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General Discussion => Essentially Flyertalk => Topic started by: ew2x4 on April 01, 2010, 12:31:29 AM

Title: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ew2x4 on April 01, 2010, 12:31:29 AM
Anyone else dump cable to save money? I'm making the transition. I got an antenna (there is no such thing as HD or SD, btw). I'm currently building an HTPC. Just ordered this motherboard/CPU combo (http://www.microcenter.com/specials/promotions/0330_bundle.html?utm_source=mcol&utm_medium=tower_bnr&utm_campaign=hmpg_amdbundle0330). Will order a cheap decent looking case, memory, and a tv tuner card. Reuse an old hard drive. Will cost me $250 total. I'll use it as a DVR, and be able to watch all my regular shows that are on cable, or download what ever I miss.

All in all, I expect to save $100 a month with this. Comcast has good service, but I'm sick and tired of their price hikes.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: BigCat on April 01, 2010, 02:23:31 AM
Hate my cable bill but I'm still learning the functions of my remote and DVR box three years later. I doubt I have any business trying to hook up some computery thing and expect to use it like a normal TV.

I do get a kick out of people trying to subvert the system with a little DIY. Seems like the same lot who have converted their SAAB to run on used cooking oil. Yeah it's a pain in the ass but holy cow free fuel guys!! :driving:
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on April 01, 2010, 07:29:16 AM
Your BWW tabs are going to eat into your profits when you want to watch sports bro
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ew2x4 on April 01, 2010, 09:16:24 AM
Your BWW tabs are going to eat into your profits when you want to watch sports bro

This is the only real down side I can come up with. It's not like we have a ton of football games on tv, and almost all basketball games are on 360. Besides, this is the slow season of sports. I'll probably change my mind come August.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: michigancat on April 01, 2010, 09:29:27 AM
Your BWW tabs are going to eat into your profits when you want to watch sports bro

This is the only real down side I can come up with. It's not like we have a ton of football games on tv, and almost all basketball games are on 360. Besides, this is the slow season of sports. I'll probably change my mind come August.

That's a pretty big downside.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Saulbadguy on April 01, 2010, 09:56:39 AM
Wyatt Thompson with the call!
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on April 01, 2010, 10:11:35 AM
my elgato tuner works great.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ew2x4 on April 01, 2010, 10:54:46 AM
Wyatt Thompson with the call!

Like I said, I'll probably change my mind in August. In the mean time, I'll save a few hundred bucks.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: mcmwcat on April 01, 2010, 10:59:42 AM
Wyatt Thompson with the call!

Like I said, I'll probably change my mind in August. In the mean time, I'll save a few hundred bucks.


 :surprised:

what are you going to do for the FIFA World Cup  :runaway:
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Johnny Wichita on April 01, 2010, 11:33:11 AM
I haven't had cable or any tv stations for six months now.  And I love it. 
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: goldenticket on April 01, 2010, 11:46:11 AM
i havent had cable since like 2000. for a while i just did without and it wasnt a big deal, the last few years i use computer (hulu, download torrents etc) and i dont really miss much. there for a while i would download a lot nowadays i only download if i cant hulu it and really want to see it. between hulu, netflix streaming, downloading shows im fine plus i have a 32" samsung that has the built in digital tuner or whatever so i can get abc, cbs, nbc, fox, pbs and the cw over the air.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: nicname on April 01, 2010, 07:38:17 PM
Only really need cable during cfb and cbb season.  other than that it is kind of a drag and when you dont have it you end up doing a lot more interesting things.

and yes one trip to a sports bar for a game = 1 month of cable
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: michigancat on April 01, 2010, 10:43:58 PM
Only really need cable during cfb and cbb season.  other than that it is kind of a drag and when you dont have it you end up doing a lot more interesting things.

and yes one trip to a sports bar for a game = 1 month of cable

And NBA Playoffs.  :fatty:

So you really don't need cable for July.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: slimz on April 01, 2010, 10:51:14 PM
Just bought a semi-HTPC.  Going to get double use as a desktop and as a part of the entertainment system, thanks to a long HDMI cord. With a quad-core processor and 4 GB of RAM, it streams the crap out of Hulu and Netflix.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on April 01, 2010, 11:07:45 PM
Why don't any of you "men" start listing some specs, huh? Ya that's what I thought.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ew2x4 on April 01, 2010, 11:56:20 PM
Why don't any of you "men" start listing some specs, huh? Ya that's what I thought.

I finished my build tonight. Currently installing Win 7 Home Premium.

AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition, hopefully will be able to unlock the other 2 cores.
Gigabyte GA-MA78LM-S2H (came free with the CPU)
2 GB DDR2 800
160 GB
N wireless

I'll see how the onboard video does before I get a video card. The mother board has HDMI out, so hopefully it's ok. Will update later. I hadn't built a PC in a while. I missed it.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: slimz on April 02, 2010, 12:57:17 AM
Why don't any of you "men" start listing some specs, huh? Ya that's what I thought.

