The Super Bowl is almost here. You don't want to miss a minute of the action. But your schedule may not allow you to be home for the game. With most shows, you'd simply record them for later viewing. That won't do with the Super Bowl — it must be seen live.

Placeshifting is the solution. This lets you watch television over the Internet — even if a game is blacked out in the area in which you're watching.

Placeshifting requires an always-on broadband Internet connection at home.

You'll also need to bridge the gap between the TV and the Internet. There are a couple of ways to do this.

SLINGBOX

A gadget called a Slingbox lets you watch live or recorded TV shows anywhere using a Web browser. It connects to your TV and router at home. It also connects to DVRs and cable or satellite boxes for viewing recorded content and paid programming.

The Slingbox takes over your TV at home. (You probably don't want to connect it to your primary set if other people use that, because then those at home will be stuck having to watch the same programming you're watching from far away through the TV's online connection.)

A Slingbox lets you watch and control your programming on a Mac or PC. You can also buy the optional SlingPlayer Mobile software ($30) and watch programming on the BlackBerry, Windows, Palm and Symbian smart phones. SlingPlayer does not yet support the iPhone, but is expected to by April.

There are two versions of the Slingbox.

The Slingbox Solo ($180) connects to one source. This may be all you need if you just want to watch live TV. For example, connect it to your cable box or DVR.

It doesn't matter if the source is standard- or high-definition. Programming is transmitted in standard definition.

The Slingbox Pro-HD ($300) connects to multiple sources, so you can switch between TV, cable and DVR. It's great for catching up with recorded shows on the road. It has a built-in digital tuner, so it can receive a cable connection without a set-top box. As its name suggests, the Pro-HD is capable of streaming high-definition video.

SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS

Maybe you don't want a Slingbox to monopolize your TV. Instead, you can placeshift using your computer.

First, you need to buy a TV tuner card. It will let you watch and record TV on your computer. These generally run between $50 and $100. HD models may cost more.

The tuner card may connect via a USB port. Others fit in your computer's PCI slot. You attach an antenna or cable connection to pick up programming.

In addition to the tuner, buy SageTV, which is digital video recording software for your computer.

You also need SageTV's PlaceShifter program, which streams your television signal to you over the Internet.

The programs run about $100 combined.

SageTV and PlaceShifter work on both PCs and Macs. Again, you can watch live or recorded shows.

Many TV tuner cards include software that adds video recording functionality. So you may balk at buying redundant software. Instead, give Orb a try. The free program pulls programming from your tuner card. Orb then streams it over the Internet to your computer or phone.

Orb also streams videos, photos and music from your computer. So, you can watch recorded shows, too. Orb software requires Windows. You'll find a link to this program at www.komando.com/news.

Orb even works with the iPhone or iPod Touch. You'll need to download a program from Apple's iTunes App store. OrbLive ($10) streams live TV and other media. OrbLive Free (free) only streams pre-recorded media.

A WARNING

Remember that video uses a lot of bandwidth. This is particularly true of HD video.

It isn't uncommon for broadband providers to cap usage. You could quickly hit your limit. Speak with your provider to clarify usage limits.

Bandwidth will become a particular concern if you're watching on your phone. Most cellular providers cap data usage at 5 gigabytes a month.