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Replace Cable with Internet TV

Ranked #9,078 in Computers & Electronics, #180,898 overall

Save $1,000 a year by getting your TV over the internet on a home theatre PC!

Cable is expensive, the service is lousy, and it only has some of the shows you want to watch.

This lens is about getting rid of cable and replacing it with internet video. It has the tools, links, and how-tos you need to save $1000/year by getting rid of cable.

To get rid of cable, you have to have a computer than can access the internet, a connection between the computer and a TV, and a comfortable couch.

This lens tells you how to find all the parts. The hardware, software, and the websites that will let you get the TV you want when you want it.

Guides for Building Your Own Home Theatre PC

Build your own

Building your own HTPC is usually the cheapest, the best way to customize, and not as hard as you might think. Here are some quality guides:

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Roku2

What you read here may change your mind about buying the new Roku2 - the new and improved best selling media streaming player. Roku is the easiest way to bring the web to your TV. Come and find out the latest Roku news or find the best Roku deals around.1 point

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Ars System Guide: HTPC edition - Ars Technica

The Ars Technica System Guide returns with a focus on home theater PCs. We've got two options for you: an all-in-one or a lightweight front end combined with a heavyweight back end.0 points

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Coding Horror: Building Your Own Home Theater PC

I've kept a PC in my living room for the past three years as my primary home theater interface, and I heartily recommend it. It's shocking how cheap and easy it is to build a home theater PC these days.0 points

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TR's Christmas 2008 system guide - The Tech Report - Page 1

A custom PC designed more for enthusiasts than low-power quiet. Consider if you are using one computer for both gaming and video.0 points

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Home Entertainment with Full HD LCD TVs

BRAVIA Full HD LCD Televisions - Sony's latest HD Ready 1080p flat widescreen televisions with LED and slim designs to add style to your digital home.0 points

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Cheap Couches For Sale

Cheap Couches. >> Cheap Couches For Sale0 points

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Logitech Squeezebox Radio Music Player with Color Screen (Black) | Best Home Theater

You only need a little space to fill any room with rich stereo sound. This ultra-compact Wi-Fi music player is as small as a clock radio. But it's designed with big audio technology. Support for high-resolution encoding captures the wide range of details that make your digital music come to life. An...0 points

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Onkyo TX-NR609 7.2 Channel Network THX Certified A/V Receiver | Best Home Theater

As the sweet spot in the accessible, the TX-NR609 Onkyo is another classic. THX Select2 Plus certified A / V receiver to your favorite audio media and Internet content on the network and Wi-Fi, iPod / iPhone and PC. % HDMI u2014including six laps on the front 3D% u2014provide improved video, ultra-h...0 points

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Sony BRAVIA DAV-DZ170 Home Theater System | Best Home Theater

Sony DAV-DZ170 DVD Home Theater System 1000 watts of power, and it also improves HD picture quality HDMI nearby.0 points

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Onkyo TX-SR508 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) | Best Home Theater

Onkyo's mission is to deliver outstanding audio and video quality to your home, no matter what budget you're on. With the 7.1-channel TX-SR508, you get an entry-level home theater centerpiece built to unleash the potential of your favorite entertainment sources.0 points

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LG LHT854 1000-Watt DVD Disc Home Theater In a Box | Best Home Theater

Bring movies, music and entertainment to the next level LG LHT854 home theater. Make your DVDs to 1080p looks great, and feel the difference in sound film. And not just movies. It is also Made for iPod, so you can connect and enjoy the music immediately.0 points

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TDK Life on Record 77000015386 Belt Drive Turntable | Best Home Theater

The TDK Life on Record turntable delivers the precision performance, premium surfaces and features needed to truly enjoy the experience. This advanced belt driven turntable supports both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM playback speeds as the floating design isolates the platter and needle from external vibrations...0 points

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Pioneer VSX-521-K 5.1 Home Theater Receiver, Glossy Black | Best Home Theater

The Pioneer VSX-521 features a Bluetooth wireless audio option with 550 watts of high powered 5.1 home theater audio playback. Other features include 4 HDMI 1.4a 3-D ready inputs, hi resolution Dolby and dts multi-channel audio playback from Blu-Ray discs, Pioneer's proprietary Auto MCACC room calib...0 points

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Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater System (Set of Six, Black) | Best Home Theater

