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Post by cwmcobra on Apr 15, 2023 7:33:59 GMT -5
After several days following temporary installation of the Starlink system I have a HUGE smile on my face! The system has exceeded my expectations in every way with not one area of concern. I've tested speed using a few different tools and here is the summary from Speedtest comparing Hughesnet vs. Starlink:  I've ordered a pole mount for permanent installation and the Ethernet adapter that I need for the XMC-1 and other equipment in the home theater. Expected delivery is late April. And I'll be terminating the Hughesnet service today. I'm expecting a hassle from them but will overcome! Two of my neighbors have now paid their deposits and are on the waiting list. Hope they don't have to wait two + years like I did! |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 15, 2023 9:31:35 GMT -5
After several days following temporary installation of the Starlink system I have a HUGE smile on my face! The system has exceeded my expectations in every way with not one area of concern. I've tested speed using a few different tools and here is the summary from Speedtest comparing Hughesnet vs. Starlink: View AttachmentI've ordered a pole mount for permanent installation and the Ethernet adapter that I need for the XMC-1 and other equipment in the home theater. Expected delivery is late April. And I'll be terminating the Hughesnet service today. I'm expecting a hassle from them but will overcome! Two of my neighbors have now paid their deposits and are on the waiting list. Hope they don't have to wait two + years like I did! Glad to hear you’re up and running Chuck, and getting good performance. That’s a nice bump in download speed, but a huge improvement in upload and latency! Is the Wi-Fi range getting to where you need it? (hope it doesn’t go too far … your neighbors will want the password!  ) Congrats!!! |
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Post by cwmcobra on Apr 15, 2023 9:49:48 GMT -5
After several days following temporary installation of the Starlink system I have a HUGE smile on my face! The system has exceeded my expectations in every way with not one area of concern. I've tested speed using a few different tools and here is the summary from Speedtest comparing Hughesnet vs. Starlink: View AttachmentI've ordered a pole mount for permanent installation and the Ethernet adapter that I need for the XMC-1 and other equipment in the home theater. Expected delivery is late April. And I'll be terminating the Hughesnet service today. I'm expecting a hassle from them but will overcome! Two of my neighbors have now paid their deposits and are on the waiting list. Hope they don't have to wait two + years like I did! Glad to hear you’re up and running Chuck, and getting good performance. That’s a nice bump in download speed, but a huge improvement in upload and latency! Is the Wi-Fi range getting to where you need it? (hope it doesn’t too too far … your neighbors will want the password! ) Congrats!!! My neighbors do want the password!  Range is better than the Hughesnet modem connected to aa ASUS router. The signal is available in my shop now, and wasn't before. The other day I walked out to the end of our driveway with a YouTube video playing on the Starlink network. Cell service was disconnected. The video ran fine to that point then faded out. The driveway is about 100 yards long. My neighbor plans to park in my driveway when he wants to stream something on his phone...  Now I need to confirm that I can run all my AV equipment without a LAN connection until the Starlink Ethernet adapter arrives. I'm pretty sure I can, but want to reconfirm especially for the XMC-2. Then I'll be confident to terminate Hughesnet. |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 15, 2023 10:20:48 GMT -5
… Now I need to confirm that I can run all my AV equipment without a LAN connection until the Starlink Ethernet adapter arrives. I'm pretty sure I can, but want to reconfirm especially for the XMC-2. Then I'll be confident to terminate Hughesnet. Do you have a WiFi to Ethernet adapter for that? (You could also use an old router in bridge mode). I agree, it shouldn’t be a problem if you have a good signal at the adapter location. With the Starlink Ethernet adapter I have a very large network connected.  |
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Post by cwmcobra on Apr 15, 2023 10:28:22 GMT -5
… Now I need to confirm that I can run all my AV equipment without a LAN connection until the Starlink Ethernet adapter arrives. I'm pretty sure I can, but want to reconfirm especially for the XMC-2. Then I'll be confident to terminate Hughesnet. Do you have a WiFi to Ethernet adapter for that? (You could also use an old router in bridge mode). I agree, it shouldn’t be a problem if you have a good signal at the adapter location. With the Starlink Ethernet adapter I have a very large network connected. View AttachmentNo adapter but do have a couple of old routers laying around. That sounds like my best bet till the Starlink Ethernet adapter arrives. Thanks for the suggestion!! |
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Post by cwmcobra on May 4, 2023 13:45:28 GMT -5
The pole mount and ethernet adapter arrived a week or so ago. It seems the through-wall cable mounting kit was backordered and shipping has been pushed out once already. So, the Dishy is hanging out on the top of a retaining wall with no obstructions to the satellites. I continue to have really good speeds and latencies and have actually streamed a few movies successfully. None in 4K yet but will be trying that soon on Amazon Prime Video.
