309 replies to this topic

[Jimy Hendrix]

Wondering if anyone in the Boston area has ditched Comcast for cable TV and gone to over-the-air HDTV.... if so, a) what does Comcast now charge you per month for internet only, and b) what indoor antenna are you using, and how well does it work for standard channels?

I'm not in the Boston area, but if Comcast is mostly the same anywhere, then for me (in Pittsburgh) it was actually slightly *more* expensive to get Comcast for internet-only than it was to use them for a bundle of internet and "cable TV" which only included broadcast channels. My assumption is that even if you don't have any legitimate cable, Comcast does this so they can count you as a "cable subscriber" for wherever they use those numbers (bragging rights, selling ads, I dunno).

[Chico Walker and the Man]

This idea interested me, so I started playing........bought a cheap VGA/audio cable for a few bucks to see what an image sent from laptop would look like on my television.

I know this is basic for most in this forum, but two questions:

1) The picture on my television fills a fraction of the screen (about 1/2). I can change the aspect ratio using the television controls, but in any presentation the picture only occupies a portion of the screen. Is this to be expected, or can I change settings on either the computer or TV to improve the picture size?

2) I also have an HDMI output on the laptop and an HDMI input on the television. It looks like a decent HDMI cable could be bought for $10.00. I expect a better quality picture, but would I still run into the aspect issues I experienced with the VGA cable?

[alydar]

1) The picture on my television fills a fraction of the screen (about 1/2). I can change the aspect ratio using the television controls, but in any presentation the picture only occupies a portion of the screen. Is this to be expected, or can I change settings on either the computer or TV to improve the picture size?

My guess is you'd need to change a setting on your computer. On a Mac, go to System Preferences --> Displays. On a PC, I'm pretty sure you'd find what you need in the control panel. That's not to say that your TV won't also need tinkering with, but at least part of the problem is the signal from the computer.

[epraz]

If you have an HDMI output it will be a billion times better than VGA (and should naturally fill your TV screen). It also carries audio. No-brainer.

[carygug]

Wondering if anyone in the Boston area has ditched Comcast for cable TV and gone to over-the-air HDTV.... if so, a) what does Comcast now charge you per month for internet only, and b) what indoor antenna are you using, and how well does it work for standard channels?

1. I'm trying to ditch cable this month. I'm not in Boston, but I talked to Comcast and my "bundled" internet rate is $42/month for 12mbps. My internet-only rate would be $57. 6mbps would be a little cheaper too if you went that route. It looks like Qwest is gonna run me somewhere around $35-$40 a month for 12mbps, non-bundled, so I will probably switch over to them.

2. I picked up this antenna at Radio Shack for $12:
http://www.radioshac...oductId=2103077
I couldn't tell the difference the between the cable-box and the antenna. I did a blind test with the wife and she couldn't tell the difference either. The experts on the AVS Forums were basically like, "Pick up the cheap $12 one and see if it works for you before doing anything else." I didn't even have to point it in any direction - it worked for every channel no matter where I had on my shelving. It was a no-brainer slam dunk.

[zenter]

1. I'm trying to ditch cable this month. I'm not in Boston, but I talked to Comcast and my "bundled" internet rate is $42/month for 12mbps. My internet-only rate would be $57. 6mbps would be a little cheaper too if you went that route. It looks like Qwest is gonna run me somewhere around $35-$40 a month for 12mbps, non-bundled, so I will probably switch over to them.

2. I picked up this antenna at Radio Shack for $12:
http://www.radioshac...oductId=2103077
I couldn't tell the difference the between the cable-box and the antenna. I did a blind test with the wife and she couldn't tell the difference either. The experts on the AVS Forums were basically like, "Pick up the cheap $12 one and see if it works for you before doing anything else." I didn't even have to point it in any direction - it worked for every channel no matter where I had on my shelving. It was a no-brainer slam dunk.

Living in NYC, ditched cable over 6 months ago, and it's been a 95% success. The only problem is living on the 2nd floor in NYC - a couple channels not so great without a better antenna. One note to your second point, OTA throughput is higher than cable. Cable providers compress channels far more than the OTA does (to fit more channels on the tiny wire), so you actually get better picture quality on the OTA stuff.

