Computer & Network Upgrades

Being an IT savant, I enjoy enhancing and upgrading my computers and home network, which is exactly what I started doing this summer. My first upgrade was a Westinghouse 47 inch LCD HDTV which is being used as the monitor for my Media-PC, Xbox 360, Wii, and Playstation 3. Yes, I do have them all. Not only is it a great screen to game on, but it is also great for watching online and locally stored videos. My next major upgrade was a Cisco Wireless N router, which not only gave our network a wider wifi radius, but it also enhanced our networks transfer rates significantly. That is what I have done so far. Continue reading to find out about my upcoming projects!

How To: Stream Internet Video & Downloaded Media To TV

Times are tough. Workers are losing their jobs and getting laid like never before. If you find yourself in this position and need to cut costs where ever possible, I would suggest ditching your cable company and/or Tivo in favor of online television. These days, most popular shows that come on TV can also be viewed online. Sites like Hulu.com, CBS.com, and ESPN.com make it possible with their huge libraries of content that feature full-length TV shows and movies. However, it’s the update rate that makes these sites even better. Usually new episodes of TV shows will be uploaded the day after they air. So, there’s really no need for Tivo’s anymore since you can now watch your favorite shows online. Another way you can catch these shows is to download them using an application like iTunes. Doing so would allow you to watch said show on your iPod.

But what if you want to watch these shows on your nice, big HDTV? It’s easy, just stream it! If you want to watch Internet-based video from sites likes Hulu.com on your TV, you should use the PlayOn! video streamer. This software is ridiculously easy to setup and use. All you do is download and install its server client onto your home computer and then navigate to the Video section on the media player that is connected to your TV. PlayOn can stream video content to any DLNA media-rendering device that is connected to your network. What makes it even cooler is that the service converts the videos while they are streaming, so you don’t have to deal with any format issues.

Now, what if you want to watch video content that is stored on your PC? Maybe you have a home movie or a film that you downloaded from iTunes and want to watch it on the big screen with a group of friends. For this, you can use Orb. Orb works similarly to the previously mentioned PlayOn, converting videos during the streaming process. However, Orb is meant to be used to watch, listen, or view your locally stored media over your network. Setup is also similar to that of PlayOn. Download and install the server software on your PC, point it to your media folders, and and your media will be ready for viewing on your big screen.

Both of these services can be streamed to the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and most network-connected set top boxes.

If I may quote Stewie Griffin, “Well that’s my plan, where’s yours?” If you have your own streaming media solution let me know in the comments!

For more information or to download the software mentioned in this article, please click logos above.