Originally Posted by
KalamaQuilts
How fortunate for you Iona, that you have good internet reception! None of those things would work for me, even yourtube is a trial I seldom bother with because it stops and starts and mostly stops
But I'm glad you have found your happy spot.
We quit TV a good 15 or so years ago.
Being lucky or blessed in all matters Internet is a matter of opinion. You are obviously one of those unfortunate people who don't have great access to the Internet where they live. Do have hope. The corporations that sell Internet access or are in the business of online commerce are finally addressing true Internet access for most, not just in large population centers. Low orbit satellites, 5g, more rural penetration by cellular providers, and possibly some more I might have missed will make their appearances sooner than later. Even I will explore these and other options when they finally arrive. My Roku(s) struggle with the "poor" download speeds I am using at this moment.
Actually the reality here is my Internet access here is considered rather poor for streaming-just a bit faster than dial-up. While I do live in an large urban city where there are more than 1 provider, I chose DSL for price and ease of DIY setup. DSL once worked well when I first subscribed 11 years ago, but no longer. It's very much like the old party lines of the copper based landline telephones. Too many people sharing my line both inside my household as well as the outer neighborhood. So for more than basic computer use, it could (and has) slow down or even fail from time to time.
Solutions (for now at least)? Well I decided to upgrade my own Roku to the sole wired Ethernet connecting device offered by that company now-the Ultra. Just love it and it does solve my buffering problems for the most part to almost 100% full streaming with no interruptions without more costly DSL speed upgrades (and the resulting bill would rise from 40 dollars to 60 dollars or more a month) This Roku is a one time purchase. Another solution I did was add an extra long 15 foot-there are varying lengths available besides mine-Male To Female Extender to another Roku (the Streaming Stick Plus model) to not only place the device much farther away from the television's own interference or even possible overheating of the stick, but to move it closer/better position to the Router. Works great & is a one time purchase too. To control data usage, I turn down resolution to 720p on the Roku menu and on Youtube & Vudu's own apps. When I'm not using it, I turn those device(s) off with a simple inexpensive mechanical On/Off Switch (see below, in 2 or 3 prong versions). No worries on going over my data limit. Plus my privacy is insured.
Originally Posted by
SillySusan
I cut the cord several years ago and got an indoor antenna. I pick up many channels that are not on the cable I had. It works very well here most days when the weather is good. When it's raining some stations break up, but it is still ok with me. Free is very nice!
Yes, free (or rather no direct out of pocket) is really very nice.
Last edited by QuiltnNan; 07-17-2019 at 12:00 PM.
Reason: remove copyright pic, should have used link