[PortlandSoxFan]

If there was no blackout with MLB.tv, I'd ditch cable in a nanosecond and get by with Netflix, Hulu Plus, an antenna, etc.

[bakahump]

I am seriously concerned that TW or Local Cable Provider X will smarten up and say:

"OK...Joe Blow canceled his Cable 6 months ago. Before that point his Download usage averaged 100GBs per month. Since that time his DL usage has averaged 400GBs per month. During the time when he had cable and INet through us he was paying us $100 a month. When he had just INet he is now paying us $60. Does anyone have any ideas?"

"Mr Smith...why dont we Charge for DL capacity if users do not have a Cable plan with us?"

"Good Idea Peterson....write up a plan!"


Yea you could switch to a DSL provider (or another Cable Inet provider)....but they are usually noticably slower in Performance...and if Cable company X prices up....then DSL (and Cable company Y) will price up...maybe not as high to win back some market share..but prices will rise.

[PortlandSoxFan]

Comcast already has a limit..I believe it is 200GB a month.

[zenter]

If there was no blackout with MLB.tv, I'd ditch cable in a nanosecond and get by with Netflix, Hulu Plus, an antenna, etc.

This. I did cut the cable cord, but I live in NYC, so I see most Sox games on MLB.tv. That said, I would pay MLB an additional fee ($20-40) to have access to all games, blackouts notwithstanding. That fee can be passed on to locals. The whole blackout thing is a propping up of an antiquated content licensing system, anyway, but at least my solution gets me my content.

[William Robertson]

My question is a variation on DLew's. Unlike most of you guys, I live between 40 and 100 miles from the antennae. Do you think this means I can't do over-the-air? What should I look for in an antenna to perform best in the long-range realm?

[manny25]

For those of you that have questions on antennas and ranges etc, I've found AntennaWeb to be the best resource. You enter in your address and it'll give you a list of stations in your range - along with the type of antenna you'd need to get the majority of them and (if necessary) which direction to actually point the antenna towards. Try it out:

http://www.antennawe...aw/Address.aspx

[Hambone]

I just moved into a place that comes with T1 Internet, but no tv. Looking to go without cable or dish. Purchased Apple TV today, but wondering is that my best option.

Basically looking for a way to get mlb.tv, hulu, netflix and really whatever sports for the best possible price. Just purchased a Samsung tv that can access the Internet, so wondering if it makes more sense to move Apple TV into the other room and set up a media PC.

If so what's the best option? Starting from scratch and can return Apple TV if necessary. I'm not really capable of building anything, but can follow step by step instructions (i.e. I could hack a Apple TV box using directions found on the web as necessary).

Thanks

[epraz]

Buy this and a TV tuner (mine cost about $20).

[yecul]

What is that? Guess my boxee purchase was unwise even though I like it. That looks badass.

I am off cable as of this week with a mix of a boxee tuner and hd hookup with an extensive media library. I don't watch a ton of tv so its not a big adjustment.

[epraz]

The Acer Revo is a tiny (about the size of my cable modem) "nettop" computer. It's not particularly high-powered, making it unsuitable for lots of normal computer tasks, but it has the chops to record and stream HD-quality video. I have it hooked up to my HDTV. Along with the TV tuner, I use Windows Media Center as a DVR (and it has a nice netflix interface). I also use it to watch MLBTV and Hulu from my couch, keep Pandora on in the background when I'm reading, etc. I've had it for 1.5 years without issue.

[Hambone]

The Acer Revo is a tiny (about the size of my cable modem) "nettop" computer. It's not particularly high-powered, making it unsuitable for lots of normal computer tasks, but it has the chops to record and stream HD-quality video. I have it hooked up to my HDTV. Along with the TV tuner, I use Windows Media Center as a DVR (and it has a nice netflix interface). I also use it to watch MLBTV and Hulu from my couch, keep Pandora on in the background when I'm reading, etc. I've had it for 1.5 years without issue.

