GeekSugar

Picking Up a Blu-Ray Player? Consider the Samsung BD-P2550

GeekSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:03:06 PST

Although I already have my Blu-Ray player squared away, I'm kinda excited about this Samsung high-def model instead. What sets the Samsung BD-P2550 aside from others is its features. Not only does it have HDMI, 1080p, 7.1 analog audio outputs, along with Dolby TrueHD decoding capabilities (which translates to amazing video and audio quality), but you can also stream Netflix On Demand movies and Pandora Internet radio right from the player.

Yeah, you can stream Pandora from your Blu-Ray player. Crazy, right? So if you assumed there would be an extra-special price tag to go along with all this "flair," you would be absolutely right. The Samsung BD-P2550 clocks in at $349 from Best Buy (and goes as high as $489 from Amazon), but I'm totally adding this to my Price Protectr list just in case.

5 Ways to Stream Your Workouts at Home

Kristy Korcz — Tue, 03 May 2011 05:51:58 PDT

Being on a budget may be a way of life these days, but cutting back on expenses doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your health goals. If a gym membership isn't in the cards, the good news is you can still get a great workout in your own home. Don't think it's possible? Check out these five ways you can leave the gym behind, raise your heart rate, and stream it all on your home network.

Netflix - More than endless movie and TV possibilities, Netflix also has a great selection of workout videos to choose from. Stream them at home, or add them to your queue, and keep them for as long as you want. For $9 a month for unlimited access, I'd say that's a steal.
OnDemand - Ever look at your cable provider's OnDemand section? Besides new pay-per-view movies, you can get a great workout with ExerciseTV, under the Sports & Fitness category, which offers classes like yoga, kickboxing, and cardio workouts to blast fat.

See the rest after the break.

7 Ways to Stream Video on the Xbox 360

Kelly Schwarze — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:01:14 PDT

Microsoft announced some major additions to the streaming media options available on Xbox Live, which may see the Xbox 360 platform become your main gateway to at-home entertainment. Beginning this holiday season, Microsoft is teaming up with nearly 40 media companies, networks, and web destinations to get global entertainment in one spot. As they say, "Gone are the days of managing a handful of remote controls." Details on exact subscription costs for each service within Xbox haven't been released.

While services and entertainment options vary by region, these six streaming options are bound to make you Xbox's biggest fan.

HBO GO - If you're already an HBO cable subscriber, this will stream your favorite HBO programming directly into the Xbox dashboard.
Hulu Plus - Catch up on a broad selection of network television programming and movies at $7.99 per month.
Comcast Xfinity - Available to Xfinity TV subscribers, Xfinity On Demand brings the most current episode of shows, along with season archives, and movies to the Xbox Live dashboard.
Vevo - Check out the latest music videos without cramming around a computer screen or worrying about software plug-ins.
Verizon FiOS TV - Available in time for the holiday season, Verizon is slated to bring a selection of live TV channels to Xbox 360 that will also be integrated with Kinect.
Netflix - Netflix has long been available on Xbox Live, but it's a classic complement to the slew of new programming on the platform. This may be the call to drop the DVD subscription as well.
Youtube - Don't forget the viral videos. You can still view the buzz-worthy videos of the Internet with YouTube on Xbox.

Netflix Alternatives to Online Streaming

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 03:11:43 PDT

Netflix recently shocked its customers by announcing that it would split its streaming and DVD rental company in half, essentially forcing customers to deal with two separate subscriptions - Netflix for streaming, and newly founded company Quickster for DVDs.

Netflix's recent price bump may have angered customers, but this move has sent loyal movie watchers over the edge. GeekSugar Twitter users have said that they're ready to cancel both subscriptions completely, relying on other forms of streaming to get their entertainment fix. If you're cutting ties with Netflix (and Quickster), here are some alternatives to try.

