Social Feed

Main Feed My Feed
Neutron
Neutron
Supporting Founder
Last reply · posted in Computers and Gadgets

Apple HomePod Home Automation

Does anyone here use Apple Home/HomeKit with HomePods or Apple TV to automate smart devices in their house? We have had Amazon's Alexa set up in our house for the last 10+ years and I have been waiting to switch them out to Apple for a few reasons; We are already in the Apple ecosystem with our phones, tablets, and computers. I have never liked Amazon's stance on privacy and I really like that Apple has pushed for privacy for a long time.

I bought 4 of the new HomePod Mini 2 speakers to go in various rooms in our house and we have one of the new Apple TVs on preorder that will be the start of me replacing our Rokus. I have the HomePod Mini 2s set up and have an RPi that is running HomeBridge for our legacy smart devices that worked natively with Alexa but don't work with Apple Home natively. I had trouble with the older smart bulbs not keeping the brightness or light color consistent with what our routines were with Alexa despite trying every setting in HomeBridge with the bulbs just not shining very bright. I ended up replacing them with updated versions that are Matter compatible so they work in Apple Home natively. That in and of itself has been interesting to set up because I have my home network segretated with the IoT devices on their own vlan and wifi and pretty locked down. Matter requires IPv6 and due to how my home network is designed I had to do some digging with AI to figure out how to make it all work correctly.

Apple Home definitely has some shortcomings that Alexa does much better with but I am hoping Apple will continue to improve their Home products and introduce features that will bring it closer to the functionality of Alexa.
Read more
5 Replies · 70 views
Load Replies (5) Reply Legacy View
b4pjoe
b4pjoe
I tried HomeKit to be able to see my Ring cameras on my Apple TV as they are not supported natively on Apple devices. The best I could get was to be able to view the cameras live but I could not view any recordings. After the last major update version of HomeKit I could not even view the live cameras anymore. I gave up on it after that. If I were going to do it again I would only buy devices that can work on Apple devices natively as HomeKit didn't work well at all for me.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Neutron
Neutron
Neutron
b4pjoe said:
I tried HomeKit to be able to see my Ring cameras on my Apple TV as they are not supported natively on Apple devices. The best I could get was to be able to view the cameras live but I could not view any recordings. After the last major update version of HomeKit I could not even view the live cameras anymore. I gave up on it after that. If I were going to do it again I would only buy devices that can work on Apple devices natively as HomeKit didn't work well at all for me.
Click to expand...
That's what I started doing after seeing legacy devices work hit or miss using the HomeBridge. At least Apple is following a standard now with Matter which is unusual for Apple. Looks like HomeBridge does allow you to see the live views but I haven't seen how to view past recordings. I'd really like to ditch Ring altogether due to their stance on privacy and if I had my choice I'd go with UniFi since that's what I use for my network and I like the idea of my camera recordings being all local and not in the cloud. UniFi doorbells and cameras are quite pricey though.

I'll try to access the Ring doorbells in Apple Home for now but I'll see if it's useful any.
Read more
Reply
Foxbat
Foxbat
I found that the IoT devices need to see the Apple TV to be able to use it as the HomeKit Hub. Unfortunately, that means being in the same IPv4 subnet.

I was thinking of getting a HomePod Mini for my Mother-in-Law to play music and set up HomeKit scenes, as well as make FaceTime Audio calls. When Apple announced their price rises due to RAMageddon, I kicked myself as they went up 50% in cost. I'll be curious to see the HomeView in person as this might not be a bad way to get her started on automation.

She asked about it because her friends have Alexa and they use it to control lights. But like you, I feel better putting in a HomePod or HomeView that's listening for commands instead of Amazon or Google.
Read more
Reply
b4pjoe
b4pjoe
Neutron said:
That's what I started doing after seeing legacy devices work hit or miss using the HomeBridge.
Click to expand...
Homebridge is what I meant when I said HomeKit. Forgot the name of it.
Read more
Reply
harshness
harshness
I find that I don't interact with my home automation system (Hubitat Elevation) as much as I thought I would.

