CyberSeniors Computer Tips

01/09/08 Streaming TV to you PC.

Newk's Nook: I keep waiting for the total integration of Computer & TV. It gets closer each year. The following is an article by Kim Kommando on the subject.

Q I get digital cable on my main computer. I would like to be able to watch television around the house on my laptops. The two laptops and the main computer are connected to a wireless network. Is there any way to stream the television signal to my laptops?

A Yes, you can stream television from your main computer to your laptops. In fact, you have several options.

First, you can buy a Slingbox. This will stream your television programs over the Internet. You can access the programming from a laptop on your home network. Or, you can access it anywhere you have Internet access. The Slingbox gives you complete control over what you see. There are several versions of the Slingbox, starting at $180.

SageTV is similar to a Slingbox. It is software instead of hardware, though. The SageTV software will run about $100. My buying guide covers both the Slingbox and SageTV.

You can also use Windows Media Encoder to stream television. You can stream it across your home network or across the Internet.

Windows Media Encoder is a free program. However, it probably isn’t the best solution for you. The setup is complex. And you won’t be able to change channels from your laptop.

But there is another free alternative that is more suitable. It is called Orb. You install the program on your main computer. After you install the software, you must set up an account with Orb. There is no charge for that.

After you register with Orb, it should automatically open the Configuration settings. You’ll be walked through the process of setting up the software.

You can access your television programming from another computer. You simply log on to Orb’s site with your user name and password.

With Orb, you’ll be able to change channels from your laptop. However, if your cable is connected through a cable box, you may need additional hardware. An infrared receiver/transmitter is needed to change the channels. You connect it to your computer and position it so it can transmit to the cable box.

Incidentally, Orb isn’t just for streaming television. You can stream videos on your computer. You can also access music and photos. It will also function like a DVR and record television programs.

Additionally, you can invite friends and family to view content on your computer. So it is a handy way to share your photographs and home movies.

If you are receiving "Tips" mistakenly or you want to stop receiving them send me a note by clicking here.