Streaming Broadband TV Boosts Television Ratings

Television is making its mark online--becoming available to viewers on computer screens worldwide in a number of languages. A high-speed Internet connection is required connection is required to enjoy these broadcasts. DVD-quality television is only a download away with a broadband connection.

Spectacular Streaming Media

High-speed Internet connectivity has taken the quality of streaming media to the next level. Video images are clear and audio sounds crisp with a broadband connection. Technology constantly adds quality to streaming media, which brings a quantity of new viewing options. HDTV quality video through broadband TV is coming sooner than you think.

Broadband Internet connection delivers the highest-quality video, but some additional items will factor into the image clarity.

• Video card capabilities
• Computer processor type and speed
• Available amount of RAM

Broadband TV Basics

Web sites are popping up everywhere offering a chance to watch live and on-demand broadband television webcasts on your computer. Here are the items needed to receive and view high quality streaming media:

• A high-speed Internet connection 
• Streaming audio/video software
• Multimedia speakers or earphones

Software For Broadband TV

RealPlayer from RealNetworks and Microsoft's Media Player are the leading software options and each offer a basic version that can be downloaded for free. There are countless Web sites that allow you to access, download and start using at least one of these software packages.

If the free version lacks all you need, RealNetworks offers RealPlayer® Plus, which is available at http://www.real.com/playerplus/. For a one-time fee of $19.99, you gain more control of your video experience with options to adjust brightness, contrast, sharpness and color.

MSN® TV service with broadband connection provides a means to stream videos, movie trailers and news clips from the Internet to a TV. A broadband home connection allows users to play music and video files from a PC on a TV. For pricing and purchase information go to http://msntv.com/pc/buy/.

Enhancements For Broadband TV

Either of the top two streaming software packages can be used by a particular Web site. It’s a good idea to download and install both RealPlayer and Media Player using a broadband connection. Updates ensure the streaming media software use the most current technological advancements. These updates are available for free from both companies and include easy, step-by-step installation instructions and details about the improved features.