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Old 24-12-2009, 14:40
JeffG1
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Can I use a Wireless USB Adapter to connect my Humax Foxsat HDR to my wireless network for iPlayer use?

I don't want to spend £30 on an Ethernet bridge if I don't have to, and the router and box are too far apart for a wired connection.

(I tried posting a link to item code NOV-54USB on the Novatech web site, but DS mangled it - presumably in an attempt to prevent advertising, which is not my intention!)

Edit: on second thoughts, you are probably going to say that this is only going to work directly via the ethernet port...
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Old 24-12-2009, 14:49
maxwech
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Edit: on second thoughts, you are probably going to say that this is only going to work directly via the ethernet port...
Correct!

But you can use powerline ethernet adaptors. I use Devolo ones and they work fine.
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Old 24-12-2009, 15:03
bsw
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I used a pair of Solwise PL-85PE's that I had "in stock". They cost around £19 each from Solwise. They also do a 200 version which is around £30/35 that I would have gone for if buying now.
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Old 24-12-2009, 16:24
JeffG1
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Hmm. Homeplug-type adapters approx £40 pair (with added RF pollution so I hear), versus Belkin 802.11g Gaming Adapter at £30.

I think the Belkin might be the better bet, if it works. Comments?
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Old 24-12-2009, 21:05
swedish cook
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Hmm. Homeplug-type adapters approx £40 pair (with added RF pollution so I hear), versus Belkin 802.11g Gaming Adapter at £30.

I think the Belkin might be the better bet, if it works. Comments?
Either SHOULD work, for high quality iplayer option the bandwidth needed is 1.5mb/s, thats not a lot. Wireless would have been my first thought if I couldn't wire it, BUT both Humax and BT (with the vision box) have gone for Homeplugs rather than some kind of wifi adaptor. This is despite the fact that most people have wifi up and running, in the case of the Vision box the vast majority have a specific wifi router - the BT home hub.

It could be that both organisations have decided that the homeplug solution yealds a working system for clueless end users with a higher degree of success. With wifi there is lots that could go wrong - wifi encryption for one.

Interference is another factor, homeplugs can go wrong with some wiring configurations but although they may create interference for other devices, I think they are less susceptable to interference from other devices - wifi can have incredible problems with other routers in the area and with DECT phones.

I've an old wifi router that should do the trick - when I get back home I'll try flahing dd-wrt firmware on it and see how well it works.
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Old 25-12-2009, 12:45
Automan
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Of course if you already have iPlayer working on your PC you may find it difficult to justify the cost.

Plus on your PC you can save the iPlayer programs. On freesat you cannot.

Automan.
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Old 25-12-2009, 15:13
bsw
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Hmm. Homeplug-type adapters approx £40 pair (with added RF pollution so I hear), versus Belkin 802.11g Gaming Adapter at £30.

I think the Belkin might be the better bet, if it works. Comments?
Well it should work but looking at user reviews of it on Amazon it seems you're going to need some patience to get it up and running if you have WPA-PSK security on your network.

Just out of curiosity I've dug out an old 3Com Access Point, changed it to Client Bridge mode and plugged it in to the HDR. After a reboot it works fine.
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Old 27-12-2009, 10:39
TV DUNIYA
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Hmm. Homeplug-type adapters approx £40 pair (with added RF pollution so I hear), versus Belkin 802.11g Gaming Adapter at £30.

I think the Belkin might be the better bet, if it works. Comments?

The Belking gaming adapter works fine with the Foxsat.
I tested it,and both the router and Foxsat required rebooting and the network configuration menu(of the Foxsat) changing to DHCP.
However,mine had already been configured with the wireless router,as it is being used,with a games console.
If you're a Ebayer,the Belkin can be found for £20(including P & P)BNB from business sellers.
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Old 28-12-2009, 22:19
ChrisM001
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I've got a homeplug solution for my pc, as it is in a room that doesn't get a good wireless signal, with a plug by the pc and a plug by the router. Seems to work pretty well. The rest of the house is covered wirelessly by the router.

If I wanted to add the FOXSAT to the homeplug network is it as simple as just buying another homeplug to connect to the HDR? Will the router link to both at the same time?
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Old 29-12-2009, 12:31
bsw
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I've got a homeplug solution for my pc, as it is in a room that doesn't get a good wireless signal, with a plug by the pc and a plug by the router. Seems to work pretty well. The rest of the house is covered wirelessly by the router.

If I wanted to add the FOXSAT to the homeplug network is it as simple as just buying another homeplug to connect to the HDR? Will the router link to both at the same time?

Yes provided you get the same make/model.
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Old 29-12-2009, 14:29
maxwech
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Yes provided you get the same make/model.
That's interesting. I thought that as long as they use the same homeplug spec that devices from different makes and models should be interchangable. (I haven't tried it myself, mind, as I always get Devolo ones for a very good price).
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Old 29-12-2009, 21:55
ChrisM001
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Yes provided you get the same make/model.
I've got two PL-85PE's, will they work with a PL-85PE Mk 2??
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Old 30-12-2009, 00:40
shrek
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These might be a idea if you have more than 1 device to use

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop...ProductID=8193
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Old 30-12-2009, 01:31
tvmad-alan
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USB can not be used on the Humax PVR for BBC iPlayer.

I would add that I have Cable Internet ( 20MB ) that is put to a wireless router, but I use the cable to my both my Humax HD box's and they work fine with the iPlayer.

But the iPlayer beta still needs a lot of work on it at this time.
The show images are blocky.
The shows are blocky too at time even with my 20MB network.
The lay out is a bit cheap looking at this time on a full HD TV.
( cleaner on my Vigin+ and on all my PC's)
Shows are shown in two version low & high band, but both look a like to me, which ever button i press on screen.
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Old 30-12-2009, 08:57
alex mcnab
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Would a USB dongle work with an USB TO LAN RJ45 Ethernet 10Mb/100Mb Network Adapter ?
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Old 30-12-2009, 09:28
swedish cook
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It doesn't provide the USB with power. Go with a good make of Homeplug as recommended by Humax (unless neighbour is a radio ham).
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Old 30-12-2009, 15:47
bsw
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That's interesting. I thought that as long as they use the same homeplug spec that devices from different makes and models should be interchangable. (I haven't tried it myself, mind, as I always get Devolo ones for a very good price).
You are quite correct and I really shouldn't have just jumped in with a quick response but I was in a hurry. What I was trying to get across to the OP was not to mix the Solwise 200 model with the 85 as, according to the Solwise web site, they will co-exist but not communicate.

With networking I try to stay with the same brand if possible to eliminate any problems caused by slightly different interpretation of the "standards".
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Old 30-12-2009, 15:49
bsw
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I've got two PL-85PE's, will they work with a PL-85PE Mk 2??
I would guess so but why not check on the Solwise website or speak to them. It's a good site and I've always found them very helpful.
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