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hooking an iOS device to a television
Yahoo Message Number: 138043
We have the old-style television that requires a "box" to receive television programs.  We have a satellite dish, but since we rarely watch television even at home, we have never activated a plan to use it.  BUT - we DO enjoy watching reruns of past programs that have appeared on PBS, which we can do through my iPhone with the unlimited data plan.
 We've figured out (with help from Andy) how to attach the iPad or the iPhone to the home television, but know fur sure that it won't hook up to the 2005 model in our RB.  So . . . maybe it is time to replace the television with a more modern model.
 Picture me with a dunce cap on my head - that will give you an idea of my knowledge level of television sets.  With that in mind, can anyone suggest what set might be suitable as a replacement?  It would be nice if we could also play the discs from The Teaching Company.

Many thanks.

Virtual hugs,

Judie http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com/

Today:  Yaquina Lighthouse in Oregon
Re: hooking an iOS device to a television
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138047
Quote
   We've figured out (with help from Andy) how to attach the iPad or the iPhone to the home television, but know fur sure that it won't hook up to the 2005 model in our RB.  So . . . maybe it is time to replace the television with a more modern model.
I'm not sure what the specs of the tv is that comes in your coach, but if it has standard RCA (red/white audio, yellow video) or RGB Composite (red/white audio, red, green blue video)there are converters you can buy. We use one in our coach. We load videos on our iphone and play them on the TV.

Here's an example of one with RCA hookups:
 http://www.walmart.com/ip/15029111?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=&wl3=21486607510&wl4=&wl5=pla&veh=sem

Here's an example of one with RGB Composite:
 http://www.rakuten.com/prod/apple-iphone-to-hd-rca-tv-out-cables/215523511.html?listingId=124981452

I use the one woth RGB/Composite connections because its better video quality, though not 1080p. If you replace the TV with HD 1080p, it will likely have an HDMI input (video and audio together in HD). If you go this route, you could use one of these:
 http://www.cellphoneshop.net/ipadhdmi.html?cagpspn=pla&gclid=CNbj5cK0tLYCFe5AMgodKWsA4g

These are just examples, and I don't endorse any of these particular brands, but they'll suit as an example.
 If you still have a old tube TV, I'd recommend upgrading. The video and audio quality is much better in an LCD or LED TV, and the converters from iphone to HDMI work really well. There are many threads about upgrading TVs, and I think the Vizio (sorry, don't know the exact model number) seems to be a popular one.
 Also, if you have an iphone 5 with the lightning connector, you'll need to search for the iphone 5 compatible converter.

Good luck
Re: hooking an iOS device to a television
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138065
Hi Judie, I also have a TV that's a bit out of date and tire of lugging around the additional box with cables.
 More and more I am now just using my Apple Computer with Hulu for our favorite programs including SNL, PBS, etc.  Works great when there is free Wifi.  Unfortunately, my Verizon Mifi has a limit of 10GB. However, I keep about 400 DVD's
Re: hooking an iOS device to a television
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138071
"Unfortunately, my Verizon Mifi has a limit of 10GB."
 Easy solution: when your Verizon contract runs out, move to Millenicom. Their 3G/4G Hotspot plan gets you the latest MiFi 4620L and 20 GB of monthly data for $69.99--half what Verizon would charge you for twenty gigs. And it uses Verizon's network (Millenicom is a Verizon reseller), so you get the same good coverage. Many of us are connecting this way, and it works great.
 I like your idea of carrying DVDs in folders; I do the same. That way I can always find a good movie to watch no matter what kind of internet connection I have--or don't have. :-)

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: hooking an iOS device to a television
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138072
"Unfortunately, my Verizon Mifi has a limit of 10GB."
 I would echo Andy's comments on Millenicom. Another advantage over the Verizon plan is Millenicom won't hit you with overage charges if you exceed the 20GB limit like Verizon. You just get an email telling you to  tone down your usage.
 For movies/music I use my credit card rewards points to get Itunes gift cards. Since I pay the balance every month these are free. That way I can have my movies on all 3 devices (Laptop, Ipad, Iphone) and watch them on whatever has battery power.

Bob Laguna Mountain BLM Recreation Area, CA.
Re: hooking an iOS device to a television
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138075
"Does Millenium provide voice service, or do you have to get that separately?"
 No Millenicom is data only. I use prepaid minutes for voice on AT&T but I don't talk much on the cellphone.

