online HDTV

[dunl]

Does anyone watch HDTV for free, using their computer hooked up to a HDTV as the output monitor?  I know you can do it, and I can display my screen on the TV.  I'm more or less wondering about the best software for doing this, companies who offer it, websites, etc.

If I can cut my provider and keep or improve the programming, I'd like to do it.

[apex]

Are you talking about live streams or Downloadable content?

There are services like Netflix that does VOD streaming at 720p. 1080 is a challenge to stream even in the states where the average net speed is twice what we get here. No one is really doing it yet.

Hulu does live streaming and VOD but you'll need to proxy into the US and I believe it is only standard Def.

There are numerous non-authorized feeds for programming but almost all of it is SD.

If you want legal downloadable content, the easiest way is through the apple store. You'll download .mov in H264 codec with DRM and playable through iTunes.

If you want non legal DLC, search for .mkv files which are mostly 720p or 1080i. You'll need some decent codecs for playback or just use VLC.

A dedicated home theatre PC is the best purchase I have done for my entertainment. Havn't payed for cable in years, never missed a show.

[dunl]

I'm not sure which I am looking for yet.  I'm just hoping to eventually get rid of yet another bill.

Do you need any special software to do this?  I keep seeing websites where they offer software that you need to pay for once, and then you can get all the channels you want....what's the catch?

[apeman]

that would be streaming or live hdtv..and that would cost you...if you want download then its free..i watch cops on my laptop non stop at tvshack.net or electroneed.com, but that isnt streaming, i download every episode.