WE’RE OPEN
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Over the last several weeks we have been reopening our retail locations & we are excited to tell you that as of this morning, ALL our stores are now OPEN! We’d like to thank all our customers for their patience through these times & for helping our reopening go so smoothly by respecting all the new safety measures put in place in our stores.
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A quick recap below;
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BEFORE VISITING PLEASE KNOW:
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1️. We are back to regular store hours — found here for each location https://www.tcc.on.ca/contact-us.
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2️. For the safety of our employees & customers the doors may be locked but we open & close them allowing 1 person in the store at a time.
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3️. Should a line form outside, we ask you practise safe physical distancing habits & stay clear of doorways.
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4️. Remember our full team is still available to serve you via phone, email, website chat & social media. We ask that if any of your questions or concerns can be solved through those methods to please do so.
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Our website & social media outlets are always your first destination for up to the minute information regarding all things TCC!
Author: redding-admin
How Much Internet Do Streaming Services Use?
blog TCC Jun 23, 2020
Streaming services have become a natural luxury of modern society. While they offer endless entertainment, they can run through internet data fairly quickly. This can be especially important for those watching data usage. Let's ask the basic question: How much internet do streaming services use?
Streaming services have become a natural luxury of modern society. While the streaming services offer endless entertainment, they can run through internet data fairly quickly. This can be especially important for those mindful of their data usage. Let’s explore the question: How much internet do streaming services use?
Data Used by Streaming Services
Netflix
As one of the most popular streaming services in the world, Netflix is very transparent with its data requirements. Depending upon the quality of video chosen in your settings, data usage will run between 0.3 GB/hour for Low to 7 GB/hour for Ultra HD. The default setting is SD at 3 GB/hour.
Disney Plus
Disney Plu is the newest addition to the vault of streaming videos. Typically, data usage will run between 700 MB/hour and 1.5 GB/hour for SD and 1080p HD, respectively.
Hulu
Hulu, although similar in nature to Netflix, has its own distinct set of data requirements. Ranging from 0.68 GB/hour for standard definition, their lowest setting, to 2.7 GB/hour for 1080p Ultra HD. Their only option for mobile devices uses 1.3 GB/hour and is HD.
Amazon Prime
The video streaming service from Amazon provides three options for computers and a data-saving option for mobile devices. Ranging from 800 MB/hour at SD to 6 GB/hr for 4K Ultra HD, Amazon Prime offers options for every data plan.
YouTube
YouTube, the video-sharing platform offers various streaming options, most famously the live stream. The lowest resolution setting, 480p, uses 562.5 MB/hour, while the highest setting, 4K Ultra HD, uses 15.98 GB/hour. With such a wide range, users should carefully consider their resolution preferences.
Choose a Trusted Data Provider
Streaming services, though a seamless entertainment option, requires some forethought from their users particularly concerning data usage. Most services offer a range of video quality, each with their own set of data requirements. On average, customers can expect to need about 600 MB/hour for the lowest quality and 6.5 GB/hour for the highest setting.
So, to answer our question: How much internet do streaming services use? It depends. That’s why you need a trusted data provider to help navigate these considerations effectively. By choosing Tuckersmith Communications, you are opting for a reliable and efficient provider with a commitment to delivering seamless connectivity. For any type of setting or streaming option, we can help you with all your data needs!
How to Keep Your Kids Safe on the Internet
blog TCC Jun 16, 2020
The Internet might seem safer and more user-friendly than ever before, but there are still plenty of dangers to be found online. Children are still frequent targets of online attacks, so you still need to work to keep your kids safe on the internet.
While the Internet might seem safer and more user-friendly than ever before, there are still plenty of dangers to be found online. Children are still frequent targets of online attacks. Therefore, it is essential to continue efforts to keep your kids safe on the internet.
Ways to Keep Your Kids Safer Online
Use a Virtual Private Network
Using a virtual private network or VPN is a good idea even if you don’t have kids. A VPN connects your device to a secure offsite server while encrypting your connection. This hides your IP address and makes it nearly impossible for someone to track your physical location online, but it also prevents any data that is sent over public networks from being intercepted. You might not be able to get a VPN for every device in your home, but getting one for your main computer and smartphone can help keep your kids safe on the Internet.
Follow Basic Security Guidelines
Simply following basic security guidelines for all of your devices can help keep the devices and your kids safe. Always use the most recent version of your operating system, keep your malware and antivirus software updated, and use strong passwords to protect your accounts.