Thanks epraz. I really couldn't have asked for anything more, no options or methods for doing it -> just buy this. I love this place sometimes.

Is there concern regarding processor speed? I know when my buddy was pointing me toward MacMini, he was pushing the 2.4 GHz processor. You mentioned that it does HD quality, so I'm guessing not.

Also I may be getting a ipad for work - is there a way to use that to control this system vs using the keyboard and mouse when I want to stream?

Maybe I should just offer $$$ to a SoSHer to build this for me within a good budget

[The Napkin]

Maybe I should just offer $$$ to a SoSHer to build this for me within a good budget

Frankly there have been many many times where I thought this would be a great thing. Anything from building a mame cabinet to rooting a nook to this. I'd happily toss a SoSHer who knows what they're doing and enjoys putzing with the things a hundred or 2 and a case of beer to just come over and do it for me. Happily.

[mt8thsw9th]

So last night I downloaded Hulu+, put in place 6 subscriptions for shows I usually Tivo, and I called and canceled my cable service this morning. Prior to this switch I had cable with Tivo in my living room, and Apple TV/Netflix running on the smaller 32" 720p TV in my bedroom. I plan on buying a Roku box for the living room so I can use Hulu+ and Netflix, and buy an antenna to watch Patriots games OTA.

What I do need is some kind of server to store movies/shows on, preferably one (if it exists) that I can seamlessly link my notebook with iTunes, and the Roku and Apple TV. Is something like this going to fulfill my relatively basic needs?

http://www.google.co...ed=0CKIBEPMCMAI

[jayhoz]

So last night I downloaded Hulu+, put in place 6 subscriptions for shows I usually Tivo, and I called and canceled my cable service this morning. Prior to this switch I had cable with Tivo in my living room, and Apple TV/Netflix running on the smaller 32" 720p TV in my bedroom. I plan on buying a Roku box for the living room so I can use Hulu+ and Netflix, and buy an antenna to watch Patriots games OTA.

What I do need is some kind of server to store movies/shows on, preferably one (if it exists) that I can seamlessly link my notebook with iTunes, and the Roku and Apple TV. Is something like this going to fulfill my relatively basic needs?

http://www.google.co...ed=0CKIBEPMCMAI

Not what you are asking for, but this antenna adapter for Boxee boxes just popped up today.

http://blog.boxee.tv...o-cut-the-cord/

[mt8thsw9th]

That is pretty cool. I ended up going with the Roku and an $11 antenna - I was kind of shocked just how well the local channels came in. I'm hoping one day they have something similar for Roku, but I'll make do for the time being.

It's kind of liberating given that I have about 90% of the shows I used to Tivo for 35% of what I was paying previously, and 25% of what my December bill was when my promotional rate expired. I kind of wish I did this a year ago. And between Amazon Instant, Netflix, and Hulu+ I probably have more movies than I'll ever watch.

[zenter]

That is pretty cool. I ended up going with the Roku and an $11 antenna - I was kind of shocked just how well the local channels came in. I'm hoping one day they have something similar for Roku, but I'll make do for the time being.

It's kind of liberating given that I have about 90% of the shows I used to Tivo for 35% of what I was paying previously, and 25% of what my December bill was when my promotional rate expired. I kind of wish I did this a year ago. And between Amazon Instant, Netflix, and Hulu+ I probably have more movies than I'll ever watch.

Depending on how much recent network stuff you're capturing from Hulu+, you may be able to cut that eventually. A cheap slimtop PC running Win7 Home Edition comes with Windows Media Center, combined with a TV Tuner can turn the computer into a DVR. In my case, I have a Tivo HD (lifetime sub) from back in the cable days, and it makes Hulu almost entirely redundant. Is your Tivo a monthly sub?

Edited by zenter, 18 November 2011 - 11:52 AM.

[mt8thsw9th]

Is your Tivo a monthly sub?

No, I had the standalone Tivo from 2005-2006, but I was a beta user of the Comcast Tivo software at the beginning of 2008, and I had it since then.

