Watching MotoGP

[Scoop]

I subscribe to MotoGP.com.  I have no problem paying for the subscription because it's sooooo much better coverage and I HATE commercials.  I watch it on my Mac, but want to be able to stream it to my TV.  Who out there has the technological savvy to have done such a thing?  Basically, I want to be able to wirelessly stream content from my Mac to my TV.  Apple TV is a good bet, but it doesn't act like a browser and therefore (from what I gather) won't allow me to stream the videos from MotoGP.com.  I've done an exhaustive search (about an hour) and am fed up with the interweb.  I need answers and I need em soon!

[black hills]

my IT skills are terrible, but I just plug my laptop into the TV and select the appropriate input? (haven't done wireless?). 42" is way better than 14"

[Scoop]

Yes, there is that method.  I find my laptop doesn't stream smoothly though.  Not sure if Mac's have a hard time streaming (they shouldn't) or if the laptop is just too slow.  I could run a cable from my desktop Mac to the TV, but it would be a long run.  A friend has a PS3.  I kinda like the way it allows access to pics, movies and music files.  Apple TV will do that, but won't allow browsing to sites like MotoGP.

[ceilingcat]

I have a HTPC.  I log onto Motogp.com and watch on my 73" tv.  If you can stream HD netflix then you can do something similar to what I do, but a computer is required or some kind of browser - I don't know anything about xbox360 or PS3 or Mac's for that matter.  HDMI interface is preferred, but DVI or VGA can work - HDMI is the way to go if you want 1080i.  I put together my HTPC for less than 700 bucks - more like 550 or so.  Motogp has dramatically improved their streaming over the last couple of years.  If you want to know what I did to build this HTPC I will post it up.  I am not sure if WSBK is streaming for this season.  

[Mookie]

Desktop or laptop?

Easiest and cheapest would be to just connect it with a cable, assuming you've got an HDMI or DVI connector/adapter on your computer.  The key is you've got to have a browser to view the video since there's no easy way to just download the video file and connect it via XBMC (it's streaming) and there's no built in connectivity app, like netflix, built into your TV or set top box.  

You can get a wireless setup like this for around $200:  http://reviews.cnet.com/audio-video-distribution/asus-wicast-ew2000/4505-14101_7-34185194.html

[Scoop]

It would appear that the best option is "just" to connect the Mac straight to the computer.  Of course, that means a very long HDMI cable.  Sigh.  I tried the PS3, what a disappointment.  It does stream movies from the PC OK.  Won't talk to the Mac.  Will run off of an external drive, but only if the drive is formatted in the rather ancient FAT-32 format.  I really wish that technology did at least half of what it said it did.  I think it would be cheaper to get on a plane and go to all the races in person.  Certainly easier!  I think I shall become Amish or something.

[Kneescrubber]

So how much is that subscription? Do you have to get up at 4am to watch it?

[Scoop]

I paid 98 euros or some such.  It's actually great.  You get all of the practice, qualifying and race videos.  All are archived, so you can watch them at anytime.  The qualifying and races have way more info than you will ever get on US or Canadian TV.  No stupid commercials.  I really like having the subscription.  Actually, 3 of us went in on it and we share the password.  There seems to be nothing to stop that, I think we can even all sign in at the same time.  I've done this for several years now and it's worked out well.  

[ceilingcat]

Streaming the races is THE way to go.  I am really impressed with the improvements they have made to the streaming - 1080i, HD sound etc, all the qualifying rounds, and its unedited live content, so when they screw up and drop the f-bomb it goes out.

They used to walk thru the stands / congregation areas but the euro crowds are pretty interesting with the air cooled engine on cement blocks and megaphones on the exhaust pipes - purely to make as much noise as possible - people mooning the camera etc.  I think they stopped that.

I use a stream capture program to record the live feed.  If you do this - the file is HUGE btw.

[sportrider]

Good stuff.  

[BentAero]

No. There's a section on their site for non-spoiler viewing. I have the url saved and just go to it first, it's just like watching it live, but you can go to it at any time.

Sent from my smarter than I am phone.

[Scoop]

Yes, I use the spoiler URL too.  I guess I am going to have to get a long bloody cable and hardwire the TV to the Mac.  Sigh.  Stupid technology.