Roku HD-XR Player Review

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I am really enjoying my new Roku XR. The setup was extremely easy and intuitive. I am running the ROKU XR wirelessly off of an N-Router (Trendnet 633) located on the other side of the house. I am getting "4 dots and HD" (best quality) with no interuptions in play.

My only complaint is that I have to go to Netflix and enter movies I want to watch on the Netflix Instant Queue before the Roku XR will play the movie. So basically, I have to go to my computer, find my TV shows or movies, enter them into the Instant Queue on the computer then goto the ROKU and my selections will be available to watch. I really wish I could scan for movies and shows thru the ROKU.

Other than that, the setup and playback quality is excellent using HDMI. Recommended :)

UPDATE 6/10/10 : ROKU and Netflix have fixed the annoying need to select your movies on your computer and then go to the ROKU to see your queue. Now you can search for movies on Netflix from inside the ROKU. BRAVO!!!

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Product Description

Now featuring extended-range wireless, Roku is the easiest way to stream instant movies and shows directly to your TV - over 50,000 and counting, from Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and more. The top-of-the-line HD-XR model uses the latest wireless standard (Wi-Fi "N") to deliver the best quality video virtually anywhere in your home. It's so easy and powerful; no wonder Roku is Netflix members' top rated streaming player.

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Product Details

• Brand: Roku
• Model: N1101
• Released on: 2009-11-23
• Dimensions: 1.75" h x 5.00" w x 5.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

• Start watching movies on your TV in seconds using your high-speed Internet connection
• Instantly plays the entire Netflix Instant Watch library with your Netflix membership - no additional subscription cost required
• Instantly plays over 45,000 movies and shows from Amazon Video On Demand
• Extended range wireless (Wi-Fi N dual-band) built-in the latest standard
• Plays High Definition as well as DVD-quality video; works with any TV

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Engenius EAP9550 Wireless N 300Mbps Access Point/Repeater Review

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I got this access point because I wanted a more or less permanent, whole house solution for wifi access, with RADIUS authentication for my own devices and an open network for guests.

The Engenius brand is made by Senao which (I believe) makes some equipment for netgear and others.

I like the smoke detector form factor. It installs pretty easily onto the ceiling. The holes are not lined up exactly with a ceiling box which I think it should have been. But no big deal, just use the supplied anchors and screws and attach it to your ceiling. You can turn off the LEDs if they get too annoying. Since they are blue they are bright at night.

The internal antenna performs well for its intended application which is access inside a building. At least in my case the signal did not propagate well outside which necessitates a separate AP for outdoor use. Not a deal breaker by any means. Power over ethernet is a must for this device, and it works well in that regard.

The LAN side is 10/100 which isn't really a big concern but it would have been nice to have gigabit. But it is rare to exceed 100Mbps throughput anyway on 2.4GHz 802.11n.

Lots of features including all of the encryption methods (WPA, WPA2, WEP), RADIUS connectivity, NTP, even a graph which tracks traffic. It has VLAN tagging which works fairly well, and a management VLAN which handles the web interface, ntp and RADIUS traffic. I currently have mine setup with three VLANs connected to a pfsense firewall. One VLAN is bridged to my LAN and associated to my primary SSID which uses WPA2-RADIUS. This authenticates against FreeRADIUS on the pfsense box. The second VLAN is associated to a different SSID, is open and is a separate subnet and firewalled off from my LAN. This is for guests. The third is a management VLAN which handles the web interface, RADIUS traffic, ntp etc and is not associated to any SSID.

Everything works really well. Throughput is excellent on b, g and n.

However, it wasn't always this way. The firmware it shipped with (v1.1.2) had a bug where the unit would not connect to RADIUS at all. v1.1.3 had the same problem. Downgrading to an earlier version (v1.1.0) fixed the RADIUS bug but made the unit so unstable it was unusable. Version 1.2.1 fixed everything and now the unit performs flawlessly. So as soon as you get this unit, UPGRADE YOUR FIRMWARE! (and use the WIRED connection when doing so otherwise you'll brick your unit).

Another minor quirk is the DST settings. You have to set exact dates for DST. This means that you'll be setting the dates every year, since the dates for DST changes every year. Just leave it at GMT and avoid the hassle. The web interface will also force you to close and reopen your browser and relogin if you time out. If you use tabbed browsing you have to close all your tabs and restart your entire browser. You can also access the web interface from only one IP at a time. I suppose it's a security feature but it gets annoying if you change IPs or are on a laptop and move from wireless to wired (which you might end up doing when configuring this unit.)

