HDTV with Apps

The next generation of HD television include apps that replace the need for media streamers. An example of the new trend is Samsungs commitment to adding an app store to new models of their televisions. If you own a media streamer like the Boxee Box or WD Live then these apps can replace the extra equipment that you have connected to your television.

If you can get Netflix built right into your TV then you do not need any other devices to watch that content. It looks like these new television will make a great tool for those who want to cut the cord. If you can reduce the number of devices needed for the delivery of your content the better. With my television set up I have four devices connected to watch my online programming. It would be nice to reduce the cluter and have apps on my television that can tap into many media sources with very little effort. It would be nice to get apps for HULU Netflix and Podcasts all my television. As more companies add apps to their televisions consumers will gain more choice and content providers will find this method just as profitable as their current distribution system. It’s a matter of getting the tools to consumers and offering fair pricing. If media companies can figure out a fair price they will gain a new revenue source.

As more television manufactures add apps consumers will be able to find online content easily. The new HD 3DTV’s might not be what I would spend my money on, but a television filled with apps does make me want to spend money on a new television set.

Cord Cutting Newbie Guide

If you have been sitting on the fence about cutting the cord and freeing yourself from the cable company then read on. About a year and a half ago I cut the cord and went from cable to over the air TV with just a simple antenna. This set up allowed me to watch about 20 television station in HD for free. The first few months I manage to get my TV fix with just over the air programing and some DVD box sets. It was nice to watch full seasons and not have worry about missing a show. The more I read about other cord cutters experiences I started to use the Internet for more content. It has gotten to the point where I am using the Internet more then I am using the over the air antenna. The Internet is like have DVR filled with every show you have ever wanted to watch ready to go. When a friend tells me about new show the first thing I do is look for that show online. With new technology like the Boxee Box and Apple TV it has made it extremely easy to find the shows I want to watch.

The readers of this blog ask me if I miss live TV or sports events, since I am not a sports fan I have not had a problem with missing live sports events and for live TV there are very few shows I need to watch live. The only live shows I do watch would be the nightly news and the talk shows at night like Conan and I can get that for free with my over the air antenna. This set up has worked well for me and  the $100.00 I am saving each month is motivation to keep finding new ways to find legal free content online.

It has come to the point where there is more for me to watch online then there is free time to view all the shows I want to see.

If you a new to cord cutting I recommend trying to find your shows online or through over the air broadcasts. Once you master finding your shows online and start getting comfortable with the idea of not having cable TV you will be ready for the next step calling the cable company to cancel your service.

The Terk HDTVa indoor antenna is the model I am using and I have placed a link bellow where you can find it. This is the best indoor antenna that I have found after testing many different makes and styles. In my area it seems to be the best for picking up the further away stations, but as with any indoor antenna you might have to play around with it to get it set up properly for your local stations.

Vuze plus Apple TV 2 Equal Awesome

The Vuze bittorent app is the easiest way to find and download video online. With the Vuze app you will be able to get the video you downloaded easily converted to playback on the new Apple TV 2. The ability to add the files to your iTunes library and convert formats to play through Apple TV has made everything easy. When I get a file I want to play the Vuze software adds it to iTunes which I can access through my wireless network and play on the Apple TV in the living room. The files play back as well as the content you downloaded. If you get an HD file then it will be converted to play at the highest quality on your Apple TV.

The Vuze software is free to download and does offer a premium version with a virus check program and no advertising. If you want a very easy to use solution to get video to the new Apple TV then Vuze is a great program to have in your cord cutting tool box. You can find music video quickly with the simple to use interface even newbie’s can set up Vuze with Apple TV quickly.