"The Future Of Television Is On The Way"

      Syndicated Radio & TV Host, Clark Howard, Reports He Loves Internet & Antenna TV

What is internet TV?

Internet TV is what its name implies, watching TV streaming from the internet via an internet TV box that allows the streaming TV to be viewed on your regular HDTV -TV in full size.  It is very similar to ATT's U-Verse which is IPTV (internet protocol television), TV programming is delivered via a broadband connection. Which is probably the future of  television as bandwidth increases.  Internet TV is new and, somewhat  in its infancy,  so it may take some getting used to.  The college crowd is already up on watching TV via on-line. TV is more on-demand with internet TV.  You watch the shows, movies when you want, you don't have to watch what's on now. The hard thing is deciding what you want to watch, TV's shows or movies. Most networks and cable channels have their shows available to stream, (check the channel's website), albeit it may not be the current program airing now. They will soon stream them after a lag period. Most network TV shows are streamed very shortly after they air, if not the next day. For instance, if you like cable TV shows like The National Geographic Channel, HGTV, Sifi etc., they stream many of their shows now,  as do the major TV networks.  So, you really aren't missing anything, just viewing it a bit later than air time.

How can I get Internet TV?

To receive and view streaming internet TV on your regular TV or HDTV, you will need a broadband internet connection of at least 1.5 Mbps or above, higher is better, no dial up here. It is also desirable to have a wireless router for your internet connection, as these internet boxes work via your wireless connection. This makes it very easy because you don't have to run any wires from your router to the internet box next to your TV.   RoKu (www.roku.com) HD box will run about $59 to $99 for HD box or, there's the Boxee Box $199 (www.boxee.tv) you can make your own for FREE. Internet TV boxes are also built into the newer Blu-Ray DVD players, Wii-Game Boxes, X-Box 360, PS3 and even many newer TV's have internet TV boxes built in so you may already have one and didn't know it. There is also the OrbTV box (www.orb.com) GoogleTV box our favorite, (www.google.com/tv) & Apple TV (www.apple.com/appletv) your stuck with ( i ) stuff, and and limited content for now, but Apple TV is investing in Apple TV so it will soon be much better and may be a leader when they add select cable channels and ESPN, we  hear. These new boxes are how NetFlix (www.netflix.com) streams movies and more to your home TV. You can also stream NetFlix, Hulu Plus or others to a computer or laptop when away from home for only $8 a month and connect the PC to your TV. You can use a laptop to stream internet TV to your HDTV via an HDMI or other  cable if equipped. If you're a real videophile, you can add a dedicated computer next to your HDTV via an HDMI, DVI or other cable. You can download the Boxee program on your computer and use it, plus, you'll have a cool big computer monitor for surfing the net from the sofa or easy chair, don't forget the wireless mouse/keyboard. This site sums up boxes: http://revision3.com/tomstop5/toptvboxes/  Since each set top box streams different channels this sites spreadsheet has detailed information to help you compare the different internet boxes side by side and what each box can do for you:  www.bit.ly/settop      

What Can I Watch With Internet TV?  

Don't forget you will have FREE antenna TV with live network programming.
 

Below are the many channels available from the channel store on the #1 rated RoKu Box, Similar channels are available on the other brand boxes.  NetFlix alone has thousands of movies and TV shows to stream.  Click on the channel to discover more.  Most  internet TV channels are FREE but ad  supported. Some channels may charge a small monthly/yearly fee, you will have to determine if it is worth it for that channel or not, NetFlix is!  Try Hulu or Boxee out on your computer to see what it's all about  www.Hulu.com  watch some TV shows for Free.  Or try,  www.yourtvseries.net.

Channels on the Roku Box + more to come...

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