Tech support is a hit or miss. I sent an email and it bounced back with an error. Two days later I get a reply from some guy saying he will run some tests and get back to me. No communication from them for weeks and then they release the new firmware, problems fixed. I write them back to tell them that it works, and a new tech support person starts over with me as if the previous conversation never happened. Since it was working now I told them just close the ticket.

Overall this is a nice access point and really nice for a whole house, conference room, hotel/motel or office setting where you want something discreet with a decent set of enterprise features. But as I said there are a few quirks, while not a deal breaker are a bit annoying.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Engenius EAP9550 Wireless N 300Mbps Access Point/Repeater

Product Description

300 Mbps Wireless N Access Point/Repeater With Embedded Antenna

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Product Details

• Brand: EnGenius
• Model: EAP9550
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 11.00" h x 3.00" w x 9.00" l, .62 pounds

Features

• Wireless N 300Mbps Access Point / Universal Repeater with Smoke Detector Design & 802.3af PoE

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NETGEAR XE102GNA Wall-Plugged Enet Exte Review

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I wanted to get a connection with my desktop computer and my xbox in the basement. To do that, I used a wireless bridge coming from my parent's router and wired to my own wireless router downstairs with the intention of eventually getting a working connection to the internet- when this worked, it was great, but it was no fun to try getting it to work again once a connection was lost. So, I looked for another hopefully cheap solution.

After reading everyone's comments about this product, I decided to try it out. Like the title says, there ain't enough stars here! I'd give this 7 out of 5 stars if I could. Just plug in an ethernet cable into the adapter, plug that into the wall, and do the same again for the other one where ever you want it to be. Check the product you plugged it into for an internet connection. Then just sit back and see how easy it was, especially from not having to buy additional cables, setting them up and running them all over the place! It uses the power lines in your house! Our family lives in a house from 1992. My purchase here was a two item kit, and since, I've purchased an additional adapter for our DirecTV DVR now with On Demand capabilities through the internet. They are still working great!

Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR XE102GNA Wall-Plugged Enet Exte

Product Description

Netgear Wall-Plugged Enet Exte

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #36952 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Netgear
• Model: XE102GNA
• Platform: Windows
• Format: CD
• Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, 1.56 pounds

Features

• Wall-plugged ethernet extender kit lets you easily extend your network via electric power lines in your home
• Delivers up to 14 Mbps wired speed
• Three easy-to-read icon LEDs for quick status information at a glance
• True plug and play simplicity
• Device measures 3.92 x 1.84 x 2.88 inches (WxHxD)

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Actiontec MegaPlug 85 Mbps Ethernet Adapter & 4-Port Hub Review

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Got this set to hook up our new Dish Vip722 receiver so we didn't have to have a phone line in the room. Also needed to attach the new Samsung TV to the network to use it's internet features. Since the hub has 4 port, it allows us to attach other game machines or computers directly to our router downstairs for max speed.

Worked out of the box without any adjustments needed. It is truly a plug and play product.

I have 3 of the MegaPlug adapters and the 4-port hub supporting our two dish receivers and connecting my daughter's gaming machine to the internet and have had no problems at all.

High recommended!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Actiontec MegaPlug 85 Mbps Ethernet Adapter & 4-Port Hub

Product Description

Actiontec’s new MegaPlug™ 85 Mbps 4-Port Hub and 85 Mbps Twin-pack expands your network without breaking your bank. Perfect for use with DSL modems, gateways, or broadband routers with just one Ethernet port, the 4-Port Hub works seamlessly with the MegaPlug 85 Mbps Ethernet Adapter to provide network coverage in every room of your home or small office with an electrical outlet. There’s no easier or more affordable way to extend your home network than the Actiontec MegaPlug 85 Mbps 4-Port Hub. End the Ethernet Port Drought - Ethernet ports are valuable. They are often the only way to connect computers, printers, and other devices (scanners or networkable hard drives), share Internet connections, or quickly transfer large amounts of data. Unfortunately, many of the components at the heart of a network, like DSL modems or gateways, feature only a single Ethernet port, leaving you with no way to expand your network. Enter the MegaPlug 4-Port Hub. By adding multiple Ethernet ports to your network, suddenly, the possibilities are endless. Now you can send data from a computer in the study to one in the family room or use the printer in the bedroom from a computer in the kitchen. You’ll be amazed at what you can do! The MegaPlug Family To make things even easier, the MegaPlug 4-Port Hub can be used with the MegaPlug Ethernet Adapter and Wireless Network Extender, extending your network options even further. Instead of stringing Ethernet cables all over your home or office, use the power lines that already connect your rooms to complete your network. Set up is a breeze; in no time, you’ll be enjoying the endless benefits of networking your devices. Step confidently into the networking age with the MegaPlug 85 Mbps 4-Port Hub. Specifications - IEEE 802.3, HomePlug Turbo Powerline Specification 1.0.1, Forward Error Correction (FEC), Automatic Channel Adaptation.