Hulu Plus - The $8 monthly subscription fee for Hulu Plus allows access to the most current episodes of TV shows and has an even larger catalog of movies available than its free Hulu counterpart. Available via iOS, Android, select gaming consoles, Samsung TVs, and computer systems.
Blockbuster Total Access - Pricing models give customers the option to rent DVDs for home delivery with a subscription plan for $10 or $15, choose to rent DVDs without subscriptions, or stream films online on demand.
Epix - A joint venture between movie studios Viacom, Paramount, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Lionsgate, Epix offers 150 movies; though, it can only be accessed through an existing cable subscription.
Amazon - The online retailer recently signed an agreement with CBS making shows like Star Trek and The Tudors available instantly on the site. Over 8,000 video titles are available instantly via Amazon for a fee.
Walmart VUDU - Walmart's own streaming media service, VUDU, is accessible online or through VUDU-enabled devices like certain HDTVs, Blu-ray players, or PlayStation 3. Customers do not sign up for a subscription, but rather pay per film viewing. Rentals begin at $3, with new releases starting at $4 and higher for HD-quality streams; many movies can be purchased for unlimited viewing for $15.
Facebook - Though currently limited to select options like Doctor Who episodes and The Dark Knight, we'll stay tuned for more streaming developments from the social network in the future.

Inexpensive Ways to Work Out

Anna Monette Roberts — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 03:05:02 PDT

If you find yourself spending appalling amounts on working out or are looking for ways to cut your budget, it's time to rethink your fitness choices. While a gym membership might be an economical choice for someone that goes almost every day, you should look at other options which can be significantly cheaper, especially if you are only going to the gym a few times a month.

If you are really in a pinch, get creative with the free stuff around you. Stores like Lululemon and Lucy offer free classes; join a neighborhood jogging group; or look through our site or FitSugar's Community for exercise inspiration that you can do by yourself sans gym.
Work out at home using a variety of fitness DVDs like Pilates, Zumba, and yoga. Check out DVDs at your local library, or if you have Netflix or OnDemand, you can instantly play a variety of workouts, so you will never get bored.

See more ways to work out cheap.

Miramax Adds More Streaming Video Options to Facebook

Kelly Schwarze — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:23:57 PDT

Good news for those wishing to stream movies online: Hollywood movie studio Miramax joins the streaming media crowd with the launch of a Facebook app called Miramax eXperience. For $3, rent any of the available movies, like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill (in addition to previously mentioned Doctor Who episodes) for commercial free viewing on Facebook, iPad, and GoogleTV.

Miramax's foray into Facebook video streaming is just one addition to the many streaming options consumers can choose from for their entertainment needs, including the following:

Netflix - With access via gaming consoles, TVs, iPhones, and Android smartphones in addition to computers, the popular classic doesn't seem to be going anywhere despite the competition and controversial new pricing structure.
Hulu Plus - The $8 monthly subscription fee for Hulu Plus allows access to the most current episodes of TV shows and has an even larger catalog of movies available than its free Hulu counterpart. Available via iOS, Android, select gaming consoles, Samsung TVs, and computer systems.
VUDU by Walmart - The service is accessible through the VUDU page on Walmart's website or from VUDU-enabled devices like certain HDTVs, Blu-ray players, or PlayStation 3. Customers do not sign up for a subscription, but rather pay per film viewing. Rentals begin at $3, with new releases starting at $4 and higher for HD-quality streams; many movies can be purchased for unlimited viewing for $15.
Blockbuster Total Access - Pricing models give customers the option to rent DVDs for home delivery with a subscription plan for $10 or $15, choose to rent DVD without subscriptions, or stream films online on demand.

For those who love the freedom of choice, check out more streaming options after the break.

Recently Cut Cable or Satellite? Here's How to Stream Your Favorite Shows Online

GeekSugar — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:16:54 PDT

Nearly 200,000 Americans canceled their cable or satellite subscription this quarter. This loss comes as no surprise (since cable and satellite subscriptions have been heading downward all year), and while some folks are cutting back on monthly bills due to the down economy, some are moving to online streaming options.

If you're toying with the idea of canceling your outrageously priced cable subscription, check out these online streaming options that are just a mouse click away.

Netflix - With access via gaming consoles, TVs, iPhones, and Android smartphones in addition to computers, the popular classic doesn't look to be going anywhere despite the competition and controversial new pricing structure.
Hulu Plus - The $8 monthly subscription fee for Hulu Plus allows access to the most current episodes of TV shows and has an even larger catalog of movies available than its free Hulu counterpart. Available via iOS, Android, select gaming consoles, Samsung TVs, and computer systems.
Blockbuster Total Access - Pricing models give customers the option to rent DVDs for home delivery with a subscription plan for $10 or $15, choose to rent DVDs without subscriptions, or stream films online on demand.

For those who love the freedom of choice, check out more streaming options after the break.

A Streaming Media Customer's Guide

GeekSugar — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:36:23 PDT

Walmart announced today its streaming media service, VUDU. The company bought VUDU in 2010 and has finally integrated the HD digital media rental company into the Walmart website.

