Tipex Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 I want to connect my TV, Sky+HD box, and Blu-Ray player to my wireless home network, I've been looking for network adapters to do the job, but they all seem to either have only a single Ethernet connection, or have 4 connections, but look awful. Anyone got any recommendations? So far I've looked at - Netgear WNCE2001 which is small enough to hide behind the TV, but only has a single connection. Netgear WNCE3001, which appears to be the same thing, just in a much nicer looking box, that wouldn't necessarily need to be hidden. None of the 4 port versions I've seen I would be very happy to have sat next to the TV in the lounge. It would be nice to be able to connect everything, but realistically I'd be happy with just the TV and Sky box being connected, as the Blu-Ray rarely gets used by me (kids use it) and certainly not likely to use it's online features as they are mirrored by the TV already. Anyone got any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahankins Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 So you're after a wireless bridge? Something to convert the wireless back into a wired connection. If you're minded you can hack an old router into a bridge. I did exactly this with an old Linksys WRT54G recently. Google wireless bridge and you'll quickly stumble across this. However, failing that there are numerous products out there. Something compatible with Wireless N would be ideal, even if your wireless isn't N enabled yet. The newer Linksys stuff is a little more aesthetically pleasing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted April 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 The only old router I have is the one we used to use when Sky provided our internet connection, looks like a mini sky box, wouldn't know where to start with it to be honest, so I think I'd be better off buying something to do the job. Just googled the Linksys stuff, can't say I'd want to look at that next to my TV! If Netgear did this, the WNCE3001 - With two connections, rather than just one, I'd get one, as it looks like it's had at least a little thought put into what it looks like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arch Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 Home plugs? I've used a Devolo home plug in the lounge which has 3 network ports and puts out a wireless N signal if required. Other single home plug connected to router downstairs. Job done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted April 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 I've thought about them, but I'm maxed out on sockets next to the router, and by the TV, I realise I'll still need one by the TV for the bridge, but it'll be easier to sort an extra socket there, unless of course the USB sockets on the Sky box will power it (not sure if they will) as both of the Netgear products mentioned above can be USB powered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted April 14, 2012 Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 I've had one of these for years - as long as I've had broadband. ASUS - Networks- ASUS WL-330 It's simply plugs into the ethernet port on my old PS2 and converts it to WiFi. It could be used as a tiny WAP if needs be. On the PS2 it is simply powered of one of the USB ports. I'm sure there's some more upto date versions of it. Admittedly you'd need to get more than one but they're so small you don't even get to see them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted April 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 Similar to the Netgear stuff. Does anyone know if the USB sockets on a sky box are man enough to power these? I could use the PS3 I suppose but don't really want to have to switch it on when the Sky box is on all the time anyway, and the TV doesn't have USB, just an SD slot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahankins Posted April 14, 2012 Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 Unfortunately the USB port is disabled on the Sky box so you'll need a power source from elsewhere. Can you not hide a bridge away? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted April 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 Depends how big it is. Bugger, that's annoyed me about the USB ports as I'll have to sort another socket out now, I've seen a two port Buffalo air something Nfiniti? Which is about the size of a fag packet, maybe a bit larger, I'd be able to hide that ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted April 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 Well I've just been in PC World while I wait for a customer and bought the Netgear WNCE2001. The pictures make it look a lot bigger than it is, it's tiny, it would easily fit inside a fag packet, with loads of room to spare, so hiding it won't be an issue at all. Will set it up when I get home later and report back. I did have to laugh when I opened the box and found the 'mounting kit'. It consists of two small strips of sticky Velcro, although I'm sure it will be more than adequate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted April 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 [ATTACH]46016[/ATTACH] See, it's tiny! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahankins Posted April 14, 2012 Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 That is small. My AV amp came with a USB/ethernet wifi adapter. Problem was it had to be about a yard from the router to connect. Let us know how you get on, hence hacking an old router which has better range. What was the damage? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted April 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 I didn't want to wait for one to be delivered, so I paid PC World prices and picked one up, cost me £50, but you can get them on EBay for around £30 if you don't mind manufacturer refurbished units. Plugged into the TV I get some on line stuff, like ITV player and BBC iplayer, and Freesat on demand when it's launched (apparently soon). As normal with anything iplayer the picture quality is pretty crap, certainly worse than watching normally in SD. I've currently plugged it into the Sky box instead, and have activated anytime+ which I have to say, is very very good, picture quality on the stuff it has to download (rather than already on the HD) is a bit meh, but no worse than iplayer on any device. It appears to have (in addition to the Sky content) all the ITV Player content too, and I'm told iPlayer content soon too, so I probably won't bother connecting the TV back up again, unless I buy another adapter. Which reminds me, must check if the TV in the bedroom has any sort of Internet connectivity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted April 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 Oh, and nearly forgot, no plugs needed, it's being powered perfectly fine by my Sky box USB port! - [ATTACH]46021[/ATTACH] I know you can't see the connection in the picture, but trust me, it's powered by the rear USB, I'll probably hide it behind the box once I'm bored of looking at it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahankins Posted April 16, 2012 Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 That's interesting, I tried my USB port and it was dead as a dodo! I too have just enrolled on AnyTime plus, likewise I think it's excellent. The HD content is good, the SD stuff is a bit average as you say. £30 is pretty good, I'll keep an eye out should my hacked router give up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now