Hulu+ is good since I can also watch on my iPad if I'm on the road. I'll have a better idea of what I use/don't use in a month or so.

To Roku users, if you don't know about the private channels, it's pretty awesome. Log in to your online account and then go here:

http://streamfree.tv...ls/by-category/

Click on the channel you want to add and it will add it to your Roku.

Edited by mt8thsw9th, 18 November 2011 - 12:02 PM.

[sibpin]

I was kind of shocked just how well the local channels came in.

Comcast actually dumbs down some of the channels in Boston, so the quality is better on some local channels with an antenna than through Comcast.

[kneemoe]

Comcast actually dumbs down some of the channels in Boston, so the quality is better on some local channels with an antenna than through Comcast.

I think every cable company does, resolution requires bandwidth, they'd rather offer more channels and compress the data.

[derekson]

I think every cable company does, resolution requires bandwidth, they'd rather offer more channels and compress the data.

SOme are worse than others than. Comcast's compression is noticeably worse visually than FIOS, for example. At least that's been my experience. On a related note, I wish I could get FIOS here.

Edited by derekson, 18 November 2011 - 01:39 PM.

[zenter]

Comcast actually dumbs down some of the channels in Boston, so the quality is better on some local channels with an antenna than through Comcast.

I think every cable company does, resolution requires bandwidth, they'd rather offer more channels and compress the data.

SOme are worse than others than. Comcast's compression is noticeably worse visually than FIOS, for example. At least that's been my experience. On a related note, I wish I could get FIOS here.

As I understand it (can't find the source) the allocation of bandwidth for OTA channels is significantly higher than all cable/satellite solutions in part because it's descended from a legacy analog system where channels needed a lot of it. I'm talking about close to an order of magnitude better. The result is significantly less compression. Cable has always been more thrifty/stingy with bandwidth per channel, and the move to digital made them significantly more so in part because most (UVerse is a notable exception here) are still not using switched video or IPTV technology - all the channels are still being piped in even if you can only see one at a time - and digital delivery enables significant DiVX-like compression.

There's no reason to believe that OTA will be anything less than the best, quality-wise, for the foreseeable future.

[kneemoe]

As I understand it (can't find the source) the allocation of bandwidth for OTA channels is significantly higher than all cable/satellite solutions in part because it's descended from a legacy analog system where channels needed a lot of it. I'm talking about close to an order of magnitude better. The result is significantly less compression. Cable has always been more thrifty/stingy with bandwidth per channel, and the move to digital made them significantly more so in part because most (UVerse is a notable exception here) are still not using switched video or IPTV technology - all the channels are still being piped in even if you can only see one at a time - and digital delivery enables significant DiVX-like compression.

There's no reason to believe that OTA will be anything less than the best, quality-wise, for the foreseeable future.

You got it. arstechnica has had quite a few articles on this, everything from OTA basics to DOCSIS overviews that cover it all in great detail, but the gist of it is just as you said in your last sentence. Its really quite impressive how much raw data they're broadcasting.

[soxfan80000001]

I've been bouncing back and forth between OTA/MythTV and cable for a few years now. I'm on cable now because I wanted to get RedZone. I went on last winter to get Bruins games. A few years before that, I was on a Celtics kick.

So, the question is, how can I get Bruins/Celtics/Random NFL games without cable? I can google up some crappy low-res Bruins feeds easily enough. But what's the trick to finding high resolution? Do they not exist? If they does exist, someone please ezinbox me the boobies?

[ccsubruce]

If there was no blackout with MLB.tv, I'd ditch cable in a nanosecond and get by with Netflix, Hulu Plus, an antenna, etc.

I cut my cord last year, retaining only my high speed internet connection. Purchasing a sub for MLB.tv, I had to figure out a way to enable my home to continue to view the Red Sox. I found a program called "Hide My IP" that worked PERFECTLY!!!!!!!!!!! I would start my computer, ensure hidemyip was running and producing an overseas IP address (I tended to use London) and logged into the app to view the Sawx anytime I wanted. Once logged into the app, I was able to shut down the program and boost my speed. Occasionally, I'd run into problems, but 99% of the time, it was perfect.

