How to Watch YouTube on Your HDTV
Tired of looking at the tiny YouTube screens on a small computer monitor? Lucky for you there are ways to access your favorite websites on your shiny HDTV all from the comfort of your favorite chair!
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YouTube has changed the way we look at online media, literally. The website provides a forum for anyone who wants to voice an opinion, sing a song, or just film themselves doing something dangerous. Despite the diversity of the content and the users of YouTube, every submitted video is compressed to fit the same low-quality standards and that minuscule 320 x 240 pixel window. Alas, the website has yet to offer HD video, but recently, YouTube conceded to the demands of its users and introduced a "higher-quality" video mode: 480 x 360 pixels. Even though YouTube doesn't offer HD video, there is no reason that you should be straining your eyes to watch videos when you have a perfectly good HDTV collecting dust in your living room. Responding to the tremendous popularity of YouTube, companies such as Sony, HP, and Apple, among others, have created technology that provides consumers with limited or full-fledged internet access on their TVs. We here at DigitalAdvisor are here to help you decide which option is right for you. |
Panasonic Viera Cast |
| If you are in the market for an HD television that comes with internet access, Viera Cast from Panasonic is an option to consider. Included in the new TH-46PZ850U and TH-50PZ850U models, Panasonic's Viera Cast allows users to view Picasa Web Album, YouTube, and the latest stock market info on the screen. But the technology is new, and as such, Panasonic has a ways to go make this a user-friendly surfing system. The standard television controller is an awkward navigator, and with each shut-down, you have to re-enter all of your log-in data. It's quite a hassle. Price:$3,099.95 for the TH-46PZ850U and $3,499.95 for the TH-50PZ850U |
Sony Playstation 3 Network |
| As a reply to the online-gaming juggernaut Xbox console, Sony issued Playstation 3 which includes the Playstation Network for internet use. Not only is the Playstation Network for online gaming, but it is also a fully-functional internet browser. With the game controller (or USB keyboard and mouse sold separately), users can navigate the web. Unless you want the whole gaming/home entertainment/internet all-in-one package, though, buying the Playstation 3 is an expensive investment for internet access. Price:$399.99 (40GB) or $499.99 (80GB) |
Apple TV |
| Expanding upon the first-generation Apple TV unit, Apple has incorporated a "YouTube" option into the new model's menu. The Apple TV is a set-top box that serves as an HDTV-friendly extension of iTunes, bringing all the stored media from your computer's hard drive to the big screen. You can also rent movies and TV shows, buy music, browse select YouTube videos. The chic design and ease of use are also good reasons to give Apple TV a strong look. Price:$229 (40GB) or $329 (160GB) |
Netgear EVA8000 Digital Entertainer HD |
| A little-hyped competitor of Apple TV, the Netgear EVA8000 Digital Entertainer HD has infinitely more options than its aforementioned rival. In addition to streaming YouTube directly onto your TV, the EVA8000 searches your computer hard-drive and organizes all digital media into one library. The capability of the EVA8000, however, is offset by problems with the user interface. Difficult set-up, unintuitive design, and unreliability are all complaints aimed at the Netgear EVA8000. Price:$349.99 |
HP Mediasmart Connect |
| The HP Mediasmart Connect system gives users full control over their household network systems. The Mediasmart console acts as a kind of hub connecting all of your digital media devices giving. Transforming your computer into the control-center, the Mediasmart Connect allows users to stream YouTube videos and music onto your HDTV. HP has also packaged the Mediasmart technology directly into a special Mediasmart TV, but again, unless you're in the market for an HDTV, don't bother. Price:$349.99 |
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