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Getting a picture on the kitchen TV
Gadgee
15-05-2016
OK - I admit that I am falling behind in understanding the present options and possible solutions so am hoping that some kind soul will at least point me in the right direction.

The simple facts are that I have Freesat in the lounge and a basic TV in the kitchen which until the last gale, was connected to Freeview via the rooftop aerial.

Given that the kitchen TV was only used to watch the news early evening and very occasional programs on BBC/ITV and C4, I don't feel like paying a substantial sum to have the aerial replaced on the roof.

We have broadband, wifi, an Android tablet, Android phone and a Windows phone.

I have looked at Chromecast but as far as I can see it assumes an HD TV and offers a lot more programs and services than I need or would use.

I had looked at connecting the tablet or phone via an HDMI cable but that seems cumbersome and would mean plugging in the device each time we wanted to watch TV in the kitchen.

Am I missing something simple (and obvious)?
GlobalRadio
15-05-2016
Originally Posted by Gadgee:
“OK - I admit that I am falling behind in understanding the present options and possible solutions so am hoping that some kind soul will at least point me in the right direction.

The simple facts are that I have Freesat in the lounge and a basic TV in the kitchen which until the last gale, was connected to Freeview via the rooftop aerial.

Given that the kitchen TV was only used to watch the news early evening and very occasional programs on BBC/ITV and C4, I don't feel like paying a substantial sum to have the aerial replaced on the roof.

We have broadband, wifi, an Android tablet, Android phone and a Windows phone.

I have looked at Chromecast but as far as I can see it assumes an HD TV and offers a lot more programs and services than I need or would use.

I had looked at connecting the tablet or phone via an HDMI cable but that seems cumbersome and would mean plugging in the device each time we wanted to watch TV in the kitchen.

Am I missing something simple (and obvious)?”

Indoor aerial? Providing you're in a strong reception area.
mooghead
15-05-2016
Replacing the aerial on the roof will not cost a substantial amount. A fast internet connection and a casting device sometimes is not necessary
David (2)
15-05-2016
Replacing the aerial on the roof may or may not cost a significant amount.

Living in a tricky reception zone, reception of the main mast typically costs £300 and the reception isn't always reliable. If we make do with reception from the much closer relay mast, we can have a roof aerial with a total cost of £100-£150.

Prices will also vary depending on the difference in costs around the country.
nancyboy
16-05-2016
Roku Streaming Stick (approx £40) has its own remote - less clunky than using another device.

All streaming devices will offer a lot more than you intend to use, not sure why that's a problem?

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/test-cent...-2016-3580569/
bobcar
16-05-2016
Getting the aerial fixed would seem the best solution.
anthony david
16-05-2016
I don't know your viewing habits but if you have a Freesat recorder and if you feed a new aerial to your living room as well you will be able to record two programmes from Freesat at the same time whilst still being able to watch a wide range of programmes via the TV even in a Freeview lite area. Perhaps would't cost much more than an aerial just for the kitchen.
Gadgee
17-05-2016
Thanks all.. as regards the suggestions;

(1) Given the winds we get up here, the aerial has been repaired and/or replaced on a frequent basis over the years and I would like to stop spending money on it. The last repair a year or two back saw a strengthened pole installed - still snapped like a twig!

(2) Stone floors and thick walls make bringing Freesat cable into kitchen pricey and messy!

(3) The Roku device looks favourite especially as it does not need an HDTV set.

Many thanks for all your good advice.
Hacker Harrier
17-05-2016
Originally Posted by Gadgee:
“Thanks all.. as regards the suggestions;

(1) Given the winds we get up here, the aerial has been repaired and/or replaced on a frequent basis over the years and I would like to stop spending money on it. The last repair a year or two back saw a strengthened pole installed - still snapped like a twig!

(2) Stone floors and thick walls make bringing Freesat cable into kitchen pricey and messy!

(3) The Roku device looks favourite especially as it does not need an HDTV set.

Many thanks for all your good advice.”

Get a proper loft aerial installed instead? They require good or at least reasonable signal strength.
Roku/NowTV box/Amazon Fire TV is a viable alternative for you, BBC, ITV and Sky News stream live TV on them too.
anthony david
18-05-2016
These people sell proper heavy duty 2 inch poles, not the sort cowboys use wether they claim them to be strong or not. Worth a read before you go any further and don't shop around for the lowest aerial rigger quote. I used to live on the East coast and very high winds meant that if the pole had to be long it had also to be very strong with a double chimney lashing kit as well.

http://www.aerialsandtv.com/poles-an...SatellitePoles

One other suggestion if you hardly use the TV, is a cheap analogue video modulator from Amazon to feed your Freesat o/p to the kitchen TV via normal coaxial cable. Picture quality is not as good as digital the sound is mono and you will only be able to see what the Freesat box is tuned to but it is cheap and weather proof.

Something like this, shop around for the best price.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/KEENE-WIDEB...s=tv+modulator
Gadgee
22-05-2016
Thanks all.. bought a Roku from Amazon at a tad under £25 and it works beautifully.

I think it may be an older version but it is happy driving the 720p TV in the kitchen and the picture is sharp and little or no sign of buffering and the sound quality is fine - or as fine as Technika speakers can manage!

Would be great if I could set it up so that on power up it automatically fired up BBC Iplayer and auto-selected BBC1 as herself is muttering about 'all these remotes' and too much clicking!

Other than that very pleased and saved a bob or two.
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