All About JubileeTV and Source Devices

July 31, 2023

When you purchase JubileeTV for your loved one, you'll both get to enjoy some unique experiences: easy-to-use TV video calling, a senior-friendly voice-controlled universal remote, the ability to use your phone to remotely your parent's TV, and much more.

There are a few things your loved one will need to take advantage of all the Jubilee goodness: a television, a home internet connection with wi-fi and at least one supported TV source device.

While a television and internet connection are essential, it's the source devices that bring their favorite shows and movies to their big screen.

In this blog post, we'll answer the question "what is a TV source device?", explain why your loved one needs at least one to use JubileeTV and tell you what type of devices work with JubileeTV.

What is a Source Device?

When we say "source device," we mean any HDMI device that provides video content for your TV. This could be a cable set-top box, a satellite receiver, a streaming media player, or even a Blu-Ray player.

Source devices plug directly into the television through an HDMI connection, usually located in the back or side of the TV.

Source devices can include:

Set-Top Boxes: These devices are often provided by TV service providers and give access to television channels, on-demand content, and/or streaming services.
Streaming Players: Devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Chromecast enable streaming content from apps like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube on your TV.
Blu-ray/DVD Players: These devices play Blu-ray or DVD discs and send the video and audio signals to your TV.
Media Players: Devices such as media streamers or media servers play digital media files stored on external storage devices or networked drives.
Game Consoles: Gaming systems like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch connect to your TV and display video games.

The Benefits of Source Devices

Expanded content options: Source devices open up a vast range of content choices for your aging loved one. They can access traditional television programming, as well as streaming platforms, digital libraries, gaming experiences, and more, and tailor their TV to their preferences.
Improved video and audio quality: Source devices often support high-definition or even 4K resolution, providing crisp, detailed visuals. Additionally, they offer advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos, enhancing your audio experience and making you feel part of the action.
Flexibility and convenience: With source devices, you can watch what you want, when you want. Whether it's streaming a new movie release, playing a favorite game, or accessing personalized media collections, source devices give you and your loved one control over their entertainment options.
Upgradability: Source devices can be upgraded independently from your TV, allowing you to stay up-to date with the latest technologies and features. As new advancements emerge, you can enhance your viewing experience without replacing the entire TV setup.

JubileeTV Supported Source Devices

JubileeTV can connect up to four source devices via HDMI and one output to the TV.

Source devices can include a set-top box, streaming device, Blu-Ray/DVD players, media players, and game consoles.

To use JubileeTV you MUST have at least one supported source device. This must be either a set-top box from one of our supported TV service providers, or a streaming device.

Supported Set-Top Boxes

Jubilee TV supports set-top boxes from the following TV service providers:

Dish
DirecTV
Comcast Xfinity
Spectrum
Optimum

Set top boxes from TV service providers other than those listed are not supported and will likely not function properly with the JubileeTV system. We are continually adding supported TV service providers, so if you have cable service from a provider not currently listed here, please reach out and see if we're able to support it.

Supported Streaming Devices

JubileeTV supports most streaming devices, including:

Roku Ulta, Roku Express, Roku Streaming Stick (not Roku Soundbar)
Apple TV
Amazon Fire TV Stick
Chromecast

Other source devices including game consoles, and DVD and Blu-Ray players can be connected to JubileeTV.

A Note About Streamers

Please note, we recommend connecting a Roku streaming device for the best experience and full functionality of all JubileeTV features. With a Roku connected, your loved one will be able to use voice to switch directly to apps e.g. Netflix. As well, you'll be able to add apps to their TV Favorites menu for easy access.

How Do I Know If My Loved One Has a Supported Source Device?

First determine if they have a source device connected to their TV.

