Buzz
Whether you're trying to catch a big sports game this weekend while away from home, or just enjoy watching live TV when you're stuck somewhere without cable or a television, there are many ways to watch broadcasts on your mobile or computer. Here are five of the best options for streaming on the go.
Earlier this week, we asked how you access live television that you're subscribed to on your mobile device or when you're not in front of the big screen. You shared your responses, and now we're here to showcase the top five, based on your recommendations.
Photo by IK's World Trip.
Orb/Orb Live
When you need to stream audio or video around the house, to your mobile device, or across the world while away from home, Orb can certainly deliver. We’ve mentioned Orb several times, and it's still a great way to stream media from your computer to other devices in your home. If you’re willing to invest in an Orb appliance to connect to your cable box or HTPC, you can stream live or recorded TV to any device both inside and outside your home network. Orb supports video up to 720p and offers the flexibility to watch live sports, popular TV shows, or anything airing in your living room on your mobile phone, tablet, or laptop, using Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G when you're away from home. Prices vary depending on whether you need hardware ($79-$99 for the set-top box) to connect to your TV and network, or if you already have a TV tuner in your HTPC. The Orb Live and Orb Caster software are free, but the mobile apps cost $9.99.
Slingbox
Where other live TV streaming options can be complicated, Slingbox offers straightforward simplicity. The Slingbox from Sling Media is a set-top box that connects to your TV and cable or satellite receiver, allowing you to easily log into your home TV and watch live TV on your computer or mobile device as if you were sitting right in front of your TV. You can switch channels, browse TV listings, and even set your DVR to record shows you’ll miss. The Slingbox comes in two models, the Slingbox Solo and Slingbox Pro-HD (which supports HD and additional devices), priced from $179.99 to $299.99 (without extended support). You’ll also need to pay $29.99 for the SlingPlayer app to control the Slingbox from your smartphone or tablet, but this cost gives you access to one of the most feature-rich and hassle-free live TV streaming solutions available.
EyeTV
Elgato's EyeTV line of TV tuners and live TV software were, for a long time, the only option for Mac users looking to use their Macs as TV tuners or HTPCs. While they are no longer the only choice, they remain one of the best. By connecting a TV source to an EyeTV and plugging it into your Mac via USB, you can watch live TV directly on your computer screen. Combine an EyeTV tuner or DVR with the EyeTV app on your mobile device to stream live or pre-recorded TV while you're away from home. The EyeTV app costs $4.99 in the iTunes App Store for any iOS device, and the tuners range in price from $99 to $199, depending on whether you need a DTV tuner, a DTV and HD tuner, a tuner with a DVR, or a Wi-Fi enabled tuner that can wirelessly stream TV to other devices in your home.
Vulkano Flow Box
The Vulkano Flow might not be the most well-known set-top tuner available, but it's certainly one of the most powerful. Priced at $99.99, the Vulkano Flow is an easy-to-install device that connects to your cable or satellite tuner, supports HD video, and your home network, enabling you to stream live TV wirelessly on your iOS or Android device within your home or while you're away via 3G or 4G. It gives you complete control over your home TV experience, allowing you to change channels, browse an integrated program guide (with no extra fees), and even connect and control other devices like a DVR or HTPC. Vulkano offers free desktop players for Mac OS and Windows, and mobile players for iOS, Android, and BlackBerry ($12.99).
Hauppage WinTV
Hauppage, a trusted name in TV tuners, continues to thrive by offering a variety of products for HTPC enthusiasts who wish to build custom devices for streaming, recording, and watching live TV, as well as for those preferring a set-top box to handle streaming duties. Those who recommended WinTV noted that you can easily install a WinTV tuner in your HTPC and download the WinTV app for streaming TV from your HTPC to your mobile device (iOS or Android). Pricing varies based on the tuner model, whether you want HD video support, and whether you prefer an internal or USB tuner. For those opting for a set-top box like the Hauppage Broadway ($199), the WinTV Extend app for streaming from your tuner costs $9.95, while the mobile apps are free (with Wi-Fi support only).
Now that you've seen the top five, it's time to cast your vote and determine the winner.
This week, we’d like to give a shoutout to streaming TV platforms like Justin.tv, which many of you mentioned as your go-to site for streaming your own TV shows online so you can watch them even when you're away from home. We also want to acknowledge The NFL's website, which several of you noted is indeed offering live streams of the big game. Lastly, in light of the Department of Homeland Security taking down FirstRowSports' primary domain, many of you pointed out that the site is still live and accessible through a different URL.
Do you have a preferred method that didn’t make it to the top five nominations? Or maybe you have a strong opinion about one of the nominees above? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
