Recommendations for combination internet and television packages for off-gridders?

softdown · August 2015

Local internet has gone bad due to "growth of tree leaves" between the transmission tower and many of the customers.

My solution was to get Direct TV and HughesNet satellite service. Made an appt for the Direct TV installation and waited two weeks. The installer cancelled at the last second after he asked if I was on solar. He claims that Direct TV/AT&T equipment is so sophisticated that AT&T will not install with solar applications. Direct TV used to work with solar so I called and apparently got nowhere. These things may happen when companies like AT&T acquire a business.

Internet is hardly useable. It is down half the time and goes down every few minutes. No television out here without something like Direct TV or DISH. Football season is here. Wanting to watch the games.

Looking for off-gridders who found satisfaction in internet and television services. Hopefully in a package deal.

Had Direct TV in my last home since 1996. I know almost nothing about the competition.

Looking for recommendations for combination internet and television packages for off-gridders....

I am about 15 miles out of town so cable is a no-go.

SolarPowered · August 2015

Hughes net, and a ROKU.

Then with ROKU

HULU
NETFLIX
AMAZON instant Video
Pandora

You will never have to buy TV channels again!

https://www.roku.com/

softdown · August 2015

Thank you....sounds like a workable plan. Does ROKU/HULU offer channels like Discovery, TNT, Science, History, ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS etc.?

Where would one get the football games?

Sorry...but this is all new to me.

SolarPowered wrote: »

Hughes net, and a ROKU.

Then with ROKU

HULU
NETFLIX
AMAZON instant Video
Pandora

You will never have to buy TV channels again!

https://www.roku.com/

SolarPowered · August 2015

If you need to watch sports unfortunately you will want direcTV with a basic "package".

Sports like NFL, MLB, etc. You can pay for sports on the ROKU, but I haven't assessed how much those costs are yet.

I use sirius/xm radio to listen to my sports games.

westbranch · August 2015

we are just getting into a modified lifestyle without cable Your PBS stations do not stream their programs however our equivalent (KNOW ) does and we are quite happy with that and streaming the news from National and local stations, 200m away so no over the air service....

SolarPowered · August 2015

OHHH that reminds me.

If youwatch sports via local HDTV signal channels you may want to get an HDTV antenna.

My HDTV works fine for national broadcasts other than "PBS", I get a total of 9 stations where I am located within a 60 mile broadcast.

I own the flat wave.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/FlatWave-Amplified-Razor-Thin-HDTV-Indoor-Antenna/27280272

I am upgrading to this one however so I can get the 3 other channels I want.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/HDTV-Outdoor-Amplified-Antenna-HD-TV-36dB-Rotor-Remote-360-176-UHF-VHF-FM-150-Miles/34176799

westbranch · August 2015

don't know if it is a similar antenna, but it makes me wonder...informative video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-4BgDEE2XE

SolarPowered · August 2015

westbranch wrote: »

don't know if it is a similar antenna, but it make me wonder...informative video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-4BgDEE2XE

The flat wave is a bi-quad meant to stick to an interior window

softdown · August 2015

I have tried high tech antennas a couple times. Have not received a single channel with either one.

The antennae you are looking at has a 3.6 star rating....and a good price.

Not much works with this remote location. Don't think I will even try another antennae unless someone in the area is having luck with it.

SolarPowered wrote: »

OHHH that reminds me.

If youwatch sports via local HDTV signal channels you may want to get an HDTV antenna.

My HDTV works fine for national broadcasts other than "PBS", I get a total of 9 stations where I am located within a 60 mile broadcast.

I own the flat wave.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/FlatWave-Amplified-Razor-Thin-HDTV-Indoor-Antenna/27280272

I am upgrading to this one however so I can get the 3 other channels I want.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/HDTV-Outdoor-Amplified-Antenna-HD-TV-36dB-Rotor-Remote-360-176-UHF-VHF-FM-150-Miles/34176799

westbranch · August 2015

SolarPowered wrote: »

The flat wave is a bi-quad meant to stick to an interior window

To stream from your computer you can use a 'casting' device...or a hardwired HDMI cable...
What got me to that video was I have a 'ChromeCast' device and it states unit has to be within 2'0 feet....
and I was wondering, as we are at the max distance, if it needed a stronger / better antenna...

lkruper · August 2015

softdown wrote: »

Local internet has gone bad due to "growth of tree leaves" between the transmission tower and many of the customers.