Bob
Re: hooking an iOS device to a television
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138076
"For movies/music I use my credit card rewards points to get iTunes gift cards. Since I pay the balance every month these are free."
 Yup, I do exactly the same. Those pesky reward points aren't good for much else. They have a huge catalog of useless-to-me stuff, like lawn furniture, golf clubs, crystal punchbowls... feh!
 Aside from the iTunes gift cards, I have acquired some very nice ultra-compact 10x25 folding binoculars with reward points over the years. I keep several pairs around, so I can always grab them when i see an interesting bird or beast. :-)

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: hooking an iOS device to a television
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138078
Recently I have started filling my Ipad/Iphone memory up because of all the movies and music I have. Rotating movies/music via Itunes becomes a pain. Anyone have experience with the Seagate Wireless Plus external drive? Seems like a good solution as you can store up to 1 TB of content and then stream it to your WIFI enabled devices.

Bob Laguna Mountain BLM Recreation Area, CA.
Does Millenium provide voice service
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138079
On Sat, 6 Apr 2013 12:17:52 -0700, "W6CCD" w6ccd@...> wrote:

Quote
Does Millenium provide voice service, or do you have to get that separately?
No voice, but Ting has a great deal on that. They resell Sprint minutes and you roam on Verizon. Buy or bring a phone that works on Sprint or Verizon. Dial tone is $6 a month. First 100 minutes another $3. No contract. See www.ting.com for the details.

Right now we have one phone on Ting, waiting to see how it works in the wilds of Utah. If it does decent compared to the Verizon phone we will get another one. Customer service could not be better.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: hooking an iOS device to a television
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138083
Actually you can use your iPad with Millenicom.  You connect to it in the same way you would connect to your router at home.  It is just another WiFi connection.

Dale Ellis
Re: hooking an iOS device to a television
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138084
On Sat, 6 Apr 2013 21:06:37 +0000, "Timothy R Dunfee" wrote:

Quote
Too bad they won't allow provide iPad service. I pay around $80 month for 10gb.
Timothy, if you are referring to Millenicom, and it appears that you are, you need to understand that they are selling Verizon data service which can be broadcast on a router as wifi. I am guessing that your iPad can pick up wifi?

Cheers, Don
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: hooking an iOS device to a television
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138086
"Too bad they won't allow provide iPad service."
 Just to add my two cents' worth: as others have pointed out, the Millenicom plan we're talking about gives you 20 GB  a month for $69.99 (and no tax) via a pocket-sized MiFi 4620L hotspot that lets up to five different Wi-Fi-equipped devices simultaneously connect to the internet via Verizon's network--the preferred network for RVers, because Verizon has better coverage in most outlying areas than any other US carrier. Anytime you're at home, your iPad (or iPhone, iPod Touch, laptop or desktop computer) can connect to the internet through the MiFi hotspot using Wi-Fi.
 But as I understand your question, you're currently paying for your iPad to connect *directly* via a cellular network (AT&T's?) when you're not around a Wi-Fi hotspot. There are two ways to deal with that need.
 First, the MiFi 4620L that you get from Millenicom is powered by a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It's good for about four hours of continuous use, but will go to sleep when not needed in order to extend its battery life. (It will also run on 12 VDC if you have a 12V-to-Micro USB cable.) So you could just slip it into your pocket and take it with you when you go out, and go right on connecting to the internet through it.
 Alternatively, if you don't want to carry around "one more gadget," you could cut back your current iPad's data plan to a bare minimum--one or two GB per month--on the assumption that most of your usage will be via Wi-Fi through the Millenicom MiFi hotspot at home, but you'll still be able to take the iPad anywhere and connect with it via the cellular network on the occasions when that's necessary. This is the way I chose to go.
 This approach costs a little more, but bear in mind that you'll be getting 20 GB from Millenicom *plus* whatever amount you choose for the iPad's direct cellular connection.... versus the bare 10 GB you're getting now. And you'll be able to spread that 20 GB across any Wi-Fi-equipped devices you own, including not only phone, computers, and tablets, but also devices such as Apple TV, TiVO, and Roku boxes. It's a better deal any way you look at it.
 Also not mentioned here: unlike most cell carrier deals, Millenicom does not require a two-year commitment or any kind of contract. It's strictly pay as you go, and you can drop it any time without paying a penalty.
 That does come with a caveat, though: because you don't have a contract subsidizing the cost of the device, the device isn't free--you have to buy it. There are about $150 in upfront costs when you join Millenicom. But that's a one-time thing, and considering that you'll save about $80 a month compared to buying 20 GB from AT&T or Verizon, the cost of the MiFi is paid in the first two months--after that, it's gravy. :-)
 One last note--two, actually: first, not all of Millenicom's plans use Verizon's network. What we're discussing here is their 3G/4G Personal Hotspot Plan for $69.00 a month. Some of their other plans use Sprint. Don't make that mistake.
 Second, the MiFi 4620L cell modem/Wi-Fi router that we've been talking about here is not called that on Millenicom's website (or probably on Verizon's either). It's conspicuously labeled "Jetpack." Don't worry, it's the same device. "Jetpack" is just a label that Verizon stuck on it.

