HIC Setup

[cafleming1987]

Hey guys, new to Dish Network and this forum (finally ditching cable ). We had a Hopper and a Joey installed this past Wednesday, everything has been great except for the VOD not downloading. It would start to stream, stop, and then say downloading failed. The test results on the Hopper show "OK" on everything under the connection test. A technician came out today, reset the box and apparently re-downloaded some software. It worked for about an hour and then back to doing the same thing. The Hopper is connected via USB Wifi, my 360, iPad, iPhone and TV are all connecting to the same network without an issue.

Anyway, I called Dish and explained that their technician had not fixed the issue. After a moment on hold they offered me the Hopper Internet Connector under my installation warranty. Does the modem need to be near a coax connection in order to use the HIC, or would the tech be able to run a new coax line? I ask because I will be setting up my Centurylink self install kit tomorrow, and I am trying to figure out where I should place the modem/router (all in one I believe). There are only 3 phone jacks in my house and none of them are very close to a coax connection.

 

[britorto]

I would try to put the router either close to the hopper which would eliminate the need for a hic. If that's not possible then either try to put it in the room with the Joey or the easiest spot for a tech to run a cable to.

 

[cafleming1987]

I wish I could put the router near the Hopper, but its not possible. There are phone jacks in our trophy room, dining room, and garage (attached) so not anywhere near the Joey or Hopper. I guess I will place it in the trophy room so the tech can run a line in there. The node is right on the outside of that room, so it may be the most convenient location for them. Thank you .

 

[gdarwin]

The HIC does not use a phone jack. It needs a Ethernet connection to your router. I have my HIC installed on a feed to one of the Joeys.

 

[#1_realist]

The HIC does not use a phone jack. It needs a Ethernet connection to your router. I have my HIC installed on a feed to one of the Joeys.

The HIC may not use a phone jack, but his Centurylink internet sure does.

I had the same issue. Centurylink installer set the modem/router up in the loft of my house. It's not anywhere near where I have the Hoppers or Joeys and the wireless adapter wasn't getting enough signal. I ended up buying a pair of powerline ethernet adapters and doing a direct connection to one of my Hoppers that way. Only cost me around $30 out of pocket.

 

[cafleming1987]

Exactly right about the Centurylink router needing the phone line. I spoke to the broadband tech support this morning, and they said to place my router wherever I needed as they will run a coax if needed. Very pleased with the customer service, of course it is also nice that all of this is covered under my 60 day warranty .

 

[rklimaszewski]

I agree with #1_realist -- Purchase a decent Powerline Ethernet setup. I actually have two sets in my house. I have my cable modem in my basement using an older (slower) Powerline pair, which goes into my router in my office on the second floor. I use a newer (faster) pair going from the router to behind my entertainment center on the first floor. Just don't forget to set encryption on each so as not to have cross-traffic (read: lesson-learned).

 

[cafleming1987]

I found a phone jack behind our love seat, I cannot believe I never noticed it before. Assuming it works I can just run the dsl line to the entertainment center and go with the ethernet cable from the modem to the Hopper. Off question, the phone jack says CAT 5 above both jacks and there appears to be an opening for possibly an ethernet cord? Would the standard dsl line (the one that came with the modem) work in that jack? If I can just run the router to my entertainment center it would be the best solution.

 

[cafleming1987]

It turns out that the failed downloads were not related to the USB wifi adapter. We ended up keeping our cable Internet after they offered to give us 20% off for 12 months. Anyway, I ran a 50 foot coax so I could place my cable modem/router near the hopper. I hooked it up via Ethernet, and the downloads are still failing. Sometimes it goes up to 20% or so and stops, other times it just doesn't do anything at all. Called dish and they are sending us a new hopper and a technician will be out to set it up Thursday.