Ditching Cable; #2
We are planning to get rid of cable and TIVO and rely on the series of tubes and wires (Internet) for our TV entertainment.
STEP ONE: Test to see if home network signal is sufficient
I didn't want to buy anything just yet, so I revived my old XP computer by replacing the power supply. OK, that cost $32 - I should count that.
Hooked it up in the dining room, swiped a Wireless Net G adapter from another computer (temporarily!) - and watched a few shows from various network sites.
(Network sites have this annoying habit of forcing the viewer to download a special player to "enhance the experience" or whatever, but it doesn't seem to be spyware, so I guess it's ok.)
Had mixed results on this, I forgot how noisy that computer was, and I didn't have a spare flat monitor, so I hooked it up to an old CRT monstrosity which took up half of the counter.
We watched some TV station video and it played fine, but the image on that monitor was somewhat dark. I don't know it could be improved by tweaking the video card, the monitor was set to max bright/contrast. Perhaps the monitor is shot.
Unfortunately I forgot that these older systems draw a lot of juice, and I had it plugged into the same power strip as the toaster and the microwave. The Mrs. went to heat up some coffee and it blew the power strip fuse, and it refuses to reset.
This may have been a setback in the "convincing Teresa" department.
We did confirm that the home network signal will work, assuming it works as well in the living room. If not, I can reposition the wireless router.
SCORECARD:
COST: $40
Replace power supply to old computer: $33
Replace blown power strip in kitchen: $7
MILESTONES:
Confirm that home network signal produces usable video: YES
Get wife onboard with the whole idea: est. 8% (down from 15%)
STEP ONE: Test to see if home network signal is sufficient
I didn't want to buy anything just yet, so I revived my old XP computer by replacing the power supply. OK, that cost $32 - I should count that.
Hooked it up in the dining room, swiped a Wireless Net G adapter from another computer (temporarily!) - and watched a few shows from various network sites.
(Network sites have this annoying habit of forcing the viewer to download a special player to "enhance the experience" or whatever, but it doesn't seem to be spyware, so I guess it's ok.)
Had mixed results on this, I forgot how noisy that computer was, and I didn't have a spare flat monitor, so I hooked it up to an old CRT monstrosity which took up half of the counter.
We watched some TV station video and it played fine, but the image on that monitor was somewhat dark. I don't know it could be improved by tweaking the video card, the monitor was set to max bright/contrast. Perhaps the monitor is shot.
Unfortunately I forgot that these older systems draw a lot of juice, and I had it plugged into the same power strip as the toaster and the microwave. The Mrs. went to heat up some coffee and it blew the power strip fuse, and it refuses to reset.
This may have been a setback in the "convincing Teresa" department.
We did confirm that the home network signal will work, assuming it works as well in the living room. If not, I can reposition the wireless router.
SCORECARD:
COST: $40
Replace power supply to old computer: $33
Replace blown power strip in kitchen: $7
MILESTONES:
Confirm that home network signal produces usable video: YES
Get wife onboard with the whole idea: est. 8% (down from 15%)
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