Question about movie watching. (I'm somewhat technology challenged :)

[cruiseagona]

We will be on the Joy in a couple of weeks. I enjoy watching movies. So I went to Goodwill and purchased a bunch of DVDs. I have a little external CD player that I got. Tested it out and I can now watch a movie on my Apple MacBook Pro. Is it true that I can bring a HDMI cable with me so that I can watch the movie on an even bigger screen? I'm assuming one end of the HDMI cable gets hooked up to my computer and the other end to the TV. Will I be able to get to the back of the TV on the Joy? Is there anything else I need to know? Thanks.

[yoolykeme]

Should be able to.  The TVs are usually on swivels.  I usually access a USB port to charge a device.

 

Only thing is that I forget if the TV remote allows you to change the source.  I'm sure someone will know

[mnventure]

Just now, yoolykeme said:

Should be able to.  The TVs are usually on swivels.  I usually access a USB port to charge a device.

 

Only thing is that I forget if the TV remote allows you to change the source.  I'm sure someone will know

I read somewhere else that you need to bring a universal tv remote, in order to change the source. And then it should work. I’ve never tried it. 

[yoolykeme]

Just now, mnventure said:

I read somewhere else that you need to bring a universal tv remote, in order to change the source. And then it should work. I’ve never tried it. 

 

Oh wait.  I just realized that the TV console will probably have a button to change the source.  I doubt that they will be disabled or inaccessible. 

[crdtrnr]

I don't believe that you are able to access the tv to use with a tablet or gaming device.  If you want to watch movies, I would suggest using your laptop, or downloading to your tablet.

 

[mnventure]

8 hours ago, yoolykeme said:

 

Oh wait.  I just realized that the TV console will probably have a button to change the source.  I doubt that they will be disabled or inaccessible. 

From what I’ve heard on most (all but the Haven TV’s?) there is no source button on the TV, which is why a remote is needed. 

[BirdTravels]

Hacking the ship’s TVs is not a task for a technically challenged person. 

[RedwingHockeyFan]

I was never able to change the source on the TV to watch a movie or display my laptop on the screen.  If someone has the secret I'd love to know.

[MotownVoice]

1 hour ago, BirdTravels said:

Hacking the ship’s TVs is not a task for a technically challenged person. 

 

 

lol

Accessing an available port on a TV in a room you've paid $5000 for is not "hacking."  

It's "using".

As to the OP's question:   If you can get someone who's currently on a ship to post the model and maybe even the model NUMBER of a TV you could easily search that model and locate the manual, most of which are readily available on the internet for free.

From there scroll down to the section that shows you where all the buttons and functions are on the TV.  Somewhere there's a button, or a setting within a button's functions, that gets you to "SOURCE".

NCL would have to get TVs specially made to not be able to perform almost every function you can access on a remote, without one.

 

Edited January 30, 2020 by MotownVoice

[cruiseagona]

3 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Hacking the ship’s TVs is not a task for a technically challenged person. 

I'm not hacking. I am taking my legally purchased movies and watching them with my DVD player. I would like to watch my legal movies on a larger screen legally if possible.

[pcakes122]

Universal remote is the answer for changing the input source.  Very easy.

 

If you in the Haven (at least on Breakaway or Breakaway-plus class ships), there is an actual "Source/Input" button on the right hand side of the TV - however if you are lazy and don't want to get up, universal remote works for those TVs, too.

 

So, everything you need is:  1) HDMI cable to plug into TV HDMI port, 2) HDMI adapter if required for your device (e.g. phone or tablet that does NOT have an HDMI port) and 3) universal remote to change the input source.

 

No hacking of anything involved.  Also, I do this set-up on my cruises and I leave it all plugged in during the cruise and not a single room steward and/or butler has ever mentioned it or even blinked an eye.  So, NCL (or Royal) doesn't care if you watch your own content.

[cruiseagona]

Thank you so much for the direct answer. This is what I needed to hear. I was just looking up universal remotes. We are in a mini suite. Does the brand of the universal remote matter? Thanks again.

[pcakes122]

This is the company that provides the video display TVs for NCL http://www.soletv.com/LEDTVs.html which has manuals and photos to help figure out where the HDMI port is.  (or you can just stick your phone behind the TV and take a photo 😉)

 

That said, I use this LG universal remote on NCL.  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M328ONU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I honestly can't remember why I bought that one - either because I saw LG on the Haven TV or I read it somewhere on Cruise Critic - and I am 99% of the time in the Haven.  But, last April I went on the Escape last minute and could only get a mini-suite and the LG universal remote worked just fine on the "Sole" TV in the cabin.