My solution was to get Direct TV and HughesNet satellite service. Made an appt for the Direct TV installation and waited two weeks. The installer cancelled at the last second after he asked if I was on solar. He claims that Direct TV/AT&T equipment is so sophisticated that AT&T will not install with solar applications. Direct TV used to work with solar so I called and apparently got nowhere. These things may happen when companies like AT&T acquire a business.

Internet is hardly useable. It is down half the time and goes down every few minutes. No television out here without something like Direct TV or DISH. Football season is here. Wanting to watch the games.

Looking for off-gridders who found satisfaction in internet and television services. Hopefully in a package deal.

Had Direct TV in my last home since 1996. I know almost nothing about the competition.

Looking for recommendations for combination internet and television packages for off-gridders....

I am about 15 miles out of town so cable is a no-go.

I started with a slingbox at home on fios to be picked up at my cabin with no cable or antenna access. Worked well for 4 years and now I have direct tv... Still use slingbox on laptop. Here is an idea. If you have broadband get a friend or relative with Internet and cable to host a slingbox with a second cable box and/or antenna for you.
When you sling you remote control that box as if you were there.

nvyseal · August 2015

I think if you persist, you can get Directv. Off grid RV's have been running these for years. Only problem with their boxes are they aren't exactly power misers and continue to use power even when the box is off.

lkruper · August 2015

softdown wrote: »

Local internet has gone bad due to "growth of tree leaves" between the transmission tower and many of the customers.

My solution was to get Direct TV and HughesNet satellite service. Made an appt for the Direct TV installation and waited two weeks. The installer cancelled at the last second after he asked if I was on solar. He claims that Direct TV/AT&T equipment is so sophisticated that AT&T will not install with solar applications. Direct TV used to work with solar so I called and apparently got nowhere. These things may happen when companies like AT&T acquire a business.

Internet is hardly useable. It is down half the time and goes down every few minutes. No television out here without something like Direct TV or DISH. Football season is here. Wanting to watch the games.

Looking for off-gridders who found satisfaction in internet and television services. Hopefully in a package deal.

Had Direct TV in my last home since 1996. I know almost nothing about the competition.

Looking for recommendations for combination internet and television packages for off-gridders....

I am about 15 miles out of town so cable is a no-go.

I would call Directv and verify what you were told. When I first tried to get Directv the installer came and after 10 minutes said there was no way to get a signal. Problem was that if the dish was on the roof of my cabin it could not get a signal. I gave him another location to try and he would not even spend the time. Said a supervisor would be needed. Needless to say I called and gave them grief (to put it mildly). A second guy came out and put it on a pole. They don't like to do this even though Directv will pay for it. The second guy was great and I tipped him. The reason for relating this is that if the installer could see from your address or location that the install was not standard an individual could make any excuse to avoid a call that does not give him a maximum return on his time. The second guy that came out was an actual employee of Directv. The first guy was a third party they subcontracted. In my experience, not just with DTV, third part referrals cherry pick their jobs.

Raj174 · August 2015

Hi Softdown,

I used www.tvfool.com to locate tv broadcast antennas in my area when I dumped cable recently. The app will give you signal quality, strength, and direction of all stations within about 150 miles according to your location. When using the app, be sure to input the intended height of your antenna. I used a yagi style antenna about 6 feet long capable of receiving signals at 60 to 80 miles. This cost about 40 dollars. Of course higher is better and bigger is better when it comes to antennas, but more expensive. The best thing is, over the air is free. I know this doesn't solve your internet connection problem, so good luck on that one.

SolarPowered · August 2015

You could always go to the FCC to know the transmission exists without using the app.

Here is what it looks like in my region.
Attachment not found.

All the app does is generate a false bandwidth signal, its not a real signal, most apps are play toys re directed to teh source of the information.

http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/dtvmaps/

mike95490 · August 2015

We've had to resort to 4g data service over an Android cell phone and a 8GB data package, Barely covers internet for 2 users. No videos. Wife won't allow a Sat antenna.

