Netgear HDXB101 Powerline HD Ethernet Kit

Average customer rating: 4.5

Why didn't I get this product earlier!
It just works - YMMV
It works
Flawless video and music streaming!
Great if you have no other solution to a problem...

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Netgear HDXB101 Powerline HD Ethernet Kit

Manufacturer: Netgear
Product Group: CE
Binding: Electronics
ASIN: B000GM7F6O
2006-07-15

Related Categories:

Powerline Networking

Powerline Networking

Product Description

Powerline HD Enet Adapter Kit

Customer Reviews:

Why didn't I get this product earlier!.......2007-05-30

I was searching for a product that would provide a wired alternative to wireless methods for sharing Internet access other than running a bunch of wires through the walls and attic. This product solved the problem without a hiccup. It ran right out of the box, providing good speed and security at a reasonable cost. I haven't tried streaming large video files, but that was not my goal. At the price, it can't be beat!

It just works - YMMV.......2007-05-22

I needed to stream music, photos, video, etc from the home network to the home theater (ShowCenter) and running cable wasn't a good option. While wireless can do a lot, when it comes to streaming video, it just isn't a good option.

I picked up an HDX101 kit to give this a shot and haven't looked back. I get stable 40+mbps and video streams without a problem. Basic networking shouldn't be a problem at all.

Setup takes minutes (you just plug them in). They do run very warm but you can rest your hand on them so I don't think it is a huge concern. It is my understanding that performance can vary from outlet to outlet but in my case, it was an excellent solution.

I picked up the kit for $159 with free shipping.

(I knocked a star off because I don't think you are ever going to get 100mbps up and down and I think they should advertise more realistic numbers).

It works.......2007-05-16

My wireless router wasn't working in my downstairs, even though it was only 1 flight up. I bought a pair of these, they work, a little slower, but they work.

Flawless video and music streaming!.......2007-05-14

Here is my setup:
Vista Ultimate Media Center extended to Xbox360. The wireless adapter for the 360 is just too slow and I don't have an ethernet port near the 360 so I looked for other options. 1 HDX is plugged into the wall in my office (straight into switch), another in the wall behind the 360 (ethernet direct to the xbox). Via the 360 I stream wma/wmv, mp3, and even avi with the 360 transcoder loaded in Vista. EXCELLENT performance once the bits are output through the A/V system. Movies/TV streams a strong and uninterrupted, music plays with no interruptions and online gaming on xbox live is exceptional. VERY glad I bought this kit despite the price.
The only con I have is that these adapters tend to run pretty hot to the touch, not a detriment just an observation.

Great if you have no other solution to a problem..........2007-05-08

I wanted to bridge two apartments on opposite sides and different floors of a building for the purpose of internet access, telephone extension over voip, and live tv streaming via xp mediacenter. There were too many walls and floors for wireless to even dream of working (tested with 2.4GHz, 5.8GHz, and 900MHz phones and only the 900MHz signals got through). I couldn't run cat5 so all my bets were on this technology working.

And they work. The two apartments are on different meters in the basement and it still works. For the best performance, I put each adapter on its own circuit in each apartment (just use the air conditioning outlets) to minimize interference from other local electrical devices. It may also help to use surge-protectors on everything else. I did have to lower the bitrate of my TV recordings to hide the delays that occasionally occur, but I may try bumping it back up since newer firmwares and other settings tweaks seem to have improved things (see the netgear forums).

HomeplugAV came out way too late for me to try, but I hear that it's performance is close if not slightly less. I think HomeplugAV does not network bridge to their older standards much like Netgear's DS2-based technology, so no benefits there.

Granted, the highest speed the Netgear utility gave me for the connection is 25Mbps, which is probably much lower if I actually measured it, but it gives me a solution that no other technology can. 802.11n runs on 2.4Ghz as well so I doubt that will do anything for me with all these walls and floors. If you're looking at these to drastically improve your existing connection speed, then you may be disappointed. But if you're deciding between no connection and a connection, then you may be pleasantly surprised.

Update: as of 4/2007, there has been two firmware/software updates, so Netgear is still providing support, with the latest adding vista compatibility. I have no experience contacting Netgear for support, but I always have low expectations of that from most companies.

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Electronics

Electronics