Apple made everything more expensive and less flexible with its "our way or the highway" approach. To be sure, a Homebridge server addresses some of the major deficiencies, but it seems like it will always be a battle to keep pasting things together.
Read more
Reply
b4pjoe
b4pjoe
Pub Member / Supporter Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in Computers and Gadgets

Fox Is Buying Roku in $22 Billion Deal

Fox Is Buying Roku in $22 Billion Deal
Read more
11 Replies · 291 views
Load Replies (11) Reply Legacy View
  • Sad
Reactions: HipKat and primestar31
Neutron
Neutron
Another reason I'm glad we are swapping or Rokus out for Apple TVs. I was already planning on ditching the Rokus earlier this year and had been waiting on Apple to announce the new one last month. Our Rokus have had issues the last year or so with freezing video and reboots, and one with an HDCP issue randomly.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: navychop
primestar31
primestar31
Neutron said:
Another reason I'm glad we are swapping or Rokus out for Apple TVs. I was already planning on ditching the Rokus earlier this year and had been waiting on Apple to announce the new one last month. Our Rokus have had issues the last year or so with freezing video and reboots, and one with an HDCP issue randomly.
Click to expand...
Lol, I'm watching an Apple Tv ON my TCL Roku tv set... I use it as a client for my Channels DVR.
Read more
Reply
  • Haha
  • Like
Reactions: Jimbo and navychop
TRG
TRG
Neutron said:
Another reason I'm glad we are swapping or Rokus out for Apple TVs. I was already planning on ditching the Rokus earlier this year and had been waiting on Apple to announce the new one last month. Our Rokus have had issues the last year or so with freezing video and reboots, and one with an HDCP issue randomly.
Click to expand...
Hmmm... I don't have any of those problems with my Roku devices. I have 3 of them.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: reubenray
navychop
navychop
I suspect Fox will make me consider 2-3 more Apple TV STB purchases.
Read more
Reply
harshness
harshness
navychop said:
I suspect Fox will make me consider 2-3 more Apple TV STB purchases.
Click to expand...
Until I can get a mortgage on an ATV, I doubt that's going to happen for me.

As much as the price has gone up, the complaints on the forums about this, that, and the other nits surrounding various limitations and Apple business decisions seem to be keeping pace.
Read more
Reply
Jimbo
Jimbo
TRG said:
Hmmm... I don't have any of those problems with my Roku devices. I have 3 of them.
Click to expand...
I have the Roku's, 2 or 3, I just rarely use them ... I prefer the Google/Android Sony set up.

People tell me that the Apps on the TV will end thier usefulness as they age ... They are doing ok for me so far ... I also have the TV take the App Updates whenever possible ... then again, I don't know how often App updates come to it.

So, so far, I'm doing ok, but if they start to get sluggish, I'll eventually change to a Roku ... I don't want to, but eventually ... (Or buy another new TV :eeek:shh:clapping:biggrin
Read more
Reply
View all replies (11)
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Club TWiT: Media Club #4 - Project Hail Mary

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifSf_eHb6Qg


Direct YouTube Link - Club TWiT: Media Club #4 - Project Hail Mary
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
Read more
0 Replies · 5 views
Replies Reply Legacy View
Scott Greczkowski
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne


Get it?


An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
Read more
68768 Replies · 2687047 views
Load Replies (68768) Reply Legacy View
  • Like
Reactions: c-spand
long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
Point Of Know Return - Kansas
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: ClarkGable, RaiderPower and gms49ers
ClarkGable
ClarkGable
To Know Him Is To Love Him - The Teddy Bears
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Bobby
long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
Really Wanna Know You - Gary Wright
Read more
Reply
H
hwkn
Don't WANNA KNOW-Maroon 5
Read more
Reply
harshness
harshness
I Want to Know What Love Is - Foreigner
Read more
Reply
View all replies (68768)
G
garyreno
· posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Updated to H715 on a Hopper 3 from H713

After a strange reboot last night in the middle of viewing, this morning several more reboots and about a half an hour download.
Read more
0 Replies · 9 views
Replies Reply Legacy View
TheForce
TheForce
Supporting Founder Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Phone & Tablet Zone

Apple Event September 2026

Apple Fall Hardware Event takes place today, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET. It marks the debut of new CEO John Ternus and the expected reveal of Apple's first foldable phone.
Read more
141 Replies · 2448 views
Load Replies (141) Reply Legacy View
harshness
harshness
Gone are the days when Apple "perfects" what debuted years earlier on an Android phone.
Read more
Reply
comfortably_numb
comfortably_numb
harshness said:
Gone are the days when Apple "perfects" what debuted years earlier on an Android phone.
Click to expand...