 

(btw I have a different universal remote that I use on Royal.)

 

Hope this helps! 😊

 

 

 

[yoolykeme]

Where are you cruising to that you'd rather watch your movies,rather than watch the 6 movies that the tv has on repeat, or instead of going to the theater to watch the shows? 

[mking8288]

We've seen 2 different brands of HDTV monitors in use, Sole and LG, both models are hospitality-specific models, and the high end Harmony universal remote might not work at all - because - the input source is firmware locked, you cannot change the source. 

 

For "Sole" TV's - they are locked to the default HDMI connection, you need to disconnect and connect your own HDMI cable  - easily enough for balconies & mini's as the mounting can be swiveled & tilted a little.  Not as easily, however, with Insides & Oceanviews, very tight space as they are mounted on a solid pole - it doesn't really tilt and swivel, just a tiny bit of movement allowed.  

 

The LG branded HDTV monitor does NOT use HDMI connection, rather it's a a proprietary connector plug (RG-59/coaxial locking ring or ethernet style) - there are multiple HDMI ports, except they are blocked & locked to the default input signal source.  I have a Xiaomi smartphone with RF/IR remote app and was unable to scan/do anything about it - which works great on home automation - controlling security cameras, etc. 

 

By all means, feel free to try it out.  Have a Plan B. 

[Cruiser_1977]

I didn't watch much tv on my NCL cruise to Cuba. Does NCL not have movies available for watching on their televisions?

[don't-use-real-name]

22 minutes ago, JennyB1977 said:

I didn't watch much tv on my NCL cruise to Cuba. Does NCL not have movies available for watching on their televisions?

In a suite or Haven all the movies are complimentary.

Some ships still have the old actual DVD to be played in a DVD player - but these are fast going the way of the do-do

bird with dry-dock upgrading.

There are movies for rental just like if you were in a hotel.

Rental fees apply - probably on the order of $5 a movie

NCL has 1 or more channels playing ole time classics and kids cartoons - gotta keep the rug rats pacified !

 

The TVS being used by NCL are no doubt commercial grade with bare-bones features after all even a small ship

is going to have a couple of thousand of them !

 

Which brings up at this time of posting the TV coverage of the SUPERBOWL - - - - -

I will take my soap box and leave quietly stage door left - - - - -

[pcakes122]

4 hours ago, mking8288 said:

We've seen 2 different brands of HDTV monitors in use, Sole and LG, both models are hospitality-specific models, and the high end Harmony universal remote might not work at all - because - the input source is firmware locked, you cannot change the source. 

 

For "Sole" TV's - they are locked to the default HDMI connection, you need to disconnect and connect your own HDMI cable  - easily enough for balconies & mini's as the mounting can be swiveled & tilted a little.  Not as easily, however, with Insides & Oceanviews, very tight space as they are mounted on a solid pole - it doesn't really tilt and swivel, just a tiny bit of movement allowed.  

 

The LG branded HDTV monitor does NOT use HDMI connection, rather it's a a proprietary connector plug (RG-59/coaxial locking ring or ethernet style) - there are multiple HDMI ports, except they are blocked & locked to the default input signal source.  I have a Xiaomi smartphone with RF/IR remote app and was unable to scan/do anything about it - which works great on home automation - controlling security cameras, etc. 

 

By all means, feel free to try it out.  Have a Plan B. 

Which ship did you try this?  With the instructions I posted above, I have never had any issue connecting on the Breakaway or Breakaway-plus class ships in both Haven and non-Haven (specifically the Getaway, Breakaway, Escape and Bliss - I won't be on Encore until November or Joy until next spring.)  I have used the LG universal remote in both Haven and non-Haven cabins (even with the Sole-branded TVs) I can't remember if I tried on Jewel-class ships - it's been a while - but I am always in suites on Jewel class so that may be different than non-suites.

[pcakes122]

8 hours ago, yoolykeme said:

Where are you cruising to that you'd rather watch your movies,rather than watch the 6 movies that the tv has on repeat, or instead of going to the theater to watch the shows? 

