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How Internet TV works


* You get a small box, such as an Apple TV ($99;, Roku ($59.99-$99.99; or Boxee Box from D-Link (about $199;

* Connect the box to your TV via HDMI or standard cable, and hook up the box to your high-speed Internet connection via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.

* On your Internet-connected computer or the Internet TV box, rent or buy TV shows and movies from a service such as Netflix (Apple TV, Boxee, Roku), Amazon (Roku), iTunes (Apple TV), Vudu (Boxee) or Hulu Plus (Roku).

* Through your TV, access your Netflix, iTunes or other account and play your shows and movies.

* Apple TV and Boxee can use Wi-Fi to play video from your computer


* Pay only for the shows you watch, so it's cheaper than cable if you don't watch a lot of different shows (Tack on monthly subscriptions of $5 to $10 for Hulu Plus and Netflix, respectively).

* Subscribing to or buying a season pass of a show is as easy as setting up your DVR now to record multiple episodes.

* Your TV experience becomes even more social because you're relying more on your friends for tips on new shows to check out.

* Unlike a cable or satellite DVR, you're not restricted to recording only two shows simultaneously.

* Netflix viewing and subscriptions have skyrocketed, meaning it likely will be around a while.

* Netflix has movies and past TV seasons, but usually no current TV episodes. Hulu Plus pretty much has current seasons with some exceptions. Amazon and iTunes have both past and current episodes.


* No live events, such as sports, Oscar telecasts, and news.

* Not all networks and all shows are available.

* The popularity of Internet video is choking bandwidth for everything else the Internet has to offer, including Web surfing, Facebook updating, e-mailing and more. To compensate, Internet service providers might raise rates for high-bandwidth users -- that would be you if you get your shows through Netflix, Amazon, et al. So maybe your Internet bill might one day be as high as your cable bill is now.

* You're essentially choosing, say, Vudu versus Amazon versus iTunes, which is tough to do when their prices and content can fluctuate, depending on their agreements with studios.

* The shows are available about 24 hours after they air on TV, so you have to warn your friends not to talk about a show you haven't seen yet.

* The video is compressed, so full HD isn't likely. But with rented and purchased shows, quality is still good -- DVD-quality or better.

* When something fouls up, there's no one to call for help. You must read manuals, search the Web for answers to your problems, wade through Web forums asking questions, checking back later to see if your questions have been answered. Meanwhile, your TV viewing is fouled up.

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