This is embarrassing.

[bruceb58]

Re: This is embarrassing.

I'd first see if you can watch Netflix video on your PC before seeing if it's worth hooking up the TV. (This is assuming you don't have a really old PC that can't display decent quality video)

Another thing that could be done is to run a cable from the existing WISP modem directly to the TV to see what the quality is.

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: This is embarrassing.

I am learning, guys.

Yes, page 35 instructs me how to use Wi Fi. Surprise! My manual, printed off the net, is miniaturized to save paper, so I have to read it with a magnifier. I hadn't read that part before.

I will investigate the suggestions from Bruce. Looks a lot easier than drilling holes in a wall.

SPEEDTEST says my connection downloads at about 1.5Meg. Is that fast enough or should I change ISPs? Century Link claims up to 10Meg.

2 more cents here.... 1.5mbps is very slow these days. I just upgraded from 7mbps to 12mbps with CenturyLink (unfortunately all that is currently available to me) and am very happy (had many occasions with 7mbs where it would drop out when watching netflix over Tivo...we called that "bonding time!"). the Century link is DSL and comes over the phone wire, and you have to lease or buy the cable/dsl modem to make it work, but it handles my many internet devices adequately. Your TV would link up to the modem/router in less than two minutes, as would your computer (if you have a wireless capability in it), or via ethernet cat5e cable if you dont have wireless in your computer. All my apple products (apple TV, iPad, iPod) and wireless security camera linked up well too. Not trying to be a salesman for CL, but just sayin...

 

[rogerwa]

Re: This is embarrassing.

Agreed that 1.5mbs will not do much for some of those TV apps. Pandora and sound streaming will be fine, but netflix, VUDU, HULU +, etc, will suffer or may not work at all.

If you can get the DSL through CL then give it a go. I have 12MBS at my house and I have my TV, DVR, Apple TV, Bluray, XBOX, 2 ipads, 4 laptops, one kindle, 3-4 cell phones, and a printer all sharing the one connection.

I have that Netgear router listed above, and while it does allow me to run 4 separate wireless networks (I segment my kids so I can shut them off easily), it has really poor firewall rules options..

 

[bruceb58]

Re: This is embarrassing.

I just checked with what my mom supposedly has and its 3 Mbs and her quality is very so so. I will measure it the next time I am there. I will also do a check before and after those powerline modules I linked earlier to see if they degrade the performance. Supposedly, they are good to 200Mbs but I believe it depends if they are on the same 110 leg or not if your home has 220.

I know JB is in the boonies and that is why he has a WISP right now. I know for me that DSL was not available where I was because you have to be less than a mile from the telephone switch for you to get it.

 

[JB]

Re: This is embarrassing.

I streamed some video from NETFLIX and ACORN on my 23" PC monitor an it seemed okay. ACORN is the one that I would use most; I am addicted to British TV. The ACORN site was very slow to load pages, but the video seemed okay.

I am suspicious of CL's advertising offering a good price ($19.95/mo) for internet IF one bundles with nationwide calling (no price given). It also offers "up to" 10Meg speed (no price given) I fear that the bottom line would be even more than the $60/mo that Mesh.net now charges me. I use my landline about 10 minutes a week and make all out of state calls on my cell.

I would need about 25' of line to connect my TV to my present modem so I will have to think about that.

Now that I know that my TV has WiFi the wireless router option gets more attractive.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: This is embarrassing.

VIZIO 55

Additional Features
VIA (VIZIO Internet Apps): Yes
3D File Formats Supported: N/A

Smart Dimming: No

Smooth Motion: No

Ambient Light Sensor: Yes

WiFi: 802.11n single band ..................
Bluetooth: No

HDMI CEC: Yes

HDMI ARC: Yes

PIP (Picture in Picture): No

Mercury Free: Yes
Remote Control: Enhanced 2-sided remote with keyboard


Amazon.com: Netgear WPN824N N150 Wireless Router: Electronics


WPN824N

From there its 802.11 wirless nic cards for your computer's and your wirless everywhere.


VIZIO 55

VIZIO 55? Class Razor LED?
Smart TV
(54.64" Diag.)
MODEL NUMBER: M550VSE Model Features:
?VIZIO Internet Apps? - TV, Movies, Music, Apps
?Razor LED? for a brilliant picture in ultra-thin profile
?Smart remote with QWERTY keyboard
?Built-in WiFi for easy internet access........
?120Hz Effective Refresh Rate for stunning clarity
?1080p Full HD for a crystal-clear picture

 

[rbh]

Re: This is embarrassing.

I know the hideout is way out of town and that you where on dial up back when, now that your looking for DSL, the provider may not have the fascilaties serving someone as far out as you.
You are looking at 4000m/4km+- from the dslam/concentrator on a 22gauge wire/cable to the end user.
Your wireless provider on the otherhand should be able to meet the low to mid DSL speeds, "depending on package" 2-5 MBPS.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: This is embarrassing.

4G Wimax Internet Coverage Map with Service Area | CLEAR

Great stuff about time they hit texas...Your neat Fortworth aren't you

 

[bruceb58]

Re: This is embarrassing.

I would need about 25' of line to connect my TV to my present modem so I will have to think about that.

Now that I know that my TV has WiFi the wireless router option gets more attractive.

Try it and see how you like it. If you know someone that has 25' of ethernet cable laying around, maybe you can borrow it to compare.

 

[JB]

Re: This is embarrassing.

About 50 miles from FW. CLEAR doesn't get here.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: This is embarrassing.

Broadband Speed Guide | FCC.gov

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: This is embarrassing.

Agreed...CL's advertised price of 19.95/mo for 5 years for "up to 12mbs" (I actually get 11.4 on speedtest) gets a bit confusing because that is based on bundling at a minimum with nationwide calling... I pay ~80/mo for just that bundle (no direct TV, but they keep harping on me to go that way) and that is with discounts. Considering getting one of those 15/mo wireless home phones from Walmart (or other source), but dropping the phone from CL causes the price of 12mbps internet to skyrocket and you lose the 5 year lock-in deal.
A moderately priced 802.11n router/Access point should work very good for you for what you want. Keep us posted.

 

[JB]

Re: This is embarrassing.

Thanks to all for the advice and recommendations. I think the Router that TG suggests is what I will go with.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: This is embarrassing.

Thanks to all for the advice and recommendations. I think the Router that TG suggests is what I will go with.

I had that router before as well. It eventually died but it worked for 5 years which is way better than Linksys routers I have used.

Excellent price after the $15 rebate.