Looking to stream TV and don`t know what is better.

[knied1]

BTW for others peoples references:
My opinion the drawback to :
* Adding data to cell phone, it is difficult to use the cell phone while streaming TV, but other than that the phone worked perfect.
* Verizon MiFi requires a plan 2 year commitment and its expensive
* Walmart Cellular modem had poor reviews, and low success rate in remote areas

And this is what led me to the TravelFi and Wineguard GW-1000

 

[lemondrop9344]

I applaud you for taking 4 TVs & ROKUs to run your test. From your post, it was not clear how much data (in GB's) that you had to administer your test. You mention plan increments of 1, 2 & 3 GBs.
A quick search on the internet seems to indicate SD (480p) could consume anywhere from .5GB to close to 1GB per hour based on the streaming application. Higher definition displays obviously consume more GBs per hour. I'm sure you are aware the device distributing the cellular signal to the TVs has a limit on how much data it can process in aggregate. A CAT 12 modem should be able to download & distribute more data than a CAT 4 modem, all other factors being equal. I did not look at the specs on either of the devices you identified as test subjects.
I would be most interested in hearing how the TravelFi performs against the Wineguard GW-1000. What cellular carrier(s) were utilzied in the test, were the SIMs interchangeable between the devices & how many TV's could you utilize?
Looking forward to the results & thank you for sharing.

 

[docj]

that lead me to comparing the TravelFi and the Wineguard GW-1000, I was asking if anyone had experience with either of them. You were the one who introduced your product into the comparison and there are zero real world results since according to you its only been on the market for 2 months. If you don`t like what I'm saying SORRY , but these are real comparisons that consumers do before making a purchase

I still don't think you appreciate that WiFiRanger and Winegard are single company. I didn't inject "my" product into your discussion as a competitor. It is a more advanced product than the GW-1000 and this message is very clear on our website. Winegard continues to market the GW-1000 as a lower cost, entry-level approach to getting internet access with the Air360+

As for there not being any real world reviews of the Osprey, here's the latest that the Mobile Internet Resource Center has about both the Osprey and the GW-1000: Review In Progress: AIR 360+ and Routers by Winegard & WiFiRanger (Mobile Router | Wi-Fi Extending)

 

[knied1]

I applaud you for taking 4 TVs & ROKUs to run your test. From your post, it was not clear how much data (in GB's) that you had to administer your test. You mention plan increments of 1, 2 & 3 GBs.
A quick search on the internet seems to indicate SD (480p) could consume anywhere from .5GB to close to 1GB per hour based on the streaming application. Higher definition displays obviously consume more GBs per hour. I'm sure you are aware the device distributing the cellular signal to the TVs has a limit on how much data it can process in aggregate. A CAT 12 modem should be able to download & distribute more data than a CAT 4 modem, all other factors being equal. I did not look at the specs on either of the devices you identified as test subjects.
I would be most interested in hearing how the TravelFi performs against the Wineguard GW-1000. What cellular carrier(s) were utilzied in the test, were the SIMs interchangeable between the devices & how many TV's could you utilize?
Looking forward to the results & thank you for sharing.

The only reason I am taking 4 TV`s is because I use my camper at NASCAR races, Football games ETC.
I usually have both inside TV`s going and 1 TV outside. The 4th TV would only be to see how many devices the unit can handle. Up until last year I used a satellite service, and chose to switch to a streaming service because I see it as the way of the future...... Last year my phone was able to handle the 3 TV`s no problem, but I ran out of data in the middle of a race ( embarrassing ) so this year before camper season starts I'm getting things figured out.......My previous postings may have been mis leading.....This weekend I am not doing a comparison of the Winguard and the TravelFi..... I am only using the TravelFI, because if it doesn't work out, I am able to return the unit for full credit, and will most likely go back to Satellite, but a pay as you go type thing for my camper only. If I were to purchase either of the Wineguard products, and they don`t work, I am out full price of the units.

JUST TO BE CLEAR !!!!! from all of my research, phone calls, reading articles..... all three units seem to work well in the standard environment....... My situation is that I will be using the unit in a remote area where antenna service is sketchy at best. .... I've hade several conversations, and the entire Cellular streaming thing has become very clear to me, but honestly I see no need chancing a back and forth contest in my posting.

When I go to camp this weekend I will be able to comment on how the least expensive option ONLY performed.....I explained what I am doing to one of our local RV dealers, and the service Manager might take a ride with me to check it out first hand..... He said this is becoming a popular question, and seeing it first hand would benefit him.

I`ll keep the post updated when I try the unit out.

 

[knied1]

I still don't think you appreciate that WiFiRanger and Winegard are single company. I didn't inject "my" product into your discussion as a competitor. It is a more advanced product than the GW-1000 and this message is very clear on our website. Winegard continues to market the GW-1000 as a lower cost, entry-level approach to getting internet access with the Air360+

As for there not being any real world reviews of the Osprey, here's the latest that the Mobile Internet Resource Center has about both the Osprey and the GW-1000: Review In Progress: AIR 360+ and Routers by Winegard & WiFiRanger (Mobile Router | Wi-Fi Extending)

I get the 2 units are owned by the same company, but they are marketed as two separate units one by Wineguard and one by WiFiRanger the information on them is even on two separate websites and since they are two separate units i am speaking about them as to different units.

