Community Forums

docj · 02-13-2020, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllanK

We are looking for a load balance router, wanted one with 2 USB ports but have not found that so we may have to go with a WIFIRanger product.

Using the newest firmware update WiFiRanger routers can support multiple USB hotspots even though they have a single USB port. All you need to do is purchase a simple USB hub. The Ranger will then recognize that it has two tethered devices.

Alternatively, if you have a hotspot with Ethernet connectivity you can connect it along with a USB-tethered device. That's the configuration I am using at present.

Joel (AKA docj)

georgebonord · 02-22-2020, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davdeb1

There aren't currently any plans available to get now that will allow you to stream "unlimited".
The best solution is to join FMCA, and get their offers.
Verizon "unlimited" from FMCA allows 25 gb. The Sprint plan allows 50gb.

These are both exclusive of FMCA.

And that allowance sucks!! The FMCA is NOT a good deal!

MRUSA14 · 02-22-2020, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllanK

I don't think we are all that unique but here goes our setup.

We travel in the RV for winter, still a home in Canada with 2 TVs for the summer, and use the RV as a cottage on weekends in the summer, heading off somewhere about once a month to exercise the engine and generator.

We were looking for system that would be seamless from the coach to the house.

We have settled on Sling TV. At home we have hard wired unlimited Internet. In the coach we use Visible unlimited Internet tethered to a small routed to allow multiple devices as well as consistent SSID because when Visible does not work, as it does not currently in South Padre Island we activate a AT&T phone and plug it into the same router.

Both Visible and AT&T are only used for data. Our phones are both T-Mobile. When we get back to Canada I still still need an Internet solution as neither Visible nor AT&T will work there even though the AT&T plan is unlimited data that will work in Canada, tethered data is a different bucket and it does not work.

That's way too much fussing around for me. I want to turn my TV on and see TV, not mess with this data source or that one. Satellite is much simpler. Maybe when satellite internet matures I will migrate to streaming, but not now with different providers that work here but not there and data caps and throttling to contend with.

HDGoose · 02-22-2020, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

That's way too much fussing around for me. I want to turn my TV on and see TV, not mess with this data source or that one. Satellite is much simpler. Maybe when satellite internet matures I will migrate to streaming, but not now with different providers that work here but not there and data caps and throttling to contend with.

I work in IT and refuse to "work" at home doing the same thing.

docj · 02-22-2020, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

That's way too much fussing around for me. I want to turn my TV on and see TV, not mess with this data source or that one. Satellite is much simpler. Maybe when satellite internet matures I will migrate to streaming, but not now with different providers that work here but not there and data caps and throttling to contend with.

With all due respect, have you actually tried one of the major streaming services or are you making your statement based on reading other people's posts?

From my perspective, there's little difference between using YouTube TV and watching DirecTV:

1) I turn on my system which takes me me to my Roku.
2) I click on YouTube TV and select Live
3) which brings up a channel guide which I have customized so that the channels I watch are listed first.
4) I select the channel I want and click on it!

I can't figure out how this could be much easier.

dkperez · 02-23-2020, 05:38 AM

I agree with docj, and I disagree. I"ve got a Directv setup, but I"m using a portable dome. I've also got a hotspot and Roku with Youtube TV.

SO FAR, the Roku has been a LOT easier and more reliable than messing with the Directv. BUT, for people with a rooftop, automatic dish, I can see the satellite TV being just as easy.

One plus for the YTTV is that with Directv, if you miss a broadcast and don't get it on the DVR, it's gone. With YTTV once you tell it to put stuff in the "Library" (their version of a sort-of DVR), it's there when you want it.

On the other hand, if you're used to the menus, search, DVR, and so on for Directv, the YTTV user interface is extremely inefficient. Even changing channels in live TV mode involves a silly amount of steps. It's like they had someone design the UI that never used cable or satellite TV and a DVR. But, if you have a wireless connection, it does largely work...

docj · 02-23-2020, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkperez

Even changing channels in live TV mode involves a silly amount of steps.

