Internet Connection Kit

[rabidfool]

So if I am reading this right, this is a must for on demand service?


Internet Connection Kit - $24.99
This kit includes equipment for connecting your DIRECTV Plus®HD DVR to the Internet so that you can enjoy our free DIRECTV on DEMAND service.

In addition to purchasing an HD DVR, you need to have broadband Internet service along with a router. Your order will include an additional kit for connecting your router. Select the number of HD DVR receivers you would like to set up for this service.

 

[Bob Nielsen]

Not necessarily. A direct ethernet (wired) connection is preferable, but the powerline connection will work as well in most cases (there may be problems if the two locations are on separate electrical services, as with a building addition).

A wireless connection will work in most cases, but setup is often problematical and it requires a wireless-ethernet bridge, which will probably be more expensive.

The kit must be plugged directly into a wall receptacle rather than a UPS or surge protector. Directv sells (for $54.99) a version with a powerstrip that has surge/EMI protection for its six power outlets.

 

[VegasDen]

I just installed this today....and it works like a charm! I had problems with my router and my cable/VOIP modem communicating ...but once I resolved that I had a "congratulations" screen in less than a minute!

 

[rabidfool]

I was reading this as being necessary for on demand. If I have a nearby Ethernet jack then I am all set and don't need this contraption?

 

[rad]

I was reading this as being necessary for on demand. If I have a nearby Ethernet jack then I am all set and don't need this contraption?

Nope, sounds like you're all set. This kit is powerline ethernet extenders for people that don't have a hardwired connection near by.

 

[talos4]

All I did was connect a new cable from the router to the back of the DVR. Went through setup and was up and running.

The hardest and most time consuming part was running the cable from the basement to the living room. that took 20 mins.

 

[mlb]

My installer told me I had to have it as well. I didn't buy it, hooked up my ethernet and got connectivity. No idea if it works yet or not, never played around with it.

 

[yourbeliefs]

The main reasoning behind the kit being a "must have" is that not everyone has their router/Ethernet connection near their receiver. I have to run a long black wire from my router to the HR20, which is ugly and you have to watch where you walk, but it still does the job. I'll probably be utilizing it more once the Olympics go in full kick.

 

[mjlthuston]

I ordered 2 today. I'll post how it works out. My HR-20 is across the front room from my router, which is in the kitchen. My wife is being unreasonable about the 50 ft CAT5 cable running through the dining room and front room.

 

[Phoenix1]

I ordered 2 today. I'll post how it works out. My HR-20 is across the front room from my router, which is in the kitchen. My wife is being unreasonable about the 50 ft CAT5 cable running through the dining room and front room.

It should be as easy as taking them out of the box and plugging them in. We tried to make these things as easy as possible to setup.

 

[S2s]

I've already got a router that does WiFi (802.11g). Is there any chance I can get away with just one of these units? Or do they only talk to eachother?

I'd be happy to save $29 if I could.

Thanks,
Stew

 

[Bob Nielsen]

I've already got a router that does WiFi (802.11g). Is there any chance I can get away with just one of these units? Or do they only talk to eachother?

I'd be happy to save $29 if I could.

Thanks,
Stew

These are powerline adapters, which can only talk to another similar adapter. Directv sells wireless ethernet bridges (Linksys WGA600N or WET610N) for ~$80. Wireless-G is adequate for On Demand and some Media Share (probably not video). The DECA system is being installed in some test markets now and nationwide sometime in May. It has higher bandwidth to support MRV.

 

[KimmiKat]

I ordered a few those awhile back and they work like a charm. I even used one for my xBox saving $100 by not buying their wifi thingy.

 

[charper1]

D-link has a great kit too and works perfectly with MRV; HD & SD. DHP-303

 

[kbsalazar]

How do i get the kit for 24.99?

 

[iamtv]

My question is similar. I have the whole house DVR and can't connect via Ethernet because of the location of the modem/router. Direct TV claims that connecting via a wireless adapter will disable the whole house DVR. I can't figure out why that would be--would it be the same for the electrical connectors? I have the little thingy the direct tv guy left with me before he realized he couldn't connect to the internet. If anyone can help me, I'd appreciate it.

 

[jcrandall]

I'm guessing he left a DECA for connecting the Directv network to your router for on demand.

Can you run a coax to near the router to hook it up, or an ethernet line to where you can run caox? It would work much better.

Last resort you can get a network adapter (search game adapter, they were commonly used for xbox's and stuff before they made a branded adapter for it). It will connect to the DECA and make it wireless but is much less reliable.

 

[iamtv]

I can't get coax near the router, or ethernet near the coax. I've been puzzling and puzzling till my puzzler is sore. It's a new house, but we didn't stake our claim on it until after the wiring was done. I ordered a powerline adapter kit to see if that will work--if it disables my whole house dvr, I guess I can return the kit.

 

[harshness]

The external DECA adapter has little idea what it is hooked to.

Unless your broadband connection can outpace the technology that you use to link it, you should be fine.

 

[iamtv]

One more question

So do I even need the DECA device? It looks like in the owners manual that I hook the box via ethernet to the electrical plug adapter, and then on the other end, do the same thing, plugging the electrical plug adapter via ethernet to the router. Where would that DECA device figure into this?