Want TV reception while at the dock

[Pettigrewr]

I purchased a "smart" tv but i'm not smart with internet technologies.
I have internet on my smart phone and figured out how to create a wi-fi hotspot so the tv can get an internet signal thru the phone and "stream" video. Not good - keeps freezing or can't get signal.
The over the air antenna that isn't any better (stations are over 50 miles away, on good days may get 3 channels). Please give any and all advice for alternatives to getting TV reception at the dock other than a $5k satellite dish or land based hard-wire cable.
Thanks.

 

[SEVEN]

Look into Star link. It’s a Wi-Fi signal from space. Equipment cost 499.00 and a monthly cost of 99.00. It’s the future in WI-FI.

 

[Pascal]

Starlink isn’t available for boats yet, some marinas allow adding antennas on pilings others don’t. Maybe it will work if the boat is tied tight enough.

But for use at a dock or near shore sat is an over kill. Cellular works very well for streaming but I ve found that using a phone as hot spot is too slow. Get a real access hotpot or a cellular modem/router. Netgear, craddlepoint etc have many models. I ve been using cell for years both in the Bahamas and here in the US

 

[Pettigrewr]

so does the cellular modem/router connect/use with my cellphone service data to provide better streaming video on my tv?

 

[Pascal]

No you will need a separate data account and SIM. Many providers have unlimited options for well under $100 a month

Ask, in my experiences smart TV software is clumsy and slow, although I haven’t bought a new TV in a couple of years. I much prefer using an AppleTV box. It experience with Amazon stocks etc. appleTV works really well

 

[Pettigrewr]

ok, I'm beginning to understand this now.
So my options are: Traditional OTA outdoor antenna (limited local channels only)
Dish or Direct TV mounted on a piling/dock (price hikes)
Internet service with cellular modem/router (some limit data amounts)
Auto tracking satellite antenna/dish (expensive hardware/subscription)
T-mobile is offering home internet via cellular ($50/month) using their free equipment but limited availability/not available in my area yet.
Did I leave anything out?

 

[Pascal]

I think that’s about it.

Sat TV has become way too expensive... $100 a month gets you a basic package. Add a few movie channels and you quickly close on $200 a month. I cancelled mine a few years ago and use appleTVs thru cell data. In fact, I have an HDMI transmitter/receiver so I can send signal from one of the sat receiver from the boat i run in the next slip and never use it. Streaming is so much more convenient.

One minor thing to be aware of though... a number of Online streaming service require having a cable or sat account to access their services online. If you have cable at home, it’s no problem

Note that if you have DirectTV at home, you can extra receivers on the boat for $9 a month each an enjoy the same sat package.

 

[SEVEN]

I can get it here in Northern California. Once they have all the satellites up and turned on it’s supposed to be world wide.

 

[Dan Mapes]

It isn't absolutely necessary to have a dish mounted on a pole. We placed one on a sheet of plywood and moved it around depending on where we were. Eventually we used a follow me tracking system and left it turned off while at the dock. If you have a soft top the dish will work if aimed through it. We had a hard top and were able to point the dish through the clear panels.
Long spring lines kept the boat still enough while allowing movement for tide. YMMV.

Recently we have used DEX (Samsung smart phones or other Android) connecting a phone to a laptop and then projecting that to a TV (wifi connection between the laptop and TV).

 

[Pettigrewr]

thank you all for the info.

 

[52CMY]

There is a very knowledgeable couple on YouTube that have EXTENSIVE updated info on mobile connectivity options--they produce an updated video most weeks and have extensive info for free on their website. Great information there. We use a SIM card in a smart wifi router (PepWAVE brand) that can cascade seemlessly between wifi and cellular sources as your location changes. With the right high-gain antennas, we can generally feed the smart TVs on board. Also, we've learned to conserve bandwidth to avoid buffering and expensive cellular data by throttling the TV to standard def or Low definition, or when sharing scare wifi bandwidth with marina neighbors.

Google "Mobile Internet Resource Center" to get the latest on STARLink, mobile data plans and hardware.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Sat TV is cheaper than you think. Its like Sirius/XM; you just have to call and threaten to cancel every year and then the "real" pricing comes out. I get a $40/month bill credit on my Dish Network account.

 

[dottieshusband]

I have Starlink and it's wonderful, but it's about a 2 year wait now, so get on the list! It does not do robust in motion tracking but works great at the dock. You can easily screen mirror from your phone to your smart TV., and with Amazon Prime, SlingTV, or FUTV watch anything you like, no hotspot required.

 

[rwaldrop13]

There is a very knowledgeable couple on YouTube that have EXTENSIVE updated info on mobile connectivity options--they produce an updated video most weeks and have extensive info for free on their website. Great information there. We use a SIM card in a smart wifi router (PepWAVE brand) that can cascade seemlessly between wifi and cellular sources as your location changes. With the right high-gain antennas, we can generally feed the smart TVs on board. Also, we've learned to conserve bandwidth to avoid buffering and expensive cellular data by throttling the TV to standard def or Low definition, or when sharing scare wifi bandwidth with marina neighbors.

Google "Mobile Internet Resource Center" to get the latest on STARLink, mobile data plans and hardware.

If you're talking about Technomadia, they're the Bible-writers on connectivity. However, there's also a couple in Puget Sound that live/work full-time while cruising on their Nordhaven 40. They installed an external 4G repeater antenna and booster system. Here's the links for their solution-
Signal Booster - weBoost Drive Reach - Vehicle Cell Phone Signal Booster | 5G & 4G LTE | Magnetic Roof Antenna | Boosts All U.S. Carriers - Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile | Made in the U.S. | FCC Approved (model 470154)
by Amazon.com
Learn more: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07PDVT..._dp_Y02JJHCRT343RNCSM605?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This is the external antenna they installed
Wilson Electronics 9.88-inch 4G Wide Band Omni-Directional Marine Antenna w/ SMA Male Connector
by Amazon.com
Learn more: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01LVZU..._dp_6YECG3ZZ5WC757NRCB68?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Dan Mapes]

I installed the WeBoost on our RV and when there is not enough signal for LTE 4G etc. but there is weak strength, it can make the difference and has for us on a number of occasions. Trying to stream TV etc. can be challenging during peak hours of the day when carriers will throttle you.

 

[dottieshusband]

Ran into this guy Saturday, only the 2nd Starlink Dishy I've seen on a boat. We chatted, and his experience has been like mine. Great at a dock, underway, not so much.

 

[34Hatt]

Well I have been using my phones hot spot for my tv 2 years now and if I have 4G it works great. I have 20 gig a month when I use that I use the wifes phone that has 20 gig also.
I have sprint that is now T-Mobile.

 

[drburke]

thank you all for the info.

Tremendous amount of information here; lots of experienced and knowledgeable folks...

DAN

 

[Phasma2128]

This last year I went with the Calyx Institute mobile router. It is true unlimited data. I traveled the Great Lakes extensively. As long as I was within 5 miles or so of shore I had full broadband connectivity. Most months I would average about 250gb or more. I stream a lot of music and watch Netflix every night at bedtime. The initial outlay of $750 for the first year includes the purchase of the router. Subsequent years is only $500/year. About $40/month. The system works off of both Sprint and T-mobile networks. I have as yet not had any trouble connecting.

Www.calyxinstitute.org