This landmark Energy 5.1 Take Classic home entertainment system flaunts superior MDF cabinets finished in sophisticated high-gloss black. It includes a powerful 200-watt subwoofer with a front-firing port, 8 driver and patented Ribbed Elliptical Surround(TM) for well-defined bass reproduction.0 points

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Sound Freaq SFQ-01R Sound Platform (Red) | Best Home Theater

The performance of next-generation audio sytem meets Hi-Fi Bluetooth wireless comfort. Here are a few new accessories for iPhone Apple iPad, Motorola, Droid,% u2026 Blackberry smartphones. Voice Platform is designed to fit easily into any room and fill it with exceptional acoustics. Voice Platform f...0 points

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Yamaha NS-SP1800BL 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker Package | Best Home Theater

The Yamaha NS-SP1800BL 5.1-channel home theater speaker package is a low cost, convenient way to enjoy the full benefits of 5.1-channel home theater sound.0 points

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Sony STR-DH710 7.1-channel A/V Receiver with 6 HD Inputs [3D Compatible] | Best Home Theater

Ignite your home entertainment expertise with the STR-DH710 seven.1-channel A/V receiver. With half dozen HD inputs (3 HDMI and three component), you'll take full advantage of all of your high-definition parts as well as a Blu-ray Disc player or PS3 system. Everything you hear can sound as near the...0 points

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Denon DHT-391XP 5.1 Channel Home Theater System | Best Home Theater

Denon DHT-391XP 5.1 Channel Home Theater System0 points

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Polk Audio RM705 5.1 Home Theater System (Set of Six, Black) | Best Home Theater

Polk Audio RM705 5.1 Home Theater System (Set of Six, Black) With Polk Audio's RM705, you get a perfectly matched, professional quality compact 5.1-channel surround sound home theater system at an affordable price.0 points

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Coby CSP96 300-Watt 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker System (Black) | Best Home Theater

Coby CSP96 300-Watt 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker System (Black)0 points

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Onkyo HT-S3300 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver and Speaker Package (Black) | Best Home Theater

Onkyo HT-S3300 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver and Speaker Package (Black)0 points

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Sony HT-CT150 3D Sound Bar System | Best Home Theater

Complete your 3D home entertainment experience with simple, yet powerful surround sound. The HT-CT150 32 3D sound bar home theater system features 3D compatibility and can also be turned into your entertainment hub by connecting multiple HD or 3D devices using a single HDMI cable per device (sold se...0 points

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Onkyo HT-S7300 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver and Speaker Package with iPod Dock | Best Home Theater

Sitting at the top of our range of home theater packages, the HT-S7300 combines today's essential A/V technology with proven Onkyo amplification muscle. Four HDMI 1.4a inputs allow you to hook up all your high-def devices and enjoy spectacular widescreen 1080p resolution on a compatible display.0 points

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Sony BDV-E770W Blu-ray Player Home Entertainment System [3D Compatible] | Best Home Theater

Experience movies in full HD 1080p resolution and powerful 5.1-channel HD surround sound including wireless rear speakers with the BDV-E770W 3D Blu-ray Disc home theater system. This great system minimizes movie wait times so you can begin watching faster than ever. You can also wirelessly stream Ne...0 points

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Best Home Theater - Home Theater Systems for Sale

Best Home Theater. Looking for Best Home Theater Systems for Sale, Save up to 50% when buy now and you may be get shipping for free if you live in USA location.0 points

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Onkyo TX-SR608 | AV Receiver Reviews

Onkyo TX-SR608 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver is a versatile home theater centerpiece.0 points

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Pioneer VSX-1120-K | AV Receiver Reviews

The Pioneer VSX-1120-K delivers the ultimate level of control and sophistication for your home theater.0 points

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Pioneer VSX-1020-K | AV Receiver Reviews

The Pioneer VSX-1020-K delivers amazing home theater performance in an elegant package. It has great sound, tons of features, and lots of connectivity for whatever device you may have.0 points

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Sony STR-DH510 | AV Receiver Reviews

The Sony STR-DH510 is one of the only economically priced surround-sound amps that decodes the surround-sound information in the amp itself before passing video on up to the TV.0 points

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Onkyo TX-NR708 | AV Receiver Reviews

Onkyo TX-NR708 brings the audio goldmine of Internet radio to your living room. It sounds great, runs cool and has a ton of features for the price.0 points

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Onkyo TX-SR508 | AV Receiver Reviews