Or better yet, innovate something "completely revolutionary!"
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: slow_poke_pete
S
slow_poke_pete
comfortably_numb said:
Or better yet, innovate something "completely revolutionary!"
Click to expand...
when was the last time they innovated something:rolleyes:
Read more
Reply
Foxbat
Foxbat
slow_poke_pete said:
when was the last time they innovated something:rolleyes:
Click to expand...
I'd probably say when they came up with their M-series of processors with integrated memory. That allowed Apple to get away from the inefficient Intel CPUs that were limiting their notebook computers.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: slow_poke_pete and comfortably_numb
S
Foxbat
Foxbat
Well, Munro and Associates are now a go-to for mobile device teardowns! Who knew? They have an idea what may be causing the iPhone Duo's inside folding screen to fail 40% up from the bottom:
​
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: slow_poke_pete
S
slow_poke_pete
samsung made the screen apple designed the hinge for the duo. this has got to be the best advertising campaign for samsung :biggrin :clapping :oops:
Read more
Reply
View all replies (141)
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

NASA's New X-70 Plane Revealed!

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkHOT7Q0yZA


Direct YouTube Link - NASA's New X-70 Plane Revealed!
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
Read more
0 Replies · 28 views
Replies Reply Legacy View
K
KyL416
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Pub Member / Supporter Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in DIRECTV Programming Forum

Genre Packs from DIRECTV

https://www.directv.com/insider/mysports-changes-the-game/
https://streamtv.directv.com/mysports/ (You might have to logout or open a private window to see the details)
As of now this is only available for streaming customers in select markets. Existing streaming customers can switch to it for $69.99, but they are not eligible for the $20 off for 3 months discount. More genre-specific packages will launch during the first half of the year.


At launch, MySports includes 40 sports and broadcast channels and is initially available in 24 metro areas, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and others. Click here for more information and the list of initial launch markets. The availability of MySports will expand into additional markets as DIRECTV adds more local stations to the package.
Click to expand...

The streamlined MySports package includes national and local channels in select markets, as well as live news channels.

National sports channels immediately available through MySports include ACC Network, Big Ten Network, DIRECTV 4K Live, DIRECTV 4K Live 2, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Golf Channel, MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, NHL Network, SEC Network, TBS, TNT, TruTV and USA Network. Local channels will initially include any stations owned and operated by ABC, FOX, and NBC, with additional stations coming online soon.

Additional networks, local stations and ESPN+, will be included in MySports at no extra cost in the near future.
Click to expand...

Consumers who sign up online for the contract-free package before Feb. 28, 2025, can receive MySports for $49.99 monthly for the first three months, a $20 monthly savings. After the free trial, it auto-renews monthly, and consumers can cancel anytime.
Click to expand...
Read more
74 Replies · 8231 views
Load Replies (74) Reply Legacy View
  • Like
Reactions: Former member 209992
K
KyL416
The Cowboy Channel will join MySports Extra on 5/18
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: mario315 and Mr Tony
K
KyL416
They recently split the news channels off of MySports, so CNBC, CNN, FBN, FNC and MSNOW are no longer part of it.

MySports was decreased to $64.99, and a new "MySports+MyNews Duo" pack is $79.99, which will also give you Bloomberg, CNBC World, CNNI, the C-SPANs, i24 and Newsmax.

Tennis Channel also joined MySports at some point over the past year.
Read more
Reply
C
Curtis0620
KyL416 said:
They recently split the news channels off of MySports, so CNBC, CNN, FBN, FNC and MSNOW are no longer part of it.

MySports was decreased to $64.99, and a new "MySports+MyNews Duo" pack is $79.99, which will also give you Bloomberg, CNBC World, CNNI, the C-SPANs, i24 and Newsmax.

Tennis Channel also joined MySports at some point over the past year.
Click to expand...
AMC+ now included in MyEntertainment Pack. I guess we know why the $8 price increase.
Read more
Reply
K
KyL416
Here's the Insider article. Shudder is now part of MyCinema and Fanatiz1 was added to the Spanish packages last Friday. PX Sports was also added a few weeks ago.