And for an extra $10, I got all the AAA games, too. So I could watch the PawSox on occasion. For 2012, I'm thinking I may get the iPhone app for MLB.tv, but I know I won't be able to watch the Sox on the phone (location services will prevent that). But the above method will let me watch them at home.

We've save a pretty penny over what we were paying the cable company since we started this little program, and we rarely miss anything we want to watch. We subscribed to HULU+ (which is a gold mine) and Netflix (which we're considering dropping).

As for Comcast's bandwidth limit...we haven't come close. 250 GB is a lot, and we rarely go past 30 % each month, even when I'm on a downloading music spree.

[LoweTek]

I cut my cord last year, retaining only my high speed internet connection. Purchasing a sub for MLB.tv, I had to figure out a way to enable my home to continue to view the Red Sox.

After divorcing DirecTV, I got MLB.tv this past season for the first time. I found the picture quality when connected to my HDTV to be a huge compromise. IOW, it sucked. I thought it might be my PC so I picked up a Nettop Lenovo with HDMI but it made no difference. I did all the enhancement stuff, the download, chose the Hi Def broadcast, etc. Bandwidth was not an issue as I have 40Mb connection. The picture continued to be choppy, often pixelated, and no better than standard def TV in high def format, often much worse. It looks fine on a laptop screen in a window but that's the best I can say about it.

Those of you who use MLB.tv and watch on a full size HDTV, are you seriously satisfied with the picture quality?

[epraz]

I'm satisfied with the MLB.TV picture quality coming from my ASUS REVO through HDMI to my 40" LCD. No, it's not perfect HD. But I've been using MLB.TV since 2003, and today's product looks like rainbows and unicorns compared to that. On top of that, my yearly layout for EI would be at least $800 (EI package plus a year of cable), since it's the only reason I'd have cable. Even if I had cable only for the season, that's about $500.

Edited by epraz, 19 November 2011 - 07:43 AM.

[InsideTheParker]

I cut my cord last year, retaining only my high speed internet connection. Purchasing a sub for MLB.tv, I had to figure out a way to enable my home to continue to view the Red Sox. I found a program called "Hide My IP" that worked PERFECTLY!!!!!!!!!!! I would start my computer, ensure hidemyip was running and producing an overseas IP address (I tended to use London) and logged into the app to view the Sawx anytime I wanted. Once logged into the app, I was able to shut down the program and boost my speed. Occasionally, I'd run into problems, but 99% of the time, it was perfect.

And for an extra $10, I got all the AAA games, too. So I could watch the PawSox on occasion. For 2012, I'm thinking I may get the iPhone app for MLB.tv, but I know I won't be able to watch the Sox on the phone (location services will prevent that). But the above method will let me watch them at home.

We've save a pretty penny over what we were paying the cable company since we started this little program, and we rarely miss anything we want to watch. We subscribed to HULU+ (which is a gold mine) and Netflix (which we're considering dropping).

As for Comcast's bandwidth limit...we haven't come close. 250 GB is a lot, and we rarely go past 30 % each month, even when I'm on a downloading music spree.

I want to be clear on this, because now that I have Netflix the only thing that ties me to Directv is the Sox. So, you live in the Sox black-out area, and signed up for mlb.tv with your real home address, yes? You pay your bill using your true address? Then, when you want to watch, you use the method you described, but use your real account and password to get in? So the fact that your account address is in the black-out area doesn't matter in terms of the black-out rules? Only the IP address when you log in?

[epraz]

I want to be clear on this, because now that I have Netflix the only thing that ties me to Directv is the Sox. So, you live in the Sox black-out area, and signed up for mlb.tv with your real home address, yes? You pay your bill using your true address? Then, when you want to watch, you use the method you described, but use your real account and password to get in? So the fact that your account address is in the black-out area doesn't matter in terms of the black-out rules? Only the IP address when you log in?

Where your account is registered doesn't affect the blackout. If you live in Boston and sign up for MLB.TV you'll be able to watch the Red Sox in Seattle.

