I know what you mean. My first thought on ADBTuner/AH4CH was wow...that was really inventive.
My next thought was that Rube Goldberg/Heath Robinson would be proud. All that to watch TV.
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Exactly dude... not worth it to me unfortunately. And in the demo, the load time for the channel is nearly 10 seconds. Doesn't sound like a lot, but it really is. I've just resorted to using YTTV app for their channels, and Channels app for others and antenna. Is what it is.
I use adbtuner with YTTV and Onn devices and my load time per channel is 5 seconds. I could see channel surfing possibly being an issue but i havent done that since the 90's. Ive had zero issues with my setup....
With all the devices you connect to make this work, what is your electric cost?
I take it you're asking about the cost to run an HDMI encoder and streaming sticks as an alternative to an HDHomeRun Prime with a CableCard. Since I run mine all off of PoE, the data is right at hand -- so I can answer one part of the question:
So about 13 watts for the sticks + encoder, or about the same as 2 RaspberryPis. At our rural co-op rates, which run about 16 cents per kWh on-peak, and 8 cents per kWh off-peak this time of year, monthly cost would be around 45 cents.
Stick draw goes up by about a watt max when actively streaming. Encoder draw can increase by a watt or two if multiple ports are active.
I have a similar set up, but with Chromecasts. They have a similar power draw to the fire sticks.
(Side Note: I really like that view. Is that part of the Unifi app or is that through a dashboard?)
agreed
I recently canceled My Cable TV and only have Basic with Internet ... So I still get my locals via OTA and Cable Card. I am looking for a LiveTV streaming Service but they seem to be as expensive as Cable. I went from $300 dollars with Cable to 130 with just Internet and Basic.
I supplement my Channels Via Tubi and Friendly and Pluto... for Sports I only watch Basketball and Football. So I will just sign up during the season to their league pass.
If we still have our cable cards and our Primes, will Comcast reactivate them or are we just sol? The last time I deactivated my cable, they said not to bother sending the cable cards back.
I would call and ask, and be kindly persistent.
My prior experiences have been that it depends on your market, and even right down to what technology is available in your neighborhood. A year or two ago I was having trouble with my cablecard missing channels. Spectrum initially wanted to send a tech out, then refused claiming they weren't supporting that technology any longer. In the end, the branch manager checked and it turns out that all new services weren't yet ready for my neighborhood, so they sent a 50 year old tech out who still knew cablecard like the back of his hand. He solved a number of wiring problems (outdoors) and I was grateful he was available, capable and willing.
It took me 5-10 calls last week but eventually I was able to get to tier 3 technical support and someone there was able to find the right person in the company to get one of my cable cards reactivated that had been accidentally deactivated. I don't know if they would do it for you if you had cancelled your service, but the organization is able to activate them with enough effort.
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I canceled my Cable TV subscription and went to basic saved $160 .. Cable cards Still work for Broadcast Channels and my TVE is still working on all my Channels prior to canceling.
I was going to subscribe to YouTubeTV but put it off since TVE is still working on XFINITY.... been a month.
That's very interesting.
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It will probably only last until a new billing cycle.
Great info. Thanks for posting that. Super helpful.
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this is great to know. I am also terrified of losing my cablecards, but if I play nice and persistent, there does appear to be a path if disconnected by mistake.
I hope @eric checks back in and can report if this reactivation kept going past the 1st billing cycle
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Been there.
Best bet is to make a face to face appointment with your cable provider if they have a local office.
And when you get there, explain you have a cable card in your HDHR/TiVo and want to keep using it.
Too many providers these days are outsourcing their chat and 800 calls to places where you can't even understand what they're saying. Try to prove that Ziauzxweah? or Fjititwhatsu? told you something that you couldn't understand. Or try to copy their cryptic misspelled chat message. Or follow a link they text or email to you to something totally unrelated to your provider. Big time sink, waste of time.
If all else fails, walk into your local Cable providers office with your equipment and dump it on their counter. When they ask, explain what you want. But be prepared to state that you will discontinue everything and walk away if the cablecard will no longer work.
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I did the same a month ago (downgraded to the Choice TV package).
TVE finally caught up and shows all unsubscribed channels as unsubscribed.
Saved a bunch and so far don't miss all those channels I never watched.
I'm about ready to totally dump their TV ($33+ just for Broadcast TV Fee! on top of Limited Basic charge). The savings there would pay for a new, professionally installed rooftop antenna, new coax and a new OTA HDHR Tuner (assuming I don't have to deal with the ATSC 3.0 DRM folly).
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