Streaming On The Cheap

By now, most of us are aware of Roku, Apple TV and other little devices that allow us to watch our favorite Netflix and Hulu movies and shows on our TVs. The sweet spot in price for these set top boxes is right in the $100 range with some options from Roku between $60-$80 but have you heard about Google's recent venture into the set top box market segment?

Google introduced the Chromecast several weeks ago and so far it has had pretty stellar reviews from users, despite the fact that it is still lacking in the subscription services it supports. Currently, Netflix and YouTube are the only services officially supported but you can stream some content from your mobile web browser as well.

The super small device plugs right into any free HDMI port on your TV and draws power from your TVs USB port with the provided cable. If your HDTV does not have a powered USB port, they also include a wall adapter. You then control the device through an app downloaded to your Android or iOS device and it can even be controlled through your Windows or Apple computer. Unlike Apple TV, Chromecast uses your mobile device like a remote and directs content from the web instead of just mirroring whatever you are seeing on your screen. Best of all, this little device is just $35! Keep an eye on this as they will be supporting many more subscription services in the coming months.

UPDATE (10/2/13): HULU just released an update for iPad and Android that includes Chromecast support. It does not yet have iPhone functionality but expect it to come soon. I assume other streaming services like Amazon, VUDU, and Redbox Instant will be close behind in providing support. Time to buy one!

Digitize Your Movies for Cheap

Movies in digital form is certainly nothing new but consolidating them to one place has always been a Disc-To-Digital program. To begin, download the Disc-To-Digital software to your computer. You can then put movies into your optical drive on your computer and VUDU recognizes the title you put in as long as it is in their library. You then have the option to buy a digital copy of the movie right then and there. Standard definition versions are just $2 or for $5 you can get an HD version. If you already own the Blu-Ray version of the disc, you can get an HD digital copy for just $2.

nightmare. Buying digital movies from iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, etc. generally forces you to keep movies in various locations. However, one service has now made it easy to not only buy new digital movies but also to digitize the movies you have collected over the years. VUDU, which is Walmart's streaming service, has an incredible selection of movies for purchase or rent but the real reason I use them almost exclusively now is their

You can also redeem any "Ultraviolet Copy" displayed on the jacket of most new releases. VUDU keeps all of these movies in one easy location and you have the option to stream your movies from the VUDU site or download to your computer or mobile device so you can watch it offline. I have used VUDU's Disc-To-Digital fairly extensively and love it! If you own a Roku, Playstation, or XBox, you can download theVUDU app to access all of your content. One hint for adding to your collection without breaking the bank; buy USED movies from Amazon and use the Disc-To-Digital to add them to your digital collection.