Forum Discussion

KenKK's avatar
KenKK
New Contributor III

Using a PC instead of a cable box.

Due to COX constantly going up in price, and they refuse to offer a app for Roku and Firestick to watch everything you pay for without a cable box like

other cable companies do,  I was wondering if anyone has come up with  the cheapest laptop with an HDMI output that could support a add on

remote control, to stream COX to your home TV?    

I have several cable boxes in the house that I would like to turn in to save on the rental fee.  However I don't want to use an expensive

laptop for the streaming.  I was thinking of a Raspberry pi to connect its browser to "watch cox with any device" (which isn't true since they

don't support (like other cable companies) Roku and Firestick.

Any experimenters out there?

Ken

2 Replies

  • Darkatt's avatar
    Darkatt
    Valued Contributor III

    You are not going to be able to use a PC to emulate the cable box. All you will be able to do is use it for streaming apps, and if so, ensure you are either in a place where they don't bill for data overages, (1.25tb), or you may have to sign up for unlimited data (49$), because streaming can use a whole lotta data. Your average 4K data stream can use over 8gb per hr. Your standard HD stream can use as much as 2 to 3 GB per hr. Compressed streams lower that quite a bit, but remember a compressed stream is a lossy stream so you will lose some resolution. 

    I use PLEX, and have a server setup with all my DVD's on it, plex subscription also includes live tv, and any device that can run plex software, computer. most tv's, firestick, laptop/desktop/tablet/cell phone etc etc, can access the plex system and stream from it, even outside the home.