Internet TV
 

I was told that buying a HDTV, and signing a long term contract with a cable company, is no longer a good thing to do. The better alternative is to watch most of the same programs, and many more, on the computer screen. The resolution is as good as on HDTV sets, or better. The name of this option is Internet TV.

Please share what you know and think about this option. Thank you in advance.

Ludwik
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First, computer screens and TV's are at this point indistinguishable. It's the same thing, for the most part. There are a few differences between monitors and TV's, but not much. So the difference in the resolution? That's only going to be because of the source. HD signals are, to the layman's eye, not distinguishable between cable and satillite. If you're streaming over the internet and have enough bandwidth, the same will be true.

The difference is availability, both as a positive and negative. With the internet, you're able to stream things at your convenience and not have to wait for a set schedule. But your choices are typically limited until they've been broadcast. It depends on what you want from your TV.

If you're trying to make a decision, telling us more about your set-up and requirements are the necessary next step.

Not all programs are available over the internet. Some TVs have internet capabilities, although limited. Blu-ray players have internet capabilites. So do game sytems. And then there are internet devices that attach to your TV. The options are many.

We're in a transition period for the next few years but it'll be seamless eventually. Right now it comes down more to the availablilty of content rather than technology.

Here in Canada it can be difficult to legally download and watch scores of interesting American and British tv shows due to rights issues so there isn't the same rush to switch. If you're in a market where you can watch anything without spending through the nose, have at it.

EDIT: Removed duplicate posts. Stupid internet.

hat trick, ehh? :D