Please settle an argument for me regarding the Mag Box for TV

by xrayvsncom

My mother is a big fan of Indian TV shows which the only way she had been able to see is with the DISH satellite international program. Unfortunately starting in 2019, DISH sent an email saying they are no longer covering the channels she wanted (I believe SUN TV, etc).

She did some research and through some friends they suggested the MAG box would be a great solution. The biggest issue that I have been arguing against this is that for this to work, it would have to use data on the satellite internet currently in place (where we both live there is no cable TV, so have to get internet and TV through the internet).

Satellite internet is expensive and where we are, there are no unlimited options. We actually have a low data plan of 12 GB/mo (for $60) that after it is used up throttles down considerably.

I say that this MAG box would chew through this data in the first couple of days while she says her friends told her that it just needs internet to connect to but doesn't use any data.

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Would love to hear from anyone that can give the facts to settle this (I would love for it to be true for her, but it just doesn't sound like this box is magic and doesn't use any of the limited satellite data.

starfishrimmer

I'd love to know where her friends think the box it is getting the data from if not from the internet connection...!

It would, as you said, use up her data very quickly.

007c5

Yes it will use internet data. Maybe her friends thought it came through satellite and the box just "decoded" the stream or something?

ElectricBump

It actually depends. The only way to get IPTV through a way other than the Internet is if the Internet goes trough GPON and the TV feed goes on LAN3 and LAN4 ports unencrypted (so the video goes through an internal LAN). This does not apply in your case. If you talk about Dish this means you're in the US, so you may try the unlimited mobile data options that providers like T-Mobile, Sprint or Verizon offer. If you go with mobile data, you need a smartphone and your TV needs to support Miracast (as the mobile data providers usually don't allow tethering). On the other hand, I don't recommend MAG boxes, and if you do, purchase a knock-off. Currently, knock-off MAG boxes are better than the Informir ones since the latter is actively blocking portals.

tampa36

You sure you only can get Satellite internet capped at 12GB a month for $60? That sounds terrible, but a blessing if that is your only way to connect. The only thing I can think of is, maybe you overlooked a cheaper or more reasonable internet provider who would allow you to stream without hitting your cap every month. I just read that ViaSat-2 is rolling out unlimited data plans depending on your area.

iptvking

Can use your unlimited Verizon hotspot and add a line ? It will be cheaper then satellite. Also what speeds you getting on verizon ?

Estartithomey

Yes especially if you watching HD r fhd channels.

DaniIPTV

Hi Yes it would use data but that 12 GB what you are getting is download or 12 GB speed as some provider gives unlimited download on home packages....May be it's different where u stay and here in UAE they do ...And if u want Sun TV and Malyali or Tamil Channels let me know will give u trials of it on your MAG Devices

xrayvsncom

Just wanted to give an update and say thanks for all the great advice and comments.

We canceled the international dish package which had dropped the channels we wanted (saving $60/mo). We then got the Hotstar App and paid for streaming for $39/yr. Bought an Apple TV (4k). And now she is able to do direct screen mirroring via Bluetooth and with no need to use our limited satellite internet data and rely on the unlimited cellular data.

My mom is thrilled and actually likes this setup better than what we had