The internet has become more than just a portal for information. It is now a source of nearly unlimited entertainment. With faster internet speeds becoming more common, the options for media consumption have become substantial.
If you have a computer that can connect to the internet and is relatively powerful, you have a major alternative to a TV and cable service.
Your computer alone won’t fit the bill. You are going to have to use a service to get the TV you want. Certain services don’t have certain channels, so be sure you check the specific listings of each service. Fortunately, you have plenty of options to choose from.
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Netflix
Rising to incredible popularity in recent years, Netflix is an option for all trying to forego TV in favor of watching their favorite shows through the internet. It has over 100,000 titles available on DVD and Blu-Ray and tens of thousands of titles ready to be streamed, and that includes high definition options.
It is based on a subscription model. That means you have to pay monthly to get access to what you need. Subscriptions start at $8 per month for unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows.
Netflix has many of the shows you are already familiar with. It can also stream to many media devices you already have. It is a great option for anyone willing to pay for a large and growing selection. To top it off, the first month is free!
Hulu
Hulu is a video streaming service that offers many tv shows, trailers, and movies. Hulu is more TV-centric than Netflix, so the movie selection is thin. Unlike Netflix, it is a free service, but you do have to sit through commercials.
Hulu does offer a subscription service in addition to its free service; Hulu Plus. Hulu Plus keeps the commercials but adds a wider array of tv shows and movies. Offering features such as streaming to different devices and full seasons of shows.
One of the biggest advantages of Hulu Plus is that Hulu makes an effort to update its catalog with the latest episodes of TV very soon after the episode aired – in most cases one day. Hulu Plus costs $7.99 per month and has a one-week free trial.
Amazon Video On Demand
Amazon Video On Demand is a service that streams movies and TV shows for rent or purchase. Amazon has over 140,000 movies and TV shows that you can buy or rent, available in standard definition and high definition.
These videos can be viewed in your web browser. Amazon also offers select titles for free to Amazon Prime members.
TV Tuner
If you’re looking for a more technical option but also more true to the TV experience, look into getting a TV Tuner for your computer. It allows your PC to act as your Cable box would; pulling in certain channels depending on which TV Tuner you choose.
Getting TV shows on your computer has never been easier with companies like Netflix and Hulu leading the pack. If you are willing to research and make sure the shows you love are offered by certain services, you may never have to pay for cable again.
