In the past, technology was pretty limited WRT wireless video, but with Intel's new WiDi standard and Apple's Airplay it's becoming much more feasible to go wireless! Curious if anyone has looked into broadcasting video to each TV wirelessly through their coach?
At home, we currently have ATT Uverse, but we're thinking about switching to DISH or DirectTV. The cool thing about DISH is they have a box with a Sling Adapter built in!
TV Everywhere - DISH Remote Access, ViP 922, Sling Adapter, DISH Online - DISH (http://www.dishnetwork.com/tveverywhere/default.aspx)
If you're not familiar with what that is, it basically allows you to stream any content on your set top box at home to your mobile device (i.e. - laptop, tablet, phone). Pretty cool, but even cooler is you can take this a step further and stream this video feed from your laptop or other mobile device to the TV via WiDi or Airplay. All you would need is a simple WiFi router in the coach along with an internet connection. Probably best to purchase something like a Clear 4G mobile hotspot (which should be able to work as both WiFi router and broadband access). I haven't looked into how much satellite costs for the RV, but my guess is the 4G hotspot is as cheap or cheaper, allows you to stream while moving, and also gives you 24/7 internet access (except in those remote boon docking regions). Unfortunately, I don't think you can broadcast video to multiple TVs at the same time, but my guess is that changes sometime in the future. However, you can purchase something like a Boxee box for each TV and now access the same content on any TV! If we move to DISH and I implement this on the RV, I'll let you know how it works!
If using 4G you'd likely need an unlimited data plan which can be expensive if not available at all. Sprint still has unlimited data and WiFi for their devices. Check into Roku as well to stream from a WiFi to the TV.
Not wifi, but Visio has an add on system that uses line of sight. I saw it at Costco - about 110 bucks as I recall. Basically its for wall mounts to avoid running cable. Kinda like the IR extenders for hidden components.
Consider the Cradlepoint line of cellular routers when looking for routers to share 3G / 4G cell Internet or send the Internet signal via a wireless connection. These routers also can share WiFi Internet as well as DSL, cable & satellite Internet.
Extending and Protecting 3G/4G Networks Wirelessly | CradlePoint (http://www.cradlepoint.com/)
These are very popular, with good Cradlepoint support and reasonably priced.
Sales and support is also very good at 3Gstore.com, 3G/4G Routers, Antennas, Amplifiers, WiFi, Verizon & Sprint Data (http://3gstore.com/) where we buy our Cradlepoint products.
The Clear 4G hotspot is pretty cheap! Under $40/ month I think.
Best Regards,
Benjie
Benjie Zeller
(512) 587-4628
Look very carefully at the coverage map for the Clear.
Yesterday we turned off our Clear for 6 months to avoid a reactivation fee if we want service again. Got it last Dec. used it on the highway from Ft. Worth to NYC, almost anywhere, plus at places we visited that did not have internet connections. It has worked well in large population areas. Their network of towers is slowly expanding. They also share service with some other tower companies.
Our problem is on some of our camping trips we have not had service. Last week at Lake Whitney State Park, we had no service, so we tethered an IPhone for internet service. We were not successful to download movies on the IPhone.
We got no service at Dinosaur State Park west of Glen Rose TX, nor did we have ATT cell signals.
We get Clear service at, and in the storage warehouse with a 4G plan, but Bill Chaplin with the less expensive plan gets no service in the same location. He is planning on returning his unit that the coverage map said would work at our warehouse location.
Even then, video requires huge amounts of bandwidth and even with an "unlimited" plan, if you use more than 5G or so of bandwidth in a month, you'll be throttled to unusable speeds or get "cease and desist" letters from the provider. Check those contract terms. And the coverage map. We're certainly not even close to being remote here at the house, and we have troubles getting a decent 3G data connection from any of the 3 big wireless companies. Forget 4G.
I guess you could rebroadcast recorded shows via an internal wireless network while in motion, but OTA and live satellite wouldn't work too well. Easier to get the rugrats a portable DVD/BlueRay player (with headphones).
Agree 4G is going to be spotty, but it's only going to get better. Soon, 4G will be what 3G is today!
Best Regards,
Benjie
Benjie Zeller
(512) 587-4628
I was looking at Clear's plans today. I can't believe they went up so much! Just 1 year ago, they were offering the 4G Home Modem and a Mobile Hot Spot unlimited data plan never to exceed $55/month. Now they have the same plan for $100/month! Should have jumped on it back then.
I've considered broadcasting everything from iTunes to an Apple TV, Boxee, Roku, or PS3. Easy enough for TV shows and movies, but I'm trying to find an optimal solution for games as well without signing up for sat service. A couple months ago, we were camping next to a 5th wheel with a nice outdoor TV setup. College football on a Saturday night by the fire with a beverage and some friends is just about heaven. I think that's what they mean by "roughing it"? Guess I may have to just consider OTA for those instances.
Right now, we have enough iPad, iPhone, and MacBooks to where each of our 3 kiddos has a personal device with a few to spare. In fact, given how cheap some of the tablets have become, you can outfit every headrest in your car for about the same price as a single larger screen. Then, you also have a nice internet device when near WiFi!
I have had Sprint data for many years. My current device is Sprint's version of a Cradlepoint hot spot device with a Franklin U300 modem. We leave it running in the coach most of the time when we are traveling. I think the only place I have seen 4G service is in Houston. My plan is about $60/month and has been for years. It has always been an unlimited plan.
At home the Sprint unit barely works. We are in the suburbs of a city of about 4,000 people. I must have good Internet connectivity for many things that we do. I have a T1 (DS1) line to the house. It is several hundred dollars a month, but is dependable, reasonably fast, and has low latency. My experience has been that 4G makes great promises, but I haven't seen it deliver reliable high speed service. The Sprint 3G/4G device does provide service for email and browsing in many places.
I also need an Internet connection for my work. When I'm not at home I either try to find a good WiFi location (Starbucks, Safeway, public libraries, etc.) or I use my iPhone (jailbroken) as a tether device. I'm still on AT&T (since about 1990 with bag phones) and a supposedly grandfathered "unlimited" plan. By the time we go full-time (with a geographical "headquarters") there is bound to be something newer and better. :)
A jailbroken iPhone has been darn handy though. I've sat in a kayak in Puget Sound and connected remotely to a router and managed to fix the problem and bill 'em for $100 for doing it! :D
Craig