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Thinking Outside the Box
If you're paying a ton of money for cable and other services, but not getting the desired level of satisfaction, consider altering your home entertainment setup.
New services such as Netflix and Pandora make great additions to basic cable or digital TV at a fraction of the cost. Benefits include:
- Access to an extensive selection unrivaled by your local cable company.
- Availability around your schedule.
- Easy to .
- No extra devices required. Internet solutions generally require a high-speed connection and a Netflix ready device such as a Roku box, or a popular game console, such as the Nintendo Wii.
- Cost effective. These new services eliminate the need for premium channels and a la carte on-demand services, which can take a toll on your wallet.
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A quick cable company feature contrast:
Basic cable or digital television is a home entertainment staple many need. Most cable companies' basic package will do, however, each cable company stands out or excels in one area more than the next.
- Comcast: Xfinity is powered by a fiber optic network that delivers the fastest internet available.Therefore, bad weather will never affect your viewing. For people who bundle services and/or are fanatic about a strong internet connection, Comcast is a dominant choice.
- Direct TV: Unlike other carriers, Direct TV allows you to record and watch shows in any room with one DVR.
- Dish Network: Dish Network has developed the Slingloaded DVR, which allows you to watch your DVR'd shows on your mobile device or computer. However, rivals such as the Slingbox may offer more compelling features and a better user experience.
- AT&T U-Verse: Record four shows with Total Home DVR. U-Verse also offers web and mobile remote access for your showings and a slick channel surfing interface.
Digital Television:
- DTV Converter Box: If you are considering an internet based streaming solution for all your movie needs, you might get away with free digital TV for your daily dose of the news. As of February 2009, everything has gone digital. Affordable DTV boxes are available at many of our fine retailers.
Internet trends ready for prime-time:
New technologies and companies on the scene like Blockbuster/Netflix, Youtube, Hulu, Last.fm and Pandora offer a variety of videos and music for a fraction of the price. A bit about each:
- Hulu: The new kid on the block. Access hit shows, movies and clips free of charge on your computer 24/7. Share videos with others or imbed them in your social media outlets. A subscription service allows you to add movies and shows to your "queue", acting just like a DVR system.
- Blockbuster/Netflix: Blockbuster and Netflix offer their own version of "In Demand" by allowing you to watch their content on your TV, Blu-Ray, Tivo, PS3, Wii, Xbox, cell phone or other mobile device. Streaming is the free bonus in addition to any DVD's you get in the mail. Prices starting as low as $9 a month.
- Pandora/Last.fm: are Meccas for the music lover. Totally free music on the internet. With Pandora you enter the name of a song, album, or artist and create a channel dedicated to that type of music. Create over 100 unique channels of music and refine them anyway you would like. Rate suggested songs and artists sent to you and create your own musical library. While basic Pandora is free, an upgrade is available for a slight fee.
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