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 It filters out the outdated advice and shows you exactly which hardware and streaming protocols actually work for reliable, high-quality streaming in Canada in 2026.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…

  • CoreLabJoe@piefed.caOPEnglish
    4·
    1 day ago

    A good point indeed!

    Two current methodologies in practice these says, mostly.

    1. Dump your ‘smart’ devices (Including the spyware TV) into their own “IOT” style VLAN and block it from touching your own network but allow it to reach internet, or NOT.
    2. Network wide adware/spyware/analytics blocking via adguard/pihole/unbound etc…

    I’ll end up writing a guide for this at some point ;)

    • excursion22@piefed.caEnglish
      1·
      1 day ago

      I’m with the other person, disconnect the smart TV altogether. Ads and trackers still can get through network blocking.