Forums > Specific Focus > Technical Mexico

JuanCha

Apr 1, 2013, 10:00 AM

Post #1 of 14 (2248 views)

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Internet Streaming Video & Audio

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I'd like to hear and learn about CURRENT users experience and recommendations re STREAMING (OR DOWNLOAD) VIDEO & AUDIO WHILE IN MEXICO.

I realize there are many posts already on this topic, BUT it seems to be an evolving and moving target.

I am in Chiapas and the ISP I have here is TelMex (DSL, provided by landlords - I could upgrade ISP service on my own if need be). I'm most interested in NETFLIX and PANDORA (NOT Hulu), although I realize there are many other alternatives but they often lack comprehensive offerings I prefer (foreign/doc/classic films, non-Top40 music - jazz, blues, classical, Cubano - etc).

I have and do use VPN services, but they seem to change and evolve at least as often as ISP, source providers (Netflix, Pandora, etc). I seem to be continually "chasing the signal or source" over time.

I have: Apple MacBookAir (preferred device), Samsung Android tablet (later model), iPhone (not my preferred viewing device but OK for streaming audio) and will soon acquire here a later model LCD TV (with wifi). I could get Roku (NOT AppleTV), and a better router, or other similar device, if necessary. I WILL upgrade my local ISP service once I can count on reliable and somewhat predictable end-to-end services.

I'm relatively techo-savvy but now just desire dependable service that meets my local needs and personal tastes over time. In USA I have access to my preferred services, including XM/Sirius satellite (which also does not function here where I am).

PLEASE, don't just chime in here with anecdotal or local/limited personal experience. I'd appreciate the CURRENT advice of knowledgeable experienced users in Mexico. My needs are not that unusual or esoteric, and others would probably appreciate this information also.

thanks,
JuanCha de: Santa Fe NM, San Cristobal de Las Casas Chiapas, San Diego CA

S & C

Apr 1, 2013, 11:01 AM

Post #2 of 14 (2231 views)

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Re: [JuanCha] Internet Streaming Video & Audio

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For what it's worth...
A few years ago a friend of mine couldn't stream Netflix because she she was in Mexico. After she signed up with WiTopia for a VPN, virtual private network, for $40/yr her signal was then shown as being in the US and she was able to stream movies.

I have the VPN and use it as a security measure for on line banking and other things and have found that we could not stream some network shows we missed from CBS TV unless I had the VPN connected and then it appeared to them that I was in Miami instead Q Roo.
Stan

rockydog85251

Apr 1, 2013, 11:21 AM

Post #3 of 14 (2225 views)

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Re: [S & C] Internet Streaming Video & Audio

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We have a number of friends here in Mazatlan that use Roku for Netflix, etc. with great success and low cost. Not sure if they "hide" their IP address.
Willie

johanson / Moderator

Apr 1, 2013, 5:31 PM

Post #4 of 14 (2208 views)

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Re: [JuanCha] Internet Streaming Video & Audio

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You posted "I'm relatively techo-savvy but now just desire dependable service that meets my local needs and personal tastes over time. In USA I have access to my preferred services, including XM/Sirius satellite (which also does not function here where I am). "

I've been using XM radio in Mexico for at least 5 years. Yes it is true that their smaller antennas don't always bring in a signal, but their larger ones do. I point my XM antenna directly south elevated at about 60 degrees and get a great signal. How big of an antenna do you need? All of their larger ones work for me. The one I installed in my house pointing toward the XM satellites measures about 2.75 by 3 inches. The newer slightly smaller ones work as well.

If you are willing to pay for subscription services, that best satellite systems this far south come from Canada www.shawdirect.ca and needs an elliptical dish about 26.5 by 36.5 which works as far south as northern Central America, at least it used to.

I almost never stream video, because I have cheap access to satellite feeds, but I do use such "apps" as "Tunein Radio" found on my windows 8 tablet and the my iPhone for streaming audio (radio programs).

Good luck learning all of the tricks of the trade

RickS

Apr 1, 2013, 5:43 PM

Post #5 of 14 (2203 views)

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Re: [johanson] Internet Streaming Video & Audio

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Pete, JuanCha states that he is in San Cristobal de las Casas Chiapas so he may not be able to get XM/Siurius radio even with the larger 'house' antenna. Also do you know whether Shaw will work that far south?

johanson / Moderator

Apr 1, 2013, 7:07 PM

Post #6 of 14 (2197 views)

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Re: [RickS] Internet Streaming Video & Audio

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I could be wrong RickS, but when somewhat farther south in Guatemala, we got a good signal from Anik F-1 in maybe 2003 or 4 with a small satellite dish. Everything I have heard or seen since suggests a good signal from Anik F-1R and Anik F-2 from not that large a dish. My 36.5 by 26.5 inch Elliptical dish works great in much of Central Mexico. I bet if the signal is not good enough, a couple of 4 foot offset dishes would pick everything up as far south as Guatemala

Now as far as XM/Sirius Radio goes, I have also heard good, well maybe not good but reasonable, results in Guatemala. The biggest problem was to point at the correct location on the horizon. The other problem was not to use the small antenna provided for your car, but the larger one provided for your portable or home unit, like the one shown at http://shop.siriusxm.com/...ntenna_reconditioned for only $16 bucks

Please if any of you know more, correct me. However I do remember watching then Star Choice now Shaw Direct with a strong signal in Antigua, Guatemala almost ten years ago at a local bar, and talking to the local owner about signal strength.

