FREE Internet TV:4 Tools To Get Started

To get started, all you really need is a computer with internet that’s capable of streaming video.

But, if you don’t want to be hunched over your computer every time you watch one of your favourite shows, here are some components that can really improve yourexperience:

#1. High-speed internet connection

This is essential for fluid playback and the possibility of playing HD content.

You’re going to want a 5Mbps connection at the minimum, but more speed is always better to reduce loading times, increase stream quality, and allow for multiple streams at the same time.

You’ll also need unlimited bandwidth (or a high bandwidth cap) to make sure you aren’t dinged with a lot of extra fees. If you have a bandwidth cap or a slow connection, you may be interested in my guide to saving money on your internet costs.

#2. HDMI cable

It used to be that HDMI cables cost $100 or more and no one was plugging their comput-ers into their TV.

It’s much more common now – but in case you still don’t have one, you can pick up it up almost anywhere. They even sell them at Dollarama for around $3 each. Here’s a well-re-viewed cable from Amazon for $5 with free shipping.

When it comes to digital cables like HDMI, you rarely need to be concerned about the quality of the cable itself. A digital signal will come through the same no matter how fancy the cable is.

The only time you might need a higher bandwidth or top-quality cable is if you want to maximize the full power of your 4K TV, or you have a very long cable run (more than 25ft).

#3. HDMI capable streaming device

Normally, I would recommend a dedicated Home Theater PC (HTPC) running Windows 10 as the ultimate device for free internet TV...

...But setting one up can be both overwhelming and expensive for people who are new to streaming.

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So, I’ll give you a few options so you can choose what works for you based on your com-fort level:

Easy setup, intermediate setup, advanced setup, or existing setup.

Easy setup

If you want a small, easy to use, and inexpensive device to get your feet wet streaming – I'd recommend the Fire TV Stick.

It gives you lots of streaming apps to get started with, including Netflix (but you won’t be able to stream everything from Canadian network sites like you could with an HTPC).

It only costs about $50, comes with an easy-to-use remote, and it’s basically plug-and-play.

Intermediate setup

A good compromise between a full HTPC with Windows and a limited streaming device is an Android TV box.

If you buy a higher-end box, you can do most things you can on a windows HTPC and get the benefit of the huge library of apps on the Google Play store.

Here’s a powerful model with good reviews.

The downside here is some Canadian network sites block Android devices from access-ing their streaming videos through a mobile web browser.

But the good news is that several bigger ones like CTV, City, Bravo, Space, and The Comedy Network all have apps that work just fine. Simply search the Google Play store for the Canadian networks listed above and you could find even more.

Advanced setup

I use a dedicated Home Theater PC running Windows 10 plugged directly into my TV to get my free internet TV. The reasons for that are plenty...Not only can you use a simple web browser to access Canadian network sites, but you can also easily install dedicated TV streaming software like Kodi and Plex to make navi-gating content easier and stream your own home videos and music.

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Then, you can run streaming services like Netflix and YouTube either through the dedi-cated apps or right through your web browser. If you hook up a microphone, you can even use Cortana to control many aspects of your TV with your voice.

The problem is that almost no one sells a Windows device out-of-the-box that’s perfect for this. Usually you need to start with a bare-bones system (no hard drive or memory installed), buy and install those components (very easy), and then install Windows your-self (also easy). Here are the components I recommend:

HTPC Bare-Bones System (small and power efficient) HTPC Compatible Memory HTPC Compatible Solid State Hard Drive (very fast) Windows 10

Installing the components usually just amounts to opening up the case with a screw-driver, popping the component into place like Lego, and closing it back up again. Watch-ing a YouTube video is more than enough to be able to do it yourself with no issues.

Existing setup

If you’re not ready to buy a dedicated device just yet – then most laptops, many tablets (i.e. Microsoft Surface), some phones, and modern video game consoles are capable of hooking up to your TV and streaming video.

Do a little research into your current device and see what it’s capable of.

If you’re planning to use an existing computer, tablet, or phone – then getting a Google Chromecast to wirelessly stream video from your existing device to your TV is a super convenient way to go.

Don’t make this mistake

The biggest mistake you can make when buying a streaming device is to cheap out and buy a lower-end model.

I’ve recommended devices above that have enough horsepower to handle most things you throw at it while not breaking the bank.

Don’t go any cheaper, or you’ll most likely regret it.

#4. A good remote

To get the full experience, you want to be able to control your TV with a remote – not a keyboard and a mouse. Sitting on your couch with those clunky tools just isn’t appealing.

Fortunately, there have been many technological advancements in this area and there are a lot of HTPC remotes to choose from.

Designing a remote to control a computer isn’t an easy task. As a result, what’s available functions quite differently.

After trying several remote styles myself, I personally have settled on a basic air remote with normal controls on the top and a mini keyboard on the bottom. You simply wave your hand at the screen (kind of like a Wii Remote) to control the mouse cursor – it’s pretty easy and intuitive after a little time playing with it.

Here’s a model that works on Android TV boxes, Windows PCs, and several other devices.

Note: Both the Fire TV Stick and Android TV box recommended above come with remotes, so you won’t need to purchase one separately.

To read my ultimate guide on internet TV, you can go here.

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