Know Your Kids’ Skill Level
If your children have always been around computers and smartphones, there is a good chance that they are savvy with these devices. Unfortunately, this also means that they won’t think twice before doing potentially dangerous things online. Even if you trust your kids to be responsible with their devices, check-in with them to see what they are doing and how they are doing it.
Know Who They Talk To Online
People have been telling kids not to talk to strangers for decades, and that advice still applies to the Internet. If you let your kids use social networks or any other services that let them chat with people, take some time to learn who those people are. Since your kids will almost certainly come across someone online, they don’t know, remind them that they are never to share any personal information such as their real names and addresses.
Limit Screen Time
If you are really concerned about keeping your kids safe on the Internet, you can always put limits on their screen time. You don’t have to ban them from going online entirely, but you can limit their time to one or two hours a day, or make it a rule that you need to be in the room with them when they use a computer or smartphone.
Enhance Your Internet Security with Tuckersmith Communications
For more information about how you can keep your family and your devices safe, contact Tuckersmith Communications. We do our best to keep our services safe and easy to use. We will be happy to help you improve your home’s cybersecurity.
All TCC Locations Now OPEN!
blog TCC Jun 7, 2020
Over the last several weeks we have been reopening our retail locations & we are excited to tell you that as of this morning, ALL our stores are now OPEN! We'd like to thank all our customers for their patience through these times & for helping our reopening go so smoothly by respecting all the new safety measures put in place in our stores.
WE’RE OPEN!
blog TCC May 11, 2020
We are OPEN!
BEFORE VISITING PLEASE KNOW:
#1 Our hours of operation will be Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm [4:30pm in Brussels]
#2 For the safety of our employees & customers the doors may be locked but we will open & close them allowing 2 people in the store at a time.
#3 Should a line form outside, we ask you practise safe physical distancing habits & stay clear of doorways.
#4 Remember our full team is still available to serve you via phone, email, website chat & social media. We ask that if any of your questions or concerns can be solved through those methods to please do so
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Our website & social media is always your first destination for up to the minute information regarding our hours of operation and store re-openings. We thank everyone for your patience during these times. We’re all in this together.
Clinton Location Re-Opened May 4th
blog TCC May 4, 2020
As you know, we've been working away behind the scene since closing our doors to the public on March 20th. Today, we have re-opened our Clinton location to help continue to support our customers and communities through these times.
TCC CLINTON IS OPEN
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As you know, we’ve been working away behind the scene since closing our doors to the public on March 20th. Today, we have re-opened our Clinton location to help continue to support our customers and communities through these times.
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BEFORE VISITING PLEASE KNOW:
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1️⃣ Our hours of operation will be Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
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2️⃣ For the safety of our employees & customers the doors will remain locked and we will automatically open & close them allowing 1 person in the store at a time.
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3️⃣ Should a line form outside, we ask you practise safe physical distancing habits & stay clear of doorways.
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4️⃣ Remember our full team is still available to serve you via phone, email, website chat & social media. We ask that if any of your questions or concerns can be solved through those methods to please do so
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Our website & social media is always your first destination for up to the minute information regarding our hours of operation and store re-openings. We thank everyone for your patience during these times. We’re all in this together.
Easter Colouring Contest
blog TCC Apr 6, 2020
Keeping those littles occupied at home these days is no small feat #igetit#letushelp
✨CONTEST ALERT✨
Keeping those littles occupied at home these days is no small feat #igetit#letushelp
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TCC’s Easter Colouring Contest is sure to keep them busy for .. 20mins?
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Submitting your masterpiece is easy…
☑️ Download & Print the pictures BELOW
☑️ Take a picture of your submission [& the artist if you’d like! and post it in the comments of our FB page!
☑️ We’ll select 3 lucky winners on FRIDAY. Each winner will receive a $100 Amazon OR Walmart gift card they can use to stock your craft supplies, get a new board game, maybe some school workbooks or outside toys like bubbles or chalk! Whatever you need to keep busy, delivered to your door!!
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We hope everyone is taking this opportunity to slow down & enjoy the little things in life with their families …. like colouring together on a rainy day!
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We can’t wait to see your submissions, enjoy & good luck!
TCC EASTER COLOUR CONTEST OPTION #1
TCC EASTER COLOUR CONTEST OPTION #2
Ways to Pay your TCC Bill
blog TCC Mar 30, 2020
We know many of you choose to pay your monthly TCC bill at one of our 5 locations so, during the current closures we wanted to let you know of all the alternative ways to pay your bill:
- ONLINE through your Financial Institution
- ONLINE directly through our website using ‘PAY NOW’ feature
- LEAVE PAYMENTS at either our Kippen or Clinton location through the available mail slots
- MAIL PAYMENTS to 40023 Kippen Road, Kippen ON, N0M 2E0
- REGISTER FOR SMART HUB our online portal where you can access your TCC account, pay bills & add automatic payment through your bank or credit card
- ☎️ CALL US to add automatic payment to your account
**NEW ONLINE E-TRANSFER**
Now, you can now also e-transfer your TCC bill amount through your financial institution. E-transfers can be sent to tcc@tcc.on.ca. Please reference your account number in the memo field of the transfer.
