One thing missing was the ability to play videos stored on [...]]]> Roku boxes are great. They let you watch Internet video, pictures, and listen to Internet audio programs. Roku recently enabled playing content from a locally connected USB device. Roku boxes are easy to install, easy to use and are inexpensive.

One thing missing was the ability to play videos stored on our computers via our local area network (LAN). Apple TV, a competitor to Roku boxes, allows us to connect to our iTunes libraries to stream video and audio from our computers via our LANs.

Installing the Plex server on your computer and as a Roku channel adds this missing feature. Plex can serve your iTunes video library and other video stored on your computer. The Plex Media Server links to the Roku Plex channel. This works on both Windows and Mac computers.

Here’s how to set up your devices:

Setup your computer to serve media

1. Download the Windows or Mac versions of the Plex Media Server from plexapp.com.
2. Install the software downloaded in step 1.
3. Make certain that the Plex Media software is running.
4. Locate the Plex icon on your Windows System Tray or Mac OS X Dock.
5. Right click on the icon and select Plex Media Manager…
6. Add your local media to the Plex Media Manager.

Setup your Roku device to play media

1. Go to roku.com in your browser and sign into your Roku account.
2. Select Add a Private Channel under the Manage Account section.
3. Enter plex for the channel name. (Note: it should be all lowercase.)
4. The Plex channel will show up on your Roku.
5. Open the Plex channel and select the video you want to play.

The Plex Roku client is currently a beta feature. Only video content is supported for now. Photo and audio (music and podcast) support will be added eventually.

You can find out more at http://elan.plexapp.com/2011/05/03/plex-on-the-roku/

Interested in a video service like Netflix or HuluPlus? How about MLB.tv? Would you like to watch a movie from Amazon VOD (video on demand), the iTunes Store or YouTube videos on your television?

I will discuss this at the next [...]]]>          

Interested in a video service like Netflix or HuluPlus? How about MLB.tv? Would you like to watch a movie from Amazon VOD (video on demand), the iTunes Store or YouTube videos on your television?

I will discuss this at the next meeting of the Connecticut PC Users Group (CTPC). I will tell you how you can do this, what equipment and cabling you need, and compare alternatives for connecting your TV to the Internet and what services each alternative offers.

• Tuesday, February 22, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
• Westport Library, McManus Room, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT

I plan to demonstrate Netflix and HuluPlus, if the Library’s Internet connection and projector resolution allow.

My talk will start at about 7:30 pm.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

What’s the best set top box (STB) for you? It’s one that meets your needs and wants. It’s one you can afford, figure out how to install, how to use and provides you the content you want.

Selecting the right one(s) for you is best done by first deciding what services you want [...]]]>

What’s the best set top box (STB) for you? It’s one that meets your needs and wants. It’s one you can afford, figure out how to install, how to use and provides you the content you want.

Selecting the right one(s) for you is best done by first deciding what services you want to watch or listen to and then finding the box that meets those requirements.

TV is changing. Old video distribution models are showing their age and their limited choices. Smart TV is upon us. Smart TV is content from non-legacy sources, such as Netflix or HuluPlus, shown on your TV, computer or mobile device. Smart TV content is provided to your TV by a set top box (STB) or via built-in features found on some newer, higher-priced HDTV models. STBs get their Smart TV content from the Internet or your computers. The content takes the form of streamed video or audio, or may be downloaded material saved on the set top box or a local computer. Legacy sources are over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts, cable TV, satellite TV, recorded tape (VHS) or optical media, like DVD and Blu-ray discs.

Do you want to subscribe to a video service like Netflix or HuluPlus? How about MLB.com? Smart TV STBs, other than a Home Theater PC (HTPC†), limit you to whatever services the STB manufacturer makes available. Most of them provide access to YouTube and Netflix. HuluPlus is available on some Blu-ray players from Sony and Samsung, but not from VIZIO, or Panasonic. It is available on a Roku players but not Apple TV. Want Amazon VOD? It is available on a Roku players but not Apple TV. Below are three tables showing which manufacturers support what services. (Click on the images to enlarge.)