 

[knied1]

I actually had a VERY pleasant phone call from TravelFi....
They are saying that they can connect up to 5 devices, but they do not believe they will have the speed to accommodate 4 TV`s.....They are confident the unit will handle 2 TV`s streaming at the same time, and a few other devices strolling the internet. Depending on my streaming service I might be able to get a 3rd TV out of it, but I shouldn`t plan for it ......... an additional benefit I didn't realize is that the unit is fully portable...... I can either plug it in for a non stop use, or the unit can e charged for up to 10 hours of use per charge...... while operating on the internal battery the unit speed stays the same.....thinking about it now..... its nice I can take the unit anywhere and not have it permanently attached to my RV..... it gives me more ability to use it.

Two drawbacks from their service that I just found out.
1) Unused data does not roll over to the following month.... use it or loose it (I don't know if the other options roll over data)
2) There is a $10 activation fee. If I were to activate the unit this month..... let it expire next month an use it the following.... I would be charged an additional $10 for activation. If it works out, I will pay a $10 activation fee every Year for camper season.

She is soo confident that their product will do exactly what I need that not only do they have a money back guarantee, she also gave me a $30 off coupon code..... Im soo looking forward to testing this little bugger out this weekend.

 

[Rbjewell]

Yes, this topic is well covered and, though the specifics in terms of plans may change, the general concepts of components remain the same...for now.

I explain a very good setup that will serve the majority very well; while being fairly reasonable in terms of cost layout.

Have a watch at my video; hopefully it'll help you.

Great presentation, I have a wifi Ranger and having trouble getting a sim card for it. Will the Transit Duo hook to the wifi ranger and stay connected while traveling?

 

[knied1]

Great presentation, I have a wifi Ranger and having trouble getting a sim card for it. Will the Transit Duo hook to the wifi ranger and stay connected while traveling?

Why are you having trouble getting sim Cards for the WiFi Ranger?

 

[Rbjewell]

Trying to get WiFi Ranger folks on the phone is nearly impossible. Looking for unlimited usage, but having two cell plans make sense so when one is week hopefully the second one will be strong. I am new to all of this so it’s new stuff for me.

 

[knied1]

Trying to get WiFi Ranger folks on the phone is nearly impossible. Looking for unlimited usage, but having two cell plans make sense so when one is week hopefully the second one will be strong. I am new to all of this so it’s new stuff for me.

That`s unfortunate that their customer service is like that.... Good to know

As far as being new to this stuff..... I know its a bit overwhelming at first.... its almost like people are speaking another language, but keep doing research and having conversations..... it will make sense sooner than you think

 

[docj]

Great presentation, I have a wifi Ranger and having trouble getting a sim card for it. Will the Transit Duo hook to the wifi ranger and stay connected while traveling?

Trying to get WiFi Ranger folks on the phone is nearly impossible. Looking for unlimited usage, but having two cell plans make sense so when one is week hopefully the second one will be strong. I am new to all of this so it’s new stuff for me.

I'm not sure why you're having a problem getting a SIM for the modem in your Ranger. Most AT&T and T-Mobile data-only plans (the kind used for hotspots) ought to work. Unfortunately, often it's difficult to get a customer service agent who understands how to connect devices other than phones and hotspots obtained from the cellular provider.

I hope you understand that WiFiRanger is not a cellular plan provider. We design and market routers some of which have integrated modems. Our product line is currently certified for use on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. Our parent company, Winegard, markets a set of AT&T plans they call FreedomGo, but customers are not required to use those. Other than those plans, we don't provide data plans for owners of our hardware, although we we often share information about plans we are aware of.

 

[lemondrop9344]

Trying to get WiFi Ranger folks on the phone is nearly impossible. Looking for unlimited usage, but having two cell plans make sense so when one is week hopefully the second one will be strong. I am new to all of this so it’s new stuff for me.

Rbjewell,
You are looking to the wrong people (WiFi Ranger folks) to give you an answer. IMHO you should decide which cellular carrier(s) you want to use & look for data plans that meet your needs. Truly usable unlimited data only plans are more mythical than reality in today's world, especially for new accounts. Data only plans are different than reqular cell phone plans.
For what it's worth, a lot of full time RV folks who work while traveling use data only plans from (in alphabetical order) AT&T, T-Moble & Verizon. Most of these data only plans (no equipment involved) are month to month.
There are also 3rd party resellers (some more reliable than others) that provide multi hundred GB plans.
Might I suggest you go to the Mobile Internet Resource Center & browse their website (free section is adequate).
They do a good job of explaining the technology, the equipment, & provide a lot of information on current data plans for the equipment.