It's not just AMC+ driving the price increases on the genre packs, the rest of the AMC Networks (AMC, WE, IFC, Sundance, BBC America), along with Paramount/CBS, Hallmark, Weigel and others joined since they debuted last year.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: mario315 and Mr Tony
K
KyL416
MySports now has some CW affiliates, and MyNews now has some CW affiliates and the MyNetworkTV O&Os.

At quick check, it looks like the CBS and Sinclair owned CW affiliates are missing.
Read more
Reply
View all replies (74)
Foxbat
Foxbat
Supporting Founder Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in Internet Television (IPTV) Discussion Forum

A Google Partner Intentionally Installed Malware on their Android Set-Top Boxes

According to this article on The Verge, Videostrong Technologies based in Shenzen, China, placed a backdoor into 1.3 million of their devices and used this to deploy a botnet:
The infected devices were used without owners' knowledge for "malicious activity," like ad fraud, data exfiltration, and routing unauthorized network traffic. Google claims the "backdoor and botnet were intentionally developed, deployed, and operated for financial gain"
Click to expand...
www.theverge.com

One of Google’s Android partners turned 1.3 million set-top boxes into a botnet

A manufacturer intentionally hijacked its Android TV devices.
www.theverge.com www.theverge.com
Read more
10 Replies · 309 views
Load Replies (10) Reply Legacy View
  • Angry
  • Like
Reactions: MikeD-C05, Jimbo, N5XZS and 3 others
b4pjoe
b4pjoe
Another reason to never trust Google devices.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
  • Wow
Reactions: Redbullsnation, N5XZS, ncted and 1 other person
N5XZS
N5XZS
Someone's, need to neuter the red China's junk they keeps spewing out... :p :hatsoff2
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: reubenray
Jimbo
Jimbo
b4pjoe said:
Another reason to never trust Google devices.
Click to expand...
Or any Other Companies device.
Read more
Reply
Jimbo
Jimbo
N5XZS said:
Someone's, need to neuter the red China's junk they keeps spewing out... :p :hatsoff2
Click to expand...
How about they just neuter China ...
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: reubenray, Redbullsnation and N5XZS
N5XZS
N5XZS
Only, If they can make a coup on the Chinese government! :cool: 👍 :hatsoff2
Read more
Reply
Foxbat
Foxbat
Looks like this was just the latest in Android TV-based botnets. From last year on The Register:
www.theregister.com

Google sues 25 alleged BadBox 2.0 botnet operators

: Ads giant complains of damage to its reputation and finances ... and crime, too
www.theregister.com www.theregister.com
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: MikeD-C05
comfortably_numb
comfortably_numb
Foxbat said:
Looks like this was just the latest in Android TV-based botnets. From last year on The Register:
www.theregister.com

Google sues 25 alleged BadBox 2.0 botnet operators

: Ads giant complains of damage to its reputation and finances ... and crime, too
www.theregister.com www.theregister.com
Click to expand...

"It's unlikely the suit will see any of the accused held to account, as they're in China and the Middle Kingdom seldom allows extraditions to the USA."

Just like all the other scams happening, they're overseas and beyond our juris-my-diction.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: MikeD-C05
View all replies (10)
Gary Toma
Gary Toma
Staff member Pub Member / Supporter Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in DIRECTV Technical Resources Forum

DIRECTV Transponder Map ~ Data 11/04/2026

The TPN Map Excel Presents all DIRECTV Channels:
​
National (50-States or wide/NAT+PR beams)
Local (Local-Into-Local or narrow/Spot beams)
​
Additional tabs provide:​
OTA the (Over-The-Air) Database
VOD (Video On_Demand) Records
Offline Records
Engr Records
Net Decoder a graphic presentation of all satellites and transponders
​
Domestic Satellites
@99W...... D11, D14
@101W.... D16
@103W.... D12, D15
@110W.... D5
@119W.... D8​

