One of the impediments to the universal adoption of ipTV is that
unlike traditional TV, the station and viewers must use common standards.
There are very common technologies that you can install for free that gives you access to most content on the Internet.
If you do not already have them, you can quickly access them with the links below. You should have all three on your computer.
Bloomberg TV (live broadcast and VOD)
You can watch Bloomberg TV around the world, but a higher quality in the United States. To access their live feed, you must have the Real player installed. Go to the main web page and click on their TV icon.
CN8(live broadcast)
The Comcast Network is predominantly seen in the New England or Mid-Atlantic areas. See the live broadcast directly on your computer. www.cn8.tv
C-SPAN(live broadcast) C-SPAN is a private, non-profit company, created in 1979 by the cable television industry as a public service. Their mission is to provide public access to the political process. www.c-span.org/watch/
ESPN Motion (mixture of published articles and VOD)
Missed the winning shot? Catch it today on ESPN Motion. This is very fine on-line video quality. A special download needs to occur to make the video work. ESPN Motion is integrated with the content of ESPN throughout their web site. Compile numerous stories and create your own network feed customized to your selections. www.espn.com
EWTN(live broadcast)
The Global Catholic Network airs on some cable television systems. However, here you can view the live programs right over the Internet -- either in english or spanish. www.ewtn.com
Fox News (mixture of published articles and VOD)
The cable network repackages its news reports, politics, opinion segments, business, and foxlife reports that air on television for easy access via a Real Networks player or Microsoft's Media Player. Internet content is added and other related activities. www.foxnews.com
HighTV(live broadcast)
This site specializes in surfing, skateboarding, snow boarding activities. You receive a network-like feed of video but can alter it with VOD picks. The viewer is built into the browser, so no special software is needed. It also detects your connection speed for you. This site is powered by Narrowstep's technology. www.high.tv
MovieLink(video on demand)
Pick from 100's of movies for rent by downloading it to a PC or laptop. Since the movie is cached on your PC for up to 30 days, this solution allows very high quality viewing because it is not dependant upon video streaming. You can connect your PC to the television, giving a powerful alternative to Blockbuster. www.movielink.com
Starz Encore (video on demand)
Now you can watch the Starz Encore channels that air on cable over the Internet using your RealNetworks player. Additionally, the movies can be downloaded. Both of these are available at $12.95/mo under an SVOD model. starz.real.com
Variety(mixture of published articles and VOD)
Experience the world of Variety through Variety Vision. Free access to the entertainment industry's leading source of video coverage of the hottest topics, the most exclusive interviews and the latest movie trailers. Tune in to watch our top editors argue, cajole and spin about current issues affecting the business of entertainment. www.variety.com/varietyvision