SolarPowered · August 2015

mike95490 wrote: »

We've had to resort to 4g data service over an Android cell phone and a 8GB data package, Barely covers internet for 2 users. No videos. Wife won't allow a Sat antenna.

Good news Mike. Verizon is going contract free, so the rates are gong alot lower than many other carriers. 12GB for $80 I don't think anyone can beat that.
http://fox2now.com/2015/08/07/verizon-ditches-annual-cell-phone-contracts/

Photowhit · August 2015

First, what about doing some tree trimming? Fix the problem rather than spend more money on a reoccurring bill?

I live in a rural area and the people I know with Hugh's net or Wild Blue have not been happy. I use to live in a camping community and Both Direct TV and Dish have portable units that RVer's use so running off battery should not be an issue. Try a different subcontractor! Might also be someone else's extra room. The satellite companies allow RVer's to have a single bill and use the RV as another home connection. ask someone who is already setup if they would consider splitting the bill and adding a RV setup that you would use...

softdown · August 2015

Not my trees. Trees closer to the broadcast location. I have no trees at the moment.

Photowhit wrote: »

First, what about doing some tree trimming? Fix the problem rather than spend more money on a reoccurring bill?

I live in a rural area and the people I know with Hugh's net or Wild Blue have not been happy. I use to live in a camping community and Both Direct TV and Dish have portable units that RVer's use so running off battery should not be an issue. Try a different subcontractor! Might also be someone else's extra room. The satellite companies allow RVer's to have a single bill and use the RV as another home connection. ask someone who is already setup if they would consider splitting the bill and adding a RV setup that you would use...

softdown · August 2015

Surprised that nobody mentions Dish. I believe that Dish offers television and internet services off of one south facing satellite dish. They sent a flier that says: $50 for internet and $20 for television with free phone service.

I already have Ooma phone service. But it relies on your internet service. Mine is as bad as it gets.

softdown · August 2015

AT&T recently acquired Direct TV. AT&T absolutely loves citizen surveillance. Can't help but wonder if the power needs of their unit, even while turned off, are somehow related to gathering and relaying data on the homeowners.

I am told that AT&T will not install with solar. Apparently their units are so high tech that they must be left on all of the time. Yet they are still using ample power just due to being plugged in.

Maybe solar users should pass on that after all. Even is one has good solar, the "wear and tear" on the batteries will add to expenses.

One might hope that advanced technology would lower energy usage....not raise it.

nvyseal wrote: »

I think if you persist, you can get Directv. Off grid RV's have been running these for years. Only problem with their boxes are they aren't exactly power misers and continue to use power even when the box is off.

SolarPowered · August 2015

softdown wrote: »

AT&T recently acquired Direct TV. AT&T absolutely loves citizen surveillance. Can't help but wonder if the power needs of their unit, even while turned off, are somehow related to gathering and relaying data on the homeowners.

I am told that AT&T will not install with solar. Apparently their units are so high tech that they must be left on all of the time. Yet they are still using ample power just due to being plugged in.

Maybe solar users should pass on that after all. Even is one has good solar, the "wear and tear" on the batteries will add to expenses.

One might hope that advanced technology would lower energy usage....not raise it.

AT&T wont install because of its inherent ability to probe data, and the data you use to harvest that data collectively, AT&T does work with NSA. Solar systems emit a mild frequency EMF, that disrupts the l;ow voltage transmission patterns they need to collect the data streams. EMF causes intermittent interference to the signals that AT&T wants.

As well if you have wireless cable boxes that use cisco systems wifi apparently it bogs the bandwidth and transmission signals to those receivers.

AT&T does however have this ambiguous nature about the way they conduct business. They are in the business of sellign you a package some way, some how, probably why they acquired DirecTV.

In my area, AT&T does install for many of my clients that have solar, they do give disclaimer of the service interruption caused by solar emf, and how it affects wifi transmission.

softdown · August 2015

Thanks for the link to tvfool.com. Apparently a 6' will get 19 channels. 10' will get 21 channels. 30' will get 21 channels. So a 6' antennae looks like the item. I know almost nothing about antennas other than bigger is better.

