Sea-Hawks

...I was told this, but I've also heard otherwise, maybe a good idea to get to the bottom of this - initially I was told the 3B was the only provider available in Center Condo. Since than and setting up the internet last year, I heard that other people had gone with another provider. Regarding the set-up. Well, most things won't work on wifi, so hard wired in will definitely need to happen. In regards to other devices, I will see if just using wifi is adequate.

...well, I am still remodeling the place, lol We actually had that conversation today: A. First, I need to find out about the four LAN locations B. I need to find out if the original contractors ended up using CAT 4 or 5 cables and if not, and it's CAT 6 or 7 : do the cables even work or are they defective or poor quality C. Router - is the router that the original contractors installed any good D. WAP - is it working and any good quality E. Obviously, 4 LAN locations aren't enough, so will need to add more F. I have a ridiculous amount of devices 1. Projector 2. Computers 3. Labtops 4. PS5 5. Nintendo Switch 6. Mame Machine 7. Android Box 8. ipad 9. Printers x 3 10. Alexa hubs 11. Security Cameras 12. etc... you get the idea - Lan in Every room: So obviously, there isn't a LAN in every room. So, will need to address that - "there's no need to run cables through the ceiling or on the floor" - well, my projector ceiling mounts. So, at a minimum I need to run cables through the ceiling for that. Also, need a way to power the projector, so another power wiring project on the ceiling. * I feel like I need to be living in the condo a bit to see where and how many LAN connection points I need.... - Larry, you hard wired in or using wireless when watching IP TV? - Is lag and buffering really an issue with wireless connections at your place??? * I was thinking about just using the 4 LAN lines for the time being and using wireless for the rest of my devices...see how good or bad the situation really is Now, of course the most important devices, I would use the LAN lines assuming the locations are in strategic locations, while if I have an important device but no LAN port nearby, then I would need to either run a cable on the ground, go wireless or eventually have a LAN port installed close by. I figured I would see how the wifi route works, until I get a truer sense of what works on wifi and what needs to be hardwired in/LAN. Projector: Why am I going with a projector. Well, I have the perfectly huge wall to have a projector screen. And, I can't afford an 150 inch 4k TV, but can afford to buy a 4k projector. Having a projector, involves a lot of complicated issues. - The projector needs to be far away and behind me. - I need a dedicated LAN connection and Power connection at it's point - I then need a dedicated speaker system/sound system, which for me will be at a minimum 5.1 surround sound system. - Well, the sound system won't be behind me and by the projector. It needs to be up front, so another set-up to accomplish that. - with the sound system, the rear speakers need to be in the middle of the room, at the ends of the couch/sitting area, so another set-up to accomplish that. *So, after connecting the Projector, I need to run some sort of system to run the PS5, Nintendo Switch and Android Box that isn't behind me/in the back where the Projector is. I don't want to be turning around every time and pointing the control to the Projector in the back. I want the PS5, Android Box and Nintendo Switch to be somewhere in front of the couch/sitting area. That involves either - wiring or - wifi Next Problem: I need to hook up the Surround Sound System/receiver and headphones So this device below solves that problem Then, for those bluetooth devices, I need another set-up. For those with Smart TV's, the problem issues above are not relevant....but having a Projector, it becomes a bit more work in order to set-up.