With the 7.1-channel Onkyo TX-SR508 , you get an entry-level home theater centerpiece built to unleash the potential of your favorite entertainment sources.0 points

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Onkyo TX-SR308 | AV Receiver Reviews

The Onkyo TX-SR308 is a fine basic receiver. It is simple and easy to set up and connect. Very intuitive and a snap with the on-screen menu. Perfect for your home theater setup with a new HiDef Television.0 points

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Onkyo HT-RC260 | AV Receiver Reviews

The Onkyo HT-RC260 gives you competitive receiver quality for a fraction of the cost. The quality of sound and the system's versatility and configurations allows you to hear a wide range of different sounds and sound quality.0 points

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Onkyo TX-NR808 | AV Receiver Reviews

The Onkyo TX-NR808 is a top class performer in the middle class range of AV equipment. Home Theater magazine rates it a best buy, and this receiver performs extremely well.0 points

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Onkyo TX-8555 | AV Receiver Reviews

The Onkyo TX-8555 is very versatile stereo receiver for the home theater enthusiast. This streamlined two-channel receiver lets you focus solely on your music or get high-quality sound from movies, broadcasts, and gaming.0 points

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Sony STR-DH100 | AV Receiver Reviews

The Sony STR-DH100 is a very capable receiver, nicely built with a useful and easy to understand remote. This unit is perfect for someone not wanting to do surround sound but still wants to run a blu ray and a few other items thru their stereo.0 points

Using Microsoft Vista Media Center for Streaming

Essential add-ins for VMC

These add ins allow you to access your streaming TV from inside media center. It provides a 10-foot interface and links to the standard remote control.

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Wireless Speakers

Wireless Speakers Store1 point

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Free Wordpress Premium | Home of Premium Quality Wordpress Templates

This WordPress theme store brings web publishers remarkable designs and services including WordPress maintenance and development, SEO and online marketing, and more.1 point

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SecondRun.tv - Internet TV Plug-In for Windows Media Center - SecondRun Home Page

This is the key add-in. It provides a very easy to use interface to most of the big streaming sites. Especially good Hulu support. Check the site for frequent updates.0 points

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TunerFreeMCE

MillieSoft Media Center PC software -- Similar to SecondRun.tv, but with a focus on BBC and other United Kingdom channels0 points

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MyNetflix (beta)

New Vista Media Center Plugin that integrates Netflix streaming into media center. Works well with the remote and easy to setup.0 points

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My Movies - Home

My Movies - free MCE (Microsoft Media Center Edition) add-on applications to function as remote operated dvd index for both your online and offline dvds. Browse your DVD collection by titles, actors, directors or genres - all with covers and images.0 points

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Premium Wordpress Themes

premiumthemes.net provides Premium Wordpress Themes of high quality! You can find all sort of Premium Wordpress Themes at our Themes Gallery page. Explore the wide variety of Premium Wordpress Themes and choose best Theme for your blog or site now!0 points

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FRYE Men's Harness Boot

Looking to add some rugged and rebellious style to your weekend wardrobe? Step right into this American-made boot from Frye and march to the beat of your own drum.0 points

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Chippewa Men's Toe Logger Boot

This tough-guy really has the goods. This 8" boot from Chippewa features an ASTM F2413-05 steel toe for impact and electrical hazard resistance, along with a comfortable Flexwelt insole.0 points

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Advanced IP Scanner

Looking for an Advanced IP Scanner? Here is an Introduction and Reviews of Advanced IP Scanners...0 points

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premium wordpress

This WordPress theme store brings web publishers remarkable designs and services including WordPress maintenance and development, SEO and online marketing, and more.0 points

Top TV Streaming Sites

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hulu.com

The big streaming site from NBC and Fox and soon ABC. Standard definition broadcast quality, brief advertisements and very good selection. When will CBS join?1 point

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Watch Live TV - Guide to Watching TV Online

See how easy it is to watch live TV on your computer.1 point

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fancast.com

Created by comcast, Ok streaming.0 points

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www.netflix.com

Netflix streams movies and TV. They are very good for older TV shows. The selection of movies for streaming changes frequently. Quality is about standard definition.0 points

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youtube.com

Youtube has the biggest video selection, but is not strong in full episodes and movies. Good for the quick-hit viral videos.0 points

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tv.com

CBS network content with a bit of other stuff. Notable for star trek episodes online.0 points

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Create a website | Build Traffic