Raj174 wrote: »

Hi Softdown,

I used www.tvfool.com to locate tv broadcast antennas in my area when I dumped cable recently. The app will give you signal quality, strength, and direction of all stations within about 150 miles according to your location. When using the app, be sure to input the intended height of your antenna. I used a yagi style antenna about 6 feet long capable of receiving signals at 60 to 80 miles. This cost about 40 dollars. Of course higher is better and bigger is better when it comes to antennas, but more expensive. The best thing is, over the air is free. I know this doesn't solve your internet connection problem, so good luck on that one.

SolarPowered · August 2015

softdown wrote: »

Thanks for the link to tvfool.com. Apparently a 6' will get 19 channels. 10' will get 21 channels. 30' will get 21 channels. So a 6' antennae looks like the item. I know almost nothing about antennas other than bigger is better.

Just make sure you can have an adjustable 360* rotating antenna meant for HDTV. Some times people confuse teh old UHF/VHF style thinking it will give an equal signal to that of DTV signal. It doesn't work like that at all.

softdown · August 2015

Not convinced that I should fight for this AT&T service. AT&T is far more interested in max profits over satisfying individual customers. They will crap all over you if it saves a few dollars.

Direct TV had good service. Might as well call it AT&T now.

SolarPowered wrote: »

AT&T wont install because of its inherent ability to probe data, and the data you use to harvest that data collectively, AT&T does work with NSA. Solar systems emit a mild frequency EMF, that disrupts the l;ow voltage transmission patterns they need to collect the data streams. EMF causes intermittent interference to the signals that AT&T wants.

As well if you have wireless cable boxes that use cisco systems wifi apparently it bogs the bandwidth and transmission signals to those receivers.

AT&T does however have this ambiguous nature about the way they conduct business. They are in the business of sellign you a package some way, some how, probably why they acquired DirecTV.

In my area, AT&T does install for many of my clients that have solar, they do give disclaimer of the service interruption caused by solar emf, and how it affects wifi transmission.

softdown · August 2015

Any suggestions on the antenna? I'm sure there is a lot of data on antenna's.

SolarPowered wrote: »

Just make sure you can have an adjustable 360* rotating antenna meant for HDTV. Some times people confuse teh old UHF/VHF style thinking it will give an equal signal to that of DTV signal. It doesn't work like that at all.

Johann · August 2015

I don't know how to help you with the internet. Can you raise your receiving antenna higher or locate to another spot for the internet equipment to get a better signal? Do you have neighbors that do not have internet problems that may share the internet via WiFi or Ethernet cable.

Now on the other hand there are ways to catch those free and legal TV signals.
An outside antenna is one of them. The bigger the antenna and the higher the better it is, at least most at a time. Stay away from those amplified antennas where the amplifier and or rotor is build into them because if either one fails then you have to toss the antenna. Also those amplified antennas have poor amplifiers and make electronic noise and you will even get less channels and you can not use another amps to boost the signal.

Go to tvfools and see how far you are away from your towers. Get an antenna that is bigger than recommended because weather will affect the reception and remember free of sight to towers is the best, If you put an antenna in the attic the roofing material will lower the signal strength up to 50% depending what materials the roof is made of.
Install your antenna and rotor so you can dial in the direction of the antenna/channel to the appropriate tower.
Put an amplifier as close as possible to the antenna. A amplifier at the TV will be of no good since you can not amplify signals that you lost already in your TV cable down lead on the way to the TV.
So the closer the amplifier to the antenna is the better. You will also need a low noise amplifier, noise will ''show as snow'' and tvs will recognize this as a low signal and you will get a black screen. Get a quality amplifier with low noise. If you have only 1 TV a amplifier may not be needed, but will be needed for multiple TV sets.
TV cable down leads should be thick and of good quality to avoid losses in the down lead. I use RG6 quad cables which can be used for satellite dishes and receivers also.
Use quality splitters and don't forget grounding.

Here is another option. Set up an FTA (free to air) system. It is a free and legal satellite tv reception without having to pay for it. You will not get hbo,espn or show time etc. but I think of it like an extension of an regular antenna system. It is more or less a do it yourself project. Join some of the ffta forums to learn about it. You can use those very big dishes that where used 25 years ago or those dishes that dishnetwork leaves behind after services are canceled. Basically you have to provide your own equipment and set it up. All of my receivers can be hooked up to a 12 volt DC source and they use about 13 watts if they are on or off.

lkruper · August 2015

Up

softdown wrote: »

Local internet has gone bad due to "growth of tree leaves" between the transmission tower and many of the customers.

