Jumping into the Stream ... or Cloud ... or whatever

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 7:36 am

Taking inspiration from Bruv, I'll put out here for feedback what I've been planning. I'm dropping my satellite TV and keeping only my cable internet connection. My plan is to stream any AV entertainment - TV, movies, maybe some sports - plus use the machine to record/download interesting video and edit some short clips to use in the classroom to enhance my PowerPoints.

I plan to use my 42" HD TV as the monitor, and find a wireless mouse/keyboard that can operate from across the room (about 20 feet or so).

I figure I might as well get a blue ray disc drive, unless someone has a better idea, but the guts of the machine is where I get lost. Laptop or desktop? Build or buy off the shelf? I haven't built a machine since the late '80s so I may as well say I'm a raw novice in that area.

Let's see. What else ... I'm not a gamer and don't plan to be. I've got a little netbook that works great for general surfing, word processing, and other work. Oh yeh, and I'm cheap, but I'll pay for quality.

Any tips?

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 7:44 am

Accountable;1395288 wrote: Taking inspiration from Bruv..........

Any tips?

Any tips ?

No

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 7:49 am

I've been using my 47" TV as a monitor for about three years now and doing basically what you posted. The biggest problem is the wireless mouse and keyboard. I've tried the best I could find and sometimes it's fine but when it sucks it really sucks. I'm now using a wired keyboard with a long wire and the wireless mouse, however, on humid days it just does not want to behave. Very frustrating at times. I think I'll give in sometime soon and use a wired mouse as well.

I use a desktop for my setup with a good video card.

Post by **spot** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 7:54 am

As relevant background, what's your cable connection capped at?

eta: I ought to put what I was thinking into this post. The display you're proposing is capable (I expect) - you did say HD - of consuming a 1920x1080 48-bit color coded uncompressed signal, which is 6Gbit/sec. Perhaps you'll compromise on quality by allowing a compressed feed, or a reduced resolution, or maybe 24-bit color, but 6Gbit/sec is fifty times faster than my cable Internet connection could deliver if I were on Virgin's fastest current contract.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 7:54 am

A small desktop.

If you have a Fry's Electronics, or Micro Warehouse close to you, you have all you need.

Also go to Maximumpc.com and dig around. they have a couple of articles on how to build just what you are looking for.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 7:57 am

I have this keboard, and it works pretty well

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:14 am

spot;1395296 wrote: As relevant background, what's your cable connection capped at?

eta: I ought to put what I was thinking into this post. The display you're proposing is capable (I expect) - you did say HD - of consuming a 1920x1080 48-bit color coded uncompressed signal, which is 6Gbit/sec. Perhaps you'll compromise on quality by allowing a compressed feed, or a reduced resolution, or maybe 24-bit color, but 6Gbit/sec is five times faster than my current cable Internet connection could deliver if I were on Virgin's fastest contract.My current is 26megs/sec and I get pretty good resolution. I didn't know what you posted though. Thanks.

Post by **spot** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:18 am

Ahso!;1395299 wrote: My current is 26megs/sec and I get pretty good resolution.
Is that megs megabits or megs megabytes?

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:18 am

spot;1395300 wrote: Is that megs megabits or megs megabytes?bytes I believe.

Post by **spot** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:21 am

Ahso!;1395301 wrote: bytes I believe.

We're backward in the UK, there's no supplier in the country who goes that high on a domestic connection. Our fastest that I know of is a steady 12MBytes/sec.

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:22 am

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:27 am

data speed is usually measured in bits/second

A lot of the US ISP's are offering up to 40 Megabits per second, now.

Even with slower connections though, the computer can buffer the feed. Meaning it will pull the data down and store it until it has enough to run without having to stop a wait for more.

The result is a compete movie or program without halting halfway through to download more.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:32 am

I just got this hooked up and stabilized in the last month.

It took three weeks for them to work all the kinks out of it, but for the last two weeks it has been great.

It will be in your neighborhood, someday.

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:36 am

Comcast's next tier is 53 and then 100 but the cost is ridiculous. What are you paying for your 35? My 26 is $48.00 monthly.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:40 am

spot;1395296 wrote: As relevant background, what's your cable connection capped at?

eta: I ought to put what I was thinking into this post. The display you're proposing is capable (I expect) - you did say HD - of consuming a 1920x1080 48-bit color coded uncompressed signal, which is 6Gbit/sec. Perhaps you'll compromise on quality by allowing a compressed feed, or a reduced resolution, or maybe 24-bit color, but 6Gbit/sec is fifty times faster than my cable Internet connection could deliver if I were on Virgin's fastest current contract.
AT&T advertises my speed as "Up to 3 Mbps". I haven't noticed any problems streaming two different programs on two different laptops.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:41 am

Ahso!;1395307 wrote:

On a side note.

I am curious. Have you tried the tune-up program that speedtest.net advertises?

I was a bit put off by the license agreement, and bailed out.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:42 am

LarsMac;1395297 wrote: A small desktop.

If you have a Fry's Electronics, or Micro Warehouse close to you, you have all you need.