 :users:

Already did.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on April 02, 2010, 07:52:59 AM
Why don't any of you "men" start listing some specs, huh? Ya that's what I thought.

I finished my build tonight. Currently installing Win 7 Home Premium.

AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition, hopefully will be able to unlock the other 2 cores.
Gigabyte GA-MA78LM-S2H (came free with the CPU)
2 GB DDR2 800
160 GB
N wireless

I'll see how the onboard video does before I get a video card. The mother board has HDMI out, so hopefully it's ok. Will update later. I hadn't built a PC in a while. I missed it.
no blue ray?
160 GB isn't much room to store OTA HD.  assume you're just going to network to your main PC for music and crap?
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Saulbadguy on April 02, 2010, 08:01:07 AM
Agree w/ clams.  get a bigger hard drive. You can get a 2TB for 149.99
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on April 02, 2010, 08:12:31 AM
also what tuner card?
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ew2x4 on April 02, 2010, 10:37:16 AM
I have a windows home server down stairs with 1.5 TB. Windows media center streams all recorded TV to it, and even transcodes it to whatever format you want. That way I can watch it where ever I want remotely. I was thinking about getting a 120 GB SSD just so it's completely silent.

I have a dedicated bluray player, but may get a bluray drive eventually. I just reused an old dvd burner from my old pc.

Haven't gotten a tv tuner yet. My case will only take low profile cards, so I was going to look into it.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on April 02, 2010, 11:16:30 AM
sounds cool, ya those SSD's are the lickety schiz.  definitely don't get a raptor.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ew2x4 on April 02, 2010, 11:17:10 AM
http://dealnews.com/Lenovo-Multimedia-Remote-with-Keyboard-for-42-free-shipping/356479.html

Just picked this up for $35. Giggity.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: 06wildcat on April 02, 2010, 11:53:06 PM
Cable is exactly like tobacco. The first month you don't have it makes you want to kill yourself about every five minutes. After that though you wind up with much more free time. As for sports, justin.tv will give you about everything in about analog quality, which beats the BWW tab. Just don't expect to get NFL games online. They're anal about shutting streams down. If you're anywhere near KC though and really want to watch the chefs just sign back up for the limited basic package, which should be about $15/ mo. I'd also suggest subscribing to whatever the minimum Netflix package is allows unlimited movie streaming. Lots of movies and TV shows on there. I cut my $120 cable/internet bill in half last year by just keeping DSL and getting the Netflix subscription.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ew2x4 on April 03, 2010, 02:36:24 PM
We cut cable and now our bill is 19.99 for 12-15 mbps cable internet. I had to talk them down to it, but I'm not complaining. I'll probably go back to Netflix when they add HD streaming on PC's. How big is their streaming selection? I had it when they first started it and it was pretty lackluster. How new is their stuff?
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on April 03, 2010, 02:46:51 PM
Seems easier to just make $100 more per month
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ChiComCat on April 03, 2010, 02:51:15 PM
Go to a casino with Roulette.  Put $50 on black.  If you lose, put $100 on black.  So on and so on.  Eventually, you will win $50.  Do this twice, then cable will be essentially free.   :cool:

But the Watch Instantly on Netflix still kinda sucks, I assume its the same as when you had it.

Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: 06wildcat on April 03, 2010, 04:00:18 PM
We cut cable and now our bill is 19.99 for 12-15 mbps cable internet. I had to talk them down to it, but I'm not complaining. I'll probably go back to Netflix when they add HD streaming on PC's. How big is their streaming selection? I had it when they first started it and it was pretty lackluster. How new is their stuff?

It's not great, but there are several old movies on there that I can watch again and again (Shawshank Redemption being one) and I watched the first two seasons of Dexter on there before having to rent the third. You'll also get whatever is on Starz each month on Netflix, it was just announced everything Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly, Dollhouse etc) directed will be on there in full. Don't really know what your tastes are though.

In the end, you usually wind up watching a lot of horrible movies and finding the occasional gem you'd never heard of and they're getting better about bringing out newer movies faster. The Proposal is one that's been up for about a month and just came out last year.

Thing is, Netflix probably has the go-ahead to double its online library but like most sites, continues to release things slowly to keep people coming back.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: jtksu on April 03, 2010, 04:06:32 PM
Seems easier to just make $100 more per month

Exactly.  I just can't understand poor people.  I guess they like being poor, cause otherwise they wouldn't be so damn lazy and would just go make more money.  Amirite?  :dunno:
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ew2x4 on April 03, 2010, 04:07:17 PM
Seems easier to just make $100 more per month

Probably is, but not for how little I watch tv.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: BigCat on April 04, 2010, 11:37:49 PM
Seems easier to just make $100 more per month

pfft yeah maybe for saps who have "jobs" :jerk:
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: OK_Cat on April 05, 2010, 09:42:30 AM
Seems easier to just make $100 more per month

Probably is, but not for how little I watch tv.

