Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

It looks like an interesting product, Animal. On their website it says that for each purchase they will donate a Pi to a developing country, which is also a positive. How straight forward is it to set up, do just connect to the TV and get a menu come up. Will it interfere or be interfered with by Sky TV ?

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

It isn't unfortunately a plug n play product as it is primarily a basic computer (hence the developing world donations) that people have utilised as a media server.

In addition to the RPi itself you'll need an SD memory card. I downloaded an image from the internet, copied that over to the SD Card, inserted it into the RPi and then it'll boot up. Install a couple of Add-ons (apps for want of a better word) like Iplayer, 1 channel (that you can stream films and TV shows from) and that's it.

It won't interfere with your Sky at all.

With some Googling there are plenty of instructions on how to set up that are self explanatory BUT if you genuinely want a plug and play thing I wouldn't recommend it - I can send anybody links that I have if wanted.

My wife and boys love it now it is all set up as the ITV player plays catch up without any adverts, can search and watch any film/TV Show they can think of instantly (A bit like Netflix but WAY more content.), live streams of sport, UK TV etc etc

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Thanks Animal. If it's only loading up a Linux distro it might just be within my tech capabilities. Are the film/tv shows legal or is it through one of those torrent servers?

What else do people use these RPi devices for?

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Its is basically a linux Distro and then the XBMC media player and that's it. The distro I use is OpenELEC

Some of the movies are just out in the cinema so can't be 100% legal. There is no actual downloading as they just stream.

People have connected the RPi up to a projector, used it to control the temperature of their home brew beer, connected it to the sound system in a car, PBX system, retro gaming machine running old Pacman, space invaders etc etc. Considering it's such a small piece of kit and only $35, it's pretty good.

You can connect a mouse and keyboard to it also (wirelsss if you wanted so you can use it sat on your couch) if you wanted as it has 2 USB slots.


P.S. If you are going to order one stick an additional one on for me as I'll need one for my basement TV when that's done shortly :)

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Yep, but only Netflix Canada....which is okay for now but not as extensive as the US/UK versions. But when you've had nothing since Thursday (no internet, no TV) Netflix Canada is a world of delights! I unsuccessfuly tried to download Expat Shield....I probably didn't do it correctly but does anyone know if you can download it on this Google TV gadget?

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Do you have access to Sky TV - we'd like to know how to get hold of it in Canada as we rely on it for the sports and movies.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Yes I have it, the only thing is I'm in the UK :(

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Maybe this wont go down to well but...

Your google smart box should have a menu/setup button on the remote from this button you should be able to set up your internet connection. In that internet connection tab you should see something called:

Preferred DNS &
Alternate DNS.

In these field you can manually set it to:

Preferred DNS: 190.014.036.090
Alternate DNS: 206.214.214.028

Doing this will load the US netflix instead of the Canadian one.

To get back to the Canadian netflix you can just delete these entries and set it up to automatically pick the DNS.

Hopefully this will help you and others (It will work on all devices* as long as the device allows you to manually change the DNS setting).

* I have heard rumours of samsung products having some kind of region locking which wont affect canada - us but would affect canada to uk netflix.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

If you have a family member in the UK who has sky you can ask them to register for 'sky go'. A sky subscriber can have 2-3 different laptops, Ipad, etc registered to one sky go account.

You can then download a small program (PC or Ipad based), log on and watch any sky channels that your family member in the UK is registered for (Movies, Sport etc etc). It does not cost any more and is free to register to sky go.

You'll need to use a Smart DNS / VPN so it looks like you are UK based though.


You'll need to connect the PC / Ipad to the TV to watch on a big screen.


Failing this get any of the 'gadgets' that have been discussed on various threads on BE to get all the movies and sport you want anyway - including the Sky sports channels :)

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Talking of which.....new green taxes being introduced in May on electronic goods, so buy your Tellies and the rest of it now

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

There is already an Environmental Handling Fee applied to some electronics - I bought a new printer last week, paid $11.45 plus HST extra for the privilege. What really ticks me off is it is up to the retail store as to whether they absorb the cost or charge the customer.

http://www.ontarioelectronicstewards.../retailer/faqs

Fee's: http://www.ontarioelectronicstewards...re_en-grey.pdf

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Yes the is, am aware of that, but it was just announced yesterday that another fee is coming in May

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Ok chaps, anyone here able to help please?

We need to set up this VPN malarky and were advised 'Strong VPN' is a good one to sign up with. However, they have told us that they are not compatible with our router, which is a Cisco DPC3825. We're signed up with Cogeco internet.

Any techies able to help please?

Thanks :D

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Use a software VPN on your PC. I use Hotspot Shield, $29 a year.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

It's not for a PC. For that there is Expat Shield - free, all done. It is for a Sony internet player running straight off the internet...