The Truth In A Nutshell This review was created to simplify the
purchasing needs of PC TV programs through the internet. Why is this so
necessary? Have you ever purchased a TV program through the internet?!
Some TV programs are so ridiculous and cheesy that I just cannot mention
them here. I cannot give recognition to these programs, whether it be good
or bad, they simply should not exist.
 Inconvenient & "Cheesy" Another
big letdown for most TV software programs is "inconvenience". What I mean
by this is, the interface (the actual TV program) is so huge and/or
appalling, that it cannot be moved, resized, or viewed without causing
emotional discomfort or distress. This may sound very picky, but I can
only state the fact after viewing such a variety of different TV software
programs. I am really amazed, stunned may be a better word, by some of the
TV software programs out there. If you've downloaded and installed TV
software before, then you should know exactly what I'm talking about.
Nothing bugs me more than a software program that gives me constant
discomfort while I'm using it. I do not include the "inconvenient" TV
software programs in the review, not mainly because of this, but due to
the lack of "real" channels that most of them provide. That's what we'll
get into next.
Real Live Channels Or Not? This is
where the problem lies for most TV software programs on the internet. The
definition of "live" can be so misconstrued, that it could be re-written
in the dictionary with hundreds of different meanings. For internet TV, I
would classify live as within 30-60 seconds from the actual broadcast. The
streaming understandably takes extra time to reach your PC through the
internet, as it would through a standard cable or satellite TV connection.
I would even settle for 2 minute to 2 hours behind, rather than not having
it at all. Many of the TV software programs that we've tried were just
shamelessly pumped full of local news channels with video streams that are
not even close to live. I've personally seen a major network channel that
was just playing the same news clip from a few years ago. That is
definitely the most aggravating pet peeve for me.You can get closer, within seconds, to
actual live streaming, but you will be paying a hefty monthly fee for it.
I have seen some outstanding services that, on the other hand, were also
charging $150-$200 per month. I can not imagine paying that much for TV
through the internet, regardless of the channels I'm getting. The TV
software programs below do not require any memberships or contracts. There
are no monthly fees and the channel selection on all three of the programs
is more than overwhelming. I would be very careful with any other TV
software programs that you will see online.
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REVIEW RATING:
PRODUCT: ORBATEL
PC-TVS 2160
FEATURES: REMOTE-RESIZABLE SCREEN CAPABILITY
TESTED ON: WINDOWS 7, VISTA, XP
MONTHLY/YEARLY FEES: NO
CONTRACT/SUBSCRIPTION: NO
PREMIUM CHANNELS: YES
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE |
 PRODUCT
REVIEW:
The Orbatel PC-TVS 2160 is still my all-time favorite. It is the
most convenient piece of TV software that I've ever used. It can
play just as a thin little screen off to the right corner while
you're doing anything on the computer; auction sites, shopping,
working, playing, site surfing. You can even watch the news during
your research so that you don't miss any important breaking news.
It can easily be returned to the standard mode, maximized or full
screened to view the monitor as a full blown television set!! I
personally love it as a small screen that can be moved around with
no effort. The screen can be resized in tiny increments to get it
to that perfect size. Additionally, the software package includes
an internet browser toolbar that comes with more live TV, TV
shows, sports, movies and much more. Superb channel selection and
very reliable software. This is a great piece of software to own!
It comes loaded with thousands of channels, videos, and just a ton
of entertainment. |
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REVIEW RATING:
PRODUCT:
LIVE-TV-SOFTWARE
FEATURES: BRIGHT CUSTOM INTERFACE
TESTED ON: WINDOWS 7, VISTA, XP
MONTHLY/YEARLY FEES: NO
CONTRACT/SUBSCRIPTION: NO
PREMIUM CHANNELS: YES
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE |
PRODUCT
REVIEW:
This TV software is such a handy PC tool that comes with a bright,
clean interface and I really like the look and features that it
comes with. It won't resize in increments unfortunately, but has
specific buttons for resizing to 3 different size positions (plus
the maximized and full-screen options), which work out fabulously.
Another nice option is the favorites folder. I can right click on
any channel that I've loaded into the favorites folder and sort it
anywhere on the list that I want, not to mention the channel list
hider to minimize around the screen. You would be surprised at how
useful that can be when so many other TV software programs out
there do not even have it. I especially like the video software
that comes with it. I've actually watched Fox and Tbs within 2
clicks of the mouse and they just open up in new windows which is
great! The movie section on the toolbar is outstanding. This has
been used I don't know how many times since I'm a huge movie buff.
I can tell you that I could easily recommend this software to
family and friends, therefore I feel comfortable recommending it
here. If you like a bright, crisp display, I would go with this
one. |
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REVIEW RATING:
PRODUCT: DISHNETPC
TV SOFTWARE
FEATURES: DARK SMOOTH INTERFACE
TESTED ON: WINDOWS 7, VISTA, XP
MONTHLY/YEARLY FEES: NO
CONTRACT/SUBSCRIPTION: NO
PREMIUM CHANNELS: YES
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE |
PRODUCT
REVIEW:
This was a superb program. If you love the look and feel of the
classy black home TVs/stereos, this has a very dark scheme and is
definitely easy on the eyes in the dark. The buttons, especially.
The channel list is self updating and usually updates when you
open it up. The TV and videos on demand software that comes with
it is excellent. You can pretty much watch just about any TV show
or movie that you're looking for.
I've even added a ton of videos
from Youtube into the My Dishnetpc grid, which works out
beautifully for me, since I love Youtube. It is much more directed
for a US audience though, so it probably wouldn't be as satisfying
to outside countries, but I would use it either way. I actually
used this one for a long time and still do on occasions. It is a
classy alternative to conventional television and a great software
tool for any computer.
Highly oriented towards sports
fans. Features many live games that can watched right from
your PC. |
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All of the software programs that we have
installed only required basic computer skills, or less, to complete. Even
though the process is quite simple, if you think that you might need a
lengthy set of step by step instructions, program guide, or a
troubleshooting section, I would suggest using any of the Orbatel or
Dishnetpc products.
If you do decide to use another TV
software program, we do advise you to use caution. Please use the
knowledge provided to make a sound judgment in choosing your new TV
software. Extensive research was taken in this field and countless TV
software programs were installed, tested, and reviewed for this purpose.
The results of this review are based on
multiple TV on PC downloads, installations, as well as a full analysis of
current live TV software programs available online. This review is
provided absolutely free and may not be replicated or reproduced, under
any circumstances, without full written consent from the author.
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