manchu

I'm a bit short on hands on experience yet because I'm at a similar stage to you, ie., planning. Here more out of interest than offering any advice sorry, but nevertheless have some comments/questions. . Is any of the hardware you've listed existing.? The TP Link AC1750 you mention are wifi range extenders. I'm pretty sure that's not what you want. . https://www.tp-link.com/au/home-networking/range-extender/re450/ probably one of these? https://www.tp-link.com/au/home-networking/access-point/ I've been leaning toward the Ubiquit gear. Apparently great perfromance from their WAPs and good user interface. I got the impression they're very capable and configurable, but also OK reasonably easy for non-IT people. I'll be changing from Apple Airport Extremes, which are dead simple, so I need something good for dummies. My current plan is the start with a Dream Machine (router + WAP) in central location and see if the better wifi signal from this one unit is good enough, then add more WAPs only if necessary. Or, the Dream machine Pro out of sight and a separate WAP (for higher WAF). With the right bits I think you could do away with the switch. Some ubiquiti WAPs have a secondary ethernet port which you might be able to connect one of your wired devices (TV,PC) , or to another WAP. Passthough of POE may be an issue so best not take my word for it. . I think you're right on both points. Best to future proof. make sure it's solid copper too

I vote for forced retirement or team change once a driver reaches 3 championships.

<$30 vinyl sale at JB. Some are half price, some just a few bucks off. https://www.jbhifi.com.au/collections/vinyl-meltdown-under-30

IIRC one downside compared to chromecast audio is that mi box can't be added to a speaker group in google home.

Maybe, but it's worth a shot. A posted a similar WTB last year and got two for a fair price, but used prices were quite so crazy back then. ebay sold prices seem to be around the $120-$130 mark on average. Some quite a bit lower so you could get lucky.

Agreed. I had no trouble staying awake, unlike many other races. I hoped Danny Ric would have been more competitive but he was never really in it. He'd better get into the groove soon or he'll find himself on the wrong side of more team orders.

I've got access to fairly large qty of surplus Rockwool Rockboard 60 Insulation, so wondering if there's any potential takers here and what a fair asking price would be before I decide to peddle the stuff. Apparently it's great for acoustic applications. It's not readily available in OZ so I've got no idea what it's worth (or what I'd need to pay for it) so would be grateful for any advice or expressions of interest. Most seems to be in packs for 5 boards, each 2" x 19.88" x 48". cheers info

I'm not sure about eARC, but I've found HDMI CEC has negated the need for harmony remote for some devices. Also, my Fetch TV remote has basic 'universal remote' capability built in, so it can switch TV on and change inputs. and then there's the fact that most music and video is from from streaming platforms meaning relatively few people need to control multiple devices. It's a shame to see them going, but I reckon their days were numbered.

Very nice. must resist! GLWTS.

not heaps, but have tried a few different players and the google tv seems best. CC3. Casting only so remote and not n tv navigation is a big plus. via MacBook then airplay to appletv. I only have appletv3 so can use Plex app. fetchtv. Just browsing folders so lacking artwork etc. painful and unreliable.

I got one of these last week and am very happy with it. I bought through google deal with free 6month netflix credit so price was effectively ~$50. Much better than the chromecast 3 it replaced, and a mi box android TV elsewhere in the house. I'm using spotify, netflix, amazon, disney, youtube mostly and Plex for streaming local videos and music from a NAS. All working pretty flawlessly so far.

I spent 2yrs using Optus 4G and an Optus (E5186) modem at our new house in a bushy area. (hilly, patchy reception, terrible adsl apparently). Before committing to Optus I tested reception with an E5573? Pocket wifi modem ($30 with sim) then bought the e5186 ($50 used) once satisfied it was reliable enough. All in all it was very good. Speed initially averaged 5-10mbps and gradually improved over 2yrs to 160+ on a good day, 50 on a bad. It was good enough for mrs and I both working from home with 3 kids being TV minded or home schooled during lockdown earlier this year. I even thought about staying on once NBN finally hit my street because it was cheaper. The only gripe was dealing with Optus customer service. The are particularly infuriating but eventually get stuff right. In the right location the Optus modem worked well enough without separate antenna for me. Not quite hanging from a sack on the curtain rod, but pretty close.

I probably should run some Ethernet around the place first to make the most of what I’ve got. I’ve got an AirPort Extreme with 3 Expresses extending the wifi network. Better placement and some hardwiring between should help a bit. It’d be something on the cards anyway if I buy new hardware.

Just updating with some recent additions: Grid Connect Inline switch and Plug Base added to smarten up some light circuits where i couldn't just swap out a globe. working well. https://www.bunnings.com.au/deta-grid-connect-smart-inline-switch_p0098816 https://www.bunnings.com.au/deta-grid-connect-smart-plug-base_p009881 I've ordered the new Chromecast with google TV. Works out to <$50 for the CC in this netflix combo deal so a nice cheap upgrade to 4K + remote + the google TV features. The lack of physical remote for the older chromecast is proving annoying, especially with the kids because they don't have a phone handy to cast from. https://store.google.com/config/chromecast_google_tv_netflix I grabbed yet another chromecast audio when I saw Kogan had refurbs for sale again so have one on each hifi system now I also snapped up this google compatible portable speaker for <$100. Sounds much much better than the Google Nest mini, while having the benefit portability and water proofing. https://www.jbl.com.au/LINK+PORTABLE.html The portable speaker has really highlight the fact my wifi isn't all that good, so new router is probably the next thing to buy.