CNET Editors' review
If you have a PC, router, and game console, you can watch Internet-sourced video on the TV your console is hooked up to with PlayOn from MediaMall Technologies. It's software that you install on your PC; there's no need to buy any new gizmo or hook anything else up. It relays on-demand streaming content from your PC to your TV, entertainment center, or other compatible device via your Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or other compatible game console, allowing you to enjoy old episodes of "Gilligan's Island" in true couch potato fashion, remote in one hand, refreshing beverage in the other.
Speaking of sofa spuds, PlayOn is designed to be easy to install and set up, even for those lacking the nerd gene. To use PlayOn, you need a broadband Internet connection in addition to the gear. The developer strongly recommends wired connections (such as Ethernet) to avoid streaming interruptions, but home networks are getting faster and more reliable all the time, so it's an option. You'll also need to make sure your antivirus and other security software is set up to allow PlayOn to function. And function it does. Using your console's familiar interface, PlayOn finds all accessible devices and content and displays it in an easy-to-use menu. As you might guess, watching Net video on your TV is fun.
The Internet is now a primary source for content, thanks to video-streaming sites like Hulu, YouTube, and Netflix that offer movies, TV shows, and more, often for free. To access much of that free online content via PlayOn, though, you'll have to subscribe to the monthly PlayOn Premium service. With cable TV bills climbing ever higher, it may still be an affordable option for on-demand video, especially if your PC and TV lack the necessary connectors and capabilities to link up directly, such as an HDMI cable.
Editors' note: This is a review of the full version of PlayOn 2.59.3848. The trial version is limited to 14 days.
Publisher's Description
From MediaMall Technologies:
PlayOn unlocks the power of your Wii, Xbox 360, or PlayStation 3 to watch your favorite movies, shows and videos from Hulu, CBS, Netflix, YouTube, CNN, ESPN, and more streamed right to your TV. It is wireless and there is no need to purchase a new device, connect messy cables, or worry about your cable bill. PlayOn also enables you to stream your personal videos, photos, and music from your PC to your Home Entertainment Center.
More Popular Miscellaneous Home Software downloads
- MB Janam Kundali
2,400 downloads
- AutoClick
1,993 downloads
- Free Image Converter
1,934 downloads
- Time Stopper
1,535 downloads
- Anti Mosquito Software
836 downloads
-
All versions:
3.1 starsout of 55 votes
-
Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
Write review
-
"Needs more work for Roku"
Version: PlayOn 3.4.28
Pros
Set up not too difficult
Interesting concept
Nice clarityCons
Way too much and frequent bufferings even for a short youtube. I just wanted it to get Youtube on our Roku. It buffers quite awhile at the beginning and then numerous times as a 5 min Youtube plays. This is NOT the case for movies that we watch from Amazon or other Roku channels. May try again next year.
Summary
Just not a useable product for Roku.
-
"exactly what i needed"
Version: PlayOn 3.4.34
Pros
very reasonable price, think it worked out to 18uk pounds for the year version... it was amazingly easy to setup and SO much better than other products i have tried..... there are SOME sites that refuse to work, but i mainly got this to stream VEEHD and HULU, and this brings me on to the best part of all...
being in the uk i dont have access to HULU, but thought id try PLAYON with hotspot shield installed on my pc, and was amazed to see it actually works..... so now i have hulu, netflix, netflix usa, veehd, and loads of lesser sites streaming to my PS3 :)
ALSO, theres a program called SCRIPTMAKER that i found where you can actually write your own scripts and its SOOO simple.... great if theres just certain videos or movies you want to watch as a family without burning to dvd.......Cons
some of the unofficail scripts are a bit hit and miss, and this could put some people off.....
every now and then a video gives a corrupt data message, this can sometimes be fixed by stopping and restarting playon....Summary
If you want to watch things like veehd, hulu or netflix then this is DEFFINATLY the software you need........
and if your in the UK , get hotspot shield, and you can still use this for american stuff. -
"Great, easy to use"
Version: PlayOn 3.4.33
Pros
Easy to set up
Cheaper than cable
Stream hulu to your tv versus paying for hulu plusCons
None so far
Summary
I ditched my cable bill and I use playon to stream hulu, etc. on my tv through my Roku. This gives me my tv shows for free that I use to pay for with cable tv.
