How long does it take to set up my Independa system?
It’s a matter of minutes. 10-15, and faster for some.
Can I set up the system myself?
If you’re comfortable setting up electronic equipment, such as an audio system, a TV, an AppleTV or Roku, etc, you can set up your Independa system. However, we recommend a family member, friend or neighbor set up the system.
Is there help during setup?
Yes, we have video of the entire setup process. Whoever is setting up the system can follow the easy steps. The system also comes with an easy to follow setup guide.
Do I need to get anything else?
No, your system comes with everything you need, including an HDMI cable and batteries for your Independa Simplified Remote. Even the velcro to put the chat cam on your TV is included.
Do I need an internet connection for Independa to work?
Yes. You need to have a WiFi connection that is reachable where your TV is located, or an ethernet cable.
Do I need to have a special kind of TV?
Not at all. The only requirement for the TV is that it accepts HDMI input and has at least one input available. TVs manufactured in the last 14+ years all have HDMI built in.
Do I need to have a smart TV?
No. A smart TV implies the TV can connect to the internet, and also has its own applications available via a TV-based app deck. This is not necessary, though it’s fine to have. As long as WiFi is available, the Independa AnyTV Companion connects to the internet directly, and connects to the TV via an HDMI cable.
What if my TV has HDMI but I am connecting via coax?
That’s OK. There’s a $30 device that you can purchase that would convert your coax feed into HDMI, and that feed goes into the Independa AnyTV Companion. NOTE: Your feed cannot be scrambled / encrypted. This is usually the case and you’re good to go, but you should double check to make sure your TV is not descrambling the feed. If that’s the case, the Independa AnyTV Companion will not work.
What if my TV has HDMI but I’m not using the input, and I’m using it only as a smart TV?
You can still use Independa. However, it’s best if there is some HDMI feed coming in, for example from a DVD player. This is only because when Independa is not running, the screen would not be black, which is what will happen if there’s no HDMI feed coming in.
What if I’m using Roku or Apple TV, will Independa still work?
Yes. However, it’s best if the feed from your HDMI cable is going into the Independa system. If you have two feeds, and you’re using a splitter, that’s great … you can have the output of that splitter go into Independa’s input. For example, the two feeds can be from Roku and a cable provider, both coming into the AnyTV Companion via one HDMI cable.
What if I’m using my TV only as a smartTV to watch Netflix or other streaming services?
You can still use Independa, but you’d have to be on the HDMI input that Independa comes in on. Note that in this situation, Independa doesn’t interrupt the streaming services, since that service is not coming in through HDMI, but via an app on the TV. You can still back out of the app and enjoy Independa to do video chat, receive pictures and messages, check out calendar events, etc. But for reminders, they will not pop up on your TV if you’re on a streaming service, or if the TV is off of course. What will happen in these situations is, if you don’t respond to a reminder, you can choose to have it delivered on your phone as a backup, whether cellular or landline.
Can Amazon Alexa be connected?
Not currently, for individual consumer purchases. Organizations can contact us regarding available Alexa integration options for their Independa systems, if that is of interest.