Video Asylum

Posted by Rod M (W) on February 09, 2024 at 08:00:51

In Reply to: RE: Anyone using Wireless HDMI Transmitters / Receivers ? posted by AbeCollins on January 28, 2024 at 11:32:20

Do you have DVRs for every cable box?

We used to have one DVR box and back in the analog days, you could just plug in all the other TVs with the cable. When Cox went all digital, I set up Windows Media Server with Xboxes and HDHomerun boxes with cable cards that cost just $2 per month. I can then record whatever I want from cable and use Plex from NAS storage from any TV. With the Xboxes, I can still watch any major network live on any TV. I had bought several used one for peanuts, but I digress.

Anyway, I had just one cable box and then, after DRM limited the channels via WMS, I got an extra small box from Cox that costs just $2/month. It's fine for just watching cable shows. Does you provider offer a stripped down box?

For streaming the best boxes are Roku. There are several model from as little as $30 up to the top model for $80 that has wired and wireless connections and allows you to plug in headphones to not annoy others. The Roku apps are the best in my opinion as they are always the most up to date and every app is available on Roku.

My son does YouTubeTV and that's an option if you wanted to dump cable. All the shows are available for DVR and you can use as many TVs as you want. The prices have gone up, but still cheaper than cable and there are not box charges.

Lastly, I'd be cautious with a HDMI wireless. If you are in the bedroom, how do you change channels where the cable box is? I suspect that my wife would only use it if I do it.

-Rod

Edits: 02/09/24