With all due respect, if play around with your particular remote control you might find that it's easier than you think. With my Logitech Harmony, all I have to do is push the Exit button in order to return to the channel guide while I'm watching a program.

My program continues to play in the background and I can scroll through the guide to select a different channel. Alternatively, I can scroll to the top of the guide to return to my original program. The specific "backup" button is different on my Roku remote, but the process is the same.

A key feature that YTTV does lack, IMO, is the ability to record ONLY first run episodes of shows. I dislike having to play a recorded show in order to see if it is a first run. Usually, I will do a Google search to see if this week's show was a new one or a repeat.

No, YTTV isn't perfect but it has gotten better in the ~5 months we've been watching it. What's best about it is the >$75/mo I'm saving by not paying DirecTV!!

Joel (AKA docj)

dkperez · 02-24-2020, 05:42 AM

Different remote/device setups may have different capabilities - I"m using a Roku Express+.

I've only been streaming for a month so I don't know what has improved in the last several, but a lot of the UI just seems slow and cumbersome... The library, instead of a simple list of shows for selecting, uses large images so you have to scroll all over.
I haven't had any luck figuring out WHAT the "Most Recent" sort does 'cause there seems to be no relation to when the most recent episode of a show was put in.

And yeah, you can't tell it NOT to dump 5-year-old episodes of a show, it finds on some station, into the library.

In settings, you can't change your current area on the TV (or on an normal computer it appears - at least mine keeps demanding I use a "mobile" device). You apparently HAVE to connect on a cell phone, change the area, then wonder why the TV still hasn't switched.
But, it has 2 benefits, SO FAR, that are nice - shows get put in the library automatically (unlike Directv where if I"m not set up and working and miss an episode, it's gone), and the lower cost of the service.

docj · 02-24-2020, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkperez

Different remote/device setups may have different capabilities - I"m using a Roku Express+.

A Roku doesn't provide content; it only provides streaming capability. What content provider are you using? YouTubeTV? Hulu? etc?

GypsyR · 02-24-2020, 08:48 AM

"The Roku Channel" is free and has a small variety of content by itself. There is no indication of where that content "comes from" that I can find. Except Roku themselves. Sure it's mostly just a gateway program but it seems they do have some of their own content. I don't know all the details, I've just used Roku some.

docj · 02-24-2020, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GypsyR

"The Roku Channel" is free and has a small variety of content by itself. There is no indication of where that content "comes from" that I can find. Except Roku themselves. Sure it's mostly just a gateway program but it seems they do have some of their own content. I don't know all the details, I've just used Roku some.

In order to maximize the benefit of your Roku I suggest you explore the many content channels that are available. Most are in the $10/month range. There's a lot more out there than what you can see on the Roku channel.

timjet · 02-24-2020, 09:43 AM

To record a program in YTTV can it be scheduled on the TV or do you have to do it on a computer?

RonLC · 02-24-2020, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docj

With all due respect, if play around with your particular remote control you might find that it's easier than you think. With my Logitech Harmony, all I have to do is push the Exit button in order to return to the channel guide while I'm watching a program.

My program continues to play in the background and I can scroll through the guide to select a different channel. Alternatively, I can scroll to the top of the guide to return to my original program. The specific "backup" button is different on my Roku remote, but the process is the same.

A key feature that YTTV does lack, IMO, is the ability to record ONLY first run episodes of shows. I dislike having to play a recorded show in order to see if it is a first run. Usually, I will do a Google search to see if this week's show was a new one or a repeat.

No, YTTV isn't perfect but it has gotten better in the ~5 months we've been watching it. What's best about it is the >$75/mo I'm saving by not paying DirecTV!!

Joel (AKA docj)

I have You Tube on my Roku but cannot find You Tube TV. How do I get it?

docj · 02-24-2020, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonLC

I have You Tube on my Roku but cannot find You Tube TV. How do I get it?

Only a small number of channels are shown on your Roku when you first get it. Many, many more can be added using the Search for Channel process in the Roku menu. One of those channels is YouTube TV which costs $50/month