LAN Question

Spidey · Post by **Spidey** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 10:17 pm

I’m thinking of connecting my new HD DVR to my home LAN for On Demand Video, Right now the router is on the second floor about 75 feet from my Media Box and DVR. The PC is connected to the router with a 75 ft Cat5 cable.

Now the question is…

Can I use a switch at the PC to connect the DVR, or do I have to run another 75ft Cat5 cable upstairs, and hook to an open port on the router?

Admiral LSD · Post by **Admiral LSD** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 10:49 pm

It should be just fine. Ethernet won't jump more than 4 switches without help but since you're only dealing with 2 you won't have a problem.

Capm · Post by **Capm** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 10:51 pm

I'm not aware that DVR's will hook up to a LAN. The ethernet ports on the back of them are generally for local testing and troubleshooting in a repair lab.

Some manufactures (such as Motorola) have an ethernet port on board for internet access (as they have a cable modem built in) but they don't have the programming in place to support that yet.

Spidey · Post by **Spidey** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 11:28 pm

This DVR supports both “On Demand” & “Media Share”. And thanks for reminding me, there are in fact 2 ports on this unit…perhaps a built in switch….

Capm · Post by **Capm** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 11:17 pm

No, I don't know of any manufaturers that do that, one is a console port, the other is your ethernet then. What make/model is your dvr?

Spidey · Post by **Spidey** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 12:13 am

I looked it up, only one port is active, the other one is as they say…superfluous.

TOR_LordRaven · Post by **TOR_LordRaven** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:37 am

I have the same thing capm - that is a HD DVR that allows you to download \"On Demand\" content off the internet. (its not TRUE onDemand, cause you have to download it first, but it does not take long).

Spidey - The switch may be your best option.

I didn't have ANY network ports running to my living room, so im using one of these devices:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... &CatId=211

Works just dandy as long as both outlets are going directly into the wall, and not on a powerstrip or surge protector.

(Mine came with an old ISP i used to have service with. Tried to return them but they said to just keep them)

TOR_LordRaven · Post by **TOR_LordRaven** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:40 am

BTW.. Mine is with DirecTV, and the HD-DVR has an ESATA port on the back to plug up an external Hard Drive to save shows/movies on. Its pretty sweet.

Spidey · Post by **Spidey** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 4:18 pm

I just got my switch via UPS, so when I hook it up, I will let ya know how it works out.

Spidey · Post by **Spidey** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 7:22 pm

Works like a charm.

Thanks!