What is the best way to get broadcast TV without Cable/Satellite?

By D!ABOL!C,
in Home Theatre Discussion

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D!ABOL!C

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Let me be clear, I am OK with pay options and I DO NOT want to torrent or any of that fun jazz.

I'm moving into a new home and I am attempting to wing it with just internet only. For local TV, i'm going to be using an OTA antenna to get the local channels and whatever free OTA channels there are. Of course by doing this, I will miss some of the standard cable channels like TNT, TBS etc. etc.

Now I know a lot of these channels do stream there shows on there official websites, which is perfect, however I don't really want to watch all these shows on my computer. I would prefer to be able to watch stuff on my TV. My question is, what devices are options do I have to watch these streaming options on my TV? Would a Roku work for this? I have read a bit about it and I see it has some channels on it.

I suppose another option is to just hook up my computer to my TV and use it as a second monitor, but I wanted to see what other ideas people have. Thank you kindly!

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ccoltmanm

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Get a combination of Hulu Plus and Netflix.

The only reason i'm not taking that route is because my fiance watches some shows on HGTV that are not available on there.

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winrez

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Xbox with Kinect for Netflix, Hulu and streaming from your PC

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Grand Master

LUTZIFER

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That basically doesn't even make sense what you said.

You don't want to watch on your computer, but are asking what device is best to hook up to your TV.

Hook your computer to your TV. Der.

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D!ABOL!C

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That basically doesn't even make sense what you said.

You don't want to watch on your computer, but are asking what device is best to hook up to your TV.

Hook your computer to your TV. Der.

Instead of watching it on a 13" macbook, i'll be watching it on a 50" TV... durr

Get a combination of Hulu Plus and Netflix.

The only reason i'm not taking that route is because my fiance watches some shows on HGTV that are not available on there.

Xbox with Kinect for Netflix, Hulu and streaming from your PC

One of the guys I work with tried Hulu plus and it seemed the options were limited. I may give it a shot since there is a free trial.

I have a PS3 and I do believe they have both a Hulu and Netflix app. I'd still like to continue watching current seasons opposed to waiting a year for DVD/Streaming release (for Netflix).

Thanks for the options.

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Grand Master

+primortal Subscriber²

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Get a combination of Hulu Plus and Netflix.

The only reason i'm not taking that route is because my fiance watches some shows on HGTV that are not available on there.

Problem is a lot of the broadcast stations (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX) are tagging theirs shows on Hulu (Plus) as Web Only so you cannot watch on any device by a computer.

Amazon Prime might be another option.

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Astra.Xtreme

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Instead of watching it on a 13" macbook, i'll be watching it on a 50" TV... durr

Well I think he means that you should get a cable to connect your Macbook to your TV.

That's a much better solution than getting a Roku or something that only has limited functionality.

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vcfan

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USTVnow.com offers free OTA HD channels with a free acount,and you can subscribe to regular cable channels with a monthly plan , and these are internet streams. the only catch is that its only available to US citizens living outside the US.

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D!ABOL!C

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Well I think he means that you should get a cable to connect your Macbook to your TV.

That's a much better solution than getting a Roku or something that only has limited functionality.

The only reason I don't want to do that (perhaps should have mentioned in the OP) is that I'd like to be able to use the laptop for stuff instead of having the computer hooked to the TV. I'm keeping my main tower in an office, separate from the living room where I will have the main TV. It's just personal preference I suppose.

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Eternal Tempest

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Netflix + Hulu, on a device connected to your tv, such as a Roku, PS3, GoogleTV, and many more.

Note Xbox required gold membership to use those apps.

Roku would be cheapest / easiest to use.

Or USB TV Turner (make sure it supports digital) for the over the air.

The upgraded (pay software) for the one I use allows streaming across my network

http://www.hauppauge...ta_hvr950q.html

with this - http://www.hauppauge...ort_extend.html

Windows Media Center also picks this right up and can use Media Center as DVR as well, but not stream.

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Grand Master

Roger H. Veteran

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Roku with Time Warner (the Carolinas have them I think?) is an option lately. They have the option to watch live TV on Roku. Your next option might be a WDTV Live with a Hauppauge USB dongle that connects to your cable cord. The WDTV added that recently which I guess defeats the purpose of "no cable" but it's an option.

Your last option would be AEREO if it were available where you were moving to.

Plair doesn't look too bad either. Might be something I will check out :)

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Grand Master

Hum

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:s

Due to overwhelming demand PLAiR is on backorder. Here are the estimated shipping dates based on your choice of colors:

  • Raven June 04 2013
  • Aqua June 21 2013
  • Passion June 21 2013

Your credit card won't be charged until your PLAiR is ready to ship.

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Astra.Xtreme

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:s

Due to overwhelming demand PLAiR is on backorder. Here are the estimated shipping dates based on your choice of colors:

  • Raven June 04 2013
  • Aqua June 21 2013
  • Passion June 21 2013

Your credit card won't be charged until your PLAiR is ready to ship.

Meh, that's only 2 weeks away for the Black one.

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