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Does Millenium provide voice service
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138088
Or you could install Talkatone on your iPad/iPhone/android and use your free Google Voice account.  I use it for dirt cheap International calls anyway. But domestic voice is free.

-Dave '06 MB, Indianapolis
Re: hooking an iOS device to a television
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138092
Quote
Just to add my two cents' worth: as others have pointed out, the Millenicom plan we're talking about gives you 20 GB  a month for $69.99 (and no tax) via a pocket-sized MiFi 4620L.....
This is definitely a good deal IF it fits your usage pattern.  Unfortunately to use Verizon with Millenicom, you have to BUY a NEW hotspot device, and that is your only subscribed device.  Millenicom's BYOD (bring your own device) plans are only available on Sprint.
 If you use less data, Verizon has some fairly flexible options in their Share Everything data only plan,  I have both a UML290 LTE modem on a router and an LTE capable iPad both on Verizon.  $10/mo/iPad, $20/mo/modem and $30/mo for 4GB shared between the devices. $60/mo total.  Somewhere between 1 and 2 GB/month is typical for me, and have never gone over the 4. Plus both devices are subscribed to Verizon. Handy when I am out and about.  Service is month to month unless you are paying off a discounted device.
 If I wanted a second Milenicom device, I would have to buy a second new hotspot and pay another $70/month.
 While there technically is no contract for the Milenicom service, it is unclear to me what happens if you discontinue the service and want to start it back up again.  Remember, they do not have a BYOD plan that uses Verizon. The only way to start up a Milenicom/Verizon plan is to buy a new device.  Maybe there is way to avoid that. I did not get that far. I was shot down when they told me I could not use my existing Verizon LTE modem.

My point is, the answer is: A big ...It depends  :)

-Dave '06 MB, Indianapolis
 
Re: Does Millenium provide voice service
Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 138115
Quote
On Sat, 6 Apr 2013 12:17:52 -0700, "W6CCD"  wrote:
 Does Millenium provide voice service, or do you have to get that separately? No voice, but Ting has a great deal on that. They resell Sprint minutes and you roam on Verizon. Buy or bring a phone that works on Sprint or Verizon. Dial tone is $6 a month. First 100 minutes another $3. No contract. See www.ting.com for the details.
You can't bring a Verizon phone and they only have a limited number of Sprint phones that they know will transfer over although they will work with you to see if your Sprint phone will transfer over.

Here is their info on that.
 https://ting.com/blog/bring-a-sprint-device-to-ting-you-know-you-wanna/

We signed up the first of January and are happy with the service. I posted this on our blog about initial sign up.
 http://littleadventures-jg.blogspot.com/2013/01/phone-service.html

Before switching we had a flip phone on Verizon with 450 minutes only. With a 20% discount we still paid aroun $40 per month.
 We now have two refurbished LG Marquee smartphones. Since signing up our phone bills with tax have been about $35 and that is doing some texting and data usage.
 While you can use the phone as a hotspot we don't do that as we have a 20GB Millenicom account on Verizon with a data card.
 Ting roams on Verizon's Prepaid network which is not quite as extensive as it's regular network. Data does not roam. They do have roaming agreements with other carriers but I have not tried to get a list and they don't post one.
 For us these have been great. I wanted data on a phone only to use it when away from the VZ datacard and it has been very good for that. As a result, so far we have not come close to 100mb a month which costs $3.
 The big question for us is what kind of service were we going to get when we headed back out west. We are now in New Mexico near Las Cruces and so far it has been fine.
 Also, if I am playing with the phone or an app and use data in the rig I connect via wifi through our router.
 We signed up for $0 on voice, data and text. The only advantage to that is they don't bill you at the beginning of each month but at the end based on your usage. If you select higher numbers they bill at the  first of the month and then either credit you or charge more depending on your use at the end of the month.
 Customer service is great. If you check the help page from time to time you will see that they post updates on things like how to use less of their service and find alternative ways do text for example.
 Interesting business model hope they can stick around and don't increase rates too much in the future.

Jim C