Thread: how to hook up HD tv and receiver to the internet?

We just got a new HD tv with internet apps on it, so my question is,

what is the best way to hook up this and the 722 receiver to the internet so I can use both the Blockbuster@home app and the internet apps on the tv?

(I'm thinking two short lengths of ethernet cable to an ethernet splitter then a long length to the router, will that work or is my lack of technical prowess showing?)

(Also I'd like to get TV2 working on the computer in the same room the router will reside in.)

If you use a spliiter, it has to be one that re-routes the pairs in the cable to the proper pins like this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details

or this:

For only target="_blank">For only $2.02 each when QTY 50+ purchased - T Adapter Cat5e 1M/2F - 6 inch | T Adapters.02 each when QTY 50+ purchased - T Adapter Cat5e 1M/2F - 6 inch | T Adapters



It will require one "splitter" at each end.

Otherwise use an inexpensive switch (just at the TV end) like:

Amazon.com: TRENDnet TE100-S5 5-Port Ethernet Switch (5 x 10/100Mbps Auto-MDIX RJ-45 Ports): Electronics



or:

For only .91 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 8 Port 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch | Network Switches





No real reccomendations for these particular units, just the first links I found.

Advantage of the switch is you get more remote ports.

Advantage of the splitter is no power supply needed and no hardware to fail.

If you are going to run one Ethernet cable you might as well run two. It will be the simplest, cheapest and most reliable.

I'm not sure an Ethernet splitter would work. At minimum I think you would need a switch where you were planning to put the splitter. A switch can be picked up for around $20.

The easiest option would be to buy a Ethernet over power line kit. They make them for media centers so one unit would plug into your router and the unit with four Ethernet ports would be located in your media center.

For reliability and ease of set up avoid using WiFi.

Originally Posted by jimdandyvi

If you are going to run one Ethernet cable you might as well run two. It will be the simplest, cheapest and most reliable.

I'm not sure an Ethernet splitter would work. At minimum I think you would need a switch where you were planning to put the splitter. A switch can be picked up for around $20.

The easiest option would be to buy a Ethernet over power line kit. They make them for media centers so one unit would plug into your router and the unit with four Ethernet ports would be located in your media center.

For reliability and ease of set up avoid using WiFi.

If he's got to pull the cable, then yeah, go ahead and pull two (or four).

Pair splitters work fine. Have used a lot of them over the years. Prefer them over a switch when it really is just one more port needed.

PoE is probably overkill. It's just moving the clutter of an extra power supply from the TV side to the router side, adds another piece of hardware to fail, and greaty increases expense.

Two cables is such an obvious and practical solution my brain leaped straight forward to something I might have difficulty with!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by TheKrell

There is no such thing as an Ethernet splitter. Easiest solution is two cables. Or connected up as you stated above with a switch and not a (phone line) splitter. I've bought a few fast-Ethernet 5-port switches for under $10. A couple were under $5!

YES THERE ARE. I have used them easily over 50 times. They are an excellent solution when you need an extra drop and don't want to call out your cable guy, or only have one drop an need to connect to two separate nets.

10/100mb ethernet uses two pairs. There are four pairs in the cable, the splitters take the extra two pairs and route them to appropriate pinouts. You have to use the splitter at both ends of the connection. You have two devices at the far end and need two switch ports at the wiring closet.

I stand corrected. (You sure those aren't just phone splitters?) Edited to add, JM42 is right. There is indeed such a thing!

Don't try this with Gigabit Ethernet, since it uses all 4 pairs.

Originally Posted by TheKrell

I stand corrected. (You sure those aren't just phone splitters?)

By the way, don't try this with Gigabit Ethernet, since it uses all 4 pairs.

Correct, they won't pass GigE. Most switches are 100m/1G and will just see the connection as a 100mb drop. You don't hurt anything, just get 100mb link on both devices(which is fine in 95%+ of situations).

If you are only going to do one or 2 networked items, just run the cables. But keep in mind that the networking needs for your entertainment area will probably grow. I ended up with enough networked stuff that I use a small 4-port ethernet switch at the TV location; long ethernet run from the main router/WAP to the TV location's switch. Then the switch can connect multiple things as your systems grow; in my case a networked HDTV, Dish 722, networked HTS, and my Apple TV2.