System Requirements for Internet TV

[RancidLunchmeat]

So, this is going to sound like a stupid question. But what are the system requirements to watch TV from internet sites?

I recently had to move, and DirecTV can't find line of sight at my new place. In the mean time, I've been searching the internet and watching the shows I've missed on my computer.

The problem is that I want to be able to watch these shows on my main plasma downstairs, not on my computer upstairs.

I looked into the Logitech revue and it seems like the Google TV deal is more limited than just surfing the internet and finding the program that you want to watch.

I looked into the Dell Zino, but those start to get pricey, and I'm not really sure how much memory I would need, or how big of a hdd (if any), etc.

What is the processing requirements to stream 720p over the internet. Obviously, whatever I purchase will require an HDMI port to connect to my TV, but beyond that what other requirements do I need?

Also, if anybody has any ideas on a remote/keyboard that would serve this purpose it'd be helpful as well. I really like the looks and idea behind the Dlink boxee remote.

Speaking of which, would Boxee do what I want? I've tried to find out about it and it seems to me that you are limited by their listings, you don't have the ability to go to google and search for 'Watch Justified" and then go to sidereel and go through their links to you find one that works. But I'm not sure about that.

 

[RancidLunchmeat]

Wow. 41 views and nobody has an opinion or anything to offer?

I've found the tech specs for the Logitech revue and it's some atom processor, so I guess if that's all that's needed, I could just buy a netbook and find a nice media center remote/keyboard deal and that would work.

But seriously... Nobody else here has "cut the cord" with their cable/dish company and just getting their programming over the net?

 

[mrcorbo]

Wow. 41 views and nobody has an opinion or anything to offer?

I've found the tech specs for the Logitech revue and it's some atom processor, so I guess if that's all that's needed, I could just buy a netbook and find a nice media center remote/keyboard deal and that would work.

But seriously... Nobody else here has "cut the cord" with their cable/dish company and just getting their programming over the net?

Not completely, I am now getting the clear majority of my programming via streaming, though, and am entertaining the thought. Part of me is reluctant to completely eliminate my cable TV service.

As for hardware, I'd suggest a budget laptop as an integrated solution. Though it's not necessarily the most cost-effective option you would be getting the best web browsing capability and through this access to many more streaming services than the media boxes offer. Add a Bluetooth keyboard with integrated touch pad and optionally a bluetooth mouse and/or MS media center remote/IR receiver combo and you'll be all set with the added bonus of the device being able to be un-docked from the TV/Home Theater and used portably if desired.

 

[RancidLunchmeat]

thanks MrCorbo.

From more research it looks like Boxee Box is just as restricted as Google TV is. Both use special flash players and "apps" to access internet TV rather than just using a regular browser, and as I result content is extremely restricted and/or requires subscription fees to access.

I have no problems watching whatever I want on my i5, but there's obviously a big difference between that and an atom processor out of a netbook or mini-pc.

 

[mrcorbo]

thanks MrCorbo.

From more research it looks like Boxee Box is just as restricted as Google TV is. Both use special flash players and "apps" to access internet TV rather than just using a regular browser, and as I result content is extremely restricted and/or requires subscription fees to access.

I have no problems watching whatever I want on my i5, but there's obviously a big difference between that and an atom processor out of a netbook or mini-pc.

I think an AMD Fusion-based system like this one would be a good candidate.

 

[sssscary]

I built a HTPC using a cheap desktop and lots of disk space (6TB) I hid the box and use a logitech air mouse to control virtually everything.
I added a tv tuner card to use with over-the-air channels via tv antenna. I get most of the standard networks in HD and can use the PC as a DVR. I set it to auto record tv series of the shows the kids like, now they have a huge library to choose from. iI can stream from all sites, and I can run Boxee or WMC to make the interface nicer for streaming. HTPC gives you ultimate flexibility. Cable/Satellite free since 2006!