Seems like an awful lot of trouble being McGuyver and rigging up crap with toothpicks and hairties if you don't watch tv that much, bro.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ew2x4 on April 05, 2010, 10:36:41 AM
Seems easier to just make $100 more per month

Probably is, but not for how little I watch tv.

Seems like an awful lot of trouble being McGuyver and rigging up crap with toothpicks and hairties if you don't watch tv that much, bro.

Yeah, computers these days have a ton of rigged up crap in them. They're super hard to operate, too. Like, old people aren't even allowed to own them.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ew2x4 on April 05, 2010, 10:50:43 AM
Seems easier to just make $100 more per month

Probably is, but not for how little I watch tv.

Seems like an awful lot of trouble being McGuyver and rigging up crap with toothpicks and hairties if you don't watch tv that much, bro.

btw, in case people were wondering, it took me about 1 hour to actually build the PC itself and another 1.5 hours to install the OS and the programs I wanted. There's 1 HDMI cable running to my TV. Total cost was $208. $35 more for the remote. Now I'll be able to get stuff like Pandora up and running on my TV. And since we mostly watch movies, HD movies will stream no problem to the htpc. I can download them to my WHS from work if I wanted to, it's that easy. And best of all, cheap.

also, I downloaded a 720p .mkv file of Sherlock Holmes over the weekend. Streamed no problem over G wireless. A 7 GB file.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on April 05, 2010, 11:19:29 AM
so you've decided to save money by stealing your entertainment options.  why not just splice the neighbors cable and save all the trouble with this HTPC nonsense?
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on April 05, 2010, 11:23:57 AM
Seems easier to just make $100 more per month

Probably is, but not for how little I watch tv.

Seems like an awful lot of trouble being McGuyver and rigging up crap with toothpicks and hairties if you don't watch tv that much, bro.

btw, in case people were wondering, it took me about 1 hour to actually build the PC itself and another 1.5 hours to install the OS and the programs I wanted. There's 1 HDMI cable running to my TV. Total cost was $208. $35 more for the remote. Now I'll be able to get stuff like Pandora up and running on my TV. And since we mostly watch movies, HD movies will stream no problem to the htpc. I can download them to my WHS from work if I wanted to, it's that easy. And best of all, cheap.

also, I downloaded a 720p .mkv file of Sherlock Holmes over the weekend. Streamed no problem over G wireless. A 7 GB file.

fwiw, my western digital tv live can do all of that.  It was like $110.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: OK_Cat on April 05, 2010, 11:25:41 AM
yeah, i pay $106 for internet and digital cable/dvr/hd channels

i just push a button and it's on my screen.   :bwpopcorn:
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Saulbadguy on April 05, 2010, 11:28:34 AM
Seems easier to just make $100 more per month

Probably is, but not for how little I watch tv.

Seems like an awful lot of trouble being McGuyver and rigging up crap with toothpicks and hairties if you don't watch tv that much, bro.

btw, in case people were wondering, it took me about 1 hour to actually build the PC itself and another 1.5 hours to install the OS and the programs I wanted. There's 1 HDMI cable running to my TV. Total cost was $208. $35 more for the remote. Now I'll be able to get stuff like Pandora up and running on my TV. And since we mostly watch movies, HD movies will stream no problem to the htpc. I can download them to my WHS from work if I wanted to, it's that easy. And best of all, cheap.

also, I downloaded a 720p .mkv file of Sherlock Holmes over the weekend. Streamed no problem over G wireless. A 7 GB file.

fwiw, my western digital tv live can do all of that.  It was like $110.
Can it play super nintendo games? :fatty:
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on April 05, 2010, 11:41:44 AM
Seems easier to just make $100 more per month

Probably is, but not for how little I watch tv.

Seems like an awful lot of trouble being McGuyver and rigging up crap with toothpicks and hairties if you don't watch tv that much, bro.

btw, in case people were wondering, it took me about 1 hour to actually build the PC itself and another 1.5 hours to install the OS and the programs I wanted. There's 1 HDMI cable running to my TV. Total cost was $208. $35 more for the remote. Now I'll be able to get stuff like Pandora up and running on my TV. And since we mostly watch movies, HD movies will stream no problem to the htpc. I can download them to my WHS from work if I wanted to, it's that easy. And best of all, cheap.

also, I downloaded a 720p .mkv file of Sherlock Holmes over the weekend. Streamed no problem over G wireless. A 7 GB file.

fwiw, my western digital tv live can do all of that.  It was like $110.
Can it play super nintendo games? :fatty:

no  :frown:
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Saulbadguy on April 05, 2010, 11:53:03 AM
Seems easier to just make $100 more per month

Probably is, but not for how little I watch tv.