Understanding the TPN Map

Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions
Read more
DIRECTV_TPN_Map_261104.xlsx 1,879 KB
2181 Replies · 954759 views
Load Replies (2181) Reply Legacy View
  • Like
Reactions: Zakdj, Mr Tony, Tom Speer and 3 others
jamieh1
jamieh1
Now in the Hornets and Hurricanes markets we just get the TV promise screen. But Directv still charges sports fee I am assuming.
Luckily my DTV stream package doesn't have a rsn fee. Figure DTV that always says is the leader in sports would have come to an agreement by now.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Mr Tony
K
KyL416
jamieh1 said:
Now in the Hornets and Hurricanes markets we just get the TV promise screen. But Directv still charges sports fee I am assuming.
Click to expand...
Greenville-New Bern is $11.99 for MASN (Orioles) and Nationals
Raleigh is $11.99 for MASN and Nationals
Charlotte is $12.99 for BravesVision, MASN, Nationals and Reds

The fee in NC also includes the higher in state rate they have to pay for ACCN. Down in SC the fee is $15.99 as they are also a SEC state.
I'm not sure if they're doing it with those teams, but in some markets they also use the fee to cover the additional cost they have to pay for independents and MyNet stations that picked up full season NHL and NBA rights.

If you go to the TVPromise site, you'll likely be able to get a credit for not getting the Hurricanes and additional Hornets games that air on WITN-D2

jamieh1 said:
Figure DTV that always says is the leader in sports would have come to an agreement by now.
Click to expand...
Part of the hold out might be the packaging and price for outer areas like how the Thunder needs sports pack for other states. Hopefully they are also pushing for a guarantee from the teams that they would require whoever wins their local broadcasting rights in 2028 to negotiate with MVPDs. Commercial distribution rights are probably a factor too.

I'm guessing they got a deep discount for the Clippers based on how long it took them to officially announce ClipperVision and their KTLA simulcasts after they were basically handed a multi-year draft death penalty.

The Predators and Pistons channels are using feeds supplied by Scripps Sports

The Heat likely depends on whoever they sign for the Fort Myers DMA, as there's no point in paying a high price for the Heat just for that DMA when WPLG is streaming it for free on their app and website for viewers in the Miami DMA, and they already carry the West Palm Beach station.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Mr Tony
K
KyL416
KyL416 said:
The Heat likely depends on whoever they sign for the Fort Myers DMA, as there's no point in paying a high price for the Heat just for that DMA when WPLG is streaming it for free on their app and website for viewers in the Miami DMA, and they already carry the West Palm Beach station.
Click to expand...
WINK-D3 (Weather) for Fort Myers

https://www.nba.com/heat/news/heat-...st-partnership-with-wink-in-southwest-florida
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Mr Tony
K
KyL416
KyL416 said:
WINK-D3 (Weather) for Fort Myers
Click to expand...
WINK-D3 Fort Myers is testing on the stream server
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Mr Tony
R
Redbullsnation
KyL416 said:
WINK-D3 Fort Myers is testing on the stream server
Click to expand...
Could be for the Heat since they have the rights to that.

Its always a surprise to see DTV carry subchannels...
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: mario315
K
KyL416
KyL416 said:
WINK-D3 Fort Myers is testing on the stream server
Click to expand...
It's now live on channel 654 as HEAT on sat and stream for the Fort Myers DMA, and it looks like it's only going to only be active for the Heat games and redirect to the No Broadcast slide when it's showing the WINK radar loop.

If they are also using this feed for Heat games on satellite's League Pass, you'll probably be seeing Fort Myers ads and a WINK top of the hour ID instead of Miami ads.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Mr Tony and Nate.O’Brien
D
dishrich
All 3 Circle City broadcasting local channels 6-ABC, 8-CW & 23-MNTV in Indianapolis, IN are being added to both sat & stream, if not already there:

thedesk.net

Circle City Broadcasting stations return to DIRECTV | TheDesk.net

The deal restores WRTV, the Indianapolis ABC affiliate, and two other stations that have been unavailable on DIRECTV's platform since 2019.
thedesk.net thedesk.net
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Mr Tony, KyL416, Tom Speer and 1 other person
K
KyL416
Nothing testing on stream yet for WISH/8 (CW) or WNDY/23 (MNT), but WRTV/6 (ABC) returned at around 11:37am ET.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Mr Tony and dishrich
View all replies (2181)
Load More
Top
Back