The Savvy Boomer

What the new Digital TV rules mean to you

Over the past few months I received unsolicited information from some electronics sellers offering information for me to post about what the new digital TV transition coming in February means.  They were all long technical explanations which I thought basically affected very few people but I wasn't sure and of course the sellers were all looking to sell a converter box.  I didn't think it had much affect on anyone since most people either have cable or satellite so I didn't bother posting it.

Today however, I found the simple explanation below on the Consumerist so I'm posting it below.

TIVO comes to Canada

TIVO is basically a very sophisticated  digital video recorder that records programs from your TV cable or satellite.  TIVO announced today that it will soon be legally sold in Canadian electronics stores.  Up to now, TIVO boxes  had to be brought in from the US and if you ran into technical problems you were on your own and that's if you could somehow get a US subscription.  There are already similar products available from the Canadian cable carriers so the introduction of TIVO will probably make DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) start to become more popular in Canada.  Apparently the initial model being released will not be HD capable so that may be a hindrance to sales as the ones provided by the cable companies are.  Also, the DVRs are built into the same box as the HD receiver so the monthly fee covers both.  The TIVO set will cost $199 plus a monthly fee. Canadian cable companies are quite protective of their turf so I predict a battle for TIVO.

WATCHING TV ON THE INTERNET

Why would you ever want to do that?  Well, maybe you read my previous post about LCD monitors and ran out and bought one and now you want to look at something more than pictures of Aunt Rose in Las Vegas or a spreadsheet of how many payments you have left on your mortgage. 

If you are traveling and have access to a PC whether it be your laptop in a Motel 6 in Spokane or a desktop provided by the Westin in Tokyo, as long as you have a broadband connection available you can download the TVU player and within a few minutes be watching all the US networks plus other favorites from around the world like BBC, Star Sports or even (gulp) al Jazeera.  Go here to TVU's website to get more information and download the software.  Of course, it's all free and while it's not the same quality you will get on your TV, you'll be surprised at how well it works.

Also, many of the major networks are beginning to offer some of their programs on a re-run basis such as 60 Minutes so just go to one of the major networks such as CBS and look around their site.  You'll be surprised at how much is available for free on-line now.  If you want some laughs, check out the Comedy Central site.  It features the new American comedy icons Jon Stewart and Stephen Chapelle.

Also, iTunes is offering quite a few current TV programs on a pay per show basis including CSI and Lost. It's more involved than just clicking on the link because you have to  download the iTunes player and then download each show you select after paying for it by credit card. 

There are lots of alternatives out there for watching TV on the Internet now and there will be even more as networks realize the Internet is just another medium to get their programs in front of the viewers.