Two Prong--Best Digiatl Antenna for 50 miles - and - cheap basic streaming service?

[Kraniac]

hal wrote:
I hope you post a followup Kraniac - I'm curious about the ability to get a good signal over 50mi of water. I suspect it would be quite good, but that's only a shoot from the hip guess - I don't actually know anything about it...

Hi hal..will do for sure.

I've got an extra cheap a flappy wafer antenna at home and ill bring it back and do a baseline test setup with that just to see what gives..

[Kraniac]

Thanks for all the input everyone...ive read everything and made a few notes..keep it coming..

really confused on the streaming thing...need to make it totally stranger friendly..click on and play with no TV hassle or silly learning curves

[John B.]

Based on the comments about needing simplicity and that this would be used in a short-term rental, you're probably best off with a smart TV with integrated streaming apps. One remote, no need to switch inputs, etc. Edit the app screen to only show apps that are either free or have the subscription paid.

[Kraniac]

John B. wrote:
Based on the comments about needing simplicity and that this would be used in a short-term rental, you're probably best off with a smart TV with integrated streaming apps. One remote, no need to switch inputs, etc. Edit the app screen to only show apps that are either free or have the subscription paid.

Excellent..good points..

I've been considering a basic SLING package and after reading your post I checked the TV (Samsung) and it's pre-installed on it..

[Robert M]

Kraniac,

When you say short-term rentals and guests, are you discussing an AirBNB type of situation? If that is the case, then I'd be leery of providing anything but the most rudimentary of TV and streaming services. The last thing I'd want is guests to have access to my accounts with streaming services.

Give guests basic local TV service and a means to access the Internet. Once they have that, they can stream content on their own devices via their own personal accounts with services. If you want to offer more, you need to find a streaming media box and services both of which you can lock down easily. You don't want the guests messing with the settings and such.

For streaming, choose a streaming media device that can be locked down easily (think parental controls on steroids), has a simple, easy to navigate interface and start with Pluto TV for media. It's free, doesn't require an account and has lots of content. Choose other apps that provide free content.

Other people, provide minimal services. For yourself, it's a different matter entirely. All bets are off when it comes to yourself. Sling TV is a good comprehensive option. This site has a table that covers a tremendous number of services and types of content:

https://www.smartmove.us/streaming/services/comparison

Robert