As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at tcc@tcc.on.ca, 519-606-2211 or through our LIVE CHAT on our website www.tcc.on.ca
Optimizing Your Network Bandwidth
blog TCC Mar 25, 2020
Every device you add to your home internet network takes a bite out of your bandwidth. If you are reading the news on your tablet, you are only using a small portion of your bandwidth, but if you are streaming high-definition videos, then you are consuming a significant amount of bandwidth.
Bandwidth is a term used to reference the rate of data transfer on a network or Internet connection, usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps). We have listed some helpful tips on how to optimize your bandwidth usage.
Tips to Optimize Your Network Bandwidth Usage
Use A Wired Connection
For optimal speeds, a wired ethernet connection is recommended. There are limitations with this, not all devices can support a wired connection. Plus, your devices must be close to your connection point (modem or router) to be wired.
This form of connection is best for desktop computers, gaming consoles, or streaming devices that are in the same location.
Manage Your Connections
Most households are routinely streaming content. In fact, streaming now makes up the majority of web traffic in homes. Make sure your streaming applications aren’t streaming content that you aren’t watching as this can significantly consume your bandwidth.
If you have a slower Internet connection, you may have to settle for lower quality videos that do not require as much bandwidth. If your current speeds are unable to support your streaming habits, it might be time to upgrade to a higher speed. We can help you with that. In most situations, we are able to do this remotely from our head office on the same day. Contact us for more details.
Adjust Your App Settings
Mobile and desktop applications often run in the background of your device sometimes without the user even being aware of it. When an app does an automatic update or stays connected to the Internet, it consumes a portion of your home’s bandwidth.
Make sure you close the apps. Once you are done using them on your mobile device. You can also set your apps to only be able to access the internet when open.
For Windows computers use Ctrl+Alt, Delete to open task manager. The apps that run in the background might not be consuming massive amounts of bandwidth individually, but their cumulative effect may be significant.
Reboot Your Modem & Router
Periodically rebooting your modem and router will restart processes and clear memory cashes. Basically, you are giving your modem and router a fresh start.
When rebooting, have the device unplugged for at least 10 seconds. This will allow the capacitors to drain and the memory to clear.
Manage Devices
Turn off or disconnect devices that aren’t being used on your network. Each additional connected device will take another bite from your bandwidth.
If you are only using your tablet to play online games like Tetris, disconnecting it from your network will free up more bandwidth for another user to binge watch the latest Netflix documentary. In a time like this, when there are more people at home, and likely streaming content simultaneously, managing the devices becomes very important.
Tuckersmith Communications is your full-service telecommunications provider in Huron County. Contact us today and discover the benefits of choosing us!
FREE Channels for all TCC TV subscribers
blog TCC Mar 17, 2020
Together with multiple of networks, TCC is able to "unlock" a number of channels for ALL customers, FREE OF CHARGE. There is something for everyone. #weknow#itsawesome #binge
Having additional TV channels in times like these ….isn’t a terrible thing, right!?
Together with multiple of networks, TCC is able to “unlock” a number of channels for ALL customers, FREE OF CHARGE. There is something for everyone. #weknow#itsawesome #binge
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HERE is a complete listing & their channel numbers & dates the preview expires:
CTV News Channel – 70 [June 30th]
CP24 – 71 [June 30th]
CNN – 36 [May 31st]
CNBC – 85 [May 20th]
C+I – 252 [May 31st]
Cottage Life – 351 [May 3rd]
Documentary – 245 [May 31st]
Food – 356 [May 31st]
Lifetime – 523 [May 31st]
MSNBC – 86 [May 20th]
ONE: Get Fit – 358 [May 31st]
OWN – 344 [Apr. 30th]
Rewind – 526 [June. 30th]
Silverscreen Classics – 509 [June 30th]
CBC News – 72 [May 31st]
FX – 359 [May 11th]
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✨ You may need to reset your set top box to see these changes. You can do so by disconnecting the STB power supply for 30 seconds, and plugging it back in, allowing it to reboot. ????
COVID-19 UPDATE
blog TCC Mar 16, 2020