Seems like an awful lot of trouble being McGuyver and rigging up crap with toothpicks and hairties if you don't watch tv that much, bro.

btw, in case people were wondering, it took me about 1 hour to actually build the PC itself and another 1.5 hours to install the OS and the programs I wanted. There's 1 HDMI cable running to my TV. Total cost was $208. $35 more for the remote. Now I'll be able to get stuff like Pandora up and running on my TV. And since we mostly watch movies, HD movies will stream no problem to the htpc. I can download them to my WHS from work if I wanted to, it's that easy. And best of all, cheap.

also, I downloaded a 720p .mkv file of Sherlock Holmes over the weekend. Streamed no problem over G wireless. A 7 GB file.

fwiw, my western digital tv live can do all of that.  It was like $110.
Can it play super nintendo games? :fatty:

no  :frown:
Well then, i'd say all the "macguyvering" is worth it, no? 
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on April 05, 2010, 11:54:06 AM
Seems easier to just make $100 more per month

Probably is, but not for how little I watch tv.

Seems like an awful lot of trouble being McGuyver and rigging up crap with toothpicks and hairties if you don't watch tv that much, bro.

btw, in case people were wondering, it took me about 1 hour to actually build the PC itself and another 1.5 hours to install the OS and the programs I wanted. There's 1 HDMI cable running to my TV. Total cost was $208. $35 more for the remote. Now I'll be able to get stuff like Pandora up and running on my TV. And since we mostly watch movies, HD movies will stream no problem to the htpc. I can download them to my WHS from work if I wanted to, it's that easy. And best of all, cheap.

also, I downloaded a 720p .mkv file of Sherlock Holmes over the weekend. Streamed no problem over G wireless. A 7 GB file.

fwiw, my western digital tv live can do all of that.  It was like $110.
Can it play super nintendo games? :fatty:

no  :frown:
Well then, i'd say all the "macguyvering" is worth it, no? 

I'm not the one that said "macquyvering".  But, I guess it would depend on how much you like SNES :dunno:
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Saulbadguy on April 05, 2010, 11:55:50 AM
Seems easier to just make $100 more per month

Probably is, but not for how little I watch tv.

Seems like an awful lot of trouble being McGuyver and rigging up crap with toothpicks and hairties if you don't watch tv that much, bro.

btw, in case people were wondering, it took me about 1 hour to actually build the PC itself and another 1.5 hours to install the OS and the programs I wanted. There's 1 HDMI cable running to my TV. Total cost was $208. $35 more for the remote. Now I'll be able to get stuff like Pandora up and running on my TV. And since we mostly watch movies, HD movies will stream no problem to the htpc. I can download them to my WHS from work if I wanted to, it's that easy. And best of all, cheap.

also, I downloaded a 720p .mkv file of Sherlock Holmes over the weekend. Streamed no problem over G wireless. A 7 GB file.

fwiw, my western digital tv live can do all of that.  It was like $110.
Can it play super nintendo games? :fatty:

no  :frown:
Well then, i'd say all the "macguyvering" is worth it, no? 

I'm not the one that said "macquyvering".  But, I guess it would depend on how much you like SNES/NES/Sega Genesis/Nintendo 64/Playstation/etc... :dunno:
FYP...
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ew2x4 on April 05, 2010, 11:58:13 AM
Seems easier to just make $100 more per month

Probably is, but not for how little I watch tv.

Seems like an awful lot of trouble being McGuyver and rigging up crap with toothpicks and hairties if you don't watch tv that much, bro.

btw, in case people were wondering, it took me about 1 hour to actually build the PC itself and another 1.5 hours to install the OS and the programs I wanted. There's 1 HDMI cable running to my TV. Total cost was $208. $35 more for the remote. Now I'll be able to get stuff like Pandora up and running on my TV. And since we mostly watch movies, HD movies will stream no problem to the htpc. I can download them to my WHS from work if I wanted to, it's that easy. And best of all, cheap.

also, I downloaded a 720p .mkv file of Sherlock Holmes over the weekend. Streamed no problem over G wireless. A 7 GB file.

fwiw, my western digital tv live can do all of that.  It was like $110.

But it doesn't do DVR stuff. You had me looking at the WD TV and it looked pretty cool, but I just wanted to be able to play with it and not be limited. Hulu, Boxee, etc. were all pretty necessary in giving up cable.

Clams- What channel is Sherlock Holmes on? tia.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on April 05, 2010, 12:23:21 PM
Channel 1550 in KC, it costs $5.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ew2x4 on April 05, 2010, 02:21:28 PM
Channel 1550 in KC, it costs $5.

How would I watch ppv by tapping into someone's cable?

Also, I've always used digital copies of movies. Mostly I rip my own. All my tv needs have been on Hulu or Boxee.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on April 05, 2010, 02:28:10 PM
Channel 1550 in KC, it costs $5.