Also go to Maximumpc.com and dig around. they have a couple of articles on how to build just what you are looking for.
Small desktop was my instinct. Las Vegas had a huge Fry's, but I don't think San Antonio has one. I'll dig around. Thanks!

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:43 am

LarsMac;1395312 wrote: On a side note.

I am curious. Have you tried the tune-up program that speedtest.net advertises?

I was a bit put off by the license agreement, and bailed out.I didn't even notice it. what didn't you like about the licensing agreement?

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:46 am

Ahso!;1395310 wrote: Comcast's next tier is 53 and then 100 but the cost is ridiculous. What are you paying for your 35? My 26 is $48.00 monthly.

I am paying $56 a month for the "up to 40/20 mb/s" for the first year. After the year, I will probably turn it down, as they were talking 79/month

My company reimburses me 50/month for my network/telephone connection since I work from home, so the extra speed is costing me $6/mo.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:47 am

Accountable;1395311 wrote: AT&T advertises my speed as "Up to 3 Mbps". I haven't noticed any problems streaming two different programs on two different laptops.

There is one is Austin. It might be worth a road trip

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:48 am

LarsMac;1395316 wrote: I am paying $56 a month for the "up to 40/20 mb/s" for the first year. After the year, I will probably turn it down, as they were talking 79/month

My company reimburses me 50/month for my network/telephone connection since I work from home, so the extra speed is costing me $6/mo.That's a nice deal. Sure you won't be too hooked by next year?

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:50 am

LarsMac;1395317 wrote: There is one is Austin. It might be worth a road tripHow's Frys on cost and warranty? I just assume use Walmart or Sams when I can. They'll take anything back, anytime.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:51 am

LarsMac;1395317 wrote: There is one is Austin. It might be worth a road trip

Altex might be worth checking out, too.

Thing to do is go look at the hardware, maybe even talk to the in-store geeks, and figure out what you want to do, then find the same stuff online for a lower price.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:54 am

Ahso!;1395318 wrote: That's a nice deal. Sure you won't be too hooked by next year?

I might. This is pretty impressive.

I have my VPN for work, two other PC's connected for doing other projects, the wife plays games, and when the grandkids come over, they can watch movies. All without bogging down the system.

I will have to see what kind of deal they are willing to make.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:58 am

Ahso!;1395319 wrote: How's Frys on cost and warranty? I just assume use Walmart or Sams when I can. They'll take anything back, anytime.

I have never had a problem with anything I bought at Fry's. They claim to cover any mftr warranty.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 9:04 am

Roku Streaming Player | Watch Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Crackle and More on Roku Player

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 9:48 am

SnoozeAgain;1395325 wrote: Roku Streaming Player | Watch Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Crackle and More on Roku Player
I heard of roku before. I don't see the advantage, unless they've improved. A computer will do netflix, hulu, crackle, etc. Does it allow for video editing now?

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 1:43 pm

I got an android tablet, and watch Netflex(off my son's account, so it is free.......). Only have cable because my husband watches it. I think it is a good decision to make, AC. I would if I could.

Wandrin · Post by **Wandrin** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 2:25 pm

Since I spend half of my time on the road, streaming via net is not really an option for me. The sat Internet connection works well enough for routine things, but would be overloaded trying to stream video. I have a DirecTV setup at home with a huge disk in the DVR. I have a matching DVR in my road vehicle. I just clone the disk at home and pop in in the mobile DVR. Since I am at least 200 hours behind on watching recorded movies and programs, it works well enough for me. I can watch a movie on the road on the teevee monitor or bring it up on the iPad for sitting outside.

rajakrsna · Post by **rajakrsna** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 2:42 pm

Accountable;1395288 wrote:

Any tips?

How about using your good old mind? You have your eyes to see & ears to listen. The sense of touch, smell, taste, etc. Computers can`t do what man does ( physical sex ). Do you know God can eat with his eyes & can see with his touch?

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 5:24 pm

I know there's an ignore option. There should also be a stealth option to prevent certain people from reading your own posts.

rajakrsna · Post by **rajakrsna** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 5:27 pm

You`re very funny...

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Mon Jun 04, 2012 1:36 pm

I just tested my speed and am embarrassed. I only get 2.64 download . Hell that kinda pisses me off. I'll check to see what I pay.

$45.00 a month. WTF

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Mon Jun 04, 2012 4:00 pm

YZGI;1395477 wrote: I just tested my speed and am embarrassed. I only get 2.64 download . Hell that kinda pisses me off. I'll check to see what I pay.

$45.00 a month. WTFDon't feel bad, these companies sign people up for what are good deals at the time and slowly increase the price knowing most forget about the service. I have a sister and brother in law who still pay for aol.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 11:07 am

Well, we pulled the plug last night. Turns out that Dish Network has a pause service that allows you to stop your satellite service for up to 6 months. I plugged in an old set of rabbit ears and can get several channels (a couple of which speak English). I'm still thinking/shopping about the computer. So far the DT's aren't too bad, but I slept really poorly last night.