[brs3]

Seriously considering cutting the cord by the new year. I was curious if anyone could comment on the quality of OTA channels in NYC. My guess is they're not too bad.

Currently I'm considering a combination of Roku/HuluPlus and OTA programming. I've seen internet services in the range of $35/mo as well.

[jayhoz]

I haven't cut the cord, but I have been playing around with what my current setup can do. I recently learned that my TV has on board Plex support. I played a 720P video stored on my PC on the other side of my wireless network with virtually no video issues. I was sure I was going to have to go to a wired connection to push that kind of data.

I am now playing around with
Sabnzbd: Usenet client
CouchPotato: Movie dowload manager
Sickbeard: TV episode download manager.

I would love to get this set up so these apps automatically download, rename, and relocate the content I want. Anyone doing anything like this? Any tips?

[manny25]

I haven't tried this personally (would like to), but you can try a setup like this: http://lifehacker.co...video-recorder.

[epraz]

Seriously considering cutting the cord by the new year. I was curious if anyone could comment on the quality of OTA channels in NYC. My guess is they're not too bad.

Currently I'm considering a combination of Roku/HuluPlus and OTA programming. I've seen internet services in the range of $35/mo as well.

It depends on where you are. If you're in a high-rise, you'll be fine. If you're low and there are large buildings around you, it could be more difficult. I'm on the third floor in a neighborhood where most buildings are three or four stories, and I get the four networks and PBS without difficulty just by using rabbit ears. Sometimes in rain it gets a little funky.

[god loves the sox]

Called the cable company (Time Warner) yesterday and did the deed, effective year end.
Now, since TW supplies my internet, which we will keep, how do I cut the phone out the package and still have phone service?
Anyone have experience with this: http://www.ooma.com/ or something similar?

[jayhoz]

Called the cable company (Time Warner) yesterday and did the deed, effective year end.
Now, since TW supplies my internet, which we will keep, how do I cut the phone out the package and still have phone service?
Anyone have experience with this: http://www.ooma.com/ or something similar?

http://sonsofsamhorn...ost__p__3613117

[Bucknahs Bum Ankle]

I did this recently myself. Now that all three tv's we have are connected to the internet there was really no need for Dish anymore. That was the most satisfying phone call to Dish Network that I've ever made. Of course the bastards are getting me for a $30 fee to return the equipment by mail (no option to drop off locally). But it's well worth it to save $60/month.

One thing that has been a bit of a disappointment is the lack of children's programing on Hulu Plus. Fortunately most of my kids' favorites are available on Netflix, but not the most current stuff. I had to quash down a bit of a rebellion from my kids over that, but they are adapting. And we still get all the PBS stuff over the air. Also I haven't figured out to get Hulu Plus on our new Panny Viera "smart tv". But I haven't tried very hard either; just noted it's not one of the menu options like NetFlix or Crackle, etc.

Other than that, the only things I've been missing a bit are college hoops and MNF. Anyone know of a way to get ESPN3 or other such programing over a Roku, PS3, or Viera Connect? Do I have to get PlayOn? Looked into that briefly but didn't like the fact I had to use my PC to get the content. I'd suppose I could add a dedicated media server PC to my network at some point, but not ready to bite the bullet on that just yet.

[brs3]

It depends on where you are. If you're in a high-rise, you'll be fine. If you're low and there are large buildings around you, it could be more difficult. I'm on the third floor in a neighborhood where most buildings are three or four stories, and I get the four networks and PBS without difficulty just by using rabbit ears. Sometimes in rain it gets a little funky.

I live in an area where nothing is higher than 4-5 stories, so it seems like it might be a good fit.



Is there a huge benefit to Roku boxes over say, using a Wii to set up the 'net to my TV? I don't own a Wii, but I'm wondering about the investment of a Wii over a Roku box, based simply on the fact the Wii offers the whole gaming aspect as well.

Edited by brs3, 22 December 2011 - 09:29 AM.

