Post by High Priestess on Oct 5, 2015 1:15:15 GMT
Denise shared AUgust 2015
Tech Advice Needed--Streaming Movie Access
I have a modest HDTV and a Mohu Leaf 50 antenna, and while I do have basic cable tv for my house, I don't have wires connected for cable access to the rental). I am tired of the cable monopoly and I want to be able to offer access to guests to stream movies via their Netflix or Amazon Prime accounts using a laptop, cell phone or tablet. I understand there are devices that are around $60 like a Google Chromecast, Apple TV but not one device that will universally work with most devices.
I am thinking of a Roku 2.
I also don't have proximity to a wired connection to the router (upstairs from the guest unit), so it would have to work wirelessly. Any suggestions that won't break the bank and that won't be too tempting for a guest to walk off with?
Thanks in advance!
Keith
There is a Chinese made Linux or android based device that dies all that and supposedly works with apples too. It was on amazon for around $80. I don't recall the brand name.
However...you can't please everyone. I have smart TVs signed into amazon and Netflix and HDMI cables hanging off them with apple adapters. So if someone has a computer they cannuse the HDMI cable otherwise they'll have to be satisfied with the streaming service provided. So far no complaints.
Denise:
Thanks Keith. I am thinking about a Roku 2 for $69.
Ann:
I have 4 Roku boxes and love them. I have been able to put my netflix and hulu plus accounts on all of them.
Denise:
But if you put your netflix accounts on them then don't they see all your personalizations on netflix?
Keith:
They do. I use my 4 "people" as one for each TV. But it does mean that people may choose the wrong one. Its what ya get for the tax deduction.
Peter:
Denise, you wrote that you want your Guests to be able to stream "via THEIR Netflix or Amazon Prime accounts using a laptop, cell phone or tablet." (My emphasis). If your Guests have a pre-existing Netflix or Amazon Prime account of their own, all you need to provide them is wifi and they can then log into their account on the internet and watch whatever they want on their own dime.
Keith:
Shed need to provide cables if they're to view them on her TV
Peter:
Keith, she did say she wanted her guests to view streaming "using a laptop, cell phone or tablet" although she also mentioned her HDTV too.
Alfonso:
Google Chromecast is the way to go so they can stream from their device with their accounts. Chromecast doesn't even require knowing the password upfront anymore. It's displayed when they connect
Denise:
A guest didn't bring a laptop and only had her cell phone. She wanted to view Netflix (her account) through my tv. My old Roku needed a wired connection to internet, and it seemed she would need a certain sized usb connection to fit her phone. So I was trying to circumvent this situation and provide something more universal instead of having various cables depending on what type of device people happen to have.
Peter:
Oh OK. The neatest way is to get a smart TV. That is, a HDTV that has internet connectivity built-in so all your guest needs to do is to enter their account information. Most smart TVs these days also have Netflix and Amazon pre-programmed so you can just go directly there with a few clicks of the remote. They are a bit more expensive than normal HDTVs, but the prices are still within the won't-break-the-bank range (compare Best Buy and Costco prices). And you can deduct the cost as a business expense on your taxes.
Denise:
I'll look into a smart TV. Thanks.
Alfonso:
If your current TV has a HDTV port, Chromecast, $25, works. Chromecast apps are available for phones, Android, and laptops, so beaming from personal devices is simple.
Tech Advice Needed--Streaming Movie Access
I have a modest HDTV and a Mohu Leaf 50 antenna, and while I do have basic cable tv for my house, I don't have wires connected for cable access to the rental). I am tired of the cable monopoly and I want to be able to offer access to guests to stream movies via their Netflix or Amazon Prime accounts using a laptop, cell phone or tablet. I understand there are devices that are around $60 like a Google Chromecast, Apple TV but not one device that will universally work with most devices.
I am thinking of a Roku 2.
I also don't have proximity to a wired connection to the router (upstairs from the guest unit), so it would have to work wirelessly. Any suggestions that won't break the bank and that won't be too tempting for a guest to walk off with?
Thanks in advance!
Keith
There is a Chinese made Linux or android based device that dies all that and supposedly works with apples too. It was on amazon for around $80. I don't recall the brand name.
However...you can't please everyone. I have smart TVs signed into amazon and Netflix and HDMI cables hanging off them with apple adapters. So if someone has a computer they cannuse the HDMI cable otherwise they'll have to be satisfied with the streaming service provided. So far no complaints.
Denise:
Thanks Keith. I am thinking about a Roku 2 for $69.
Ann:
I have 4 Roku boxes and love them. I have been able to put my netflix and hulu plus accounts on all of them.
Denise:
But if you put your netflix accounts on them then don't they see all your personalizations on netflix?
Keith:
They do. I use my 4 "people" as one for each TV. But it does mean that people may choose the wrong one. Its what ya get for the tax deduction.
Peter:
Denise, you wrote that you want your Guests to be able to stream "via THEIR Netflix or Amazon Prime accounts using a laptop, cell phone or tablet." (My emphasis). If your Guests have a pre-existing Netflix or Amazon Prime account of their own, all you need to provide them is wifi and they can then log into their account on the internet and watch whatever they want on their own dime.
Keith:
Shed need to provide cables if they're to view them on her TV
Peter:
Keith, she did say she wanted her guests to view streaming "using a laptop, cell phone or tablet" although she also mentioned her HDTV too.
Alfonso:
Google Chromecast is the way to go so they can stream from their device with their accounts. Chromecast doesn't even require knowing the password upfront anymore. It's displayed when they connect
Denise:
A guest didn't bring a laptop and only had her cell phone. She wanted to view Netflix (her account) through my tv. My old Roku needed a wired connection to internet, and it seemed she would need a certain sized usb connection to fit her phone. So I was trying to circumvent this situation and provide something more universal instead of having various cables depending on what type of device people happen to have.
Peter:
Oh OK. The neatest way is to get a smart TV. That is, a HDTV that has internet connectivity built-in so all your guest needs to do is to enter their account information. Most smart TVs these days also have Netflix and Amazon pre-programmed so you can just go directly there with a few clicks of the remote. They are a bit more expensive than normal HDTVs, but the prices are still within the won't-break-the-bank range (compare Best Buy and Costco prices). And you can deduct the cost as a business expense on your taxes.
Denise:
I'll look into a smart TV. Thanks.
Alfonso:
If your current TV has a HDTV port, Chromecast, $25, works. Chromecast apps are available for phones, Android, and laptops, so beaming from personal devices is simple.