Many products are popping up that would allow you to stream satellite TV on a computer, thus using your computer as tv. It seems that all one has to do is download software and read a few instructions to get started. There also seems to be a little glitch with almost all the software. ONLINETV: SatelliteTV for your PC!, Satellite TV for PC and Isatellitelink: Stream and Download TV Online are three software products that would enable your computer to receive streaming satellite TV so you can watch TV from computer.
HOW IT WORKS
What you need is a PC or laptop with an internet connection. You don’t need a receiver, cables, or a satellite dish. After purchasing the software, it is downloaded instantly to your computer with instructions on how to use the control panel and other features. After paying for the software once, you don’t pay any other fees – no monthly or yearly fees. It’s a one-time purchase. Once you have the software, you can watch Satellite TV on your computer from anywhere in the world as along as you’re connected to the internet.
WHAT YOU GET
There are thousands of channels on Satellite TV. Every package offers at least 2000 channels. You get movie channels including foreign movie channels; sports channels like ESPN News, EuroSports TV, WHL TV; martial arts, boxing, etc. You can watch music videos from around the world on Deejay TV, Ministry of Sound, Club TV , etc. There are also premium channels such as National Geographic, Food Network, Broadway Network, etc, Kids Channels show tons of cartoons and movies all day long. There are also Educational channels such as Research TV, Global Country, The Baby Channel, etc.; Shopping Networks like Price-Drop TV, QVC, Jewelry TV, etc. ; News channels and affiliates of ABC, NBC, CBS PBS, FOX, etc.; Religious channels like The Church Channel, Islam Channel, Kabbalah, Hope TV, Vatican TV, etc. And this is just the tip of the ice-berg. There are thousands of channels.
Before choosing a provider to stream Satellite TV to computer make sure they provide the channels and content that you want, particularly if you want channels from foreign countries. Check to make sure the countries you want are included in your satellite package.
PROS:
- Satellite TV is free of any monthly charge or recurring monthly subscription.
- You get thousands of channels from around the world.
- No additional hardware is required
- Most satellite tv software has a simple interface that makes it easy to maneuver your channels just like on a regular television set.
- Works everywhere in the world as long as you have your computer and Internet access.
- It’s 100% Legal – Satellite software streams only free satellite channels from around the world which is legal.
- Some companies will update their software and will send an alert when the software needs to be updated.
CONS:
- …And here’s the glitch: All of the streaming Satellite TV to computer companies offer thousands of channels, but not all of the channels will work. One user commented that he was disappointed that not all of the channels worked, but was happy with the channels that he did get and still uses the software. It helps that there are no additional fees and that the software is not that expensive (usually less than $50). Companies also offer a return policy in case you want to return it.
- Some users have mentioned that they have a problem getting a response from Customer Service when they need help.
BEWARE: Make sure that the satellite software you purchase is compatible with your computer. At the moment most software works on a Windows PC set up, but not on a MAC But companies are upgrading their software all the time, so more MAC compatible software is becoming available as this article is being written.
OVERALL REVIEW:
If you really enjoy satellite TV and want access to international TV, the $50 is worth it even if you only end up with 1000 channels instead of 2100.
Comparison of Products Featured in This Article
|
ONLINETV: SatelliteTV for your PC!
Company: tvlivetv |
Satellite TV for PC
Company: ipodpsp |
Isatellitelink: Stream and Download TV Online
Company: isatlink |
| Satellite TV Channels |
2,150+ from all over the world – select your favorites from these channels |
3600+ |
3600+ |
| Installation |
Easy download avail in seconds |
Need computer and internet connection – instant download |
Immediate software set up |
| Cable/Satellite Dish |
Not needed |
Not needed |
Not needed |
| Initial Cost |
$44.95 |
$49.95 |
$39.95 |
| Bonus |
Free Premiere auto update license included |
Channels you won’t get anyplace else in the USAAccess to 1500+ radio stations from around the world |
Bonus MoviesCapital Membership to Download Movies LegallyDaily channel updatedDownload videos from online sitesConvert videos to mobile device |
| Monthly/Annual Cost |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| About the Software |
This is software only, one that can be installed on any Internet enabled PC desktop or Laptop. There is no need to add additional hardware such as a TV tuner or DVR card. |
|
Appears also to be software for a PC, but this one has a file conversion program so that you can convert video files to your ipod, iphone, ipad or handheld. |
| Legal |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Computer needed to run software |
Windows PC PlatformPC running any version of the Microsoft Windows operating system including Windows 98, XP, Vista and Windows 7 |
Accessible from any PC in the world |
|
Satellite vs. Cable comparison
|
satellite/cable TV |
onlineTV |
| Installation |
Requires Technician |
Few seconds |
| Availability |
Only local areas |
Where ever you are |
| Hardware |
Satellite Dish/cables |
PC or Laptop |
| Number of channels |
About 100 |
Over 2,000 |
| Price |
Over $80/month |
One time payment of less than $50 |