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Today's Show:
With more products entering the marketplace that support network connectivity it has become important for you to have network access near your electronics. For many a wireless adapter is enough to do the trick. But if you want to stream HD content you need 802.11N which will work well in most cases. Wireless works well until you have interference from other electronics or a neighbor's wifi setup. So what can you do to install a secure hardwired network without crawling through attics and ripping up drywall?

HomeNet Powerline Networking by Corinex

We've talked about Powerline networking in the past. In fact we reviewed a product that claimed 85Mbps speeds but barely delivered 10Mbps. Today we take a look at a new product that claims 200Mbps and delivers pretty darn close to it. The HomeNet Powerline adapter is a new product that is manufactured by Corinex and is available for less than $200 for two adapters.

Setup:
You plug one adapter into the wall near your router and then connect it to the router via the supplied Ethernet cable. Then you plug the other adapter into any outlet in your home and you are ready to go. That's it! If you chose to you can even setup a private network for extra security.

Usage:
We used the network to watch the Slingbox Pro, Movies off the Mac Mini Video Server, Netflix Watch it Now, and OTA HD via EyeTV. With the Slingbox Pro our hardwired network gives us 6 Mbps data rates, which is the max that can be attained by the SlingBox. Running via the HomeNet we obtained the same data rate. There was no difference in watching the SlingBox via the PowerLines of the Ethernet lines.

Next up was Netflix watch it now. Granted this is not a tough test for the HomeNet but we wanted to check it out none the less. We achieved full HD quality via the HomeNet. Same for watching movies via the Mac Mini Server. All movies watched via the server started instantly and played without any glitches.

We saved the hardest test for last. This is the one that killed the previous home plug test, over the air HDTV. We launched EyeTV and connected to the HD Homerun. All channels came in with no issues or breakups what so ever. The maximum data rate of the HD broadcasts was 18 Mbps by our local CBS affiliate.

For fun we watched HDTV via the HD Homerun and started a DVD playing to see if the HomeNet would handle it. No problems at all. We were pleasantly surprised by the HomeNet performance. Just a couple of caveats though. We tried the adapter plugged into a power strip and found that it reduced the performance dramatically. With products like these your mileage will vary. Its a function of how quiet your power lines are. Corinex states the following:
  • The HomeNet adapter has increased transmission line noise immunity. Traditionally electrically noisy devices such as hair dryers and vacuums plugged into the power line circuit now have less affect on the network.
  • The HomeNet adapter has improved circuit sensitivity. Powerline adapters can now receive network data at higher speeds over longer distances with less packet loss.
Conclusion:
The HomeNet performed an order of magnitude better than the first powerline adapter we tested. It is simply the easiest way to connect your Home Theater gear to your local network!