Computers Internet TV, hulu.com, et al

modocsot · 06-08-2009, 07:51 AM

Has anyone here tried watching internet TV on a Home Theater PC?

I'm considering buying a slim desktop PC to use as a HTPC, and canceling my DirecTV. The cost saved from canceling DirecTV would pay for the HTPC within several months. It looks like there's a lot of TV shows now available on the internet.

If anyone's tried this, or can think of potential downsides to the idea, I'd like to hear. Thanks!

**mikeyis4dcats.** · 06-08-2009, 08:00 AM

if you have no technical knowledge, an HTPC is not for you. They require constant maintenance and are not a plug & play solution.

By the way, you don't need an HTPC to do this, you can watch Hulu on a Roku or PS3 (with $30 software).

No one can say if this will work for you....we don't know your taste in tv nor your viewing habits. Many shows are not on Hulu or other sites, and often those that are are only for a limited time or only available after a certain amount of time.

**Saulbadguy** · 06-08-2009, 08:36 AM

Downsides - if you are looking forward to your favorite show being on, you won't get to see the show until the next day because they upload it the day after it airs. Quality isn't as good. Selection isn't as good. etc.

modocsot · 06-08-2009, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeyis4dcats.

if you have no technical knowledge, an HTPC is not for you. They require constant maintenance and are not a plug & play solution.

By the way, you don't need an HTPC to do this, you can watch Hulu on a Roku or PS3 (with $30 software).

No one can say if this will work for you....we don't know your taste in tv nor your viewing habits. Many shows are not on Hulu or other sites, and often those that are are only for a limited time or only available after a certain amount of time.

Regarding constant maintenance, are you referring to maintenance related to a regular computer?

We only watch a few shows, all on major networks. Can probably catch those OTA.

I thought of the idea for an HTPC when I surfed hulu.com, and wondered if it'd look good on our 47" LCD in the home theater.

**DaFace** · 06-08-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeyis4dcats.

if you have no technical knowledge, an HTPC is not for you. They require constant maintenance and are not a plug & play solution.

By the way, you don't need an HTPC to do this, you can watch Hulu on a Roku or PS3 (with $30 software).

No one can say if this will work for you....we don't know your taste in tv nor your viewing habits. Many shows are not on Hulu or other sites, and often those that are are only for a limited time or only available after a certain amount of time.

I'm not sure I agree with that. If you're not using it as a DVR, it's just a computer that happens to use your TV as a monitor. Once you have it set up, it's just like any other computer in terms of software and usage.

As for the question, Netflix looks great. YouTube is watchable. I notice Hulu skipping a lot more on my big screen than I do when just watching it on my laptop. But it's still more than watchable.

**mikeyis4dcats.** · 06-08-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaFace

I'm not sure I agree with that. If you're not using it as a DVR, it's just a computer that happens to use your TV as a monitor. Once you have it set up, it's just like any other computer in terms of software and usage.

As for the question, Netflix looks great. YouTube is watchable. I notice Hulu skipping a lot more on my big screen than I do when just watching it on my laptop. But it's still more than watchable.

unless things have improved drastically, the near constract tweaking and upgrading of codecs and plug ins, format compatibilities, and maintenance of programming guides, etc. requires more work than the average PC. Not saying it can't be done, but for those expecting to buy a box, stick it in a cabinet and forget it will be disappointed. Oh, and I can't imagine having an HTPC that is not capable of recording and displaying OTA content, but that's just me.

And if he means to build the HTPC himself, he definitely needs GOOD technical knowledge.

modocsot · 06-08-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeyis4dcats.

unless things have improved drastically, the near constract tweaking and upgrading of codecs and plug ins, format compatibilities, and maintenance of programming guides, etc. requires more work than the average PC. Not saying it can't be done, but for those expecting to buy a box, stick it in a cabinet and forget it will be disappointed. Oh, and I can't imagine having an HTPC that is not capable of recording and displaying OTA content, but that's just me.

And if he means to build the HTPC himself, he definitely needs GOOD technical knowledge.

No, was just looking at a Dell Inspiron 530s:
http://www.dell.com/content/products...=19&l=en&s=dhs

I actually didn't think about recording anything OTA; but now that you mention it, it sounds like a good idea.

Deberg_1990 · 06-08-2009, 11:34 AM

If all you do is watch network TV and dont record programs, id say its an excellent idea to save some money.

