So you’ve got a business, and you’ve got a TV in that business – what’s more, you have an important descision to make; choosing what goes on your TV. Far too often people get a TV and throw cable on it without so much as a second thought – and that’s understandable. Cable is the norm, it’s what we’re used to. “TV goes on the TV” – plain and simple. While that may be all well and good for your home, what about your business?

When it comes to business settings, basic cable fills in a blank screen and does little else than stick you with costly cable bills. Unless it’s a sports bar, people aren’t coming to your business to watch TV – so why bog yourself down with the cost of a cable subscription when there are less expensive, and more suitable alternatives? Alternatives geared towards benefiting you, and your business.

If you’re willing and innovative you might consider putting together some videos of your own, featuring highlights of your business to fill in that blank TV screen. You may even create a scrolling slideshow of pictures to showcase things you want visitors to see. Both are certainly less expensive than cable, but where do you begin?

We’ve got the top 3 easiest ways of getting videos on your TV, along with the pros and cons of each.

#3 – USB/Thumb Drive

A USB drive is possibly the most common means of uploading custom videos to modern TVs. It is certainly one that is fairly easy to use/learn. Not all TVs support video playback from a USB drive – if your TV does, then it’s a great and easy way to loop photos or videos on your TV. Most TVs that support USBs will require that your video be in MP4 Format. From there – it’s just a simple matter of:

+ Plugging the USB into the TV.

+ Accessing your TV’s menu.

+ Selecting a playback mode that suits you.

PROS: USBs are cheap and fairly easy to update. You’re able to upload your custom videos and set them to play accordingly for the benefit and enjoyment of your visitors.

CONS: USBs lack versatility, and they can become boring and repetitive. Additionally, USBs can’t be updated from afar – requiring the device to be removed and updated manually on each TV.

#2 – Computer Hookup

Perhaps less common, but no less useful, is streaming videos and slideshows directly from a computer hooked up to your TV. This method works just about the same as using a USB drive, except the equipment is larger and harder to hide.

PROS: Using a computer has the added benefit of being able to manage your videos on the device it’s being directly streamed from. Computers are more powerful than USB drives and generally more flexible.

CONS: If you don’t have a computer laying around to stream your videos, going out and getting one can be expensive. There’s also the issue of having an unsightly computer in view of your TV. If there isn’t a tech closet to store it in, a computer can easily turn into an eyesore.

#1 – It’s Relevant TV

Last but not least, there’s It’s Relevant TV. IRTV combines television programming with digital messaging that’s easy to use and updates automatically. It takes the best of the first 2 options, adding flexibility and control while bringing in outside content that is attractive to customers.

PROS: It’s Relevant TV provides over half a million licensed TV episodes straight to your TV. All of the content is family friendly, updated hourly, and arranged into categories for you to choose from. It’s Relevant gives you the ability to mix in your own content with interesting TV programs, making it more appealing and engaging to visitors. The service is easy to use, with a “set it and forget it“ kind of feel. Everything can be controlled and uploaded from your phone through our It’s Relevant TV app – making it a unique service unlike anything else out there.

CONS: It’s Relevant TV is a service with a monthly fee – however it is intended to be less expensive than what it costs to run basic cable. It’s designed to bring a real ROI to your business through your TV. IRTV has put together an ROI Calculator that you can use to calculate how much of a return they might expect to see from using the service.