You can follow these steps:

Examine the back or sides of their TV: Look for any external devices connected to the TV, such as set-top boxes, and streaming devices (e.g. DISH Hopper Receiver, Roku, Apple TV)
Check the HDMI ports: Look for HDMI ports on the TV. Most modern TVs have multiple HDMI ports where you can connect external devices. The presence of HDMI cables plugged into these ports indicates the existence of source devices.
Use the TV input/source button: On the TV remote or control panel, locate the "Input" or "Source" button. Press it to cycle through the available input options. As you press the button, check if different sources appear on the screen. If you see options like "HDMI 1," "HDMI 2," "AV," or specific device names, it indicates they have connected source devices.
Check the on-screen menu: Using the TV remote, navigate to the settings menu or options menu on the TV. Look for an option that allows you to view the connected devices or input sources. Depending on your TV model, this menu may be called "Input" or "Source," or it may have a specific icon or label indicating connected devices.

If your elderly loved one has one or more source devices connected, you then need to check to make sure it's one of our supported providers.

The easiest way is to check for the name of the provider on the remote control(s) they use to control the source device. If they have a set-top box, their TV service provider is likely the company they pay for their monthly cable/satellite TV service, e.g. Xfinity/Comcast.

Why does JubileeTV Need a Source Device?

JubileeTV doesn't provide any TV programming, channels or apps, so the source device is your loved one's actual "source" of content. It's how they'll get their shows, movies, etc. to watch.

Connecting JubileeTV enhances the TV experience in many other ways as well:

Voice-enabled TV for seniors: When you connect a supported set-top box or streaming player, your loved will be able to use voice commands to control thheir TV and find what they're looking for faster. They can say a source device, channel name or number, adjust the volume, or switch to an app - all with the simple power of their voice.
The best senior-friendly universal remote: Seniors can use our all-in-one voice remote to simplify control of their television and ALL connected source devices and switch easily between everything. No more wrong inputs or juggling multiple remotes.
TV Favorites: Your loved one can simply go to their JubileeTV Favorites menu to find all their source devices and favorite channels and streaming services in one place. It makes it easy for them to find what they want to watch without having to navigate complicated guides.
Remotely control the TV from any smartphone: You and other approved family, friends, and caregivers can use the JubileeTV App to help control your loved one's TV and all connected source devices, from any phone, tablet or computer, anywhere. No need to be on the same wi-fi network. JubileeTV is the only technology that gives a real-time snapshot of what's playing on the TV, making it impossibly easy to provide TV support remotely. The Jubilee TV App offers full control of everything, from turning up the volume, changing channels, switching apps and searching for content.

JubileeTV + Your Smart TV

If your loved one normally only watches TV on a Smart TV, and doesn't have any devices connected to thier TV, JubileeTV will not be the right choice for your family.

If you're looking to use Jubilee TV's video calling or remote TV control functionality, we recommend purchasing a Roku Express 4K+ to connect. Roku devices start at around $30 and can be purchased at Best Buy, Amazon, Roku.com and other retailers.

If your loved one has a supported source device but uses their Smart TV to watch apps like Netflix, JubileeTV will work, but the experience is not ideal. JubileeTV cannot control apps running directly on a Smart TV and cannot display video calls, reminders and messages while apps are running on a Smart TV. Your loved will need to use their Smart TV remote to turn on the TV and switch inputs. And, if they receive a video call or message while watching apps on their Smart TV, they will not receive a notification until they switch to the JubileeTV input.

Again, we recommend adding a Roku Express 4K+ to their set-up and having them watch apps that way for the best possible experience.

JubileeTV + Soundbars and AVRs

JubileeTV does NOT directly support soundbars or Audio Video Receivers (AVRs).

A soundbar or AVR connected directly to the TV that is automatically powered on and off together with the TV (or is always on) and controlled using the TV's volume commands may work (for example, soundbars and AVRs using HDMI ARC), but your loved one won't be able to use the JubileeTV remote to control the soundbar separately from the TV.

Soundbars and AVRs not automatically controlled via the TV commands cannot be controlled using the Jubilee TV remote. Your loved one will need to use a separate remote to control them.

JubileeTV ❤️ Source Devices

Source devices are a necessary part of your loved one's TV experience. They bring versatility and lots of choices in what to watch - from the evening news to the latest reality sensation or award-winning film. When connected to the JubileeTV Hub, your loved one gets a simplified TV experience, ability for family to control the TV remotely, plus communication features you can't get anywhere else.