Table of Contents
Bigger, Better, and Sharper: HD and UHD TV
Understanding LCD and LED Displays
Screens of All Shapes and Sizes
Determining the Right Size Display
Dealing with Different Aspect Ratios
Shopping for a New TV: A Checklist
Adjusting Your Set for the Best Picture
Reading What You Hear with Closed Captions
Getting Better Sound from Headphones
Enhancing TV Audio with a Sound Bar
Connect a Sound Bar to Your TV
Turn Off Your TV’s Internal Speakers
Choosing the Right Surround Format
Adding “Height” with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Assembling a Surround Sound System
Choosing the Best Surround Sound Speakers
Incorporating an Audio/Video Receiver
Choosing the Right Options for You
3 Getting Local and Broadcast Television Over the Air
Cutting the Cord for OTA Broadcasts
Choose the Right Type of Antenna
Use AntennaWeb to Find the Right Antenna
Program Your TV for Local Stations
Troubleshooting Reception Problems
Watching Local Digital Networks
Understanding Digital Subchannels
How to Receive Diginets on Your TV
Other Ways to Watch Local Channels
Watch via Live Streaming Video Services
Checklist for Watching Local TV on a Budget
4 Getting Cable and Satellite TV
Understanding Cable and Satellite TV
Cable Versus Satellite: What’s Best for You
Choosing a Provider and Package
Watching Cable and Satellite TV
Choose a Bigger Bundle—If You Need It
5 Getting Streaming Media Devices
Understanding Internet Streaming Video
Welcome to the World of Streaming Video
Discovering Streaming Media Players
How Streaming Media Players Work
What’s Available on Streaming Video
Comparing Streaming Media Players
Optimizing Streaming Media Playback
Get a Fast (and Reliable) Internet Connection
Get a Fast (and Powerful) Wi-Fi Router
Move Your Router—or Your Streaming Player
Connect via Ethernet for Best Playback
Choose the Right Streaming Player for Each TV
Buy a TV with Fire TV or Roku Built In
Pick the Right Streaming Services
6 Watching Paid Streaming Video Services
Watching Other Paid Streaming Services
7 Watching Free Streaming Video Services
Discovering Free Streaming Content
8 Watching Live Streaming Video Services
Understanding Live Streaming Video Services
On-Demand Programming and Cloud Recording
Comparing Live Streaming Services
9 Watching Broadcast, Cable, and Satellite Channels via Streaming Video
Cable and Satellite Channels Online
10 Watching News and Sports via Streaming Video
Watch National and International News
Watch the Weather Channel (and Local Now)
Watching Sports on Live Streaming Services
11 Watching Paid and Rented Programs
Shopping at the Amazon Prime Video Store
Watch a Purchased or Rented Video
Watch a Purchased or Rented Video
Watch a Purchased or Rented Video
How to Purchase or Rent a Video
Watch a Purchased or Rented Video
Playing Movies Purchased Anywhere with Movies Anywhere
Watch a Program with Movies Anywhere
12 Watching Streaming TV on Your Phone, Tablet, or Computer
Sharing Accounts Across Multiple Devices
Watching Streaming Videos on Your Mobile Device
Watching Streaming Videos in Your Computer’s Web Browser
Mirroring and Casting to Your TV
Mirror to a Streaming Media Player
Improving Streaming Performance
Connect via Wi-Fi, Not Cellular