Hooking Computer up to Epic's TV

[Daddyrob81]

I was reviewing an article posted on the NCL website Article: What to Pack for your Cruise and one of the items states, "Many laptops can be connected to your stateroom TV so you can play your favorite movie off of the big screen."

 

I've seen some conflicting posts on the boards about this. Has anybody had success in doing this on the Epic?

 

Thanks in advance.

[rvsullivan]

This is incorrect. Not sure where this came from, but it clearly states at the bottom that this is purely the opinion of the author and not NCL. Also at the top it references a blog.

There are several things on there that are incorrect. Another is White Hot Party, which no longer exists.

 

I just backtracked and found the location for this information. Seems NCL is referencing a blog and it has outdated/incorrect info.

You cannot connect to your TV.

Edited February 21, 2015 by rvsullivan

[garycarla]

Something is fishy in Norway!!

 

Went to the link which appears to be on the ncl site. It says:

 

MOVIES AND SHOWS

 

At some point in your trip you may want to stay in for a night. Instead of leaving your entertainment up to cruise ship TV bring your own on your laptop. Many laptops can be connected to your stateroom TV so you can play your favorite movie off of the big screen.

 

 

Link: http://www.ncl.com/cruise-information/article-what-pack-your-cruise?

 

It has been the experience of many that you can not change the source on the tv, so you can connect, but you can not get it to work.

[mking8288]

HDMI would be the most logical & "more" fool-proof.

That's indeed very interesting, we're going onto the BA in 29 days so I'll remember to bring my Chromecast dongle (Amazon Fire/Stick for some) to see if I can find a way to connect to those newer HDTV's HDMI port ... which was nearly impossible to reach behind the tight wall/monitor spacing, let alone disconnecting & other ports (component/composite or analog, etc.) were firmware blocked or locked down.

I simply cannot foreseen pax getting access granted to disconnect the RG-59/coaxial cable input as that would also be a possible node to use BUT almost no laptop have connect directly to. Fleetwide, I'm not sure if the older ships have converted all of their older analog TV monitors to newer HDTV flat panels - those used either coaxial or comonent/composite inputs for getting the ship's signal.

"Casting" wirelessly from the laptop PC to the stateroom TV is possible if the pax can get into the ship's WiFi system (putting in very simplistic terms for the average user) but that can easily become an I.T. nightmare for the ship's IT crew (ha ha - at a nominal fee, I bet and LOL)

Unless NCL is upgrading their system and installing input jacks next to the monitor for simple plug-and-play connection ... wishful thinking but my feeling is that the "revenue" department much rather see folks in the bars and casino, etc. I know that I've looked at the set up on the Jewel, Gem and the BA and I was reluctant to "mess" with all those tightly bundled wires & cables just to watch some DVD's or MP4's on the relatively "small" monitor on the wall. << Skeptical, to say the least >>

Edited February 21, 2015 by mking8288

[csnarpy]

whoa, the white hot party is no longer!? was kinda excited for that, did they replace it with anything else? I'm on the epic in 20 days....

 

man, i wish i had some recent dailies.

[LrgPizza]

whoa, the white hot party is no longer!? was kinda excited for that, did they replace it with anything else? I'm on the epic in 20 days....

 

man, i wish i had some recent dailies.

On our Epic cruise in November they did the White Hot Party. Our Getaway cruise in May had the Glow Party instead.

[shof515]

you can hookup your computer/tablet but you will have problems changing the input on the tv to the hdmi port

[mking8288]

Back on topic ... These are the input jacks on the Jewel as taken by someone else posted on CC in response to a different question - there is more room for the user to access them & do a plug in - changes are blocked as it is firmware blocked, so even a high-end (Harmony) universal remote won't do it. On the BA, the panel were not sideway facing but toward the back/mounting panel - very tight.

Notice the coaxial/cable input, similar to those with services at home, and it has a special (round) locking ring to prevent casual removal or tempering - as that's the default signal input from the ship's "broadcast" network.

Credit for the photo & the post - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1853399&highlight=jewel

Policies might've been changed or in process, I travel with my Google Chromecast and will see if I can do a simple plug-n-play (it's a bit more complicated & need my own WiFi network to be running) to stream MP4's to the "bigger" monitor next month ... so, standby for an update or alert, if & when ... one way or another. Anyone else sailing sooner & reading these - please feel free to check, advice & share, etc. I know for the GEM, it "ignored" my HDMI connection completely, no matter what (2012)

Edited February 22, 2015 by mking8288

[BOOPOOPADOOP]

HDMI would be the most logical & "more" fool-proof.

