how to stream video

[jchuzi]

I am a complete novice at streaming videos and I don't have a clue as to how to do it. My iMac is connected to the internet via a Ubee DVW32CB modem and ethernet. It has a wifi option but I don't know how to use it. The manual has instructions for tweaking settings via an app, but the app is apparently unavailable.

The only service connected to the computer is internet via Spectrum (formerly Time Warner).

If I want to stream videos remotely to my Samsung TV (not a smart TV), what do I need and how do I do it? The TV has no cable connection (I ditched that several years ago when I found that TV shows were of no interest). The TV is connected to a DVD/VCR player that I use mostly for watching DVDs that are borrowed from the public library. I also have a collection of VHS tapes that I am loath to sacrifice.

[daryl66]

You are probably going to get many and more specific answers to your questions but I will put in my 2 cents anyhow.

1st your tv has to be connected to the web. wi-fi or direct.   Smart tv is of course the easy answer, however there seems to be "boxes" that make a "dumb" tv smart. This video may give you a starting point:  https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-Lkry-SF01&hsimp=yhs-SF01&hspart=Lkry&p=how+to+connect+a+non+smart+tv+to+the+internet#id=2&vid=d9b10396c968e133f33f7df3a787f5ca&action=click

Daryl

[Paddy]

Actually, no, your tv does NOT need an internet connection, but you do need a way to connect you Mac to the TV.

You have two Thunderbolt ports, so assuming your tv has an HDMI port, you should be able to get a Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter, and then use an HDMI cable to connect the two.

Another option would be an Apple TV (or a Roku) which would allow you to do things wirelessly, as long as you have an Ethernet port on your roster to plug the AppleTV into.

[Xairbusdriver]

I'm assuming the OP is not interested in further supporting any company bottom lines...

First, a few more details, please:
Is the TV within ~10 feet of your computer?
Please list all the ports/plugs it has.
Same for output ports on your Mac.

You can likely access the DVW32CB modem via a web browser. It's IP address may even show in your Network Prefs->Ethernet window. If not, you might try one of the most common addresses in many modems/routers: 192.168.1.1 Sometimes the address is even printed on the box or the manual (which you may have used in a bird cage...). Just type that IP number into any web browser.

EDIT: Yep, look on this page of the manual. Other info in that small book may also be helpful.

[Paddy]

Jon has a 2014 27” iMac- the only useful ports in this exercise are the two Thunderbolt ones. And they will almost certainly require a Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter, as long as the TV has HDMI. If it’s old enough that it has no HDMI, then I’d suggest getting a new TV...they’ve gotten ridiculously cheap unless you’re looking for a huge 5k one or something.

Setting up the wireless is pretty straightforward, and does not require an app, but unless you decide to get an Apple TV, it won’t help you stream to a “dumb” tv.

[jchuzi]

Thanks for the replies. Connecting my TV via ethernet is not possible (it's in another room on the other side of the house). If my understanding is correct, I need the following:

1. Something to plug into my modem (via ethernet?) that will generate a WiFi signal.
2. Something similar to Apple TV (I'm considering Roku after reading reviews at Consumer Reports) that connects to my TV via HDMI.

Am I correct?

[Xairbusdriver]

I thought the Ubee DVW32CB had a WiFi router. This Ubee page claims it does.

[jchuzi]

Looks like it does and the manual has instructions for setting it up, but it requires an app (according to the instructions) that I have not been able to track down. Probably, it would be best to contact my ISP for tech support. Right now, considering everything that is going on, that's on the back burner.

See this support page.

[Xairbusdriver]

I'm sure there are 'backdoors' that each ISP wants/specifies to be able to set up their own monitoring needs (bandwidth used, etc.). On the other hand, did you check the url mentioned earlier? Did you try accessing the modem via a browser? I think you have more capabilities than you think.

Reading between the lines, it appears that you TV has HDMI?

[jchuzi]

To answer your questions, the TV has two HDMI inputs, one of which is connected to the DVD/VCR. The other is unoccupied. I did check the URL that you provided and I posted a very unhelpful link in my last post.

How do I access the modem via a browser?

[Paddy]

Let's get a few things clear.

1. Your Ubee is a GATEWAY - it's a combo modem/router. It both connects to the internet and distributes the internet signal both via Ethernet (which you're using) and Wi-fi, which it appears you are not using. BUT whether you're using it or not, it's definitely there. It may be turned off - depends if the technician installed it or not. Generally it's on by default, but I can't speak to what may or may not have been done.

Jon, log into the router using the instructions here:

https://d15yx0mnc9teae.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/ubee-dvw32cb-userguide.pdf (from Spectrum's own site)

I have NEVER heard of a router/gateway that required an app. Never, ever and I've dealt with a LOT of routers, modems and gateways in my time. They always use an IP address with an interface/administration page, in my experience - and that is EXACTLY what they describe in the user manual. (I think you may be getting a bit confused, as they talk about the internal software on the gateway in the manual - but it's already ON the gateway, not some app you download - and it's accessible from the IP address I list here)

The IP address you need to go to is:  http://192.168.100.1

Login Default Value
Standard User Web Interface Login Username: admin
Password: <random password>
(The random password can be found on the device label, referred to as “GUI
password”) The label will be on the bottom of the router - get your reading glasses, it's typically in microscopic type.

Anyway - let us know if you've tried the basics for accessing it by following the directions in the manual starting on page 10 (which explains the label, where you'll find the login PW). There should be no need for a technician here - the instructions are very clear.

Let us know how you do. Then we'll figure out the next steps, which in order to connect a "dumb" tv, will likely involve an AppleTV or Roku. BTW - the AppleTV is stupid simple to set up and comes preloaded with stuff like Netflix, if I recall. Obviously you need to have a subscription for the paid streaming services but once logged in, it's generally very painless. I suspect the Roku isn't much different, but I've never used one.

[jchuzi]

I tried to access that IP address but it doesn't load. (This is getting more complicated than I thought.) In fact, I had tried that some time ago (I had downloaded that PDF manual a few years ago) and got nowhere, and in the same way.

EDIT: Apparently the .1 was not in the link. When I copied the entire URL and pasted it, it worked.

[jchuzi]

OK, I logged in and it says Network Access Allowed. Does this mean that WiFi is enabled?

[Paddy]

OK, I logged in and it says Network Access Allowed. Does this mean that WiFi is enabled?

Yes. Now go to page 15 of the manual and try logging into the wireless network(s) which your device should see. Do you have a wireless device to try this with? Your Mac can be used too - both wireless and wired can be active.

[jchuzi]

Thank you. That is very helpful. I do not currently have a wireless device so I can't try it out, but it seems as if I do have wireless available.