Now San Cristobal de Las Casas Chiapas is farther north and should have a stronger signal.

(This post was edited by johanson on Apr 1, 2013, 7:09 PM)

Mateo_Adame

Apr 3, 2013, 8:28 AM

Post #7 of 14 (2154 views)

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Re: [JuanCha] Internet Streaming Video & Audio

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You might want to give these guys a look and try "www.1channel.ch" it is free no need for a VPN or masking your IP.
I watch Person of Interest and Doctor Who every week on this site. They have many Foreign Titles as well. I had Netflix for years but then they lost the Sony account and all my Favorites. SO I had to say Adios Netflix.
Mateo_Adame

fordmexico

Apr 3, 2013, 10:00 AM

Post #8 of 14 (2142 views)

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Re: [JuanCha] Internet Streaming Video & Audio

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Google Play is now available in Mexico. It has selection of videos for purchase or rent. Prices are listed in MXN Pesos. You will need a Google account.

Crackle from Sony is also available in Mexico. I haven't used it yet. Video streaming is available for both movies and TV programs. All selections are free but the selection, especially for TV is a bit limited. Everything is listed in Spanish so I am not sure if English content is available in Mexico.

http://www.crackle.com.mx/

We have the basic Telmex - DSL package at $328 MXN Pesos per month for landline and DSL. DSL download is now at 5.24 Mbps and a meager 0.64 Mbps up. as of this AM.

johanson / Moderator

Apr 3, 2013, 7:37 PM

Post #9 of 14 (2124 views)

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Re: [fordmexico] Internet Streaming Video & Audio

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Fordmexico. You are very lucky. Look at this link (click here) . You will see that you are getting the speeds that are given to some who are paying for the $599 peso, middle package. In fact the majority of those who pay $599 who attend our Lake Chapala computer club meetings who pay for the middle package, get much slower speeds. I'm lucky, I get a great speed. Shown below is what I get for the middle $599 peso package

[URL=http://www.speedtest.net]

(This post was edited by johanson on Apr 3, 2013, 7:39 PM)

fordmexico

Apr 3, 2013, 7:50 PM

Post #10 of 14 (2115 views)

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Re: [johanson] Internet Streaming Video & Audio

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I also saw the packages and I am very happy to get the speed. What I'm waiting for is for Carlos Slim to get approval to sell video services. Then, maybe, he will connect us to the fiber optic line that runs under the street (UNUSED) along with the copper line we are connected to now.

http://www.speedtest.net/result/2621289821.png

S & C

Apr 4, 2013, 11:18 AM

Post #11 of 14 (2090 views)

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Re: [RickS] Internet Streaming Video & Audio

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The last time I drove was in 2010 and I had Sirius in my car,(van). It worked fine on the entire drive which took me from Tulum, Q Roo to Pelenque Chiapas, Varecruz, etc then north.
If it worked fine in the van in Pelenque I can't see why it wouldn't work with a fixed antenna.
Stan

RickS

Apr 4, 2013, 11:31 AM

Post #12 of 14 (2087 views)

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Re: [S & C] Internet Streaming Video & Audio

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Good to know that XM/Sirius works well in the Yucatan. It does not work well with the small 50-cent piece size car antenna over around Guadalajara.... it cuts out with the least bit of interference from trees/buildings/etc. The larger antenna, which is generally used as an in-house antenna, works pretty well there but will still cut out occasionally... like briefly when driving under an underpass.

GringoCArlos

Apr 4, 2013, 5:37 PM

Post #13 of 14 (2066 views)

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Re: [JuanCha] Internet Streaming Video & Audio

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If one has DSL, I prefer to use the website for kickasstorrents. You can find music by artist or genre, movies by titles, TV shows, etc.

(This post was edited by GringoCArlos on Apr 4, 2013, 5:37 PM)

joaquinx

Apr 4, 2013, 6:19 PM

Post #14 of 14 (2059 views)

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Re: [GringoCArlos] Internet Streaming Video & Audio

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In Reply To

If one has DSL, I prefer to use the website for kickasstorrents. You can find music by artist or genre, movies by titles, TV shows, etc.

I often get a 1MB download speed with torrents.
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My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.