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Product Details

• Brand: Actiontec
• Model: HLE08509-01KE
• Platform: Windows
• Format: CD
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.57" h x .79" w x .98" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

• Contains one ethernet adapter and one 4-port hub
• Perfect for broadband home gateways with a single ethernet port
• Very easy to use, simply plug in and go
• Meets HomePlug 1.0 specifications - 85Mbps Turbo Powerline Adapter
• Secure 56-bit DES data encryption

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Motorola ADSL2+ 11G Wireless Gateway 400MW 4PORT Managed Switch Review

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If you are a Verizon DSL customer, you will probably not be able to connect immediately to Verizon DSL service with your new modem, due to their WAN IP Lease expiration issue. However, after disconnecting the old modem and waiting for a few hours, the lease on the WAN IP should expire and the Verizon server will issue a new WAN IP to the new router. From that point on the auto-configuration worked like a charm for me. My advice:
1) don't call Verizon customer service - they are clueless about this issue
2) don't call Motorola customer service - they told me that the router just does not work with Verizon
3) disconnect your old modem the night before your new Motorola shows up. That way you are ready to go immediately.

After this issue resolved, no problems, works great.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Motorola ADSL2+ 11G Wireless Gateway 400MW 4PORT Managed Switch

Product Description

pThe performance-optimized 3347-02 gateway for residential and business customers incorporates world-class hardware design and Netopias field proven, feature-rich embedded software. A 3347-02 of model designed for customers from single home users to small networked offices share a common software platform for simplified deployment and management./p

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28974 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Motorola
• Model: 3347-02-10NA
• Platform: Windows
• Format: CD
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 3.00" h x 8.50" w x 11.25" l,

Features

• Sold Individually

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Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Pro 500 GB USB 2.0 Ultra-Portable External Hard Drive STAD500100 Review

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This drive works great with my pc desktop and my new 2010 macbook pro with no need to mess around with format, it just works right out of the box with the included software.

I use this drive as a synced drive ot take my documents, music, and movies on the road with me. I take my macbook with me and the integration between the 2 different computers is seamless. I even have it set up as a shared network drive at home when attached to the pc and my macbook can access the files over the network which is pretty cool.

The main reason I got this drive over some others out there is because it boasts of mac and pc functionality without having to reformat, which it does, and it also has the option to upgrade to firewire and USB 3.0 which I know I'll want. Like the last reviewer said, the first reviewer is inaccurate. This drive comes with the dock and the portable usb adapter. With the adapter attached it looks like one piece which I like. The USB 2.0 could be faster in my opinion. If you transfer directly it seems to take longer than some of the other desktop drives I've used but I guess that's the trade off with such a highly portable drive. Seems to transfer faster on my mac than my pc. Hoping to get USB 3.0 on my desktop and see what that does in the future.

If you use it as a synced drive to backup files or take them on the go then you hardly notice the software running in the background. It seems to pick the right moments to sync and doesn't interfere with other tasks. It has a lot of software included but I chose to only use the sync application on my pc and did not install the rest and only let it install the drivers on my mac and no software. Pretty simple to do and the drive didn't put up a fuss when I deselected some of the other included software.

Overall very happy about the size, style, and functionality of the drive and would get it again.

I knocked one star off for no APO shipping option. I had to get this from tigerdirect which has absolutely no problem shipping small electronics to APO's unlike amazon.

** UPDATE ** Now 3 star
The memeo software started to become a huge pain. I take back what I said about it picking the right moments. Seemed to start running all the time for no reason. Also, it was taking up twice as much space on the drive than it needed. I had 180GB of stuff in the folder it was set to back up but only showed approx 140GB remaining on a 500GB drive (so 180GB was taking up 360... really annoying). I reformatted and tried again several times and every time it took twice as much space on the drive as needed. My mac and any other computer registered the same amount of storage left as well. So I've abandoned the continuous backup and am just going to do it once a month now manually. For that purpose it works fine and still is seamless between my mac and pc which is more than you can say of a lot of drives. However, another gripe, read write speeds are no where near advertised. Seems that the USB hard drive manufacturers need to rethink their marketing strategy. They advertise the theoretical max of the technology, USB 2.0, 3.0, eSATA... etc. However, the drive speeds, software limitations all limited that to a fraction of the theoretical max. The pro model gives you about a 1 min 0 sec transfer (to the hard drive) of a 1 GB file vs the non-pro of about 1 min 8 sec. I wouldn't call that 40% faster, would you? and neither is no where near 480 mb/s. I wouldn't and did not expect that but I can see a lot of consumers, like my parents generation, being taken in by false claims like that. Pretty dishonest if you ask me.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Pro 500 GB USB 2.0 Ultra-Portable External Hard Drive STAD500100

