topic Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet in Tech Help - Software/Hardware etc

Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

gleneagles — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 10:13:09 GMT

I am trying to figure out the easiest and least expensive way to connect a Humax 1010 PVR to the Internet.
The TV & PVR are in the front room but the modem is some considerable distance away and it would be impracticle to move it close enough to the PVR to allow a wired connection.
The most obvious solution would be to use extenders that plug into the mains circuit of the house but there is a snag with that as we have 2. Ring circuits for the mains electrical sockets so that idea would not work.
Seems that even Humax own dongle is not a solution .
For some reason only a wired connection will work,
Any ideas or thoughts on this ?

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

HPsauce — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 11:07:05 GMT

I have 3 (believe it or not) of these sort of devices in my house (just don't ask why), 2 on terrestrial signals, one on satellite.
One is connected using a LAN cable, which is actually using about 30 metres of 4-core phone cable (CW1308) which runs happily up to 100mbps.
It is not at all obvious run along skirting boards etc., so much so that SWMBO has never noticed it!
The other two use TP-Link TL-WR702N devices (micro wireless routers) configured to connect to my PN router wirelessly and deliver t'internet via a local short LAN cable (comes with the unit) and powered from the USB socket on the back of the Humax which has no normal use.
I use these clever little widgets a fair bit to deliver a wired connection to devices needing a wired internet connection, e.g. PC's I'm repairing.

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

HairyMcbiker — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 11:08:26 GMT

If you can't use powerline units then your only option is a long cable.
I have a cable run from my back room (upstairs) to the livingroom (downstairs) and it is plugged in to a 5 port switch to feed all the bits down there.

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

HPsauce — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 11:09:41 GMT

Quote from: Hairy
If you can't use powerline units then your only option is a long cable.

Or as noted above by me.

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

VileReynard — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 11:17:40 GMT

Or
you could move the PVR/TV.

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

PeeGee — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 11:25:58 GMT

I second HPsauce: I use a Tenda W150M, which is similar to the TP-Link unit.
Phil

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

HairyMcbiker — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 11:39:18 GMT

Quote from: HPsauce
]Or as noted above by me.

Yeah but we replied at the same time

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

HPsauce — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 11:46:36 GMT

That's why the forum has the warning about new posts.

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

MJN — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 12:05:32 GMT

Quote from: gleneagles
The most obvious solution would be to use extenders that plug into the mains circuit of the house but there is a snag with that as we have 2. Ring circuits for the mains electrical sockets so that idea would not work.

Have you tried?

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

VileReynard — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 13:36:53 GMT

Are your two rings on separate phases?

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

gleneagles — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 14:11:49 GMT

Not sure what you mean by separate phases ?
In the mains junction box there are 2. Mcb's marked at 16 amp for plugs, there are of course a number of other mcb's marked for other circuits in the house.

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

HairyMcbiker — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 14:15:42 GMT

Mains comes in 3 phases (hence the name 3 phase supply). Normally you only have ONE in your house to stop someone connecting between them.
You might get away with using PL adaptors as long as it is one phase in the house.
Only large buildings likes hospitals is it normally an issue

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

gleneagles — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 14:23:25 GMT

Quote from: Hairy
If you can't use powerline units then your only option is a long cable.
I have a cable run from my back room (upstairs) to the livingroom (downstairs) and it is plugged in to a 5 port switch to feed all the bits down there.

Is it possible to get cables in long lengths that are already made up or is it a matter of putting the necessary plug or socket on the cable yourself ?

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

VileReynard — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 14:34:21 GMT

Ring circuits commonly have 30A MCB's.

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

HairyMcbiker — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 14:47:48 GMT

You can get cables at any length made up.
My local £shop has even got Belkin 10/15/30M ones

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

HPsauce — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 15:26:02 GMT

Indeed, you can buy them in all sorts of useful lengths, just measure carefully and allow some slack at each end - you can coil up any spare, but it won't stretch.
Unless you need to feed the cable through a small hole of course in which case you'll need to terminate onsite.

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

gleneagles — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:41:01 GMT

Quote from: vilefoxdemonofdoom
Ring circuits commonly have 30A MCB's.

Mine don't............32 amp for garage, immersion heater , kitchen.
Plugs x 2. At. 16 amp. And 2 for lights @ 5 amp

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

gleneagles — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:42:08 GMT

thanks for the info about the ready made up cable lengths, guess this is the option I need to go for,
Thanks for the replies

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

jelv — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 17:12:24 GMT

I'd be stunned if you had trouble with powerlines. In a previous house I had them connected to not only different ring mains but the ring mains were connected to different fuse boxes (but both fuse boxes connected to the same consumer unit/meter). I also had them plugged in to 4 gang trailing sockets which you are also not supposed to be able to do.
When they only cost £15 with free delivery you haven't much to lose giving it a try!

Re: Connecting Humax PVR to the Internet

gleneagles — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:57:22 GMT

Must admit I thought they were much more expensive than that but as you say, at that price it's worth a punt.
Have ordered same.
Thanks.
NB: Some of the ones I looked at were quite expensive, I wonder why there is such a high range of prices for these items.