Tablet Alternatives for Television

Android tablets can be used as an alternative to freesat television, they’re available in a variety of sizes, from a tiny 5 inch device to a larger size, full 1080p HD tablet so there’s sure to be one that fits your needs. As well as games, internet access and a whole range of applications there are also a lot of media functions that are built in to an Android tablet.

Most Android tablets come with a built in YouTube application, this gives you access to thousands of hours of user generated content as well as online web-series and even full TV programmes uploaded by the makers, for example Channel 4 use YouTube to host some of their programmes.

Another big feature is content streaming; many Android tablets are capable of playing video and audio files that are stored on another computer’s hard drive. If you’ve got a digital library of movies stored on a computer the Android tablet will be able to play them smoothly and wirelessly. Couple this streaming with the HD port found on some Android tablets and it’s possible to watch an HD movie on a big HD screen without going near a Blu-ray.

The BBC also recently embraced the growing Android audience by releasing an iPlayer application. This is free to download through the Android Market and gives access to the BBC’s massive library of television and radio shows as well as movies. The iPlayer also has many programmes available in HD so you won’t be sacrificing picture quality by watching online. If playing catch up isn’t ideal the iPlayer app also lets you watch live broadcasts with no delay.

One final advantage of an Android tablet is that you can take it with you wherever you go, unlike a big TV and a satellite dish. The iPlayer application will work so long as there’s a WiFi connection, YouTube works on a mobile signal and content can be stored directly on the tablet to be enjoyed whenever you want it.

There are many options when it comes to choosing an Android tablet, this list of five tablets highlights those with some of the best television features...

5. Acer Iconia Tab A500
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a 10.1 inch tablet with an HDMI port which can output 1080p to a big screen TV or monitor. Full Adobe Flash support also allows you to experience all that the internet has to offer and view online video content that most mobile devices can’t access.

4. Motorola Xoom
Motorola’s Xoom tablet is the first Android tablet to use the Honeycomb OS, aka 3.0, which has been designed for the tablet format. The Xoom has a 5 megapixel rear camera which can shoot HD video and an HDMI port allows you to play it back on a big screen. Read a full review of the Motorola Xoom here.

3. T-Mobile & LG G-Slate
The G-Slate has a lot of exciting features; as well as being one of the first tablets to built with Android 3.0 in mind it also features some cutting edge technology. The G-Slate has three built in cameras; one is a webcam while the other two will be used to shoot 3D pictures and videos. The really exciting feature however is how this 3D content is viewed, rather than viewing it on a 3D ready screen the tablet itself can playback the footage. 3D glasses have to be worn to view the 3D effect but it’s a small price to pay for 3D video on the go. Click here to find out more on the G-Slate.

2. Vizio VIA Tablet
Vizio’s VIA tablet is a versatile 8 inch tablet that is designed for viewing content. The tablet has 3 built in speakers to ensure stereo sound is achieved regardless of orientation and Vizio have partnered with SRS to deliver a virtual surround sound system. The VIA also has an IR blaster which allows it to be used as a universal remote control for your various pieces of tech equipment and HDMI output enables the Vizio tablet to display content on a big screen making it the perfect addition to a home entertainment setup.

1. Panasonic Viera Tablet
The Panasonic Viera Tablet is a must if you own a new Panasonic television as the two can communicate with Viera Connect; the tablet also has the same access to on demand services as found in the TVs. This is where Viera Connect comes in; content viewed on the tablet can instantly be transferred to the TV screen with a simple swipe on the tablet. HDMI output also allows you to feed content directly into the TV. The Viera tablet can even be used as a secondary display to provide another viewing angle or as a remote control for your Panasonic equipment.