 

[knied1]

Well..... I had the opportunity to get down to camp today.....the Travelfi worked perfect with 2 tv`s running off of it. when I connected the third TV it ran perfect for about a half hour. Then it would freeze momentarily every 10 to 15 minutes or so..... it actually wasn't all that bad.... it literally would be quick less than a second long then back to normal..... I didn't bother hooking up the 4th tv. The equipment I was using is as follows: (in order I connected)
1 smart TV 44inch ONN using the Roku app to stream
1 TV 32" with a Roku Express connected to the HDMI, and was also plugged into the USB Port for Power
1 Smart TV 24" ONN using the Roku App to stream.

I had the TRavelFi fully charged , and was at camp for about 3 hours the TravelFI is still at about 75% charge, maybe a little bit less. While I was testing the unit I also had my phone connected to the TravelFi ....Today was a bit of a rainy cloudy day, my phone only had 2 bars service...... I honestly was impressed with how it worked and performed.... granted I didn't have another unit to compare it to, but I now understand why TravelFi has so much confidence in their product that it included a moneyback guarantee. Plus it does not need to be connected to the RV to work, it is 100% portable...... A bit surprising that the least expensive unit I found has that much confidence in their products.... but hay sometimes spending more money is just simply spending more money...

I hope this helps other people like me trying to make a decision on what to purchase.

 

[lemondrop9344]

Well..... I had the opportunity to get down to camp today.....the Travelfi worked perfect with 2 tv`s running off of it. when I connected the third TV it ran perfect for about a half hour. Then it would freeze momentarily every 10 to 15 minutes or so..... it actually wasn't all that bad.... it literally would be quick less than a second long then back to normal..... I didn't bother hooking up the 4th tv. The equipment I was using is as follows: (in order I connected)
1 smart TV 44inch ONN using the Roku app to stream
1 TV 32" with a Roku Express connected to the HDMI, and was also plugged into the USB Port for Power
1 Smart TV 24" ONN using the Roku App to stream.

I had the TRavelFi fully charged , and was at camp for about 3 hours the TravelFI is still at about 75% charge, maybe a little bit less. While I was testing the unit I also had my phone connected to the TravelFi ....Today was a bit of a rainy cloudy day, my phone only had 2 bars service...... I honestly was impressed with how it worked and performed.... granted I didn't have another unit to compare it to, but I now understand why TravelFi has so much confidence in their product that it included a moneyback guarantee. Plus it does not need to be connected to the RV to work, it is 100% portable...... A bit surprising that the least expensive unit I found has that much confidence in their products.... but hay sometimes spending more money is just simply spending more money...

I hope this helps other people like me trying to make a decision on what to purchase.

Glad to hear this worked out for you. Do you have any idea how many GB's were consumed in your test & which carrier you connected to?
As I read the information on their website, I get the impression the device has built in logic to connect to the carrier with the strongest signal. Would you say I am interpreting what's on the web site correctly?

TravlFi Unlimited RV Internet

Explore portable mobile internet options for RVers. Unlimited Internet perfect for motorhomes, remote work, camping and travel.

travlfi.com

On the surface, pricing for data seems to be a little steep. However, if the device actually accesses the carrier with the strongest signal & you don't have to worry about plans from multiple carriers, if could offer some advantages to other solutions.
Thanks for taking the time to provide feed back on your experience.

 

[knied1]

Glad to hear this worked out for you. Do you have any idea how many GB's were consumed in your test & which carrier you connected to?
As I read the information on their website, I get the impression the device has built in logic to connect to the carrier with the strongest signal. Would you say I am interpreting what's on the web site correctly?

TravlFi Unlimited RV Internet

Explore portable mobile internet options for RVers. Unlimited Internet perfect for motorhomes, remote work, camping and travel.

travlfi.com

On the surface, pricing for data seems to be a little steep. However, if the device actually accesses the carrier with the strongest signal & you don't have to worry about plans from multiple carriers, if could offer some advantages to other solutions.
Thanks for taking the time to provide feed back on your experience.

The TravelFi does not have a SIM card so yes it grabs the strongest signal. I had a stronger signal on the unit than I had on My Cell which is Verizon.... I was told (using an easy explanation) that MOST of the time the provider owns the SIM, and that is why they are provider specific. I know someone will have something to say about my explanation, but that is just an easy rule of thumb explanation for MOST circumstances.

I intentionally streamed at STD deff and NOT HD, but in all I used just under 5GB on the three TV`s and my Cell.


Feel Free to ask any other questions. and ill do my best to answer them.

Also... the service Tech at my local dealer is trying to get a GW1000 to run the exact same test (for his reference) with me again, but he is not hopeful that is Manager will let him take a unit of the shelf and use it since it will be difficult to re-sell the unit after its opened, If one gets returned he will grab it..... it will be interesting to see if connecting it to the AIR 360 has an impact on its signal strength and speed. If that happens we will need to bring my camper, yesterday we just went with my truck, a popup and generator. ( obviously the TV`s too)