That's indeed very interesting, we're going onto the BA in 29 days so I'll remember to bring my Chromecast dongle (Amazon Fire/Stick for some) to see if I can find a way to connect to those newer HDTV's HDMI port ... which was nearly impossible to reach behind the tight wall/monitor spacing, let alone disconnecting & other ports (component/composite or analog, etc.) were firmware blocked or locked down.

I simply cannot foreseen pax getting access granted to disconnect the RG-59/coaxial cable input as that would also be a possible node to use BUT almost no laptop have connect directly to. Fleetwide, I'm not sure if the older ships have converted all of their older analog TV monitors to newer HDTV flat panels - those used either coaxial or comonent/composite inputs for getting the ship's signal.

"Casting" wirelessly from the laptop PC to the stateroom TV is possible if the pax can get into the ship's WiFi system (putting in very simplistic terms for the average user) but that can easily become an I.T. nightmare for the ship's IT crew (ha ha - at a nominal fee, I bet and LOL)

Unless NCL is upgrading their system and installing input jacks next to the monitor for simple plug-and-play connection ... wishful thinking but my feeling is that the "revenue" department much rather see folks in the bars and casino, etc. I know that I've looked at the set up on the Jewel, Gem and the BA and I was reluctant to "mess" with all those tightly bundled wires & cables just to watch some DVD's or MP4's on the relatively "small" monitor on the wall. << Skeptical, to say the least >>

did ths work? and if so would the newest version of firestick be able to get wi-fi

[mking8288]

did ths work? and if so would the newest version of firestick be able to get wi-fi

 

#Cough #Cough - hmmm, yes - it did worked for me on the BA earlier, as an "experiment" of course, not for average non-geek to mess things up, however - so YMMV especially with other ships depending on whether you have work space behind the panel/connectors to release the HDMI connector, and ... hookup my own 6' HDMI cable for the signal.

 

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2015%20NCL%20BA/IMG20150322_2245%20%281024x768%29.jpg

 

Forget to bring along my Google Chromecast HDMI extension/adapter for screencast so ended up with a simple HDMI hookup to the Sony Viao PC (running Windows 7 OS) to playback previously downloaded & stored content in HD/720 dpi - VLC Media Player was my choice (Linux friendly) & bluetooth audio on the little "Big Blue" speaker for great audio.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2015%20NCL%20BA/IMG20150322_2327%20%281024x768%29.jpg

 

Nice thing about Google Movie is that I can download them to my devices & then play it back anytime, anywhere when I'm setup. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2015%20NCL%20BA/IMG20150322_2345%20%281024x768%29.jpg

 

Whether it's Amz's Firestick or Google Chromecast "stick" - I'm not sure if you can get the stick to log into their WiFi system, but when we are staying in land-based hotel for multiple nights, I have my own mini travel router/hotspot - WiFi network that I can beam or cast the signal for playback, as long as I can (like in this case) configure & run my own system, using the HDMI port. Of course, to remember to reconnect the HDMI back to the iTV system so that functionality is back at 100% for others.

[BOOPOOPADOOP]

#Cough #Cough - hmmm, yes - it did worked for me on the BA earlier, as an "experiment" of course, not for average non-geek to mess things up, however - so YMMV especially with other ships depending on whether you have work space behind the panel/connectors to release the HDMI connector, and ... hookup my own 6' HDMI cable for the signal.

 

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2015%20NCL%20BA/IMG20150322_2245%20%281024x768%29.jpg

 

Forget to bring along my Google Chromecast HDMI extension/adapter for screencast so ended up with a simple HDMI hookup to the Sony Viao PC (running Windows 7 OS) to playback previously downloaded & stored content in HD/720 dpi - VLC Media Player was my choice (Linux friendly) & bluetooth audio on the little "Big Blue" speaker for great audio.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2015%20NCL%20BA/IMG20150322_2327%20%281024x768%29.jpg

 

Nice thing about Google Movie is that I can download them to my devices & then play it back anytime, anywhere when I'm setup. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2015%20NCL%20BA/IMG20150322_2345%20%281024x768%29.jpg

 

Whether it's Amz's Firestick or Google Chromecast "stick" - I'm not sure if you can get the stick to log into their WiFi system, but when we are staying in land-based hotel for multiple nights, I have my own mini travel router/hotspot - WiFi network that I can beam or cast the signal for playback, as long as I can (like in this case) configure & run my own system, using the HDMI port. Of course, to remember to reconnect the HDMI back to the iTV system so that functionality is back at 100% for others.