Most of these devices connect to your audio/video receiver (AVR) or HDTV via HDMI cables. This makes the physical set up much simpler than in decades past when connecting a device to a home theater required multiple cables. Apple TV and Roku boxes are small, much smaller than a cable TV STB or a Blu-ray player. It would be easy to take them with you if you travel.

If your TV or AVR does not have an HDMI connection check before you buy to make certain that the device has the appropriate type of connectors for your equipment.

All of these devices require an Internet connection. They all come with built-in wired Ethernet adapters. Many have WiFi (802.11n) adapters as well. (Always choose wired over wireless for video streaming, if possible.)

STBs come with remote control devices. Apple TV, Roku and TiVo remotes are easy to understand and use. Most HDTV and Blu-ray player remotes are not.

STBs are a one-time purchase, except for TiVo. TiVo requires a subscription to their television guide service in addition to the cost of the box. 

Apple TV ($99) and Roku Players ($60 – $100) are inexpensive, simple devices.  There are no additional fees. Blu-ray players with Smart TV widgets are generally more expensive than standard Blu-ray players. However, I have seen some models for as low as $115. These are often older models or less recognizable brands. (Be careful not to be misled, many Blu-ray players have an Internet connection used to update firmware and access disc extras. This is not the same as Smart TV features.)

Many of the more desirable Smart TV services are subscription-only or pay-per-view. Netflix costs $7.99/mo. for streaming only. HuluPlus costs $7.99/mo. Amazon VOD purchases and the Apple iTunes Store prices are similar. Generally they have both rentals and to buy-to-own. Costs vary with the content. Popular HD movies generally cost $4.99 to rent. TV shows usually cost $0.99 – $1.99 per episode. Season subscriptions cost less per episode. Amazon offers quite a few movies to rent on sale for $0.99 – $2.99. The sale selection seems to change each week. The iTunes Store also features sale items. Both services offer some free content.

† An HTPC, AKA nettop, is a small form computer attached to your TV that provides the complete World Wide Web, without the other STBs artificial restrictions.

First corollary, “The rate of change is always increasing.“

Today I read two stories that downplayed the impact of cable TV deserters.

Like many things in tech, change starts slowly and then overnight the landscape shifts. This happened most recently with smartphones, once [...]]]>

Frisch’s Third Law, “Technology changes, always.”

First corollary, “The rate of change is always increasing.“

Today I read two stories that downplayed the impact of cable TV deserters.

• http://www.fiercecable.com/story/cord-cutters-non-impact-among-top-5-underreported-stories-2010/2011-01-03#comment-526
• http://mediamemo.allthingsd.com/20110103/27544/?mod=ATD_rss

Like many things in tech, change starts slowly and then overnight the landscape shifts. This happened most recently with smartphones, once dominated by Palm, Microsoft and BlackBerry, now owned by Apple and Google Android. It is happening again with computers being replaced by tablets (mostly the iPad).

Once every household had landline telephones. Now it is less than 70% and rapidly falling.

Once Internet Explorer controlled more than 90% of the browser market. Now is less than half and still falling.

Once we watched TV OTA. Then we switched to cable or satellite. Now the shift is on to Internet-delivered video.

Cable cutting numbers are probably understated as many people are like my mother-in-law and my household who both recently reduced our cable TV subscriptions. We are substituting Netflix, Amazon VOD, and DVDs borrowed from local public libraries for the much pricier cable TV packages. We still subscribe to cable TV, just not so much. The revenue that cable TV get from my mother-in-law and my household is much less than used to be.

We pay for channels we do not watch and never will. My wife and I [...]]]> Cablevision supplies my television, Internet access, and telephone service. The total monthly bill is about $200. Internet and phone service are basic needs in my house, cable TV is not. So I am considering downgrading it to reduce my bill.