How would I watch ppv by tapping into someone's cable?

Also, I've always used digital copies of movies. Mostly I rip my own. All my tv needs have been on Hulu or Boxee.
genius idea:  save money by stealing.  :users:
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ew2x4 on April 05, 2010, 02:43:02 PM
Channel 1550 in KC, it costs $5.

How would I watch ppv by tapping into someone's cable?

Also, I've always used digital copies of movies. Mostly I rip my own. All my tv needs have been on Hulu or Boxee.
genius idea:  save money by stealing.  :users:

Someone is jealous.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Saulbadguy on April 05, 2010, 02:55:04 PM
Channel 1550 in KC, it costs $5.

How would I watch ppv by tapping into someone's cable?

Also, I've always used digital copies of movies. Mostly I rip my own. All my tv needs have been on Hulu or Boxee.
genius idea:  save money by stealing.  :users:
not sure why I never thought of this before. 
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Saulbadguy on April 05, 2010, 02:55:34 PM
I won't be stealing movies.  Who the hell wants to watch a crappy rip anyways? Blu-ray ftw, thx.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on April 05, 2010, 03:02:34 PM
blu ray is def "for the win"
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: ew2x4 on April 05, 2010, 03:08:11 PM
I won't be stealing movies.  Who the hell wants to watch a crappy rip anyways? Blu-ray ftw, thx.

To be fair, it was a blu ray rip. I don't usually torrent movies, but I wanted to test out streaming an HD mkv on my system, over G wireless. I'll probably use MakeMKV to rip my current movies if I get a blu ray drive.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Boom Roasted on July 25, 2013, 12:41:43 PM
Chromcast.  Anyone check this out yet? What do you think?  I've got one on its way

http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromecast/#netflix
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Emo EMAW on July 25, 2013, 01:02:08 PM
Looks cool, for $35 why not?

Also just found this:  http://www.flyoverinnovations.com/

Control you entire TV/entertainment system from your smartphone. 
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: hemmy on July 25, 2013, 01:35:46 PM
Chrome thingy looks completely useless to be honest.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on July 25, 2013, 01:41:16 PM
Chromcast.  Anyone check this out yet? What do you think?  I've got one on its way

http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromecast/#netflix



where did you buy yours?  best buy cancelled my order this morning and the play store is saying 3-4 weeks.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on July 25, 2013, 01:42:19 PM
Looks cool, for $35 why not?

Also just found this:  http://www.flyoverinnovations.com/

Control you entire TV/entertainment system from your smartphone. 

i just use the Remote app on  my iphone, it was free. 
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Emo EMAW on July 25, 2013, 01:43:25 PM
Looks cool, for $35 why not?

Also just found this:  http://www.flyoverinnovations.com/

Control you entire TV/entertainment system from your smartphone. 

i just use the Remote app on  my iphone, it was free.

Do you need a IR dongle?  Link?
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on July 25, 2013, 01:55:33 PM
no, i don't.  it controls the music through the incredible world of wifi to which my other components are also connected
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Emo EMAW on July 25, 2013, 01:56:28 PM
I need an app to adjust the bunny ears for me.
Title: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on July 25, 2013, 02:21:48 PM
I need an app to adjust the bunny ears for me.

www.bunnyearsadjustmentgadget.ca
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Boom Roasted on July 25, 2013, 02:55:01 PM
Chromcast.  Anyone check this out yet? What do you think?  I've got one on its way

http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromecast/#netflix



where did you buy yours?  best buy cancelled my order this morning and the play store is saying 3-4 weeks.

Amazon around 3 yesterday
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Skipper44 on July 25, 2013, 03:57:48 PM
Chromcast.  Anyone check this out yet? What do you think?  I've got one on its way

http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromecast/#netflix



where did you buy yours?  best buy cancelled my order this morning and the play store is saying 3-4 weeks.

Amazon around 3 yesterday
Hopefully they ship you one soon, interested if the perfomance is better than DLNA that most smartphones and smart TVs/rokus/etc do now.  I am rather disappointed on how much buffering it takes to play a HD video from my smart phone over wifi to my Sony TV or Roku XS when Netflix almost never buffers.

Also, something like this that could just stream w/e is on your phone, tablet or pc would be great for traveling.  Maybe with the "open" nature of android it will happen with this device.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Boom Roasted on July 25, 2013, 04:16:41 PM
Chromcast.  Anyone check this out yet? What do you think?  I've got one on its way

http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromecast/#netflix



where did you buy yours?  best buy cancelled my order this morning and the play store is saying 3-4 weeks.

Amazon around 3 yesterday
Hopefully they ship you one soon, interested if the perfomance is better than DLNA that most smartphones and smart TVs/rokus/etc do now.  I am rather disappointed on how much buffering it takes to play a HD video from my smart phone over wifi to my Sony TV or Roku XS when Netflix almost never buffers.