The service is accessible through the VUDU page on Walmart's website or from VUDU-enabled devices like certain HDTVs, Blu-ray players, or PlayStation 3. Customers do not sign up for a subscription, but rather pay per film viewing. Rentals begin at $3, with new releases starting at $4 and higher for HD-quality streams; many movies can be purchased for unlimited viewing for $15.

With companies like Walmart racing to produce popular streaming video service, customers have a wide range of products and pricing plans to choose from, including the following:

Netflix - With access via gaming consoles, TVs, iPhones, and Android smartphones in addition to computers, the popular classic doesn't look to be going anywhere despite the competition and controversial new pricing structure.
Hulu Plus - The $8 monthly subscription fee for Hulu Plus allows access to the most current episodes of TV shows and has an even larger catalog of movies available than its free Hulu counterpart. Available via iOS, Android, select gaming consoles, Samsung TVs and computer systems.
Blockbuster Total Access - Pricing models give customers the option to rent DVDs for home delivery with a subscription plan for $10 or $15, choose to rent DVD without subscriptions, or stream films online on demand.

For those who love the freedom of choice, check out more streaming options after the break.

A Breakdown of the New Netflix Pricing Structure

Kristy Korcz — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 13:07:12 PDT

Attention Netflix users: your movie addiction may be getting a bit more expensive.

Earlier today, Netflix announced a price increase to its DVD/streaming combo plans, essentially separating them into two different plans altogether. Netflix says that it has to raise prices in order to stay competitive in the market, but mostly because the company didn't realize there was still such a high demand for DVDs. But since not all titles are available for streaming, it makes sense that movie watchers would still need to send out for a disc every once in a while. The changes will affect current Netflix members beginning Sept. 1, while the new pricing structure will be available for new members immediately. Check out the pricing and plan breakdowns below.

Unlimited streaming - $7.99
Unlimited DVD, one DVD out at a time - $7.99
Unlimited DVD, two DVDs out at a time - $11.99
Unlimited streaming and DVD, one DVD out at a time - $15.98

What do you think of the new Netflix plans?

Netflix Alternatives: 5 Ways to Rent Movies Online

SavvySugar — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 03:05:29 PDT

It's a huge bummer that Netflix will raise its fees. Many plan to cancel or downgrade their subscription. Netflix claims that it's raising its membership price to $16 a month for unlimited streaming and one DVD out at a time to stay competitive in the market. However, it still seems like they offer the best deal out there. Check out the rest of Netflix's pricing breakdown, and take a look at these alternatives if you're looking for a change.

Hulu Plus: For $8 a month, Hulu Plus offers over 33,000 episodes from current and classic shows in high definition for view on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or gaming console. While the service provides hundreds of movies and documentaries, you're mostly looking at independent, lesser-known titles rather than mainstream films. In addition, Hulu Plus members still have to watch ads, because the company claims that helps keep monthly fees down.
Blockbuster by Mail: The service supplies one disc out (DVD, Blu-ray, game) at a time for $12 a month with no due dates or late fees. The company claims it provides new releases 28 days before Netflix and Redbox, and you can send the movie back by mail or switch it out for another rental at a Blockbuster location. Blockbuster On-Demand has a limited amount of instant play movies for free. The majority cost $3 and up per movie, which can really add up.
Redbox: For $1 a day per movie, you can reserve a movie or game you want to rent, then go to the selected Redbox kiosk to pick up the rental. This might be a great idea if you find yourself renting less than eight movies a month from Netflix. Another option is you could use Redbox for your DVD rentals and Netflix for your instant play rentals. However, Redbox renters beware: the movie is due by 9 p.m. the next day, so if you don't return it, you will have to pay an additional dollar.
Amazon Video On Demand: This is a free service that requires you to purchase most of the streaming video rentals independently. If you are a member of Amazon Prime, you have unlimited, commercial free access to thousands of movies and TV shows, but again, most of the content requires purchase. Amazon Video is a good competitor for iTunes, because the videos are streaming rather than require a download.
iTunes Store Video Rental: In the iTunes store, movie and TV show rentals can be purchased. While the videos do require a download as opposed to being streaming, the video and sound quality is much higher than the other counterparts. You can watch the video via your computer or upload these rentals to your apple devices. One deterring feature is when the rental period has elapsed, even if you haven't had a chance to watch the video, it will disappear from your iTunes library.