We pay for channels we do not watch and never will. My wife and I do not watch foreign language channels. We don’t watch sports. Sports channels are the single largest part of the bill, excluding premium channels like HBO or Showtime. (See Is your cable TV bill too high?) We don’t want to pay for ESPN, YES and the myriad other sports channels. No cable company offers à la carte. Derek Jeter might be a great guy but I don’t want to be forced to pay his salary. I have no real choice!

The choices are:

• Take one of the packages the cable company or its competitors—satellite TV, AT&T or Verizon—offer.
• Get TV programming elsewhere (see below)
• Give up TV.

The last option is not a serious choice for many, including me.

Take one of the packages 
I subscribe to IO TV IO Silver package. It includes Family Cable plus some premium channels.  IO Silver costs $79.95/month, before charges for equipment and taxes. It is rising to $82.95/month beginning with the next bill. That is too much when I consider what we watch.  A Cablevision customer service representative told me I will save $24.00/month plus taxes if I downgrade to Family Cable. This is a savings of almost $300/year, when taxes are included.

What I want is a mixture of OTA channels, channels like SyFy or Turner Classic Movies, and perhaps premium channels like HBO. Unfortunately, if I want to reduce my cable TV bill I must forego premium channels we sometimes watch and keep the plethora of sports and special interest channels we never watch. Cablevision offers us two choices: continue paying too much or downgrade. Neither choice is appealing.

Get TV programming elsewhere
I am testing Netflix and Hulu as alternatives.

Netflix is a subscription, streaming video-on-demand (VOD) service ($7.99 per month) or VOD plus DVDs delivered by the post office ($9.99/month and up). I am subscribed to the latter, one DVD at a time plus unlimited VOD. Netflix is available on many Internet-connected TVs, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles and other set top boxes like Roku and Apple TV. 

My experience with Netflix has had some hiccups. Watching VOD on my TiVo or home theater personal computer (HTPC) has been a problem. The video has frozen numerous times causing me to re-launch the HTPC’s browser and do hard reboots on the TiVoHD. I think the freezing is due to using a WiFi connection on the HTPC and TiVoHD. When I switched them to wired there were no problems watching the entire 8 episode Showtime Pillars of the Earth. Oddly, I have had no problem watching on my iPhone 4 or MacBook Pro, both of which are WiFi connected.

Since we subscribed to Netflix we rarely watch any cable TV programs. We are watching older Mad Men seasons via DVD and Netflix VOD instead.

Hulu is a portal to VOD broadcast TV. Hulu offers a free service and HuluPlus for a monthly subscription. Hulu is okay. It is not compelling. Hulu reproduces what cable TV and TiVo provide me. The interface is complex compared to TiVo or a cable DVR. If you have the appropriate type of add-on box, like a Roku, a newer Samsung HDTV, you can watch it on your TV. Otherwise you must watch it on a computer or mobile device.

The winner is
Netflix seems like a keeper. Though we don’t get to watch the most recent TV or movies on Netflix, it does not matter to us. We still get plenty to watch and at an extremely reasonable price.

HuluPlus seems unnecessary.

I’m going to call I called Cablevision back and downgraded. $300/year in savings goes a long way to paying for something I do want to watch, like an iPad or a Samsung Galaxy Tab.

A commenter on the story, Anon from Boston, [...]]]> This morning the New York Times ran a story Rabbit Ears Perk Up for Free HDTV about how people in NYC are cutting the cord to cable TV using indoor antennas. If only this was a choice here in Weston, CT. It is not.

A commenter on the story, Anon from Boston, wrote a wonderful response about the state of television, which is worth repeating:

This is an expected outcome of a badly dysfunctional market.

The problem is that the cable companies are intermediaries between a rapacious and oppressive content industry, and the consumer. They lack any leverage in pricing, terms and conditions on the programming they supply, and thus lack control over their own pricing.

