March Madness is here, and everyone is getting into the spirit of the season. The public eye fixates on favorites such as Kentucky, Duke, Virginia and Villanova. Hardcore fans follow expert bracketology predictions by Bleacher Report. The FBI even estimates that $2.5 billion is wagered every year during the NCAA tournament (more than the Super Bowl). Advertisers also spend a Super Bowl-like budget, paying $1.5 million for 30-second spots, reports AdAge. Needless to say, it’s called March Madness for a reason.
Meanwhile, viewers at home are excited too. Here’s how the latest technology can enhance your game-watching experience and make you feel like you’re sitting courtside.
Choose the Right TV
First, make sure you have the best TV to watch the tournament on. CNET’s David Katzmaier released his top TV model reviews using a ratings system that emphasizes which models deliver the best picture quality and value. Reviews are also based off of design, features, technology type and screen size. Katzmaier covers everything from LED LCD to plasma and all sizes from below 32 inches to above 64.
Get the Most From Your TV Service Provider
Next, you need the right provider to air the games on your radar. Reviews.com gathered 21 satellite and cable TV providers and reviewed 12 based on 107 features. The DISH Network came out on top overall, winning acclaim for several high-tech DVR features any sports fan would appreciate. The DISH Hopper option lets you record up to six live HD primetime broadcasts and connect up to four TVs. You can even watch two games at once by using a PIP (picture-in-picture) button.
Stream Shows to Your Screen
You also have the option to stream content to your screen from your smartphone, tablet or PC. For example, with Google Chromecast, you can plug your TV into your wireless network and receive streaming broadcasts or mirror videos displayed right on your Web browser. Digital Trends multimedia journalist Brandon Widder reviews Chromecast and Google’s Nexus Player against rival streaming device products from Roku, Amazon and Apple — Roku 3 reigned supreme. Also, telecommunications equipment designer Qualcomm recently added a streaming adapter doubling as an Android smartphone.
Enhance Your Experience with Apps
The NCAA has partnered with Turner and CBS to let fans follow the action with the NCAA March Madness Live App. The app gives pay-TV subscribers unlimited live streaming coverage and mobile access to games across all screens and devices. Games broadcast on CBS can be watched with no registration, while those shown on TNT, TBS and truTV can be viewed by logging in with provider information. Additional features let fans follow their favorite teams, check team and player stats, see match-up projections, replay highlights, watch press conference coverage and play fantasy basketball challenges against other fans as they watch.
Don’t Forget the Food
Lastly, you can’t watch March Madness games and root for your favorite team without food. Last year Domino’s Pizza became the first major food chain to offer an app that lets hungry pizza lovers order by voice. TechnoBuffalo writer Todd Haselton reviews other fast food apps designed to help you easily order food with your mobile device so you can have it ready in time for the game.