I was going to keep the Dish Network system for my wife to use, but I believe the receiver has failed. So, I guess it's time to consider other options, including streaming. For my wife's use, I need something that looks and works like the Dish did, with similar interface and DVR capability (she is technology challenged). She records and watches a lot of programming from network TV (ABC, CBS, NBC). Choices for other content are few but limit the choices of streaming options. From what I've seen so far, only Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Directv Stream seem to fit that requirement. All quite pricey, of course. She watches on an LG TV that has the Hulu and YouTube apps integrated. Directv Stream probably fits her needs the best, but it seems to cost the same as the satellite version, except without the hardware costs, I suppose.
I'll continue to do my research but any advice from those of you that have been down this path would be much appreciated! The longer we go without TV service, the more unhappy the wife!
Chuck
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Post by LuisV on May 4, 2023 13:49:22 GMT -5
… Now I need to confirm that I can run all my AV equipment without a LAN connection until the Starlink Ethernet adapter arrives. I'm pretty sure I can, but want to reconfirm especially for the XMC-2. Then I'll be confident to terminate Hughesnet. Do you have a WiFi to Ethernet adapter for that? (You could also use an old router in bridge mode). I agree, it shouldn’t be a problem if you have a good signal at the adapter location. With the Starlink Ethernet adapter I have a very large network connected. View AttachmentUnifi for the win... wonder how you started down that path? In case you missed it, you left the protective plastic covers on the UDM's screen and drive bay. |
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Post by LuisV on May 4, 2023 13:55:13 GMT -5
The pole mount and ethernet adapter arrived a week or so ago. It seems the through-wall cable mounting kit was backordered and shipping has been pushed out once already. So, the Dishy is hanging out on the top of a retaining wall with no obstructions to the satellites. I continue to have really good speeds and latencies and have actually streamed a few movies successfully. None in 4K yet but will be trying that soon on Amazon Prime Video. I was going to keep the Dish Network system for my wife to use, but I believe the receiver has failed. So, I guess it's time to consider other options, including streaming. For my wife's use, I need something that looks and works like the Dish did, with similar interface and DVR capability (she is technology challenged). She records and watches a lot of programming from network TV (ABC, CBS, NBC). Choices for other content are few but limit the choices of streaming options. From what I've seen so far, only Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Directv Stream seem to fit that requirement. All quite pricey, of course. She watches on an LG TV that has the Hulu and YouTube apps integrated. Directv Stream probably fits her needs the best, but it seems to cost the same as the satellite version, except without the hardware costs, I suppose. I'll continue to do my research but any advice from those of you that have been down this path would be much appreciated! The longer we go without TV service, the more unhappy the wife! Chuck Too far for OTA signals? When we used to watch prime time TV, I had an antenna and an HDHomeRun. This allowed me to stream TV throughout the house and even when away from home. I used Plex for it's flexibility and DVR functionality. www.silicondust.com/support.plex.tv/articles/225877347-live-tv-dvr/www.youtube.com/results?search_query=plex+hdhomerun |
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Post by cwmcobra on May 4, 2023 14:49:01 GMT -5
Not too far. But still need DVR capability and looking for a single interface that my wife can use for all her watching needs. In addition to the network channels, she also frequents HGTV, Magnolia, Food Network and Hallmark mostly. We also need BTN and ESPN for Michigan State sporting events.
That's pretty much our use case. Pretty simple, but haven't found a clear favorite option that accommodates the entire package.
As you can probably tell I'm a rookie at this!
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Post by LuisV on May 4, 2023 15:06:45 GMT -5
Plex can provide you free DVR functionality and it might be able to help you with using a single app for various streaming subscriptions; you can read more here. www.plex.tv/blog/end-the-streaming-struggle-with-plex/Sling, Discovery Plus and Google TV offer various all inclusive type services that may even include local primetime channels with pay offerings like you mentioned above; however, to be honest, if my mom (80) and dad (81) can navigate various apps to watch their favorite content, I'm pretty sure anyone can. My parents are the stereotypical tech-amish pair; however, today, they can navigate their subscriptions and various apps with ease. I won't lie, there's a slight learning curve for sure, but once past it, it's a cake walk. It's a pretty simply decision... XYZ show is on XYZ app, so open that app, done. However, Sling, Discovery Plus and Google TV will provide a single app with TV Guide like interface to click and watch. www.sling.com/tv.google/www.discoveryplus.com/ |
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Post by cwmcobra on May 4, 2023 15:08:31 GMT -5
Thanks Luis, I'll check them out.
