This is a review and how-to article based on my personal experience with the Satellite Direct TV to PC streaming package.
This is a review and how-to article based on my personal experience with the Satellite Direct TV to PC streaming package.
What Is It?
I have seen the ads many times for this product and finally I decided to go for it and try it out. The Satellite Direct package claims to allow you to stream music, movies and tv to your PC. Most hi-def or HD, very high quality - especially on the PC screen. The process was simple enough to get going - simply go to their site (link below) and then click Download Now near the bottom. I had some extra birthday money, so I was ready to purchase - it is a secure SSL purchase through the CB site.
Technical
After submitting my order, I received additional instructions on the web page and via email. It was a simple process to get the required software and I was ready to go. It is nicely designed, a nice looking interface. It is simple and intuitive - I was able to start browsing channels right away.
Over my slow DSL line, it worked great, I was able to find some good music video channels and watch some of my favorite metal bands. I even watched a full length concert. I often leave it streaming a music channel, as the selection of songs is MUCH better than what is available on my local radio stations.
As far as hardware, anything in the last few years should work great. The machine I tested on was an AMD 2200 with 512mb ram. Not very fast at all. This machine is at least 7 years old. I also tested over wi-fi (802.11g) using my laptop running at 1.6ghz (single core), worked fine there too.
Other Uses
I often travel for business and sometimes the hotels do not offer great (or free) tv service. However I am usually able to get somewhat decent internet connectivity and my cell wifi card should work in a pinch. Now I can watch HD movies for free to fill in the dead time sitting in the hotel room. Of course I can even watch some of those risque shows too.
This will be great on vacation this year. At the beach we go to, the cottages often have decent tv service - cable or satellite, however it will be very handy to have my laptop available for some private watching, or to let the kids watch their own shows while we watch on the larger screen.
Another nice ability is being able to grab my laptop and find a private spot and watch tv in peace. I am not restricted to watching in the family room, I can go outside on the deck, in the bedroom, or even sit in my bath tub and relax to a great show. For Mac users, I even tested this at my friends house on his MacBook over wi-fi. Worked without a hitch. He was very impressed at my new toy.
Conclusion
I highly recommend this, it has been great so far and I have barely scratched the surface of the thousands of available channels.
More information about the software can be found at this site.
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