Watching TV on a Computer

Concept

Streaming media allows for content to be delivered to an end-user immediately, allowing television shows to be aired on the web simultaneously with the program. Television programs are also uploaded, where they can be accessed by users. This allows users to utilize the Internet to watch television programs around the world. Users are also sometimes able to watch and rewatch programs that they missed.

Minimum System Requirements

To watch streaming videos, a computer needs a Windows Media Player of 6.3 or higher. Quicktime must be 3.0.2 or later. The Windows operating system should be Windows 98, Windows 98 second edition, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows XP or Windows Vista. The minimum processing requirements are a Pentium 90 MHz processor, a Sun4m 110 MHz processor or a PowerPC 603e 180 MHz or higher. At least 32 MB of RAM, 28.8-kilobits per second modem and a 256-color video card or a 24-bit true color video card are also needed. The computer must have a monitor, speakers or headphones and an Internet connection in order to watch a program. If the Internet connection is weak, the video might stop periodically in order to buffer.

Television Websites

There are numerous websites where users can find streaming videos and even more websites where compressed video files can be reviewed. Examples of these websites include wwiTV, Hulu, BeelineTV, and In2TV. These websites often have different means of finding television shows, including search engines and navigation tools. Once a television program has been found, the website will usually direct a user to a link that will allow users to load the television program. Some websites have embedded digital media players, and some websites download the media to the user's computer where the compressed video file can be viewed using a compatible media player.

Digital Media Players

Some media files work better with some media players than others. A key aspect of a video file's compatibility with a media player is the codec. A codec is a computer program that is able to encode and decode compressed video files. If a media player does not have the proper codec for the video file, the video will play with glitches or refuse to play at all. However, the proper codec can sometimes be found and downloaded, allowing the media player to play the file. Once the media player successfully decodes the video file, the file instructs the computer on how to display the video through the monitor and play simultaneous audio through the speakers or headphones.

Premium Subscriptions

Some websites require that all users pay a fee in order to access the media files, while other websites offer premium subscriptions where users have access to exclusive content such as rare television programs, high definition videos and unlimited downloads. These premium subscriptions also allow users to view programs without advertisements. Examples of television websites with premium versions include FreeTVOnline.com and PremiumTVforPC.com. Fees among these premium websites vary.