Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Internet video for dummies?

Hi all. I come seeking tech knowledge from the Axiomites.

The deal: I have no internet in my house. My wife tells me that this needs to change, and I agree. I am probably going to get satellite internet because (a) I'm off the cable grid and running a drop line is prohibitively expensive, (b) there is no DSL availability in my area. New technology like Exede has improved download speeds significantly in the last year or so. When I last had satellite a couple of years ago, I had 1.5 MB down, and now they advertise 12-15 MB down.

The problem: satellite monthly download totals are limited to about 500 MB a day except for the hours of midnight to 5 AM (unlimited then), so I won't really be able to stream video, much less HD content.

Possible solution: get some kind of hardware/software solution to store downloaded content that I set DVR-style to download during the off-peak hours of 12AM to 5AM, storing it to watch later.

Is this feasible? My experience with internet video is limited to streaming sites like youTube and embedded content. I do not have any kind of media PC, but I am open to purchasing whatever it takes. I have enjoyed my DirecTV DVR for several years. That's all I know, but I am eager to learn. You just may have to speak to me like a grandpa on this one, as I am a total n00b as far as getting TV/movies over the web.

Anybody doing this kind of thing already? Anybody else have thoughts on how to proceed? Any and all help is always appreciated.

Grandpa, there's no easy way to do this.

Dagnabit!

There appears to be a lot of rather shady looking software out there that purports to do it, but...

I know that the automated fetching would be a challenge. If it helps, I am often/occasionally up until midnight and could certainly manually start a download if there was some way to store streaming video on a drive.

Found this via Google search: PlayLater. Could it be the answer?

What type of content are you looking for?

If you are looking for TV or movies, that is actually quiet easy. Ironic that it is easier to schedule the downloading of copywrited material vs. legitimate streaming material.

If you are referring to public, streaming content like Youtube, then there are lots of freeware and online converters, but setting up a schedule is 'probably' difficult. Got any Pearl programming friends??

Here is an online tool I used for Youtube but is looks like it has a lot of other uses as well.
www.convertfiles.com

For instance, you can enter a Youtube link and it will download the youtube to its server somewhere, convert it and then email you a URL to go fetch the resulting avi file. I used it just once when I just had to have my own copy of "Ultimate Dog Tease." It worked well.

I have seen software advertised for Netflix and other subscription services but have no experience with it.
[Edit] Looks like you found some while I was typing.

i know DAP (Download Accelerator Plus) can schedule downloads, videos included; but i've never tried it so i don't know how it works.
DAP is free.

I have no solution, and am quite shocked that everybody just let that go without the required amount of good-natured, brotherly sh!t.

I mean, don't you think you should work on the indoor plumbing, first?

Obviously, you need internet. But do you have specific content in mind that you want/need to stream, or is it just something it seems like you should do?

My experience is that - if you're sitting on the couch - user interface is EVERYTHING. After trying numerous solutions, I found that Mrs. Tuttle requires a streaming appliance (Roku, Apple TV, etc.) rather than a PC to access the content. So, I would strongly urge you to build that into your thinking.

We really like DTV. And it's DVR-ness. So, about the only thing we consume off the internet is Netflix. I don't think there is a way to capture a Netflix stream, but you're welcome to spend your time trying, of course.

Could you just stay up until midnight to start your downloads? Seems like an easy solution to me.

Or how about your phone? Do you have a fancy-schmancy Android phone? I don't know what everyone's data situation is like. My Android phone has an HDMI-out, so I could hook it up to the system and stream content via 4G. I don't know how it would scale, but when faced with satellite internet, I look for other solutions.

He ain't got no signal at his fancy shrinkologist house.

The novelty of psychedelic drugs must be wearing thin. Its time for a more mainstream solution?

Tom, I accept your ribbing in the brotherly spirit that it was intended. It is much milder than the material I get from Mrs. Medic8r. Recalling some of our earlier conversations, I suspect that you can relate.

Our internet use will probably look like this:

a) educational sites for the 7 year old, like readalong sites such as Raz Kids
b) iTunes podcast downloads
c) occasional mp3 downloads from iTunes and Amazon. I still prefer CDs when prices are similar
d) Facebook, a few hours a week
e) Skype, couple of hours a week
f) general web browsing: Axiom boards, blogs, news. Gail is on the PTA board and needs internet to function for that.
g) software updates for the PS3, iPhones, etc
h) email (Yahoo)

If bandwidth and download totals allow, we may, through wi-fi, operate:

1. our two iPhones
2. our DirecTV DVRs
3. our PS3

for things like streaming audio (Pandora, mostly as of now) and video.

We get spotty 3G coverage for the iPhones. It was enough of an issue that we had to get a land line phone. We've found that the window sills at the back of the house afford the best reception, and can watch grainy youTube videos on the iPhones this way. Haven't tried anything grander than that.

I was going to suggest moving somewhere that has 1990's technology, but didn't think JP would appreciate it.

JP, I live far enough out of town that I had to go with Verizon's 4G LTE HomeFusion service. I get between 6-7 Mbps down and 1-2 up, which is sufficient. If you have a strong LTE signal at your location, you'll have better performance. (We're at the edge of the service area.)

The worst part is that there's a data cap and you pay per tier. 10GB/mo for $60,
20GB/mo for $90, or 30GB/mo for $120. We started with the middle tier, but we reached our cap 2/3 through our second period and upgraded to 30GB/mo. It makes sense for us. We were previously paying Verizon about the same for our phone, tv, fios package. We're now using a VoIP service and nixed the tv service in favor of occasional streaming.

A couple of years ago, my cousin Borat kept telling me that Kazakhstan is niiiice, but he's always been kind of an idiot, so I disregarded him. Then, he stole my pubis while I slept, so I sent in a midget double agent to wrestle it back from him. But I digress.

Peter, I entered my address and was told it is not available in my area. Thanks anyway. The data pricing seems in range with the satellite plans I have shopped (Exede, Dish, HughesNet).

JP, post your address here and we'll all check different services for you.

8 ... hey, wait!

I appreciate your efforts to dispel the notion that the entire eastern seaboard is "civilized".

Sounds like you've got it pretty much figured out, to me. Although I think Mark's suggestion has merit.

And, since Ray isn't here, and even though I know it's not really an option, I've got to put "sell the wife" out there.

Are you SURE extending the cable isn't economically feasible? It would probably pay for itself in 20-30 years, at which time you'll probably have paved roads out there and everything.

JP, just get a Playboy subscription.

The problem is that they've simply been having trouble finding enough horses for the digging equipment.

Good one, Grover.

Good One, Sean!

Good one, Booby!

That's enough! That's ENOUGH!

Now where is this Count Rugan now, so I may kill him?



Oops. Wrong thread.

Anybody want a peanut?

You’re trying to kidnap what I’ve rightfully stolen.

To the pain!

I do not envy you the headache you will have when you awake. But for now, rest well and dream of large women.

6 words. Winner.