Planning and hosting is something that should be done first. If you have a clear vision of what you are going to do and how you will provide for your customers then you have taken the first step to success.0 points

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Pioneer VSX-1020-K | AV Receiver Reviews

The Pioneer VSX-1020-K delivers amazing home theater performance in an elegant package. It has great sound, tons of features, and lots of connectivity for whatever device you may have.0 points

10

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Pioneer VSX-1120-K | AV Receiver Reviews

The Pioneer VSX-1120-K delivers the ultimate level of control and sophistication for your home theater.0 points

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Onkyo TX-NR708 | AV Receiver Reviews

Onkyo TX-NR708 brings the audio goldmine of Internet radio to your living room. It sounds great, runs cool and has a ton of features for the price.0 points

12

Vote Up
Vote Down

Onkyo TX-SR508 | AV Receiver Reviews

With the 7.1-channel Onkyo TX-SR508 , you get an entry-level home theater centerpiece built to unleash the potential of your favorite entertainment sources.0 points

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Vote Up
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Sony STR-DH510 | AV Receiver Reviews

The Sony STR-DH510 is one of the only economically priced surround-sound amps that decodes the surround-sound information in the amp itself before passing video on up to the TV.0 points

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Onkyo TX-SR608 | AV Receiver Reviews

Onkyo TX-SR608 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver is a versatile home theater centerpiece.0 points

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Vote Up
Vote Down

Onkyo TX-SR308 | AV Receiver Reviews

The Onkyo TX-SR308 is a fine basic receiver. It is simple and easy to set up and connect. Very intuitive and a snap with the on-screen menu. Perfect for your home theater setup with a new HiDef Television.0 points

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Vote Up
Vote Down

Onkyo TX-8555 | AV Receiver Reviews

The Onkyo TX-8555 is very versatile stereo receiver for the home theater enthusiast. This streamlined two-channel receiver lets you focus solely on your music or get high-quality sound from movies, broadcasts, and gaming.0 points

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Vote Up
Vote Down

Onkyo HT-RC260 | AV Receiver Reviews

The Onkyo HT-RC260 gives you competitive receiver quality for a fraction of the cost. The quality of sound and the system's versatility and configurations allows you to hear a wide range of different sounds and sound quality.0 points

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Vote Up
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Sony STR-DH100 | AV Receiver Reviews

The Sony STR-DH100 is a very capable receiver, nicely built with a useful and easy to understand remote. This unit is perfect for someone not wanting to do surround sound but still wants to run a blu ray and a few other items thru their stereo.0 points

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Vote Up
Vote Down

Onkyo TX-NR808 | AV Receiver Reviews

The Onkyo TX-NR808 is a top class performer in the middle class range of AV equipment. Home Theater magazine rates it a best buy, and this receiver performs extremely well.0 points

Streaming video news and advice sites

Places to go for more information about HTPC, Streaming, and Home Theatre

Arstechnica
General technology news site. Good coverage of apple products and a periodic system build guide.
Silent PC Review
Make your computer living room friendly by quieting it down. Key to the ever important wife-acceptance-factor (WAF).

Specializes in information about fans, cooling, and quiet components.
The Green Button Forums (Media Center)
The biggest forums about Microsoft's Media Center. Especially good reference on tuner cards and windows setup.

Media Players

Non-VMC media players

Boxee
Superior integration with streaming video and exciting social features.
Itunes
Itunes is the most expensive per-show or per-movie, but also has the best selection of current content and the best quality.

I recommend it as a backup for that show you just have to have, and for the really important shows.
VLC Media Player
This open-source media player is the jack-of-all-trades. It can handle nearly any format and nearly and configuration.
Hulu Desktop
Hulu is now providing a big-screen friendly interface for watching your shows. Convenient, attractive. Limited to Hulu stuff.

Boxee vs. Hulu

DitchCable predicts:

Hulu will not be able to block Boxee in the next 12 months

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kronosss predicts:

Internet television is a great way to stay in touch with your favorite TV channel or TV show and watch Live sport events. Link like this http://onlinetv-gratis.blogspot.com is a great place to watch TV online.

 
 
 

AMD Home Theatre CPUs

Low power means fewer fans and quieter computers

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Media Center Remotes

Logitech Mini on Ebay

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by

DitchCable

Hello world. I'm a computer and home theatre hobbyist. We recently replaced cable with a home theatre pc, and I wanted to share the experience.

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