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INTRO
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So, it would be so super cool to have Netflix on our TV, but I will not pay for any more devices. I looked into Netflix on the Ipod Touch/Iphone; however, Netflix says not yet. So, what I've been doing is using my laptop to plug into my TV (PC to VGA converter box $30) and my HDTV projector (via VGA).

Perfect setup and we can stream Netflix anywhere with the portability of a laptop; however, now that I'm switching jobs, I'm losing my laptop and have been seeking alternative solutions to stream Netflix into our living room without any additional costs. This is where our Nintendo Wii comes in with the free Internet Channel.

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PLAYON.TV
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Wow....it's amazing what you find if you just look! First I found Orb (a free media server for your home) and now PlayOn.

So, on a search to watch Netflix on my Nintendo Wii**, I found PlayOn.tv. This is software you install on a computer at home, leave this computer turned on with the PlayOn software running, and...voila...my Wii via the Internet Channel/WIFI can now access Hulu, Netflix Watch Instantly, ESPN, and others. PlayOn only works with certain devices; however, they are working on adding Iphone & Touch to their list of compatible devices (http://www.playon.tv/node/774). Also, HULU is presently working on an Iphone/Touch app, too.

PlayOn is a one-time $40 cost, but they have a 14-day FREE trial. Very affordable! Of course, I stayed up late last night trying out this cool software. Just couldn't go to bed until I knew if this worked with my Wii. I can't believe how easy it was! I was watching Netflix from my Wii in 10 minutes with PERFECT stream! The amazing thing is that I also use ORB now and the stream to the Wii is slightly choppy. I'm assuming it's due to my 3mbps slow DSL internet connection. This week we're finally getting 15mbps FIOS, so it'll be so interesting to test if this improves my Orb stream. Strange thing is that Orb streams perfectly to my Ipod Touch via the Orb Free app (doesn't work with my Safari browser).

PlayOn.tv is a perfect solution for our home, since we don't (and never will) pay for cable or satellite to watch TV. In our house we have Free to Air (FTA) and Over-the-Air (OTA). We get HDTV with OTA for free. The kids only watch PBS, and since we have 6 PBS local channels, we're all set! With FTA, OTA, Netflix, Justin.tv, Site4movie.com, and Freefullmovies.net, I see no reason to pay for TV - ever!

Here are some free PlayOn plugins with channels like Nick Jr:

* playonplugins.com
* playonscripts.com
* playonlabs.net

I hope this helps you start watching internet tv on your regular TV, too!

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PlayOn vs ORB
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The difference between PlayOn and Orb seems to be...

PlayOn
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- Only works with approved devices like Wii, DNLA tvs, etc.
- Supports internet tv only
- Provides API for developers to develop plug-ins
- Is not free

Orb
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- Can't connect to Netflix or Hulu
- Has a social media aspect - share videos, pics, music with friends
- Any device with a web browser and internet access can view videos
- Need to build your own library or setup your own live stream
- Is accessible with IPHONE and TOUCH (free and paid versions)
- Is Free

I think these two technologies compliment each other and are both great to have and were built for different purposes. Orb is a home media server and PlayOn is a solution to watch internet tv on your regular tv or game console. Try them both!

Signing Off,
Vivian
ViSO Tech

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REFERENCES
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www.playon.tv
www.orb.com

** NOTE: Netflix is releasing their product for WII this spring of 2010. This will be FREE for all Netflix customer who have access to their Watch Instantly.