-
"Worked no work"
Version: PlayOn 3.4.30
Pros
when first installed it worked ok
had trouble and emailed for help, replied quickly with possible solutions which none worked
free trial expired
received free 30 day reg key to give another go...no goCons
cant get it to work anymore
tried Wii and PC
never got to work on iOS eitherSummary
try free trail, if it works and you like it its probably worth the money, not expensive and you get quite a few options for viewing
-
"Too many clips not enough full length shows"
Version: PlayOn 3.4.28
Pros
Works well with PS3, has a lot of old movies.
Cons
Mostly worthless clips, and corrupt files.
Summary
I just used the trial and I am not going to upgrade to full software.Not a good option, wouldn't bother.
-
"Delivers What it Promises Streaming Hulu, Netflix,etc."
Version: PlayOn 3.4.28
Pros
Works well with PS3 and other connected PC's for online content
Cons
Requires administrative rights to configure
Doesn't work with Roku
Streaming your own content is hit or missSummary
PlayOn works well with the PS3 and delivers what it promises for a very good price. It delivers a worthy amount of on-demand online content and allows you to add your own features such as streaming your own media files. Unfortunately, it doesn't stream your own content very well and that is the main reason I needed it. The other major issue for me is that it requires admin rights to configure and I run my media center server with user level rights. My final solution was connecting Roku and the hardware version of Boxee to all my TVs and it work extremely well.
-
"Not ready for prime time."
Version: PlayOn 3.4.28
Pros
Software did not work well, so no pros that I can see.
Cons
Software did not work, company refused to refund money
Summary
Wait until these people get their act together.
-
"NOT YET MAXIMIZED FOR ROKU PLAYERS!"
Version: PlayOn 3.4.28
Pros
The concept and options are wonderful. I just wish it worked.
Cons
I have the Roku with high speed cable Internet. The shows constantly freeze and then reloop to the beginning, so it becomes useless. Other shows just load for 5 or 10 minutes and freeze and you then have to reload.
Glad I tried the two week free trial to realize this doesn't currently work with Roku. I would suggest you get the free trial as well regardless of your player to make sure it works with your system.Summary
Developers, great concept. Please work with Roku to continue improving poor playback.
-
"The WORST Customer Service"
Version: PlayOn 3.4.27
Pros
-Software provided is decent.
Cons
-Customer service is the worst. They do not have any customer service lines besides an email address which makes communication of simple matters difficult and require lots of headaches for them to attempt to resolve an issue.
Basically illogical reps out to scam an extra buck when you've paid for services. With their rapid changing prices, MAKE sure you keep careful records of what you've paid for. Even then, they'll try to tell you that you didn't pay for something even if you have proof you did just to scam extra money from you.Summary
Their service is decent. Allows you to stream your media to a device. It's nice for that purpose. Otherwise, you need a premium account to stream other media. Make sure you pay for a lifetime subscription. The annual is a rip off.
When you pay for an annual. MAKE SURE you keep records. These (I hesitate to call them people) will try to scam you and tell you that you need to pay more at a later date. Because of their lack of complaint line other than the support email line, it is difficult to then get a response.
All in all, their engineers are decent but they need to get the morons out of their customer service and try to get non-high school dropouts. -
"Terrific Great Super"
Version: PlayOn 3.4.25
Pros
Do not have cable / use this instead - work shift work and miss a lot of prime time programs - am able to catch up and watch them and many that are on at the same time so I can catch one and watch the other later - Did not know about contacting for the CBS streaming which I will do
Cons
CBS not streaming which I will contact PlayOn for support and programs freezing when I use the microwave to pop popcorn (used to stop but they have fixed that and now it just freezes temporary)
Summary
Great program I am not tech savvy at 65 but use this instead of cable - the support is wonderful - they will stick with you until a solution is found
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
Previous Versions:
