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For those that have been following this blog, you have heard me share thoughts on the value of the Home Theater PC and all the great things it can do. I have talked about the MSI 7411 platform (a.k.a. “Maui”) and the unique features it offers to this space. I have even dropped a few hints about all this wonderful content that exists online. But where do you find it?
Well, today I thought I would share info and links to some of the content that exists online. Some content is in high definition (HD)* while some is standard definition (SD) and in many cases, you can find full length episodes of your favorite TV content. You can even find older syndicated shows that may not be available from broadcasters in your area or on any station today. Whether you are looking for reruns of Star Trek from the 1960’s, cop shows from the 1980’s (TJ Hooker anyone?) or (sticking with the William Shatner theme) the latest episode of Boston Legal, you can probably find just about all of it online.
This is not to say that every episode of every show is available, but there is a very, very large amount of content to be found with just a little bit of effort. Much of it is free or ad revenue supported. In addition to this ad revenue-supported content, there are also subscription services where you can access even more content and services.
This list is not all-inclusive by any means and is somewhat regional in nature due to my location here in the U.S. For those folks in other regions, make a comment on this blog post with your favorite content providers and we will add to this list.
What I am hoping to show here is just how much content can be found with minimal effort. After all, it is content that we are all ultimately interested in and what helps make the HTPC a valuable part of your entertainment system.
Most of what I have discussed previously involved a remote controlled interface through Windows® Media Center. When you add a keyboard, mouse, and an Internet connection to your HTPC, you increase the amount of content available to your HTPC. It is important to note that broadband Internet connections are very helpful for viewing online content. Most of the links to content below are found through ordinary web searches using your preferred browser software.
Now, enough talk, on with the list:
So, as you can see, there is a whole world of content out there to be enjoyed on an HTPC. Stay tuned for the next update, where I will discuss where you can get your own HTPC.
*HD monitor or TV required to view HD content
Till next time, happy trails!
Jay Taylor is a Senior Developer Relations Engineer at AMD. His postings are his own opinions and may not represent AMD’s positions, strategies or opinions. Links to third party sites are provided for convenience and unless explicitly stated, AMD is not responsible for the contents of such linked sites and no endorsement is implied.
#1 by Weller - March 9th, 2009 at 10:19
Great job! I think this blog contains some of the most crucial aspects of a HTPC. Whether you are starting from scratch or already have a HTPC setup but are experimenting different capabilities or functions. Keep up the good work!
#2 by Ozzy Mesa - March 9th, 2009 at 10:20
A recent personal experience. To my dismay, I failed to record the last episode of 24, however I found out Fox makes available the three last episodes and with their player you get very very good quality and full screen (almost HD if not HD) video. I was able to stay up to date on 24!!
#3 by Miko - March 9th, 2009 at 10:20
It is too bad that a lot of the US contient that we already get on cable in Canada is not avilable to us via these sites.
#4 by Chad - March 9th, 2009 at 10:20
Hey Jay, Thanks for this expansive list, and thanks for including Crackle! Let me know if you ever need any info…. Cheers! http://www.twitter.com/crackledotcom
#5 by Cliff - March 9th, 2009 at 10:21
Sorry man, not strictly on topic.. trouble is that some AMD software, towhit AMDDLL64.SYS causes BSOD in vistax64 ID you have a phenomIIx710 cpu fitted.. Wouldnt post here EXCEPT I cant find a way to post direct to AMD..keep being sent aroubd in circles..a simple contact us link allowing a problem post without jumping through hoops would be nice:-) Anyway this is a headsup regarding the problem with AMDDLL64.SYS and new 3 core phenom2’s
#6 by Jay Taylor - March 9th, 2009 at 10:33
@Cliff, Hello Cliff, if you are in North America, you should be able to reach our support team at (408) 749-3060. Ask for Jesus Canseco, he should be able to assist you with this issue.
Regards,
Jay
#7 by wpeltola - May 27th, 2009 at 12:15
This list is just what I have been looking for!! Thanks, Jay.
#8 by Frank Harris - June 23rd, 2009 at 08:29
Hey Jay, You ever heard of a company called Reeltime (www.reeltime.com)?
They also seem to have some great HD streaming movies. They also are doing hotels in conjunction with Ethostream (ethostream.reeltime.com).
They have been at this for four or five years now.
#9 by Jay Taylor - June 23rd, 2009 at 11:22
@Frank Harris, Hello Frank, no I had not heard of them before. However, I have added a link to their site.
Thanks for the tip.
#10 by Simon Solotko - July 16th, 2009 at 19:32
Jay,
Great list. I think that each of the content holders and services like Netflix will ultimately offer a unique and rich 10′ experience, BBC is blazing the trail and others will follow.