Streaming Media Players

There are many options for streaming media players on the market, and making the decision on what to buy can be overwhelming. They all do about the same thing, but have several different price points. The Apple TV, Google TV, and Roku are probably the most popular. Google TV is the most powerful with loads of features. The Apple TV is great as well and is the only way to access the iTunes library. The Roku is very flexible, has lots of great channels, and a simple interface. The Google TV will set you back about $100-$150, the Apple TV about $100 and the Roku about $50-$100. My personal vote is for the low end Roku. It costs only $50 and can stream Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Crackle, and many others. I have had no problems with the device, and I can hook it up with both HDMI, and rca video cables for my older TVs. The Roku can do just about everything I need it to. Other streaming options available are Smart TVs and Blu-ray players.

Renting movies from Red Box and Family Video

Going to the video store and renting a movie seems to be becoming a thing of the past, but it can be a great way to see the latest movie. Things like Netflix and OnDemand are starting to take over this business but there are still other services still available. The first I would like to mention is RedBox. RedBox is basically a vending machine for renting movies. They have a large selection to choose from at an inexpensive cost. The downside to this though, is that you have to wait 28 days for the new releases. This is done by movie studios as way to get more people to buy the DVDs instead of renting them. Another good service is Family Video or another rental store. At these stores, there is no wait for the new releases. They are available right away and cost under $3. Renting movies is a great way to cut the cost of cable.

Streaming Media Players for Netflix, Hulu Plus and more

With the recent increase in online media, streaming media players have become a staple in peoples TV entertainment systems. The internet has moved away from the computer and is now easily accessible on television sets. Using your TV to accomplish this is easy with recent streaming media players. These include Smart TV's, Blu-Ray players, Roku boxes, Apple TV's, and many more.

Web Content

So you got the latest streaming media player, but what kind of content are going to watch. The general consensus is to purchase a subscription to Netflix and/or Hulu Plus. These are great services that cost about $8 per month each. That a heck of a lot better than the price of cable. Obviously it's not quite as good as cable, but the services are loaded with great content for a reasonable price. Streaming media players are great way alternative to the cable company.

Free over the air antenna TV

With an antenna, you can pull in local TV channels from major networks for free. The only thing you need is an antenna and a digital tuner. Newer TV's will have a built digital tuner, but if the TV was made before 2007, you may need to purchase a digital TV converter. Depending on where you live will depend on what kind of antenna you will need. If you live in a larger city you will probably only need a cheap indoor antenna, but if you live over 30 miles from and TV station you may need an outdoor antenna. Common channels you can receive for free are ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, The CW, PBS, and more depending on where you live. Over the air TV can also pick up all your local sports games. This is something the streaming media players lack. You can visit AntennaWeb.org to find out what channels are available in your area. Getting an antenna is a great way to start saving money on your cable bill.

The basics of cutting your monthly cable bill

With cable bills skyrocketing over $100 a month, many people are trying to find alternatives to the cable package they love. Not to mention paying all this money, only to watch a few channels or TV shows. With the latest technology, this transition can be made without too much discomfort of missing your favorite TV shows. Here are three things you can do after cancelling your cable subscription:

• Free over the air antenna TV programs (This can get free channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, The CW, RetroTV, AntennaTV, and more depending on your area.)
• Streaming On-demand content from Netflix, and Hulu Plus and more
• Rent movies from RedBox or Family Video