As part of a new angle to aid cord-cutters in keeping up with live TV, Aereo comes to the rescue. The service offers users access to live broadcast TV on any HTML5-supported web browser. With Hulu Plus and Netflix already out there with numerous subscribers, where does Aereo fit into the mix?
After enjoying the service for about a full week, it’s time to share my notes with you guys. For those of you who need to familiar with Aereo and all that its about, you can read up on it here. My complete analysis lies below.
 |
| Using Aereo on an iPad |
Once you get setup its easy. You can setup up to five different devices on one account and then peruse through the channel guide to find whatever tickles your viewing fancy. Once you’ve made your selection, it will take about up to 30 seconds of buffering then BAM! You’re watching live TV online. You have the option watch TV in Low, Medium, High (720p) or Auto video quality. Depending on your data speeds, streaming should be no problem no matter the device. I tested Aereo on my iMac, iPhone, and iPad.
 |
| Using Aereo on my iPhone |
My streaming experience on Aereo’s service was better than most.
 |
| What DVR recording looks like using Aereo |
Aereo’s sweet spot along with offering live TV online is the DVR service (up to 40 hours of content) using two remote antennas. With two of them, you can record one show on one and watch live TV on the other antenna or record 2 shows at the same time. Shows can be scheduled in advance using the guide to make sure you don’t miss a thing. You have the option record an episode just this once, every new one, or all episodes of your desired show. And for you sharing types, you can let your Facebook & Twitter friends know what you watching as well. I can catch all of the shows my wife and I watch like: Once Upon A Time, Arrow, Revenge, Scandal, Bob’s Burgers, Grey’s Anatomy, and etc. Beats having to wait until the next day to watch it on Hulu.
“Aereo has done an overall great job in providing the missing link between on-demand TV and live TV.”
TG 2 Cents
It is rare that developers can create an app/service to work as it is suggested. Aereo has done an overall great job in providing the missing link between on-demand TV and live TV. Bravo! If you have a problem with the pricing, keep in mind Aereo is providing a DVR that could just relinquish the need for Hulu Plus. Hulu and Aereo both cost you $8 monthly but when you pit Aereo’s $80 annual plan against one year of Hulu Plus (which is about $96 + tax), you get more bang for the buck. Thus saving you about $16 per year. Definitely worth considering as a Hulu alternative.
To Subscribe Or Not To Subscribe
Honestly, it depends on your preference. With Aereo you get more access to more content and channels like news and broadcast shows that aren’t on Hulu. In exchange you have to deal with more commercials.
Comments