Just curious, who in Thailand is using an Amazon Firestick: do you use a VPN or no vpn? ..more on why I am going to use an Amazon Firestick: I do have an Android Box 4k already, but plan to also use the Amazon Firestick that has been hacked to stream free content. And regardless, it'll be nice to watch all the basic content easily accessible with the remote. I feel that the interface and remote, it is much easier to navigate using the Amazon device + remote. And with issues/hassles/problems with Android Boxes: I don't have to worry too much about updating, adding new apps, content not working eventually etc.. , needing to take the box to TekCom to have stuff reloaded or updated, update system etc... Also, why else I went with adding the Amazon Firestick? A lot of it has to do with the ability to hack or set-up to make things work, work better, and for myself, be able to avoid running cables & wires across the room, through the ceiling etc... I am going to use a Projector/projector screen and will NOT be buying a tv. This adds it's own complexities to setting up and adding equipment/devices for entertainment purposes. ... I won't get into all of that now/here, just a few highlights: 1. I need a way to connect my gaming systems and emulators 2. I want a Home Theater Sound system 5.1 - 5 speaker system. I find it difficult to find wireless sound systems in Thailand and of the quality I am looking for. By using the firestick, I can set up either a a. Speakers needing to be wired b. Speakers that are not wireless (but want to make them wireless) c. Speaker that are bluetooth enabled d. Speakers that are Not bluetooth enabled (but can make them bluetooth enabled) On another note: Internet Speed: I know everyone talks about internet speed, but there's more to internet speed than what the internet provider gives you. So, let's say you took care of the first step and have reliable internet speed and service. ...but, why is my stuff still buffering, lags or is choppy??? Well, for most of us, we don't use an ethernet cable running from our router directly into our devices or main hub - we are using wireless connection: A. less secure B. unstable connection C. slower than direct connect 1. A lot of slow downs or slower speed by not running "Wired" 2. Cheap or unreliable router box 3. Bad or cheap cords or running wires too long without an adapter or extender (I like many of you, use to buy cords from TekCom. Most often, basic cords are fine regardless of costs. But certain cords that need quality components either fail or work inefficiently by buying the cheaper brand.) 4. others issues...to long to list, but you get the main points above D. Too many programs/devices using up the bandwidth Check to see how many devices and programs you are currently using or are just plain open or using up your precious bandwidth. Now, with an app on my Amazon Firestick, I can automatically have it close or shut down, not allow them to use up my bandwidth. ...forgot another real biggie in terms of slowing down internet: VPN, although some of the ones out there are really cheap, they could be slowing down your internet by at least 50%, so make sure to do a speed test while you are in the trial period. ...ok, one last edit, lol. another biggie is the HDMI cable. Most devices now utilize the HDMI cable. While certain cables don't matter the length you run those cables, the HDMI cable is important mainly in regards to length. When you start running the cable 10 feet or longer, you will get slower speeds and ineffective cords. It is actually recommended that you try and stay at no longer than 6 feet. If you have a device that hooks up using the HDMI cable, consider using the shorted cable to achieve that. Also, if you are needing to run an HDMI cable 10 feet or longer, consider using an adapter/extender...but advised that you do a diagnostic check to the quality of connect/speed. Are more expensive HDMI cables necessary? In the true sense those gold plated, silver plated, carbon fiber wrapping... all that stuff doesn't really matter. More importantly is the type of HDMI cable. Are you running a 4k device/tv...then buy the appropriate HDMI cable. You don't need to buy the newer, more advanced HDMI, unless of course you plan to eventually upgrade and could use that type of cord specs in the near future. (it is stated that at least 15% of all HDMI cables sold either are partially defective or have issues. Consider running a diagnostic check of each of your HDMI cables, if this isn't an option, change out your HDMI and see if your buffering problem goes away.)

For streaming unpaid content in Thailand, any reason to bother with getting a VPN like we might do back in the States/UK? Also, while were at it, any reason to get VPN too if we are using like IP Torrents site? thxs

... also, to clarify a bit more. If I were to buy a Name Brand Projector, it would cost a bit more, which wasn't the main problem. By buying one over in Asia (not from Japan/Korea), I could buy a unit that was preloaded with free content and free features...ones that typically would cost money. Since this is Thailand, we can get away with stuff like that, that would never fly in the States. Now, I could have bought a Name Brand Projector and then taken it into TekCom and had one of the shop guys load it up with things, but that would have been an extra step and no guarantees they that everything works and syncs up correctly.

