Boost WiFi for SmartTV - Powerline Adaptor or Range Extender!?

TrackyH

Ok, here's the problem......

Recently purchased a Samsung SmartTV and when trying to watch films via LoveFilm they sometimes cut out as connection is lost. The TV will then find the connection again but have to start the film from beginning and it normally cuts out at same point! Although only have this problem when trying to stream the films in HD.

We have Virgin Media and the router is in the bedroom on the 1st floor, and the TV is in the living room on ground but only one wall separates them (small terraced house). We cannot move the router and really don't want to hard wire the TV to it.

What I'm confused about is perhaps boosting the wifi signal downstairs would help with this problem?

I've been looking at things like the Netgear 4-port AV powerline adapter kit (Netgear XAVB5004) as we have a blu-ray player, Wii and Xbox connected to the TV, or perhaps just a wifi range extender would suffice.

Has anyone had this issue or can recommend which unit would be best for something like this? Obviously I don't want to spend a lot of money on something if there's a cheaper option, I just want to be able to watch a movie from start to finish for once

Thanks

debitcardmayhem

I would buy a few metres of Cat5e cable and run it outside , but since you don't want to hardwire it 2x500mbps homeplugs may work, but not as cheap

jap200

This is probably not the cheapest solution, but worked for us. However our LG smart TV didn't have wireless capability - nor did our Sky box, so it saved us having to buy wireless dongles for both of those. I would also add that it was EXTREMELY easy to set up and get working - no drilling and no cables tacked around skirting boards or door frames!

1. A single powerline adaptor connected to the router: http://www.ebuyer.com/263576-tp-link-200mbps-mini-powerline-adapter-single-tl-pa211
2. A 4-port powerline adaptor picking up the internet from a convenient socket near the TV. The 4 ports enable us to then connect the TV, Sky box, X-box and DVD player to the internet. http://www.ebuyer.com/175816-netgear-powerline-av-adapter-kit-with-ethernet-switch-xavb1004-100uks

Useful info from Ebuyer:
Please note: networking components such as Powerline adapters require that all adapters must work within the same HomePlug standard to remain compatible, for example HomePlug AV (HPAV) adapters with communicate with other HPAV Powerline components, regardless of whether they are 200Mbps or 500Mbps. Older 85Mbps adapters work on the different HomePlug 1.0 standard & are not compatible with HomePlug AV adapters.

All Powerline products will connect to any switch or router Ethernet port. Powerline adapters can be used with extension leads (except surge protection ones), and will work across different ring mains so long as they share a common fuse box.