Cable is dead. Here are your three paths to freedom. Whether you just want to replace cable with apps, or build the ultimate "Cloud Streamer" with Stremio and Real-Debrid, this guide covers the hardware, software, and ISP tricks you need in Canada.

Hello PieFed! I feel there’s not enough content in regards to tech or self-hosting focused on us Canucks, so I started writing a blog last year. A lot of it fits into anywhere as it’s all centered on self-hosting and cybersecurity but I specifically write some posts & chunks of posts, directly for my fellow Canadians!

Welcome to Core Lab =) Operated & Self-Hosted in Canada, by a Canadian.

I personally ‘cut the cord’ back in 2012 , tired of the high costs and limited options of Canadian cable. Over the last 14+ years, I’ve moved from trying basic OTA antennas (Mohu Leaf anyone?!) to advanced automated self-hosted setups using Plex/Jelly and/or Real Debrid integrations!

I wrote this guide to save you the trial and error. It filters out the outdated advice and shows you exactly which hardware and streaming protocols actually work for reliable, high-quality streaming in Canada in 2026. Let me know if you have any questions or if this guide helped you out!

Disclaimer: This post does contain some affiliate links, but no ads ! I’ll never have popup or in-line ads…

  • Reannlegge@lemmy.ca
    4·
    2 days ago

    I use wireguard and duckdns.org, instead of paying for a static IP (even though I am fairly sure my ISP turned the rotating off as the fibre connects have a static IP but I don’t have fibre yet). In my I past I had a very basic over the web TV package from my ISP but at the beginning of 2925 that was canncelled, talk about easiest cancel plan when they try to down grade me more to keep me in the package I just said no I do not pay for US channels I do not use. I had the TV package just in case something big was happening and I wanted to watch CBC or if there was a CFL game on. I just pay for Gem every month and TSN+ during the CFL season.

    I have been telling myself I just need that one last part for my home theatre pi and then it will be ready for a while, but something is always preventing me from getting it or something did not work. I just need to get an NVMe drive now and then I will be ready for it, I think. I have a system set up with pi’s 2 pi 5’s each operate pihole among other things, but one of them also hosts my *arr apps and Jellyfin server. I have a pi 0 2 hosting wireguard so that I can watch my movies and shows away from my LAN. Trump’s 51st state thing broke me and I started sailing the high C’s again, no looking back but if you do not want to be like me set up pihole so when you go to a channels web app on a “smart TV” or a box you do not get bogged down with the same four ads.

    But do support Canadian and pay for and watch CBC gem content. Not saying go crazy and watch the news all the time but they do have some great shows.

    • CoreLabJoe@piefed.caOPEnglish
      2·
      11 hours ago

      Yeah honestly CBC Gem isn’t expensive in the grand scheme of things (Especially if you get the annual sub on sale) and has pretty good Canadian content!