lol, not the tv, the Projector Box with preloaded free tv channels, downloaded apps, smart apps. Let me start from the beginning. So, when I first bought the condo, the plan was to have 3 tv's in the space. One main tv in the living room which would be the largest of the three...probably 85". The other two would be on hanging swing arms and be a bit smaller in size, probably strategically placed on the pillars. The initial plan was to place the largest tv on the large wall space that was going to be the main part of the living room. Then the opportunity of buying the condo next door became available. Based on the layout of adding the room next door, I decided that I would place the tv area in what looks like a decent size corridor, but still a bit more narrow than the main width of the two units. The thinking at the time was to instead of buying a large tv given that is was a more narrow space that sits between both of the rooms, I would buy a special Projector and instead of buying a standard projection screen that would just hang on the wall or possibly a motorized projector mount, I would by an ALR screen given the space layout and a bit of light creeping in that area of the room. The Projector I was looking at back then was a Short-Distance Projector that would sit only 1 feet from the opposite wall/screen. Short-Distance Projectors, especially the one I was looking at with built in Harman Kardon speakers was a bit pricey at a tad over $10k USD. By being able to push the screen onto the wall and ability to not have to hang the Projector, I would then be able to have what would have been equivalent to an 150" tv. Well, after the planning stage was done, the girl next door backed out of selling the condo next door and I was again left with only the initial unit. After that, I still decided to still go for a Projection TV. But, this time, I wouldn't need the expensive "short-distance" projector. I could just buy a standard Projector. I looked at one I liked, but the only draw-back was that for whatever reason, only came with 1 single HDMI port. I have a number of portable hard drives with 4k content that I could still use, that would take up that port. I still wanted to get a full 5.1 theater sound system and I believe most of them these days need a HDMI port. After doing a bit more research on Lazada and on Youtube, I realized that the less expensive unit I was looking at, was actually a knock-off model, hence the reason why it only had 1 single HDMI port. ...this afternoon, I found that actual company that builds the model Projector I want and will just order from them directly, so not to accidently buy a knock-off from Lazada.

ahh, sweet! thanks! This will solve the problem of needing to run more than 1 device at the same time.

So there is a tv box already preloaded with a bunch of free tv & movies. The problem is there is “only 1 HDMI” port. Is there such a thing as a two way split hdmi cable attachment? Question #2 Do home theater systems , specifically the 5.1 (5 channel systems) do they require the use of a hdmi port or do they use the analog port or usb port? thanks

…how long are the recorded games available?

No commentary / play by play? So watching the action and playing noice/fan noise only?

Ah, ok. Thanks for the detailed info! I’ll see if the smart tv will be possible & sign-up for the free tv with a donation first. Appreciate the help…didn’t understand about the 2 servers…is that like having two internet routers? And is it expensive?

How easy would it be to run IPTV from my new Samsung Smart TV? I am mainly looking for American Football...is that available? And, will I be able to watch the games live? And, will I be able to go back if I missed a game live and watch it at my own leisure? ...is the IPTorrents site still available to make a donation to gain access to the free IPTV?

yup, that line up during it hayday was top notch!

...yup, most people think of me as a scrawny little asian guy, but based on the comments from the girls on Soi 6, I must say, not only have I gotten more "handsome " , which I can only attribute from the LOS sun, but I am built like Arnold Schwarzenegger, which I credit to working out at Tony Gym my 1-2 times per month during my visits to LOS. - sorry to throw people off! Expect one thing and see another

…I already asked and told not available through the lady i spoke to

So looking at 3 Thailand Pass Medical Plan choices for my 60 day trip A. Luma #4k B. AXA #6k C. Allianz #5k Anybody sign-up for any of these?

I was searching online for a cheaper route than hire a designer, an interior decorator or anybody providing services/ideas for coming up with ideas for my condo bathroom, bedroom, storage spaces. I came across this architect who used a platform that allows you to hire independent people to help you come up with realistic ideas/plans based on the space you have available. - Fiverr

…not listening to anything ATM, but a very interesting read on eating left over pasta left out on the counter and what happens when u reheat fried rice and how reheated fried rice exponentially causes a bacteria to multiple. https://www.yahoo.com/news/teen-ate-leftover-rice-noodles-155422253.html

…looks like just off 3rd road, behind tge motorbike shop???

Great! Much appreciated and delivery too boot 😉

Well, need to go buy liquor to fill the entire liquor cabinet. Anybody have any suggestions as to where to go in Pattaya to get a decent price to buy all my bottles?

Looking for a business in Pattaya that can make copies of blue dongles - the particular one I need copied is access to my condo building

Ok, so this is only for items u take back home? i can’t do VAT refund on things like a Fridge, tv for my condo???

Could someone explain what the VAT rebate/refund is? And whom it would make sense to? And the step-by-step processes to take advantage of that? thank you, Todd

Anybody in Pattaya interested in getting together to update One’s Android/Himedia Box with the current Kodec so you can watch free tv & movies??? If so, I won’t mind having a get-together at my place and providing a pizza lunch while we help each other update our boxes. Btw, I’m not media savvy, so we’ll need someone in the group to help out with that. …Let me know guys! Todd ps, maybe Larry could also come by and show us directly how to use ip torrents and streaming too, while we’re at it too