WOW! WOW! WOW!.... I hope someone tries it with the new firestick. Thanks for the info......I cruise next week

[BOOPOOPADOOP]

"cough" "cough" What do you think about this

 

http://www.ibtimes.com/amazon-fire-tv-stick-now-works-over-hotel-wi-fi-college-libraries-dorms-rooms-1858112

Edited July 27, 2015 by BOOPOOPADOOP
shorten

[mking8288]

Interesting, not into Prime but if you are into their Amazon ecosystem, get one & bring it along to experiment, they ship fast & I got Sunday delivery by USPS free. As long as you aren't using their network for downloads, sounded like it should work as stated. Their stick has better specs over Google, but with nieces working inside Goggle n other goodies, gotta support the product n brand.

 

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Edited July 27, 2015 by mking8288

[ferk29]

#Cough #Cough - hmmm, yes - it did worked for me on the BA earlier, as an "experiment" of course, not for average non-geek to mess things up, however - so YMMV especially with other ships depending on whether you have work space behind the panel/connectors to release the HDMI connector, and ... hookup my own 6' HDMI cable for the signal.

 

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2015%20NCL%20BA/IMG20150322_2245%20%281024x768%29.jpg

 

Forget to bring along my Google Chromecast HDMI extension/adapter for screencast so ended up with a simple HDMI hookup to the Sony Viao PC (running Windows 7 OS) to playback previously downloaded & stored content in HD/720 dpi - VLC Media Player was my choice (Linux friendly) & bluetooth audio on the little "Big Blue" speaker for great audio.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2015%20NCL%20BA/IMG20150322_2327%20%281024x768%29.jpg

 

Nice thing about Google Movie is that I can download them to my devices & then play it back anytime, anywhere when I'm setup. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2015%20NCL%20BA/IMG20150322_2345%20%281024x768%29.jpg

 

Whether it's Amz's Firestick or Google Chromecast "stick" - I'm not sure if you can get the stick to log into their WiFi system, but when we are staying in land-based hotel for multiple nights, I have my own mini travel router/hotspot - WiFi network that I can beam or cast the signal for playback, as long as I can (like in this case) configure & run my own system, using the HDMI port. Of course, to remember to reconnect the HDMI back to the iTV system so that functionality is back at 100% for others.

Hi, i know you posted this over a year ago, but im booked on the Getaway for january 15th and i already prepaid the unlimited internet so i can boradcast and important event during my cruise. I see you managed to mirror your laptop to the tv with and HDMI cable, i want to do just the same and as i read on other threads, Cruise lines tend block hdmi inputs . As the Getaway and Breakaway are sister ships they have the same flat screen tv models. I hope you can reply and walk me through the steps you followed. Does the remote have an input/source button? Is it necessary? Or is it as easy as unplugging the ncl's system HDMI and plugging my own for the tv to mirror my device screen?

[zqvol]

. . . Or is it as easy as unplugging the ncl's system HDMI and plugging my own for the tv to mirror my device screen?

 

 

That should be all that you need to do, you aren't changing the input as far as the TV knows, it is still coming through the same port.

[mking8288]

... Does the remote have an input/source button? Is it necessary? Or is it as easy as unplugging the ncl's system HDMI and plugging my own for the tv to mirror my device screen?

 

Have fun, good luck & hopefully - should still works, never know for sure ... both ships using "Sole" brand of hospitality HDTV with multiple input sources, but, all firmware locked. Not even high end Harmony Universal Remote will do anything to switch or change it ... just a matter of reaching behind to find the HDMI cable, carefully disconnect it & connect your own HDMI cable (very helpful to bring your own mini flashlight / or, use the smartphone's LED flashlight so you can see better) - ding, ding & you are directly connected between the sources.

 

We're on the BA earlier this year as well, nothing changed so all is good with balcony & mini-suites. However, not with oceanview or insides, as they are mounted differently and impractical to do this.

 

Sidenote - Chromecast stick isn't going to work but the newest Roku Streaming Stick 2016, with the optional mini-extension, will connect as I do this while vacationing & extended stay at land-based hotel with HDMI input (it has the unique "dorm & hotel" feature, combined with using smartphone or tablet to complete the setup) - wirelessly and without needing the cable, but you still need to disconnect from behind the HDTV.

 

It has been reported by others on NCL ships (i.e. GEM) coming out of dry-dock recently with LG (or, Samsung ??) branded TV that they are using RG-59 type locking rings for its cable input; and, rendered this HDMI input approach useless - so, please beware that it might not work (for all others reading).