Also, something like this that could just stream w/e is on your phone, tablet or pc would be great for traveling.  Maybe with the "open" nature of android it will happen with this device.
Well Skipper you are a bit over my head with the technology here.  I use Lady BR's Hulu plus on my Ipad and then watch TWC.  This is my first adventure in to streaming stuff on to my TV.  Never even tried Netflix... I know, its bad. I'll let you know how it works though, Amazon said they would be here next week so we will see.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: michigancat on July 25, 2013, 05:19:11 PM
will it play ESPN3? If so I'm sold.
Title: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on July 25, 2013, 05:46:57 PM
will it play ESPN3? If so I'm sold.

Yup
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: kim carnes on July 25, 2013, 06:45:00 PM
Just get appleTV
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: nicname on July 25, 2013, 08:07:38 PM
http://www.unblock-us.com/


Good site for those that enjoy getting around regional blackouts for sporting events.  Apparently also great for your canadian friends because it allows them to get a better netflix selection.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: HerrSonntag on July 25, 2013, 09:16:29 PM
Haven't had cable for 3 years now, build yourself a kick ass media center, get a usenet account and pirate this crap out of things, use XBMC to manage the videos
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: TheBoatsman on July 26, 2013, 01:31:59 AM
Got a baby on the way and dumping cable in 6 weeks.  Will not miss paying Cox $150.00 dollars a month just in cable fees.  Have constructed a nice little bubble of Netflix, Hulu Plus, ESPN.GO with a Time Warner login for better access and of coure Pirate Bay for the HBO.  Kind of excited about all the cord cutting I'm gonna be doing in September.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on July 26, 2013, 05:51:35 AM
how do you get espn without the cable? isn't that required to get on the watchespn/espn3 stuff?
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Skipper44 on July 26, 2013, 07:46:50 AM
how do you get espn without the cable? isn't that required to get on the watchespn/espn3 stuff?
you have to use a  login from someone  who is a  subscriber.   The same thing can be  done with Hbogo,  Maxgo  and Sho anytime


Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on July 26, 2013, 08:01:36 AM
lets be honest with each other, you poor fucks.  watchespn ported to a 55" television pales in comparison to how it looks via the regular cable signal. 

i mean, t's & p's on the poorness and stuff but come on.  cut back by 5 30 packs of busch lite a month and boom- cable bill paid.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on July 26, 2013, 08:16:50 AM
the new apple tv is due out soon. will be interesting to see if they do anything to the price of the device in response.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: HerrSonntag on July 26, 2013, 08:22:40 AM
I don't notice a difference in definition, though the game can have a few chops in there, sometimes.  But i also use the saved money for the faster internet tier.

I use a buddy out in Penn.'s login information to watch ESPN, i think this season i might look into that UnblockMe service, to impersonate someone in Alaska (they always get unrestricted coverage, probably out of pity) to see if that would work as a more permanent solution (people move, this is connection info #2 in the last 3 and a half years)

I don't know if i think the 'poors' argument is applicable here, if the ability to afford something was the sole reason to do something, without regard for the value, then i have a service for you... for only $100 a week, i will write you a hand written letter, every, single, week... with ink.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on July 26, 2013, 08:29:43 AM
if you're not doing it to save money then you must have some pretty compelling reasons
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Rage Against the McKee on July 26, 2013, 08:38:05 AM
I like to save money where possible myself, but I also really like having ESPN and pirating shows, movies, and tv channels really isn't any better than theft, imo. If I were going to cut the cord, I would only watch programming that I am paying for.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Boom Roasted on July 26, 2013, 08:48:33 AM
I'm just doing the Chromecast because its cheap and I want to be able to put the Netflix up on my basement/porch TV as well as watch youtube Cats video's while I get pumped up for gameday's.  Also, rewatching each weeks game on youtube on a big screen from my couch vs. a Ipad is a pretty good reason. 

Trying the cord cutting thing at Lady BR's apt with the Chromecast.  We will see how it goes, without much of a need for sports I feel like she should be ok?
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on July 26, 2013, 08:53:46 AM
my panasonic plasma tv has this crap all built in. as does xbox and ps3.   i'm still going to buy a chromecast this morning to see what it can do. 
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on July 26, 2013, 08:55:42 AM
my panasonic plasma tv has this crap all built in. as does xbox and ps3.   i'm still going to buy a chromecast this morning to see what it can do.

yeah, my tv has all that stuff but I only use pandora and pull up home movies and music from my laptop. it has netflix and youtube and crap but I will never use it. if it had watchESPN I would use the living crap out of it though.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on July 26, 2013, 09:37:31 AM
how do you pull up movies from your laptop
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on July 26, 2013, 09:39:22 AM
how do you pull up movies from your laptop