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Post by LuisV on May 4, 2023 15:15:06 GMT -5
Thanks Luis, I'll check them out. Anytime my friend!! I'm certainly not a streaming guru, but we cut the cord and have been streaming from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Plex, and Discovery Plus (wife's shows) for over a decade now... zero regrets. I pay as I go... cancel subscriptions when nothing is playing that is worth a watch, etc. etc. You're on the right track... your ISP is key and it seems like Starlink is working out for you. Once the install is complete, work on the internal network on your home... make that as stable as possible and streaming will be problem free. |
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Post by AudioHTIT on May 4, 2023 21:05:44 GMT -5
I’ve been meaning to start a thread for an OTA DVR, I assumed that’s what people were using TiVo for? Are you saying Plex can act as an OTA DVR? What do you host it on? Does it require HDHomeRun (although I have one, I’d prefer not to use it). Edit: Followed your link, looks like you do need HDHomeRun, makes sense, that’s the tuner it records from. |
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Post by LuisV on May 4, 2023 22:03:47 GMT -5
One word answer... yup! www.plex.tv/tv/Connect the antenna to the HDHomeRun and it acts as the TV tuner and converts the OTA signal to something that can be streamed throughout your network. When you connect the HDHomeRun or other supported tuner to a Plex Media Server, Plex will act as the TV Guide and DVR as well as provides the ability to stream TV to any supported device. HDHomeRun has its own app for the TV Guide, but I found Plex's guide much better. There are various supported platforms like Windows, macOS, Raspberry Pi, Nvidia Shield, Docker etc. that can be the Plex Media Server. You can use your favorite browser from any computer to play content from your Plex server or run the Plex app on a TV, phone or streamer like Roku, Apple TV, Nvidia Shield, etc. to stream content from your Plex server. Plex supports various types of content and file formats... music, photos and videos, etc. It even allows you to connect your Apple iTunes library and will support iTunes playlists. My Plex Server runs as a docker on my NAS; however, my NAS is built around a Ryzen 7 5700X CPU and has a Nvidia P2000 GPU, so Plex has plenty of CPU and GPU power to provide multiple streams throughout the house and or externally. I have a spare Nvidia Shield that I take with me when I am on the go. My NAS has 54TB of storage, so there's plenty of space for content, DVR recordings, security camera recordings, etc. etc. Plex even provides free TV and Movies that you can stream: watch.plex.tv/movies-and-showsMost of the features are free, but if you purchase a Plex Pass, you'll get extra features: www.plex.tv/plex-pass/#modal-featuresI've been a Plex Pass Lifetime member for 10+ years now... love the app for its flexibility. I can stream my entire music library from anywhere via Plex... riding my bike, while at the beach, from a different state, etc. etc. My Parents have been using Plex to view family photos and videos for years. Nothing complex was needed on their end, just a Plex account, the Plex app on their phone, iPad or TV and once I invited them to my server, they could connect and browse away. Yup... I highly recommend Plex. My NAS runs Unraid for the OS and yes, I highly recommend Unraid for its flexibility to run on basically any hardware with as many drives as you need... I think it supports up to 32 drives; I have 15 in mine. I help run an Unraid Facebook group that developers of Unraid are a part of, so if you want to learn more about Unraid feel free to PM me or join the group. unraid.net/www.facebook.com/groups/217132562182318 |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 10, 2024 19:21:17 GMT -5
Well it’s been about two and a half years now having Starlink as my ISP, I have to say the Residential plan has worked very well and performance improved much of this time. I’ve been getting occasional speeds greater than 400/40, regularly over 300/30, and rarely less than 200/15 Mbps, a tremendous improvement over the 10/3 I was getting with my previous WISP.
However, when I bought iPhone 16 Pros for me and my wife, we also started testing Verizon 5G Home Internet, which is now available in our area (my router provides for a backup ISP making this easy). Using the Verizon 5G Home Plus plan, performance has been very similar, with average speeds just a bit better, and average latency just a bit lower. The price for Verizon is $45 / mo (no equipment costs), compared to $120 for Starlink, so today I cancelled my Starlink service. I’ll keep my equipment hooked up, yet turned off for now, should Verizon become problematic it’s easy to start Starlink back up. I’m happy to have had the ability to use Starlink, but don’t mind moving on to something just as good, that costs less.
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Post by cwmcobra on Nov 11, 2024 20:58:56 GMT -5
That sounds really good, Bruce. The problem I have is I barely get a decent 4G LTE signal at my place on my cell phone so I doubt I could receive 5G. Would love the savings though!