As a result, Disney, for example, can insist that a package including multiple channels of ESPN, ABC, ABC Family and a lot of other channels be put into the Basic Digital package at something like $8 or $9 a month per customer. For those customers who have no interest in any of that, too bad. Because if the cable company says no, then they get slammed by angry sports fans demanding to see their college basketball and sports trash talk.

The same goes for the regional sports networks and their big market pro teams. How can the NY Yankees afford to pay an aging shortstop $16M a year? There is a Derek Jeter tax, via the YES network, on every New York metro area cable subscriber. Including on Mets fans and those who have no interest whatever in baseball.

So the hapless cable companies pass on price increases from the content providers to their subscribers. Occasionally, one of them will balk, and there is an escalation of ads and counter-ads, and always the cable company folds. They have no power to do anything else. And then they raise their rates. And, increasingly, the price of cable service becomes more than the market will bear, and subscribers cut the cord.

Two possible answers both require sensible regulation by the FCC, following a grant of statutory authority by Congress. Congress once flirted with the idea of requiring that Cable offer a la carte pricing on programming. The content industry and its lobbyists fought to protect their gravy train. The cable industry did not want to invest in the back office infrastructure to support a la carte, and supported them. Were this to be revisited, the problem would go away.

The other alternative is a bit longer term. The cable industry could transition its business model to selling transport of programming, along with billing and ancillary customer support services. Content providers would set their own prices, paying a flat rate to the cable company, and optimize the price point of content to maximize profitability — but consumers could easily walk away. The existing model could still be available to those content providers willing to be reasonable, but the cable company would have the power to negotiate on pricing or at least on putting less desirable programming in different tiers.

This, of course, assumes that the Cable industry starts to recognize that the current model is endangered; that they are willing to put their lobbyists to work on driving to a new business model; that a Congress corrupted by money from both sides and suffused with anti-regulatory fervor would be willing to enact the necessary legislation; that a largely clueless FCC would be able to craft the necessary regulation; and that the network neutrality lobby would not succeed in killing the usage-based pricing and service guarantees needed to make the second approach work. This is a tall order.

Lacking that, I fear that the once prosperous cable industry will fall on hard times.

This is not true.

They now see the message below or something similar [...]]]> Beginning on June 15, 2010 many Cablevision customers were distressed to find they could no longer view TV stations on their televisions without a cable box. I have heard this from clients, friends and on several heated discussions on Facebook.

This is not true.

They now see the message below or something similar if they live in other parts of Cablevision’s territory, when tuning to an old, analog station, like 2 or 7. This message is technically correct yet misinforms Cablevision’s customers, making them think there are no channels they can view without a cable box.

All digital over-the-air (OTA) broadcast channels are unencrypted and available for viewing. These are the familiar New York OTA TV stations—WCBS, WNBC, WNYW, WABC, WWOR, WPIX, WNET and WLIW. Digital channels have numbers like 2-1 or 4-4, rather than the single number analog stations like 2 or 4.

You need an HDTV with a QAM tuner to view these channels. Your older standard definition TVs CANNOT receive digital channels without an intermediary device like a cable box that converts the digital signal to analog. Most HDTVs sold within the last 3 years have built-in QAM tuners. (QAM is an acronym for quadrature amplitude modulation, which is the format used in encoding and transmitting digital cable channels.)

You can tune to the digital OTA channels if you know how. This will vary with the HDTV and remote control. Check your manual for instructions on how to do this. You may be able to have the TV scan automatically for these channels.

You will NOT be able to see analog stations, like 2, 3, 4… or any non-OTA cable channels like CNBC, CNN or A&E, without a cable box.

Below is a partial list of the unencrypted digital OTA channels my HDTV can receive in Weston, CT, without a cable box. Your stations should be similar if not identical. Note that there are some cable-only channels on the list like News 12 and C-SPAN.