I just, like, go to the network on my tv and pull up my laptop and it shows all the videos on my laptop and I play them. pretty pud. laptop has to be on obviously.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: mocat on July 26, 2013, 09:40:30 AM
how do you pull up movies from your laptop

I just, like, go to the network on my tv and pull up my laptop and it shows all the videos on my laptop and I play them. pretty pud. laptop has to be on obviously.

your TV is its own streaming device, or do you have a separate streaming box?
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on July 26, 2013, 09:43:11 AM
how do you pull up movies from your laptop

I just, like, go to the network on my tv and pull up my laptop and it shows all the videos on my laptop and I play them. pretty pud. laptop has to be on obviously.

your TV is its own streaming device, or do you have a separate streaming box?

it has it built in.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: XocolateThundarr on July 26, 2013, 09:49:31 AM
I use this software on my "media" PC to stream content to various devices throughout my house.  It works very well.

http://www.conceiva.com/products/mezzmo/
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: mocat on July 26, 2013, 09:49:35 AM
how do you pull up movies from your laptop

I just, like, go to the network on my tv and pull up my laptop and it shows all the videos on my laptop and I play them. pretty pud. laptop has to be on obviously.

your TV is its own streaming device, or do you have a separate streaming box?

it has it built in.

well that's nice. I still haven't rooted my appletv or whatever so i can only watch what apple lets me watch, which is not much.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on July 26, 2013, 09:52:12 AM
I also have a 3TB one of these:

(https://goemaw.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn2.ubergizmo.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F01%2Fseagate-Central.jpg&hash=119e60fe490f60b400980944ce60180e01adf1c7)

attached to my router for storing pictures and videos that I can pull stuff up from the same way
Title: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on July 26, 2013, 09:57:24 AM
how do you pull up movies from your laptop

I just, like, go to the network on my tv and pull up my laptop and it shows all the videos on my laptop and I play them. pretty pud. laptop has to be on obviously.

your TV is its own streaming device, or do you have a separate streaming box?

it has it built in.

well that's nice. I still haven't rooted my appletv or whatever so i can only watch what apple lets me watch, which is not much.
sounds like you squandered the opportunity to watch other stuff
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: mocat on July 26, 2013, 10:01:39 AM
how do you pull up movies from your laptop

I just, like, go to the network on my tv and pull up my laptop and it shows all the videos on my laptop and I play them. pretty pud. laptop has to be on obviously.

your TV is its own streaming device, or do you have a separate streaming box?

it has it built in.

well that's nice. I still haven't rooted my appletv or whatever so i can only watch what apple lets me watch, which is not much.
sounds like you squandered the opportunity to watch other stuff

 :D
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on July 26, 2013, 10:31:28 AM
how do you pull up movies from your laptop

I just, like, go to the network on my tv and pull up my laptop and it shows all the videos on my laptop and I play them. pretty pud. laptop has to be on obviously.

your TV is its own streaming device, or do you have a separate streaming box?

it has it built in.

didn't you buy a streaming box?  that Western Digital thing?
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on July 26, 2013, 11:49:45 AM
how do you pull up movies from your laptop

I just, like, go to the network on my tv and pull up my laptop and it shows all the videos on my laptop and I play them. pretty pud. laptop has to be on obviously.

your TV is its own streaming device, or do you have a separate streaming box?

it has it built in.

didn't you buy a streaming box?  that Western Digital thing?

yeah, it's on my basement TV. it does essentially the same thing.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Boom Roasted on July 29, 2013, 10:08:00 AM
Chromecast came in the mail yesterday.  Was pretty easy to set up.  Just plug it in and plug in the power source then click a few things on the Ipad.  Netflix and Youtube both worked very well and the picture was very clear.  It does a good job of sizing the picture to the screen which was one thing I wasn't sure about :dunno:

I dont have a laptop so will be trying chrome on Lady BR's tonight to see if I can pull up hulu, ESPN, etc and make it work just as well.  I assume the chrome app for Ipad and other Apps will start getting the "cast" button installed in updates so i can throw more things onto the TV in the next month or so.  With such a quiet release the developers are probably scrambling to put it on their apps now.  Pretty disappointed the Chrome App wouldn't have an update right at the same time though...

One thing I have liked so far is that you can put one on any tv in the house for a pretty cheap price and then decide what videos go where from any phones/ipads in the house and continue to search for videos while its playing.  Could be fun to booze and everyone in the room can pick their own songs/videos from their phone and take turns putting them on the screen.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Emo EMAW on July 29, 2013, 10:18:28 AM
Guys, if you were completely redoing a stone fireplace/hearth/mantle to mount a TV above the fireplace, what would you bring to the wall behind the TV besides power?  Multiple HDMI feeds?  Just one?  None and just transmit wireless?  Trying to wrap my head around this project.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: pissclams on July 29, 2013, 10:36:49 AM
i wouldn't mess with wireless hdmi.  i would include 4 HDMI, ethernet, power, usb, and audio cable. 
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Tobias on July 29, 2013, 10:48:25 AM
Guys, if you were completely redoing a stone fireplace/hearth/mantle to mount a TV above the fireplace, what would you bring to the wall behind the TV besides power?  Multiple HDMI feeds?  Just one?  None and just transmit wireless?  Trying to wrap my head around this project.

