Upgrading TV

[Geoff]

The TV in my bus died, a 20 year old LCD flat screen supported by Direct TV.  Looked around, and found ROKU TV was the latest and greatest.  But it needs an internet connection.

So here we go, Verizon Jet Pac for mobile internet for the bus ROKU TV. ROKU TV in the house using the same JetPack.  And I'm saving money!

[richard5933]

Have you checked the data needs of the Roku vs. the limitations on the Verizon Jet Pack? You won't get truly unlimited data on Verizon - it will be choked down after a pre-set amount of data.

What about OTA antenna? We usually have no problem getting at least a few decent channels from the rooftop antenna where ever we are camping. It's free and the quality is good since the broadcast is digital.

[DoubleEagle]

Richard is correct, these new cellular connections are not so hot. It will be nothing like having cable service. It will gobble up your data limits (even the unlimited plans have limits) in no time flat, unless you ration your TV time. Rooftop antennas will look good after pricing what you really get. 

[bronson]

Depends on your location but I use my tmobile phone as a hotspot and use a firestick on my tv at home and in the bus. It is unlimited but they do slow the speed after the limit is hit. TV quality is still good after it slows. We get Netflix free from tmobile and pay for hulu and prime video. There are many free apps such as IMDb tv,  Sony crackle etc that you have to commercials. I live rural and have no options for high speed internet. We also have a weekend getaway in the hills of southern ohio and amazingly but also unfortunately  the phone works excellent there also. No more ridiculous sat tv Bill's for me.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

I have a Verizon JetPack and run out of data by the middle of the month.  Then I had to swap out my SIM card with my tablet to get more out of it.

I switched to UbiFi two months ago which deals with AT&T towers and I have very fast internet with my Mofie and unlimited data. You may want to consider this.

Gary

[CrabbyMilton]

Interesting ideas. I'm thinking longer term of "cutting the cord". The one thing I would miss is the oversized DVR that is included with AT&T UVERSE. I only watch live TV for news programs and baseball so everything else is via the DVR. Thanks for the ideas.

[richard5933]

Interesting ideas. I'm thinking longer term of "cutting the cord". The one thing I would miss is the oversized DVR that is included with AT&T UVERSE. I only watch live TV for news programs and baseball so everything else is via the DVR. Thanks for the ideas.

Use a DVR at home where you have internet, and then take it with you when you travel.

You can get DVR units which will record from OTA antennas as well.

[CrabbyMilton]

Yeah there are all kinds of interesting options out there.
We are moving closer to a time where some contend that traditional OTA TV and cable will give way to internet only platforms for TV. It makes sense and will have endless choices in viewing for a ton less of money.
I don't care if my MASH, PERRY MASON, ALL IN THE FAMILY, BARNEY MILLER and other reruns originate from a local TV station or internet base network.
I'm still obsessing on the best way to pipe my phone to my TV so I can watch a bigger screen than my iPhone.
I remember PREVOST used to have the option of live TV reception on their seated coaches.
Now it's WIFI which almost everybody appreciates.

[Geoff]

I discovered a major problem with my Rocu plan.  I wanted to use a Verizon Jet Pac for internet with Hulu/Rocu.  You have to pay for Hulu but it is the only channel that carries Fox News and a lot of good programming. 

But Hulu won't let you use a mobile Jet Pack!  It has to be a home based internet service that can't be moved.  That shoots down my attempt to save money by combining devices for bus and home.  I have direct TV which is a rip off but I like the channels.  Back to the drawing board...

[Dave5Cs]

We have T-Mobil also and it is truly unlimited access. We used to have Verizon but when we would go over on Data each month they would say oh you can reset the data amount then told us they changed that policy but sent us nothing on the change. They would send updates to our phone then charge us for the over data charge again from them. When I asked how you get around that the guy said "oh park out in front of a Starbucks the wifi is free and you can download your updates with no charges". 
We cancelled them and never looked back.
We use our T mobil wifi through the smart phone to both our TV's. We stream movies from Prime same way, use it for internet for all computers and oh ya we can make phone call with it too, Image that, LOL

[pabusnut]

Now I remember why I don't have a TV in my bus!  All the technology makes my head spin!?!  When I go out in the bus, my goal is to escape the electronic world I am forced to navigate through every day at work.   I revert to 17th century media and devour a couple of books per trip. 

I call myself "Almost Amish"!!

Steve Toomey
PAbusnut

[CrabbyMilton]

HEHE many Amish people use smart phones and computers.
Plus, much of this sort of technology is not new as of over 20 years ago.
Don't be afraid to have it but it's your prerogative to turn it off.

[Geoff]

The plan is set!?  I'm getting the local internet, and the bus TV will run Roku off my smartphone, plus I have a HD local antenna that looks like a flap of plastic.  If I want Fox News, I can get it off my SiriusXM to listen.  No more Direct TV, no more landline telephone. PM me if you want my cellphone number.

[peterbylt]

I have not used these, but they look like a decent deal.

FMCA has what looks like a decent benefit for unlimited WIFI.

Unlimited through Sprint, or 25GB a month through Verizon.

Either one is 49.99 a month.

https://www.fmca.com/rv-wifi

The only catch is you need to be a member of FMCA first.

Peter

[Patchwork00038]

I actually use a hot spot from my straight talk phone no contract just it's $55 a month and that connects my lady's laptop and my PS4 so we get Netflix Hulu ect.........we travel a lot so it helps us keep our business goin $5 more and no contracts