The ability to watch television on the computer is not new, but with some free software from Orb, anyone can watch television stations remotely from any computer with high speed Internet. System requirements for Orb are a Windows XP or Vista computer, a TV tuner card and a broadband connection.
Orb requires a relatively small download that once installed and configured will run in the background. No other configuration is required from the host PC. Installation takes only a few minutes and requires entering a local cable company. This enables TV listings to be updated on a regular basis.
Once the host PC is up and running with Orb, access to cable TV from any high speed connection is possible (either within or outside a home network). To do so, simply go to the Orb website and log in and choose TV/Webcams and click on Program Guide.
The Program Guide shows what programs are coming up and lets users have the ability to set the shows to record when they are scheduled to play. To view a live feed of the show currently playing, simply click on the show, and click the play button.
Orb goes even further with the ability to not only stream television, but also other media files on the host computer. Files such as music, photos, videos and documents are all available. Bandwidth is monitored by Orb to regulate the best performance while viewing or listening to media files.
Orb available for iPhone
Orb has also developed an iPhone application that gives much of the same functionality as on the PC version. The Orb iPhone app is available through iTunes for $9.99 but there is also a Lite version that users can try out for free.
Although the iPhone app does not contain future TV listings, it does allow users to watch a live television feed with the added ability to record shows that are currently playing. Also available are media files such as music, photos and videos.
Orb supports multiple formats
Webcams connected to the host PC will also be able to be viewed remotely on either another PC or iPhone. Orb is currently expanding the ability to stream to other sources such as cell phones, PDAs, consoles and other Internet connected devices.
Visit Orb’s website for more information.
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