I can truly understand why some people don't get why someone would want to watch their own TV or movies on a cruise.  I'm sure it sounds crazy to some, depending upon your perspective.  But, speaking for myself - and without trying to sound jaded or come off as less than humble, I cruise ALOT.  Since I cruise with CAS, I have the great opportunity to cruise frequently and, since I have mobility issues, I can basically only cruise from one port.  Soooo, I have been on the same ships with the same itineraries lots and lots of times.  I've seen allllllllllll the ship's shows (multiple times!), I've been to all the ports (a zillion times), eaten in all the specialty restaurants (too many times lol)  I do not drink - except for a celebratory cocktail here and there, so the bar scene is not my thing.  I love the casino, but if I spent ALL my time there I'd be broke.  I stay in the Haven 99% of the time, so I always have a beautiful, big, comfy cabin to relax in.  So, for me, some nights there is nothing I love more than to get in my PJs early, have the butler bring some fabulous comfort foods and relax and binge watch the latest episodes of "my shows" 🙂  With the sea out my window.  HEAVEN.  Love it!

 

But to each his own.  If I was only cruising once or twice a year, on ships that were "new" to me with shows I haven't seen, of course I would not stay in and watch TV.  But that's not the case - in my case. 

[mking8288]

8 minutes ago, pcakes122 said:

Which ship did you try this?  With the instructions I posted above, I have never had any issue connecting on the Breakaway or Breakaway-plus class ships in both Haven and non-Haven ... but I am always in suites on Jewel class so that may be different than non-suites.

 

Getaway, Breakaway & Escape - Sole TV monitors in balconies, OV & Insides are fine, as they used HDMI input, just a matter of being able to disconnect, reconnect & restore upon disembarkation - the HDMI cable and cast directly from our Sony Vaio NB, no remote needed.  If it worked downstairs, should be no problems in Haven whatsoever.  

 

LG monitors used on the Gem & Dawn within the past year - couldn't switch input source to HDMI.  It could be this specific LG universal remote being the "trick" but I surely couldn't get my Xiaomi to do anything - whereas at home, the smartphone app replaced the remote & switch input sources, channels, volume & mute, etc. easily with its IR/remote features - we run our Sony, Samsung & Panasonic HDTV's in the house with the Xiaomi.  

 

If the original input source is HDMI, whether it's LG or Sole or Samsung, etc. - it shouldn't matter, as long as I can get my fat fingers behind to gently disconnect & reconnect. 

 

Now, let's see if I can track down a "LG Remote App" to play next time, we carry with enough gadgets already - really don't need to pack one more extra. 

[GA Dave]

11 hours ago, pcakes122 said:

I can truly understand why some people don't get why someone would want to watch their own TV or movies on a cruise.  I'm sure it sounds crazy to some, depending upon your perspective.  But, speaking for myself - and without trying to sound jaded or come off as less than humble, I cruise ALOT.  Since I cruise with CAS, I have the great opportunity to cruise frequently and, since I have mobility issues, I can basically only cruise from one port.  Soooo, I have been on the same ships with the same itineraries lots and lots of times.  I've seen allllllllllll the ship's shows (multiple times!), I've been to all the ports (a zillion times), eaten in all the specialty restaurants (too many times lol)  I do not drink - except for a celebratory cocktail here and there, so the bar scene is not my thing.  I love the casino, but if I spent ALL my time there I'd be broke.  I stay in the Haven 99% of the time, so I always have a beautiful, big, comfy cabin to relax in.  So, for me, some nights there is nothing I love more than to get in my PJs early, have the butler bring some fabulous comfort foods and relax and binge watch the latest episodes of "my shows" 🙂  With the sea out my window.  HEAVEN.  Love it!

 

But to each his own.  If I was only cruising once or twice a year, on ships that were "new" to me with shows I haven't seen, of course I would not stay in and watch TV.  But that's not the case - in my case. 

Agree with this perspective.  I used to travel all the time for business via the same airline.  After a while, the movies, etc. being offered were very repetitive.  They were also the "popular" movies that had been in the theaters the previous quarter.  Since I have a fairly eclectic taste in movies and televisions series, I would always download a bunch of stuff on my mega-laptop and watch my own programming.  I can understand someone wanting to utilize the monitor (aka TV) in their cabin to watch things on a cruise.  Some of us are a little too old now to party every night on a cruise!  🤣