It was only a short time ago when you could barely play a video clip on your computer, and it was even worse if you had to download the clip from the Internet. We have seen incredible changes in the way in which we view television shows and movies the Internet has been responsible for a lot of that. It is apparent that this would not have been possible without the introduction of broadband Internet, because with dial up connections there are not too many people patient enough to wait three days in order to download a half hour show.
Now we see a trend on the Internet, where even the major television networks are starting to feed streaming episodes of their shows. Such sites as, http://abc.go.com, http://www.nbc.com, and http://www.cbs.com, allows you to watch their shows free of charge. AOL Time Warner, http://video.aol.com/video-category/in2tv/2120 ,also has many shows that you can watch on their site, including some classic shows that you might have forgotten about. Of course, you must have a broadband connection in order to enjoy these shows.
The one great thing about this is that with a computer, a video out card, and a broadband connection, you do not have to pay those outrageous cable and satellite bills. Another advantage to setting up your computer as your entertainment system, is that you can also include your favorite music, as well as listen to Internet radio stations offering choices that may not be available in your area using your standard radio.
I think that the best advantage is that you do not have to worry about missing an episode of your favorite show, because you can always go online and watch it. I believe that this is where entertainment is going, it is not necessarily going to rid us of our televisions, but there will be many other options than cable and satellite.