Product Description

The GoFlex Pro ultra-portable delivers a premium level of backup, encrypts your data, and has easy plug-and-play USB 2.0 connectivity through a convenient desktop dock with capacity gauge, but this is no ordinary external drive. As the core of the GoFlex Storage System, the GoFlex Pro ultra-portable drive is the world's most upgradable external drive allowing it to deliver a truly customizable experience. Upgrade to USB 3.0, FireWire 800 or eSATA by pairing the drive with the appropriate GoFlex upgrade cable. Extend your content beyond your PC and enjoy it on your TV, over your network or remotely by using it in combination with other GoFlex products.

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Product Details

• Size: 500 GB
• Color: Black
• Brand: Seagate
• Model: STAD500100
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .55" h x 3.23" w x 4.14" l, .34 pounds
• Memory: 16000MB
• Hard Disk: 500GB

Features

• USB 2.0 Plug-and-play drive
• Preloaded premium backup software, includes powerful encryption software
• Upgradable to USB 3.0, FireWire 800 or eSATA or access content over the network and on TV
• Includes intelligent desktop dock with capacity gauge

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Brother HL-2170W 23ppm Laser Printer with Wireless and Wired Network Interfaces Review

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I've been buying Brother laser printers for several years now - first the HL-1240, and then the HL-1440. Both were used in my home network via the Windows printer sharing function, which means that the computer to which the printer is attached must be up and running in order to print. The 1440 recently started malfunctioning, and rather than deal with its problems I decided to get something new that I could connect directly to the network.

I went looking for the HL-2070n, but these are no longer stocked in local stores, and I wanted a printer quick. Instead I found this model and the larger, more expensive HL-5250dn. After playing with both of them for a few minutes, I felt that the 5250 was too noisy and clunky sounding, and kind of big. It's probably a good printer, but I went instead for the quieter and less obtrusive HL-2170w.

The wireless capability is a nice feature, but not really important to me right now, since the printer sits only three feet from my Linksys WRT54G router and I don't need to move it around the house. So even though I'm able to use the easy wireless setup, I went with a wired network connection instead. Setup on my three computers was a breeze. I followed the easy instructions and everything worked as expected. If I try the wireless installation later, I fully expect it to go just as well.

Now that it's in place, the printer seems to be doing what it should. Output is fast, paper is not badly curled, and quality looks fine. The printer driver also has the advanced features I've been accustomed to with my earlier printers. My only minor gripe is that I don't like the minimalist control panel that consists of just three LEDs and one big button. Since my earlier printers had the same kind of thing, I know I'll have to keep referring to the user manual in order to perform routine control panel functions and interpret any unusual alerts.

It'll take a while to know whether or not the printer has any serious shortcomings, but I'm more than satisifed so far. Considering the low price, the hassle-free installation, and the results I'm seeing, I'll give it five stars.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Brother HL-2170W 23ppm Laser Printer with Wireless and Wired Network Interfaces

Product Description

The HL-2170W is a network, monochrome laser printer that is ideal for home or home office printer sharing. It features network connectivity via Ethernet and wireless interfaces, a fast print speed of up to 23ppm, HQ resolution (up to 2400 x 600 dpi) for high-quality output, and quick processing with 32MB memory. The HL-2170W provides flexible paper handling via an enclosed 250-sheet capacity tray and a manual by-pass slot for printing envelopes and letterhead. It also offers a Toner Save mode to extend toner life and wide compatibility with support for Windows and Mac and PCL6 emulation.

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Product Details

• Color: GRAY
• Brand: Brother
• Model: HL-2170w
• Platform: Windows 2003 Server
• Format: CD
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 14.50" h x 6.70" w x 14.20" l, 14.99 pounds
• Memory: 128000MB DRAM
• Hard Disk: 1GB
• Graphics: This is the description of the PC Graphics 256MB
• Processors: 1
• Native resolution: 640x480
• Display size: 669.2913385827

Features

• Monochrome laser printer prints up to 23 ppm, perfect for home or office use
• High-quality 2400 x 600 dpi resolution
• Features network connectivity via wireless/wired interfaces
• 250-sheet capacity tray, Starter Toner Cartridge
• One-year limited manufacturer's warranty

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