Improving wifi signal for smart tv

dingdongavon

I have just bought a samsung smart tv which although it finds our wireless router and says it is connected, is having problems getting a good enough signal for me to watch iplayer etc.

The tv is mounted on the wall so don't really want to have any more wires coming out of it, and the router is downstairs and can't be moved any closer.

Is there a way of improving the signal so that iplayer will work properly?

Thanks

Notmyrealname

Download, install and run InSSIDer and see if any other wifi networks are on the same channel as yours and if they are, change yours to one that is clear. Other than that, no way without wires or putting a repeater somewhere.

Enterprise_1701C

Surely if you bundle the wires together it will make no difference? you must already have two wires coming out at least, possibly also a scart/hdmi, the patch lead would be quite hidden amongst those!

scotsbob

dingdongavon wrote: »

The tv is mounted on the wall so don't really want to have any more wires coming out of it, and the router is downstairs and can't be moved any closer.

That rules out the only two methods available to you to solve your problem.

ossie

Powerline Network Adapter

Turn any electrical outlet into an Ethernet Network connection. Easy to install and use, Powerline networking adaptors plug straight in to any 3 pin mains socket. They will automatically detect one another and form a network between themselves using your existing mains wires rather than requiring you to install specialised network cable.

dingdongavon

Thanks for all your replies. It looks like I will have to have another wire coming out the tv after all

OSSIE I take it I would need to have the ethernet cable connected to the tv all the time with the Powerline network adapter? Or is it like setting up a printer where you can set it up and then get rid of wire to make it wireless?

missile

dingdongavon wrote: »

Thanks for all your replies. It looks like I will have to have another wire coming out the tv after all

OSSIE I take it I would need to have the ethernet cable connected to the tv all the time with the Powerline network adapter? Or is it like setting up a printer where you can set it up and then get rid of wire to make it wireless?

You need to connect ethernet cable from your modem to a home plug in a socket and from another home plug in a socket to your TV

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-PA411KIT-AV500-Powerline-Adapter/dp/B0084Y9N3O/ref=sr_1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1348328551&sr=1-2

flashg67

A wireless homeplug set up would remove the need to have an extra wire to the TV? eg http://www.ebuyer.com/350810-devolo-dlan-200-av-wireless-n-homeplug-av-uk-1408

Dave_C_2

It could be that you don't have a fast enough broadband connection for watching iPlayer in HD.

There is an option to change from HD to standard TV in the iPlayer menu.
I recommend trying this first.

Check your speed using this BBC tool

Dave

redux

You might try realigning the aerial on the wi-fi router, with the best result when it is at right angles to the direction from the router to the TV.

Or get another aerial with some gain, or make a parabolic reflector which makes it directional and concentrates the signal in the direction you point it. I did both of the last two. You can find templates for the parabolic reflector and make it in a few minutes from some cardboard and tin foil.

But this might be a bit tricky given that the router is on a different floor, and might affect desired wi-fi coverage areas in other parts of the house, so the system via the mains electrical sockets might be preferable.

NuclearPhotoShot

TP-Link Wireless Range Extender: Google: TL-WA801DN (Ebuyer have them for £32.99 Including VAT but NOT Delivery!)

I installed one of these at my Partners Parents after they had problems picking up a signal in the Dining Room from where their Router was (It's an old house so fairly thick walls)

The great thing about these are they don't need to be linked via a LAN cable to the other AP unlike other WDS Method AP's and come with a 3 Year Warranty!

It took me about 10 minutes to get it going and once you start it up takes about 2 - 5 minutes to settle down and start working properly. But a good investment for them as once it's set up it works perfectly and is good value.

Another thing to point out. These work better with another TP-Link unit, but have been known to work with other manufacturers kit. If you wanted a Wireless Router of the same make for better compatibility. I'd recommend one of these depending on your connection:

TD-W8960N for ADSL (20cn normally found in rural areas), ADSL2+ or ADSL2+ Annex M (BeUnlimited/o2) @ £24.69

TL-WR1042ND for Virgin Media/Openreach FTTx (Including VM's 120MB or BT's 330MB FTTP as this router does support Gigabit/1000MB Ethernet) They can also be used to connect to an existing ADSL Modem or to another form of connection using the standard RJ45 Ethernet Connection (Also at 1GB/s) @ £30.99

and Finally (Although unlikely in this case): TL-MR3420 for 3G Cellular Data @ £28.70

Disclaimer: Prices quoted from Ebuyer.com Include VAT but Exclude Delivery and are correct as of 23/09/2012 @ 06:00AM
I have no affiliation or relationship other than as a customer with Ebuyer and TP-Link. Everything listed above is stated E&OE and I am not endorsing the purchase of any of these products from Ebuyer.

I do however recommend the products above from personal experience!