 

Plan B - just play it on the laptop/notebook PC & bring a mini-bluetooth speaker for better sound quality. Download movies & MP4 onto the tablet first (I don't transfer anything onto the iPad/mini) as that can cast directly via HDMI (+ mini adapter for iOS) to the HDTV monitor.

 

As always, please make sure to reconnect before disembarkation for the next pax cruising - and, that you will not have access to all interactive TV content while doing this ... some of the info can be viewed on the iConcierge smartphone App.

 

Disclaimer - not for those not tech-inclined & uncomfortable hooking up and making configuration changes, etc. When in doubt, don't do it.

[ferk29]

Have fun, good luck & hopefully - should still works, never know for sure ... both ships using "Sole" brand of hospitality HDTV with multiple input sources, but, all firmware locked. Not even high end Harmony Universal Remote will do anything to switch or change it ... just a matter of reaching behind to find the HDMI cable, carefully disconnect it & connect your own HDMI cable (very helpful to bring your own mini flashlight / or, use the smartphone's LED flashlight so you can see better) - ding, ding & you are directly connected between the sources.

 

We're on the BA earlier this year as well, nothing changed so all is good with balcony & mini-suites. However, not with oceanview or insides, as they are mounted differently and impractical to do this.

 

Sidenote - Chromecast stick isn't going to work but the newest Roku Streaming Stick 2016, with the optional mini-extension, will connect as I do this while vacationing & extended stay at land-based hotel with HDMI input (it has the unique "dorm & hotel" feature, combined with using smartphone or tablet to complete the setup) - wirelessly and without needing the cable, but you still need to disconnect from behind the HDTV.

 

It has been reported by others on NCL ships (i.e. GEM) coming out of dry-dock recently with LG (or, Samsung ??) branded TV that they are using RG-59 type locking rings for its cable input; and, rendered this HDMI input approach useless - so, please beware that it might not work (for all others reading).

 

Plan B - just play it on the laptop/notebook PC & bring a mini-bluetooth speaker for better sound quality. Download movies & MP4 onto the tablet first (I don't transfer anything onto the iPad/mini) as that can cast directly via HDMI (+ mini adapter for iOS) to the HDTV monitor.

 

As always, please make sure to reconnect before disembarkation for the next pax cruising - and, that you will not have access to all interactive TV content while doing this ... some of the info can be viewed on the iConcierge smartphone App.

 

Disclaimer - not for those not tech-inclined & uncomfortable hooking up and making configuration changes, etc. When in doubt, don't do it.

Thanks a lot for the reply, i'll take all of your tips into account. Just for the record, have you tried the new NCL high speed internet (updated on July 2016) for streaming content such as Netflix and youtube??

[mking8288]

We've noticed hardware upgrade & "better" (a relative term) upload speed this May on the BA vs. 18 months ago, download is "functional" with varied success, and I would not attempt to stream at all - the benchmark results I saw wasn't there to suggest improved bandwidth, as it is over satellite with ultra high latency on a shared node.

 

Skype audio is fine, like similar VoIP applications. Besides, it is not supported and I'm sure certain "ports" are blocked and systems are in place to drop your connection. https://www.ncl.com/about/staying-connected-sea-internet-access

 

I know of others that sailed on the BA since this summer & also done so on RCI and CCL, with different systems & speed tiers in place, and, they're happy & got it working ... just, NOT with NCL even after the upgrade - cache compression, etc. (it's something nicely done by T-Mo & I use that on my devices; and, it's not counted against my 4G/LTE data usage ... land based towers, of course)

 

If you look at the the newer details I posed until 2016's review, you should see some of the discovery ... among them, broadband functionality should be better on 5 GHz channels vs. the more crowded 2.4 GHz & popular band common with the majority of devices in use these days. WiFi coverage is bow to stern for all practical purposes and you will see the hotspot nicely blending into the deco, inTRAnet is solid but inTERnet continued with limitations - and, it's not practical nor easy to support as many as 500+ "signed-in" user accounts at any given time (a fraction of the pax sailing or stateroom counts).

 

Feel free to "try" it but just want to caution on what not to expect - download those movies, clips and MP4's, etc. ahead onto your device. Good luck & let us know afterward.

 

Edited December 30, 2016 by mking8288

[ferk29]

Alright , thanks... Since you cruised the BA on may and the whole bandwidth upgrade took place on July - supposedly - i hope that the experience now is better. I'll keep you guys updated on both the Internet speed and the HDMI connection when i get back from my cruise, thanks again.