[Bucknahs Bum Ankle]

The only big reason I can think of would be MLB.tv. It's only available on Roku and PS3 and supposedly on XBox soon, as far as I know. If that doesn't matter to you and you were otherwise going to hook up a Wii, I'd probably just stream that way. We got the Roku (basic version under $50 right now) for our bedroom tv that doesn't have any gaming systems hooked up. The Roku does have a whole host of channels that I haven't seen on other platforms, but I haven't really had much of a chance to explore those much nor do I expect a huge benefit there.

[ivanvamp]

The only big reason I can think of would be MLB.tv. It's only available on Roku and PS3 and supposedly on XBox soon, as far as I know. If that doesn't matter to you and you were otherwise going to hook up a Wii, I'd probably just stream that way. We got the Roku (basic version under $50 right now) for our bedroom tv that doesn't have any gaming systems hooked up. The Roku does have a whole host of channels that I haven't seen on other platforms, but I haven't really had much of a chance to explore those much nor do I expect a huge benefit there.

Can you run apple tv or Roku or any of those things wirelessly? Or do you have to have the internet cable connect to them? I ask this because my televisions obviously use the cable tv wire, but my internet comes in at the other end of the house and all my computers are connected wirelessly. So in order to have my tv run through Roku or apple tv I would either need to be able to do it wirelessly or run a ton of internet cable the length of my house.

[B H Kim]

Can you run apple tv or Roku or any of those things wirelessly? Or do you have to have the internet cable connect to them? I ask this because my televisions obviously use the cable tv wire, but my internet comes in at the other end of the house and all my computers are connected wirelessly. So in order to have my tv run through Roku or apple tv I would either need to be able to do it wirelessly or run a ton of internet cable the length of my house.

They connect wirelessly to wifi. (And, one big difference between Roku/Apple TV and Wii is that the Wii can't play any content in HD.)

Edited by B H Kim, 22 December 2011 - 10:30 AM.

[ivanvamp]

They connect wirelessly to wifi. (And, one big difference between Roku/Apple TV and Wii is that the Wii can't play any content in HD.)

Sweet. So if I made the switch to Roku or Apple TV, I wouldn't have to reconfigure my cables and stuff? Then, since Apple TV is just that little box, how do i get through my firewall (password, etc)? How do I program it? I assume that the Apple TV unit connects via a wire to the television set, but connects to my router wirelessly.

Oh, one more question: I still have an old-school TV. Can Roku or Apple TV work with a tube-TV, or do I need to switch to a plasma/LED HDTV? I know at some point I'll need to make the switch, but my old TV still works great and I don't know that I want to spend $500-1000 on a new one right now.

Edited by ivanvamp, 22 December 2011 - 10:42 AM.

[mt8thsw9th]

No, Apple TV and Roku (I have both) are pretty much plug and play. All I did for either was plug it into power/the TV, input my WiFi password, and I was good to go.

Edited by mt8thsw9th, 22 December 2011 - 10:49 AM.

[ivanvamp]

No, Apple TV and Roku (I have both) are pretty much plug and play. All I did for either was plug it into power/the TV, input my WiFi password, and I was good to go.

How did you input your wifi password? As far as I can tell, apple TV is just a little box with no keyboard. Do you do it using your tv remote on the screen?

[Bucknahs Bum Ankle]

Sweet. So if I made the switch to Roku or Apple TV, I wouldn't have to reconfigure my cables and stuff? Then, since Apple TV is just that little box, how do i get through my firewall (password, etc)? How do I program it? I assume that the Apple TV unit connects via a wire to the television set, but connects to my router wirelessly.

Don't know about Apple TV, but Roku comes with standard RCA plugs so that should work fine on your older tv. Obviously if you want HD, you'd need an HDMI cable and new TV.

[mt8thsw9th]

How did you input your wifi password? As far as I can tell, apple TV is just a little box with no keyboard. Do you do it using your tv remote on the screen?

I did it on-screen with the Apple remote. If you have an iPhone (or another product running iOS like the iPad or iPod), the Remote app will control the Apple TV and it will give you a keyboard on the i-device.