Netgear's Home Theater Internet Connection Kit spreads content on power lines
By Darren Murph 
posted Aug 12th 2009 10:29AM
posted Aug 12th 2009 10:29AM
Not so fond of those wireless streaming solutions? Unable to strew Ethernet cables all across your abode for fear of an SO beating? Fret not, as Netgear's now-shipping Home Theater Internet Connection Kit has you covered. The $179.99 bundle consists of an XAVB1004 Powerline AV Ethernet switch and a single Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter (XAV101) to get you started; just connect your web-ready wares to these adapters via Ethernet, and connect said adapters to your home's vast array of power outlets. It's magic, really.[Via HotHardware]
how is this relevant, products like this have been around for years
Anyone know if it works on powerlines with GFI? I had a problem with Sling for that reason.
Yeah, cell phones too.
You got a point?
I heard these plug type connection setup are notorious for heat issue which result in short life.
maybe next they can build one that converts coaxial to VGA
O.o Ethernet over powerline?! OMGZ new technology.....years ago...
what special about this that makes it "HOME TEATHER"? it's still only 200Mbps.
cooooooooool
What's an SO beating?
Significant Other
It's when your SO = Significant Other decides to lay the smackdown on
your azz for running CAT 5 all over the house just so you can stream
your HD pr0n to the big screen while he/she is out with the
guys/girls
Actually, I kind of like this product because of the built in switch. Most of these types of products only offer one ethernet port. With this you could hook up a Xbox 360 (or PS3), Directv box, Blu-ray player and Web-ready TV with this one device.
It's still overpriced though in my opinion.
ZyXEL has had these type of products for quite some time:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2050130294%2050007208&name=ZyXEL
im sure Netgear and lInksys both see sales of these devices picking up and now just want to capitalize and put out a more expensive device that does exactly what the others did.
Iv been using the linksys setup for months streaming HD from my HP Mediasmart in my bedroom to my Mac mini and Dell desktop in livingroom . Works perfectly for me handles all my 720p and 1080p rips flawlessly.
A nice bundle, with a reasonable price, with decent performance, is new.
The concept is not.
If I hadn't just wired my entire how with RJ-45 cable, this would have been a great solution.
you wired your house with RJ-45 CABLE?? or Cat5, Cat5e or Cat6 cable??
RJ-45...
I had to run my DSL. The placement of the closest jacks dropped it into the middle of my hall...not a good place to put a Modem, and power cable. Otherwise I would have ran a cat cable. I'm not a home owner so I can't modify the house
So I ran the RJ-45 under the carpet to a better location, behind my computer. So my modem, and power cords are hidden behind the desk.
Gotta have that neat look. : )
If I had this bundle I could have used the connection in the opposite side of the house, which is already hidden right next to a power outlet.
Um RJ-45 is the connector type. He was asking you what kind of cable you used XD.
uh.... what's all the fuss about ? it's just a switch with PLC...
11n network seems to be cheaper and better solution than this for hometheatre, IMHO.
Well, the Powerline offers faster real-world connection over Wireless-N. When you are streaming HD around the house, wireless can be iffy at times. It is best if you can just run Cat-5, but if you are in a rental solutions like these can be great to offer a decent connection.
I think Netgear is combining the switch with their old powerline stuff because all the new entertainment devices need internet access. Blu-Ray players, Xbox, even new TVs has an ethernet jack on them. Personally, I think the thing needs 8 ports, not 4.
Yup...I have been using Ethernet over Powerline for a few years now and I love it. It allows my Xbox 360, HTPC and Roku Soundbridge to stream without issues. I tried an HD program via Netflix and it worked perfectly...pretty nice and stable.
Any notable concerns for apartment dwellers?
I could see security being an issue...
That is if anyone thinks to check their power lines for precious data.
Nope, all of these powerline devices need to be paired. Being in an apartment is actually cool because if you have friends anywhere in the building you can put them on your network extremely easily. I swear by these for HD media streaming, they work flawlessly.
The Powerline HD from Belkin is still the next-gen in this idea. Same functionality, but is gigabit instead of 200 mbps.
Yes, it can make a difference. Wireless-N, and all transfers lose some bits, and handshake to keep you from noticing the packet loss. The bigger your throughput, the more lost packets you'll be able to recover, and prevent those stutters in HD / large transfers.
I have the PowerLine HDs in the house, and they are great, but they sold out almost instantly, and I'm going nuts waiting for Belkin to make more!
YAWN - what is this 2001. Jesus Harry Christ.
Yeah. Vishnu Harry Krishna.
The really sad part of this is the price. It is true that similar products have been out for a while, but how can companies explain that outrageously high price?
Hmm... can I use this to hook up my DSL modem to it and stream my internet connection to laptops in my apartment too?
I tried a few of these devices a couple of years ago...in theory it should be a great way of connecting your house.
But depending on the distance between the adapters you can see big drops in speed and especially if the outlets are in different breaker circuit.
At the end is far cheaper and better to hire somebody to cable a drop between the 2 places. You will be surprised the places a skilled technician can reach.
I use Netgear's 200Mbit adapters to get the network into my loft because even .n wont reach up there with more than 1Mbit/sec, and I can't put in cabling.
Even with the adapters plugged into the same wall outlet, I don't get over 30Mbit connection, and 20-25Mbit actual transfer rate. Admittedly, it's a lot better than the wifi up there, but not even close to the advertised speeds, even when on the same circuit and less than 2 inches of copper between them.
This is similar to the X-10 system only majorly upgraded. I wouldn't worry about burning your house down.
whats the difference of this home theater internet connection to cellphone. i think its most portable and convenience is a handyfone that you can grab it anywhere and you can hang on.but at least theres an option if you stay at home. thanks