Unplugging (Vanity)

January 19, 2012 | beachn4fun

[beachn4fun]

Because I know that FReepers are smart and ingenious I am coming to you for assistance and insight in being able to get unplugged from DirecTV. They are raising our rates again.

We currently use Netflix, but are also considering adding HuluPlus. Hubby streams from his PS3 in his game room, and in the living room we stream via BlueRay.

Hubby and I are trying to get details on unplugging without losing our ability to watch our favorite (cable) show.

I've read numerous articles how people are doing this same thing but have not found a step-by-step instruction in what all we need to do to being able to watch shows live when we need, and getting local channels.

Our 'unknowns' at this point are - what to do in order to get our local channels, and can we stream live shows from the Internet to the tv with the current equipment?

I'd appreciate any insight any of you can provide. You may FReepmail me if you prefer.

End note: if there is anyone in FReeperland that owns a television station, can you please come up with new program scheduling that allows a person to have fewer channels at a lower price? I mean we're paying DTV almost $100 a month for 185 channels (with HDVR) when we probably only watch 15. They have smaller packages but hardly any with the ones we watch.

[Pan_Yan]

We got a cord that hooks up from the HDMI port on the laptop to the HDMI port on the TV. We also got an adapter to go from the headphone port on the laptop to the stereo. Instructions for hooking it up abound on YouTube and other websites.

[beachn4fun]

sorry, yes, all legal stuff please.

[Keith in Iowa]

See if that cable show is available via iTunes on a Season Pass.

[mountainlion]

I used to be able to get TV stations over 1000 miles away before the government takeover and with hdtv I get one station now. Had dish and quit. I get my football on qwest dsl and once in a while on antenna. If I did have dish again I would waste too much time and get an ulcer form the political propaganda that has been going on for 5 years.

[Keith in Iowa]

>>>digital antenna

You can receive OTA digital television signals on the same antennae that were useable for the old analog stations... the “digital antenna” is a marketing myth. What matters is the receiver the antenna connects to.

[Kirkwood]

If you go with Roku, be sure to get the right box to match your needs. Some are wired and some wireless. Some support HD and some are standard definition. Get the HD version and you get HD content when available.

If you need an antenna amp, get a Motorola. It has worked flawlessly for me the last 6 years. They come with built in splitters so you can get one that supports 2 TVs and another with 4 TVs. Maybe more.

[spankalib]

It’s great that you asked this question. I’m in the same place.
Thanks largely to the good folks here at FR, I’ve decided on cable internet, with streaming stuff from my (new) TV. It came with apps, so I don’t need to go rokyu yet :)

I’ll add the antenna, because the only reason for ‘pay-tv’, for me, was sports.
I think it will work ok.
Thank you everyone - you are very helpful to the tv-noobs!
Cheers!

[ßuddaßudd]

FTA Receivers

[Chuckster]

Anyone who thinks they need to watch their favorite show should seek professional help. Just unplug the damn thing! There is nothing worth watching on TV that you cannot get elsewhere.

[Kirkwood]

Someone already mentioned an antenna rotor and I also suggest getting that if you are getting an outdoor antenna or have an existing outdoor antenna. Digital signals are highly directional, so pointing the antenna precisely toward the broadcast towers is very important for receiving the signal. Since digital is basically all or nothing, if you are off by just a few degrees, you can lose the signal entirely. The amplifier helps pull in the signal, but proper pointing of the antenna is also important for reception. Where I live I can pick up 50+ stations, but not all at the same time unless I rotate the antenna.

[beachn4fun]

AWESOME! Helps a lot. Thanks

[Hot Tabasco]

Back in the 1950's when I was growing up in northern Michigan, we only had two channels, one broadcast from Petoskey and the other one out of Traverse City. How the hell I survived those days I have no idea..........

"Horizontal hold" and "verticle hold" problems were the norm as was aluminum foil on the rabbit ears........

[beachn4fun]

I totally disagree with you. It may be right for you but not in the Beachy household.

thanks

[beachn4fun]

OMG! LOL I remember those days.

[beachn4fun]

Hum, I’ll try to remember this when purchasing antenna. Thanks.

[beachn4fun]

More helpful information. Thanks

[beachn4fun]

Glad we could help.

LOL

[beachn4fun]

FTA Receivers

Don't know a thing about these. Can you explain more?

[beachn4fun]

What matters is the receiver the antenna connects to.

And how would this apply to a wireless system?

[The Great RJ]

We have been using a Roku box for several years. The box taps into your wireless Internet and allows Netfliks and other streaming channels to your TV. Netfliks has been great, but we tried Hula Plus and were disappointed with the movie selection. Set up is very easy and the box allows access to numerous channels some free.