite YouTube videos except as a link.
Thread started as a result of the interest in this one by Midpack.
http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/dqotd-what-do-streaming-boxes-do-that-airplay-itself-cant-69661.html
It seems to me that the tidal wave of choices is passing me by, as every time a new piece of software or hardware comes on the scene, there is reason to buy... and something new to understand about how it works.
Some examples
... how does one "throw" a movie on to a TV screen? Can you do it from your PC? or just from a Phone? Does the TV have to be a "Smart TV" or can the "throw" go through a media player?
... does the hardware have to match, to work, and if so, does that limit the flexibility of choices... ie. Apple to Apple... Google to Google.
... what is Plex? Try the wiki definition...
... "developer mode"... for the geeks among us, but is the way to avoid obsolescence... worthwhile learning?
... how do all the connections work? My tablet can control the Roku, but has an interface that allows easy searches and more information.
... how much bandwidth? Slow down the computer? What if there are two streaming movies at the same time?
... how many people can sign on to Netflix, Amazon or Hulu at the same time? Can your next door neighbor or your kids still use your account if you give him the password?
... each "new" piece of hardware has its own peculiairity... my Sony player is already obsolete, and there no support or automatic update. Some of the newer media players have dropped in price to less than $25... will they survive?
...apparently, some of the newer "Smart" TV's have limitations. Is this the time to buy? or is this unintended obsolescence?
...can a wireless USB receiver be used to transfer pictures, videos, music etc, from a computer to a USB enabled media player...eliminating the wired USB connection?
I know some of the answers, but believe that we can share some of this information, and perhaps help a little bit in planning for the future, both to learn, and to save some money along the way. Would you share your own experience and help to sort through what may be the big evolution in how we receive entertainment, news and sports?
Perhaps we could keep this to discussion, and limiting favorite YouTube videos except as a link.
Thread started as a result of the interest in this one by Midpack.
http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/dqotd-what-do-streaming-boxes-do-that-airplay-itself-cant-69661.html
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