Stewie · 06-08-2009, 12:19 PM

Hulu and Joost plus OTA reception are about all you need. Screw cable and satellite. Granted, the pic quality isn't perfect, but it's good enough. I've noticed some shows are perfect and some choppy. Barney Miller is one of my favorite old shows and it's choppy when there's much movement. It's a little annoying, but not so bad as to quit watching. I don't know if they've reduced the frames per second or what, but it's consistent in its choppiness.

**007** · 06-08-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewie

Hulu and Joost plus OTA reception are about all you need. Screw cable and satellite. Granted, the pic quality isn't perfect, but it's good enough. I've noticed some shows are perfect and some choppy. Barney Miller is one of my favorite old shows and it's choppy when there's much movement. It's a little annoying, but not so bad as to quit watching. I don't know if they've reduced the frames per second or what, but it's consistent in its choppiness.

all I have noticed from Joost is music videos.

Stewie · 06-08-2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru

all I have noticed from Joost is music videos.

Click on the "Shows" or "Film" links at the top of the Joost homepage and you'll see quite a number of TV shows and movies available.

**007** · 06-08-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewie

Click on the "Shows" or "Film" links at the top of the Joost homepage and you'll see quite a number of TV shows and movies available.

I have it on the iPod touch but it seems like every time I try to find anything it is always movie clips and not actual movies.

modocsot · 06-09-2009, 07:54 AM

Thanks for all the input. I'm going to purchase a Dell 530s with a TV tuner so that I have the option of recording OTA HDTV.

**mikeyis4dcats.** · 06-09-2009, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modocsot

Thanks for all the input. I'm going to purchase a Dell 530s with a TV tuner so that I have the option of recording OTA HDTV.

just curious, how did you choose a530s for your HTPC?

modocsot · 06-09-2009, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeyis4dcats.

just curious, how did you choose a530s for your HTPC?

Its compact size, allowing it to be stored on its side was a big factor; allowing it blend in with the rest of the HT components. I also read reviews that it's fairly quiet. Also, Dell's customization such as the addition of an HDMI video card and/or HDTV tuner. Most importantly, price. After 15% coupon code, I'm getting the specs I chose for $510.

Why, do you suggest an alternative?

06-08-2009, 07:51 AM
modocsot Starter Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Jax, FL (Southbank) Casino cash: $5589244	Internet TV, hulu.com, et al Has anyone here tried watching internet TV on a Home Theater PC? I'm considering buying a slim desktop PC to use as a HTPC, and canceling my DirecTV. The cost saved from canceling DirecTV would pay for the HTPC within several months. It looks like there's a lot of TV shows now available on the internet. If anyone's tried this, or can think of potential downsides to the idea, I'd like to hear. Thanks!
Posts: 244

06-08-2009, 08:00 AM	#2
mikeyis4dcats. Scarlett Johansson's boytoy Join Date: Nov 2006 Casino cash: $9555998	if you have no technical knowledge, an HTPC is not for you. They require constant maintenance and are not a plug & play solution. By the way, you don't need an HTPC to do this, you can watch Hulu on a Roku or PS3 (with $30 software). No one can say if this will work for you....we don't know your taste in tv nor your viewing habits. Many shows are not on Hulu or other sites, and often those that are are only for a limited time or only available after a certain amount of time.
Posts: 12,526

06-08-2009, 08:36 AM	#3
Saulbadguy When a nightmare becomes real Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $2556966	Downsides - if you are looking forward to your favorite show being on, you won't get to see the show until the next day because they upload it the day after it airs. Quality isn't as good. Selection isn't as good. etc. __________________ http://www.goemaw.com
Posts: 46,968

06-08-2009, 11:34 AM	#8
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $3914454	If all you do is watch network TV and dont record programs, id say its an excellent idea to save some money.
Posts: 66,914

06-08-2009, 12:19 PM	#9
Stewie MVP Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: West of the Equator Casino cash: $1829901	Hulu and Joost plus OTA reception are about all you need. Screw cable and satellite. Granted, the pic quality isn't perfect, but it's good enough. I've noticed some shows are perfect and some choppy. Barney Miller is one of my favorite old shows and it's choppy when there's much movement. It's a little annoying, but not so bad as to quit watching. I don't know if they've reduced the frames per second or what, but it's consistent in its choppiness.
Posts: 13,619

06-09-2009, 07:54 AM	#13
modocsot Starter Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Jax, FL (Southbank) Casino cash: $5589244	Thanks for all the input. I'm going to purchase a Dell 530s with a TV tuner so that I have the option of recording OTA HDTV.
Posts: 244