Step up to the Internet Buffet

Let’s stop kidding ourselves. We say we like Internet based TV services like Netflix and Internet based music such as Pandora because they are no longer simply emerging technologies. They are the here and now of entertainment fulfillment. We also state the benefits of “content” on the go via our mobile devices; laptops, tablets, and smart phones. Don’t you feel just a little bit smarter when the guy next to you on the plane is reading SkyMall and you are watching Inception on your iPad in full high definition at 35,000 feet?
While this is all very cool and makes us feel a bit “high brow”, the real reason we enjoy these services is the same reason we enjoy the all-you-can-eat buffet…Lot’s of stuff at an acceptable price. You may be thinking that you sometimes enjoy a nice quiet meal and don’t mind paying more for a fun night out. That is why we still have movie theatres. For about $50 you and your significant other can purchase tickets to first run movies and maybe even share a bucket of popcorn and a soda. But for nightly entertainment, it is hard to beat $12 per month for a Netflix account. For this price you get one movie mailed to you at a time but more importantly all-you-can-eat (watch) downloads right to your TV instantly. If it’s music you like, why pay for subscription services when Pandora lets you tailor your radio stations to the music you enjoy for free.
How does it all work? Like any Internet-based service, it all starts with a high speed Internet connection in your home. Add a router which allows you to have multiple internet devices in the home and you are ready to start adding devices. The easiest way to get started is by adding a Bluray player that has Internet functions. There are many brands available but I find Samsung, LG and Sharp offer the most internet based content. Once your Bluray is connected to the TV, it also needs to be tied into the network. Some players require a hard-wired connection but others have built-in wireless capability if your home is not wired. There are also many TVs that have Internet content built in so you do not necessarily need a Bluray player. Keep in mind however that not all movies are available for instant download so a Bluray player offers the most flexibility for playing movies sent to you through the mail or viewing from your existing collection.
In addition to Netflix and Pandora, which are the most popular Internet applications, there are many others already available and many more on the way. YouTube videos are always fun to view on your TV especially if you posted them yourself. Samsung has just released a new version of their facebook application that is supposedly easier to navigate. Other movie services such as CinemaNow and Vudu are also available for downloading of more current movies, however these are pay as you view services that range in price from $4 to $20 per movie. Other free applications include convenience services such as accuweather and Skype. The most popular application by far however is still Netflix. They have grown from 2.6 million subscribers in 2004 to over 20 million subscribers today. Twenty million subscribers can’t be wrong so if you are considering entering into the Internet content fray, contact Home Genius for suggestions on the best equipment for your home.