:users:

i recently wired ethernet/coax throughout the house and haven't had the motivation to tackle the same problem (i hate having TV above the fireplace in the first place but have no other options)
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on July 29, 2013, 10:54:44 AM
(i hate having TV above the fireplace in the first place but have no other options)

yeah, didn't see you as a tv above the fireplace type.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Tobias on July 29, 2013, 10:56:49 AM
(i hate having TV above the fireplace in the first place but have no other options)

yeah, didn't see you as a tv above the fireplace type.

i get that a lot, steve dave
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: steve dave on July 29, 2013, 11:03:48 AM
(i hate having TV above the fireplace in the first place but have no other options)

yeah, didn't see you as a tv above the fireplace type.

i get that a lot, steve dave

 :thumbs:
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Skipper44 on July 29, 2013, 11:08:41 AM
i wouldn't mess with wireless hdmi.  i would include 4 HDMI, ethernet, power, usb, and audio cable.
clams advice covers all conceivable bases.  I would add a dedicated digital audio cable that can just be rg6 coax and then you would need the either a rca or spdif connector/adapter depending on what the TV has. 

Also, if the run to the location of the cable box/blu ray/receiver is long (more than 10 feet) you may be ahead to run just one long HDMI cable and buying a receiver with HDMI switching (almost anything over $200 will have at least 3 inputs) if you are doing speakers or a switch like this one if you are not http://www.amazon.com/Rocketfish-1080p-4-Port-Switch-Switcher-Remote/dp/B002VL92D2/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt (http://www.amazon.com/Rocketfish-1080p-4-Port-Switch-Switcher-Remote/dp/B002VL92D2/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt)
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: michigancat on July 29, 2013, 11:29:41 AM
I don't get cable because I'm poor. And WatchESPN's quality is better than ESPN FullCourt (at least it was two years ago). But yeah, way worse than cable.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Skipper44 on July 29, 2013, 11:38:11 AM
I don't get cable because I'm poor. And WatchESPN's quality is better than ESPN FullCourt (at least it was two years ago). But yeah, way worse than cable.
I have found the picture quality on WatchESPN is really good for the games that are on ESPN and ESPN2 when watching on the xbox, i would say 80% as good as the Directv picture.  But the "espn3" style broadcasts are very hit or miss - sometimes you get great picture for a Vandy @ South Carolina on Tuesday night SEC network game and the next week SoCar @ LSU is almost unwatchable  :dunno:
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: michigancat on July 29, 2013, 11:40:56 AM
I don't get cable because I'm poor. And WatchESPN's quality is better than ESPN FullCourt (at least it was two years ago). But yeah, way worse than cable.
I have found the picture quality on WatchESPN is really good for the games that are on ESPN and ESPN2 when watching on the xbox, i would say 80% as good as the Directv picture.  But the "espn3" style broadcasts are very hit or miss - sometimes you get great picture for a Vandy @ South Carolina on Tuesday night SEC network game and the next week SoCar @ LSU is almost unwatchable  :dunno:

True, but that was true for ESPN full court, as well. It was all SD, and BAD. (Maybe that's changed).
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Emo EMAW on July 29, 2013, 01:39:55 PM
This is kinda what I'm thinking:

(https://goemaw.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.houzz.com%2Fphotos%2F71289%2FGentleman-s-Pub-traditional-media-room-portland&hash=e89c6f6c02a199bb347aa552cea42c39ce9a49b3)

Just hide everything else behind the wood paneling.  What about sound though?  One of those (stupid) sound bars?
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Emo EMAW on July 29, 2013, 01:41:55 PM
Damnit, this:  http://www.houzz.com/photos/71289/Gentleman-s-Pub-traditional-media-room-portland
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Skipper44 on July 29, 2013, 02:38:18 PM
Damnit, this:  http://www.houzz.com/photos/71289/Gentleman-s-Pub-traditional-media-room-portland
looks like they have two speakers in the sloped ceiling.  It this is just your hearth or family room tv setup that will be used primarily for kids/casual viewing just 1 pair of good speakers may be the way to go.  There are so many different listening positions in hearth/living room that a 5.1 can actually make it harder hear what you want, especially when you start putting speakers in the ceiling.
Title: Re: Dumping Cable, getting an HTPC
Post by: Emo EMAW on July 29, 2013, 03:02:50 PM
We won't have sloped ceiling like that.  Inspection is tomorrow and can get some better pictures of the actual starting point.  I'd like this to be a legit watch party type setup.