MyGica Internet TV Box

Welcome to Wondercafe2!

A community where we discuss, share, and have some fun together. Join today and become a part of it!

Register Log in
Mendalla said:
If your TV is that new, then I'd definitely go with a box rather than a Smart TV. I can't really recommend MyGica since I have not used it but do some searching. I'm sure there will be reviews out there. Look at potential competitors too like Apple TV, Sony's box (forget the name offhand) and Google Chromecast.
Click to expand...
I think Roku is one available in Canada - not sure if that's Sony.
 
Mendella, I have totally been without cable for one year due to the fact that we bought a little bungalow that was TOTALLY (as in every room) gutted and renovated (while living in it, don't ask). It's now mostly done and I find with the winter here that I might like to watch some TV, but in truth, I haven't really missed it all that much. In fact if I'm over watching TV at someone else's house, I now find most shows pretty bad. I would just like to pick and choose. Is Netflix a good alternative? because I'd really like to start lowering costs as I move into part time retirement.
 
@Mendalla what are your thoughts about these things vs. just using a laptop? Maybe with kids it would be different. I find Chemguy sits on his desktop most of the time - 2 monitors so he can watch whatever while still playing games or whatever. If I want to do both, I just grab his laptop.

It was really tough when I wanted to watch tv and say read WC in the timing between my old laptop dying and getting my new one :cool:
 
Wow, didn't realize there was so many products available. Now another dilemma, which one's better and the best value.

Also, could I hook it up myself? As in, is it REALLY easy?
 
Waterfall said:
Mendella, I have totally been without cable for one year due to the fact that we bought a little bungalow that was TOTALLY (as in every room) gutted and renovated (while living in it, don't ask). It's now mostly done and I find with the winter here that I might like to watch some TV, but in truth, I haven't really missed it all that much. In fact if I'm over watching TV at someone else's house, I now find most shows pretty bad. I would just like to pick and choose. Is Netflix a good alternative? because I'd really like to start lowering costs as I move into part time retirement.
Click to expand...
The reason I kept cable was for the news and morning 'news-like' shows. I was surprised how little I miss many of the other channels, considering how much I watched while on medical leave. I really enjoy Netflix. It depends on what you like to watch - it probably helps to decide on that first, or give it a chance on your computer if you don't want to dish out the $100+ first.
 
Waterfall said:
Is Netflix a good alternative? because I'd really like to start lowering costs as I move into part time retirement.
Click to expand...

I personally think it is.

Netflix is weak on US network shows but has some of them. That said, sounds like you're not interested in that anyway.

It is great for cable stuff (Walking Dead, Mad Men, etc.) save for HBO who run their own online service that I know little to nothing about. They now produce their own shows, some of which are getting great reviews (Orange is the New Black in particular).

It has some good British stuff (Dr. Who, the original House of Cards on which one of Netflix's original shows is based)

They also have some interesting documentary stuff. They recently picked up a bunch of PBS docs, Nova episodes, and that sort of thing. They have a lot of TED talks. The have Cosmos (the new one, not the original as of yet).

While they are weak on movies in Canada, they have enough interesting TV to keep me busy for a while, given that I don't watch much TV these days to start with.
 
ChemGal said:
@Mendalla what are your thoughts about these things vs. just using a laptop? Maybe with kids it would be different. I find Chemguy sits on his desktop most of the time - 2 monitors so he can watch whatever while still playing games or whatever. If I want to do both, I just grab his laptop.

It was really tough when I wanted to watch tv and say read WC in the timing between my old laptop dying and getting my new one :cool:
Click to expand...

I've tried and it works up to a point, esp. if you have a newer laptop with HDMI or other high speed video ports. I do find that a remote, which boxes and smart TVs all have, easier to use when I am on the treadmill or bike and the simpler interface of a TV or box is nicer to navigate with a remote on a TV (though Windows 8.1 with the Modern UI might work well).
 
Hmmmmm, okay. I'm glad I asked. So let me get this straight. I could just get the internet (high speed), turn my TV into a computer (do I use the mouse on my computer, dumb question probably) AND then call? email? online?, to get Netflix and the cost would just be the cost of my internet and Netflex, which would run around $8.00/month?
 
Mendalla said:
I've tried and it works up to a point, esp. if you have a newer laptop with HDMI or other high speed video ports. I do find that a remote, which boxes and smart TVs all have, easier to use when I am on the treadmill or bike and the simpler interface of a TV or box is nicer to navigate with a remote on a TV (though Windows 8.1 with the Modern UI might work well).
Click to expand...
Slow down guys, LOL! Are you talking about WIFI here?
 
Waterfall said:
Hmmmmm, okay. I'm glad I asked. So let me get this straight. I could just get the internet (high speed), turn my TV into a computer (do I use the mouse on my computer, dumb question probably) AND then call? email? online?, to get Netflix and the cost would just be the cost of my internet and Netflex, which would run around $8.00/month?
Click to expand...

Easiest way to get Netflix is to sign up online through www.netflix.ca. You get a 30 day free trial then they start billing your credit card automatically. They have a portal that lets you change credit card, pause or stop your service, etc. Login is using your email address + a password or your Facebook account (but then you need to watch your privacy settings or everything you watch will be posted to your timeline).
 
Mendalla said:
I've tried and it works up to a point, esp. if you have a newer laptop with HDMI or other high speed video ports. I do find that a remote, which boxes and smart TVs all have, easier to use when I am on the treadmill or bike and the simpler interface of a TV or box is nicer to navigate with a remote on a TV (though Windows 8.1 with the Modern UI might work well).
Click to expand...
I do have a wireless mouse and keyboard, which helps significantly :)
 
Waterfall said:
Slow down guys, LOL! Are you talking about WIFI here?
Click to expand...

Whether you are using a laptop or a box like MyGica, you'd want Wi-fi for the Internet (unless your Internet happens to be in the same room as the TV or your house is cabled for a wired network like my boss').
 
Mendalla said:
Easiest way to get Netflix is to sign up online through www.netflix.ca. You get a 30 day free trial then they start billing your credit card automatically. They have a portal that lets you change credit card, pause or stop your service, etc. Login is using your email address + a password or your Facebook account (but then you need to watch your privacy settings or everything you watch will be posted to your timeline).
Click to expand...
Can I get the History channel, PBS, on netflix?

Edit: I guess I can just look that up. :oops:
 
Waterfall said:
Slow down guys, LOL! Are you talking about WIFI here?
Click to expand...
I stick a HDMI cable between my laptop and the tv. My large screen tv becomes my computer monitor. Yes, my laptop is connected to the internet via wifi.
 
ChemGal said:
I stick a HDMI cable between my laptop and the tv. My large screen tv becomes my computer monitor. Yes, my laptop is connected to the internet via wifi.
Click to expand...
Do I need a separate mouse or can I move the mouse on the TV with my built in mouse on my PC?

So I just go buy an HDMI cable and I'm good to go? and that will support Netflix too?
 
As @ChemGal suggested, a wireless mouse and keyboard is best. That way the laptop can sit next to the TV and you can be comfortably ensconced on your couch :D.

Netflix will be fine. Don't even need an app (though there is one for Windows 8.1 if you have it). You just access it using your web browser of choice.
 
Great!!! Thankyou soooo much! I honestly think someone could start a business giving technically brain dead people useful insights!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top