Many people will try new technology for the first time during the Olympics. If you have tried watching 3D Olympics and streaming live Olympics to your smart phone or tablet, you may have questions. You may have never used the 3D feature on your TV before, but now is the time you want to try it so you can watch divers jump out of your TV, or javelin throwers aim straight for you. Or you may try live streaming video of medal events on your phone or iPad. If you haven't tried these technologies before, here are a few things you need to know if your experience is less than expected.
Streaming on Your Mobile Device
You can stream on the NBC Olympics Live Extra App and on your computer. But if the streams are stalling or the screen is black, it may be that you need a faster WiFi Internet connection. Many hotspots are offering faster Internet accessibility, but hotels, individually owned bars, and coffee shops may still be slow.
Be aware of times that you stream live video and you aren't using WiFi connected to a hotspot. Your smartphone or tablet will use your cellular 3G or 4G network. Video streaming long enough to watch a few events will use up a lot of data. And most carriers offer limited data plans. If you do stream using your phone service, you can usually check your data usage in your phone's settings. AT&T charges $10 per GB over your plan's limit. If it's worth it to you to go over, it may give you a cushion to continue streaming for the rest of your phone's billing cycle.
If you installed the NBC Live Extra App and you aren't seeing your favorite sport listed it may be that you haven't registered on the app (or website). You need to login to the app by choosing your provider and using the login you use to connect to your TV provider. Learn more at the above link.
3D Olympics not working?
Many providers have offered 3D Olympics coverage of a number of sports. This is not live coverage. You have to wait until the day as the 3D coverage is shown the next day. You may be able to find the 3D Olympics channel by browsing through your onscreen guide. You'll know you have the right channel because you'll see a double picture. If you see a double picture, your TV isn't automatically switching to 3D.
If your TV doesn't switch to 3D, look for a button on the remote, or look for the 3D menu by pressing the menu button on your TV. There are different 3D formats. The picture may be doubled with one stacked above the other, or images may be side by side. Be sure to choose the method you see once you press the 3D button.
You will need the 3D glasses that work with your TV. If you need to buy 3D glasses, be sure that you get the right ones for your brand and model TV. There are two types of 3D glasses: active glasses that have batteries, and passive glasses like the ones you get at a 3D movie at the theaters. Your TV will use one of the other, but they are not interchangeable.
What is your favorite 3D Olympics moment?
