IBM retiree built a cord-cutter's paradise on the cheap
Show Us Yours: Garry doesn't even watch TV, but his media rooms are perfect for when the grandkids come over.
This is Garry. "I am retired from IBM and have been interested in streaming television for the last 14 years," he says. "This past year has been an exciting one for cord cutters. Oddly enough, I don't watch TV or sports. I use this setup more to help people see what they can do for very little money and have a poor man's home theater setup for the grandkids when they come over.
"I enjoy the technology. I set up a 65-inch TCL Roku TV for my 80-year-old neighbor today. He had a 25-inch tube TV. Highlight of my day to see him using the new technology."
"This is my study, consisting of mostly Ethan Allen antique pine furniture from their Custom Room Plan selection," Garry says. "32-inch Roku TVs on left and right. Vizio 42-incher in the middle. All TVs are connected to a PC and Apple TV 4 through HDMI splitters."
Close-up shot of the three TVs.
Garry's setup for his morning routine: Aquarium videos on left and right Roku TVs, which are connected to the Apple TV. Center TV is connected to a PC for newspaper reading.
This is the resting mode for the setup, as it looks when you walk in the room.
The home screen on a TCL 55-inch 4K TV. This is the main viewing TV.
Dual recliners and Ethan Allen bar unit, which Garry's grandkids use for all their refreshment needs (no alcohol, Garry says). Ethan Allen Gear table for playing board games. It spins!
A screenshot of the iPad interface for the TCL Roku 55-incher.
Another view of the home theater, with a dart board on left. An Ethan Allen end table stores all dart supplies and serves as a step stool for the little ones. Also a drop spot when you walk in the front door.
This recliner opposite the wall unit. "Originally I had dual recliners here," Garry says. "Then I got a bigger TV in the main room and moved all dual recliners there."
Another screenshot of the iPad interface for the TCL Roku 55-incher.
The two HDMI splitters. One is connected to a PC and switchable to all three TVs. The other is connected to an Apple TV and is also switchable.
A close-up of a movie from Garry's Vudu movie collection. For the last 13 years he's had no cable or satellite TV.
This is the main room for watching on the TCL Roku 55-incher. It also has a PC and Apple TV connected directly to it. The home-theater snack center is a kids' haven. Games are in the cabinet below to play on game tables in the main room.
The three TVs connected to different channels for various sports events.
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