My solution was to get Direct TV and HughesNet satellite service. Made an appt for the Direct TV installation and waited two weeks. The installer cancelled at the last second after he asked if I was on solar. He claims that Direct TV/AT&T equipment is so sophisticated that AT&T will not install with solar applications. Direct TV used to work with solar so I called and apparently got nowhere. These things may happen when companies like AT&T acquire a business.

Internet is hardly useable. It is down half the time and goes down every few minutes. No television out here without something like Direct TV or DISH. Football season is here. Wanting to watch the games.

Looking for off-gridders who found satisfaction in internet and television services. Hopefully in a package deal.

Had Direct TV in my last home since 1996. I know almost nothing about the competition.

Looking for recommendations for combination internet and television packages for off-gridders....

I am about 15 miles out of town so cable is a no-go.

I posted your experience on the directv forum. A regular there says that what you were told by the installer is not true.

softdown · August 2015

Judging by this thread, the FTA boys are having all kinds of problems...

http://www.ftaprofessionals.tv/iks-discussions/23697-ecm-attack-status-page.html

Johann wrote: »

I don't know how to help you with the internet. Can you raise your receiving antenna higher or locate to another spot for the internet equipment to get a better signal? Do you have neighbors that do not have internet problems that may share the internet via WiFi or Ethernet cable.

Now on the other hand there are ways to catch those free and legal TV signals.
An outside antenna is one of them. The bigger the antenna and the higher the better it is, at least most at a time. Stay away from those amplified antennas where the amplifier and or rotor is build into them because if either one fails then you have to toss the antenna. Also those amplified antennas have poor amplifiers and make electronic noise and you will even get less channels and you can not use another amps to boost the signal.

Go to tvfools and see how far you are away from your towers. Get an antenna that is bigger than recommended because weather will affect the reception and remember free of sight to towers is the best, If you put an antenna in the attic the roofing material will lower the signal strength up to 50% depending what materials the roof is made of.
Install your antenna and rotor so you can dial in the direction of the antenna/channel to the appropriate tower.
Put an amplifier as close as possible to the antenna. A amplifier at the TV will be of no good since you can not amplify signals that you lost already in your TV cable down lead on the way to the TV.
So the closer the amplifier to the antenna is the better. You will also need a low noise amplifier, noise will ''show as snow'' and tvs will recognize this as a low signal and you will get a black screen. Get a quality amplifier with low noise. If you have only 1 TV a amplifier may not be needed, but will be needed for multiple TV sets.
TV cable down leads should be thick and of good quality to avoid losses in the down lead. I use RG6 quad cables which can be used for satellite dishes and receivers also.
Use quality splitters and don't forget grounding.

Here is another option. Set up an FTA (free to air) system. It is a free and legal satellite tv reception without having to pay for it. You will not get hbo,espn or show time etc. but I think of it like an extension of an regular antenna system. It is more or less a do it yourself project. Join some of the ffta forums to learn about it. You can use those very big dishes that where used 25 years ago or those dishes that dishnetwork leaves behind after services are canceled. Basically you have to provide your own equipment and set it up. All of my receivers can be hooked up to a 12 volt DC source and they use about 13 watts if they are on or off.

softdown · August 2015

Thanks...that was my suspicion. The installer is likely an independent contractor who "had other things to do". He flat out lied and said the customer cancelled at my gate. His name is Abe and is out of Taos, New Mexico.

He should be disciplined. I'm not going to beg for service from a company that overlooks this service "procedure".

lkruper wrote: »

Up

I posted your experience on the directv forum. A regular there says that what you were told by the installer is not true.

Dave Angelini · August 2015

Most all of the HD broadcast is UHF. There are a few like our local PBS out of Sacramento CA. that broadcast VHF and so you will need both in some areas. I never saw any difference in using a HD antenna over a standard UHF/ VHF combo. Both were excellent pictures. Our favorite source is a ROKU and Amazon prime from DSL broadband. The Amazon Prime PBS with the ROKU brains is amazing. It took them 5 years to bring a DSL and phone up a 5 mile road so it does not hurt to ask if you have a local phone company.

Recommendations for combination internet and television packages for off-gridders?

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