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Post by klinemj on Nov 11, 2024 22:24:05 GMT -5
My brother-in-law was recently looking into Starlink, and that got me looking. Holy cow - the monthly cost was crazy high relative to what we pay for solid speeds with Spectrum. So, I'm staying with Spectrum. Verizon keeps sending me stuff, but where I'm at - it's usually decent connection on our phones but not always. So, I'm not going there either. Given where I live, the odds they add more towers to improve reception are slim and none in my lifetime. (We're rural with zoning limits that limit grow to keep it agriculturally based. So, there's a pretty solid limit of how many people can live in our area based on zoning rules. We can have no more than 1 house per a minimum of 5 acres and each plot has to have 200' of road frontage to build a house. Got 2000 acres and 50' of road frontage? No house allowed. There's an exception that allows 1 house/3 acres, but a developer has to put in a road of a certain spec. That ends up cost prohibitive relative to what they can make, so it is very rare.)
Mark
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Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 12, 2024 0:25:05 GMT -5
My brother-in-law was recently looking into Starlink, and that got me looking. Holy cow - the monthly cost was crazy high relative to what we pay for solid speeds with Spectrum. So, I'm staying with Spectrum. Verizon keeps sending me stuff, but where I'm at - it's usually decent connection on our phones but not always. So, I'm not going there either. Given where I live, the odds they add more towers to improve reception are slim and none in my lifetime. (We're rural with zoning limits that limit grow to keep it agriculturally based. So, there's a pretty solid limit of how many people can live in our area based on zoning rules. We can have no more than 1 house per a minimum of 5 acres and each plot has to have 200' of road frontage to build a house. Got 2000 acres and 50' of road frontage? No house allowed. There's an exception that allows 1 house/3 acres, but a developer has to put in a road of a certain spec. That ends up cost prohibitive relative to what they can make, so it is very rare.) Mark If Spectrum is cable, and you get the speeds you need, you’re better off sticking with it. Starlink is really for people who have no other option, or whose options are as mine were, very slow, wired connections are almost always better. Yes, Starlink is expensive to startup, $700 equipment costs when I started (though probably half that or less now), and $120 / mo for the Residential plan, though there are now lower cost (slower / less data) plans available. Some people thought Starlink was just ‘cool’ and switched from fiber or some other wired option, that was usually a stupid decision and brought complaints, especially from gamers. Keeping people off Starlink who have better choices, also improves performance for those who need it. All that said, if your brother in law doesn’t have other choices, Starlink has become very solid and reliable, and a real bonus for rural users who really have nothing else to choose from. As for cellular (4G/LTE/5G), I started noticing about a year ago as I walked my property, I could get 5G, and eventually 5Guw (Verizon’s Ultra Wide / Fastest technology). At first when I’d type my address in their site it would say ‘not available’, but eventually it was, and I got it. It’s nice after 20 years on the ranch to finally have some choices (all wireless of some type), even our original WISP is up to 50Gbps. |
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Post by tropicallutefisk on Nov 12, 2024 9:00:03 GMT -5
I've been using the T-Mobile 5G internet and have been quite happy with it. I made the switch because aside from the high cost of Comcast cable internet, it wasn't always reliable. At least once a month I'd lose it for anywhere from 30 minutes to an entire day. Its been over a year and half since switching to 5G and we have only had one, single day outage and it was due to widespread network issue. Otherwise its been rock solid and we were even able to watch TV through Hurricane Milton. Comcast customers were not so fortunate. Many have only just now gotten their service back.
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Post by klinemj on Nov 12, 2024 21:41:05 GMT -5
All that said, if your brother in law doesn’t have other choices, Starlink has become very solid and reliable, and a real bonus for rural users who really have nothing else to choose from. As for cellular (4G/LTE/5G), I started noticing about a year ago as I walked my property, I could get 5G, and eventually 5Guw (Verizon’s Ultra Wide / Fastest technology). At first when I’d type my address in their site it would say ‘not available’, but eventually it was, and I got it. It’s nice after 20 years on the ranch to finally have some choices (all wireless of some type), even our original WISP is up to 50Gbps. My brother-in-law has other choices (Spectrum and I think 1 other). He says he has a lot of outages, but his Mom (my Mom-in-law) lives about 2 miles away and also has Spectrum...w/o any frequent outages. So, I think he's more into the "cool - Starlink" factor than any practical and real issues. And, I get the same around our property. I get good signal in different places, and it varies where I get the good signal also. When I moved in 24 years ago - dial-up was our only option. Eventually, Spectrum ran lines past our house, but it took a LOT of calls to get them to run a line back to our house (350' off the road). After that, AltaFiber showed up, as well as various options like Verizon and other phone carriers. Now Starlink. Spectrum is working reliably for a reasonable cost. I've got other, more important, things to worry about than switching internet carriers at this point! LOL! So, I'll keep with Spectrum for now. Mark |
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) Congrats!!!
