How to Stream U.S. TV Shows

Who even needs a television in order to watch TV shows these days? If you have a computer and a decent Internet connection, then you certainly don't need one. Watching online television has big time advantages. You can watch your favorite shows on your own schedule, from wherever you want, with fewer advertisements. What's not to like about that?

Instructions

1. Ensure that your Internet connection is fast enough by clicking on the Internet Speed Test found in the "Resources" section. Be sure to close all other browser windows to get an accurate result.

2. Click "Start" to activate the test. Wait several seconds for testing to take place.

3. View "Download Speed" results on the left side of screen. For lower quality streams, a 1000 kbps rate will suffice, but you want at least a 5 kbps download speed for HD content. While you can watch virtually any video with a "high-speed" connection, slower connections may mean longer buffer times, decreased quality and more interruptions.

4. Visit a streaming video website. One of the most popular is Hulu, which receives content from all the major U.S. television networks. Hulu offers a high-definition (480p) option for some shows, but the stream will automatically adjust to the speed of your Internet connection for all standard content. One advantage of Hulu is its short commercial breaks. Though commercial lengths vary, you probably won't even have time to run to the bathroom before your show comes back on.

5. If your favorite show is not on Hulu, go to the website of its home network. Fox, ABC, NBC and CBS all have impressive streaming features, as do many premium cable networks. Going straight to the source also has its perks, as you'll often find higher quality videos, more episodes to watch and additional interactive content.

Tips & Warnings

• Although online video websites frequently change (often requiring you to download new software or other applications), remember that online television is a relatively new phenomenon. As more viewers flock to the Internet to watch their favorite shows, networks will continue to polish the online viewing experience.

• Still can't find your favorite show? While virtually every episode of any television show is available somewhere on the Internet, that doesn't mean you should be watching it on websites not mentioned here. Besides the bad quality and annoying foreign captions, websites that illegally host videos are often filled with viruses and malicious spy ware. Watch at your own risk!

References

• Hulu Streaming Video Software Requirements

Resources

• Internet Speed Test