Aug 16 Podcast #596: ZyXEL 500 Mbps Fast Ethernet Powerline Adapter
Just about everything we add to our home theaters need an Internet connection. Sure you can use WiFi but nothing beats a hardwired connection. If you have an older home it may be difficult to string wire yourself or costly to hire someone to do it for you. One option that is dead simple and as easy as plugging a device into a socket is Ethernet over Powerlines. We have reviewed many over the years but as technology improves we like to test newer products to see if data rates are getting faster. On this episode we take a look at the ZyXEL 500 Mb/s Fast Ethernet Powerline Wall-Plug Adapter.
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ZyXEL 500 Mb/s Fast Ethernet Powerline Wall-Plug Adapter
Just about everything we add to our home theaters need an Internet connection. Sure you can use WiFi but nothing beats a hardwired connection. If you have an older home it may be difficult to string wire yourself or costly to hire someone to do it for you. One option that is dead simple and as easy as plugging a device into a socket is Ethernet over Powerlines. We have reviewed many over the years but as technology improves we like to test newer products to see if data rates are getting faster. On this episode we take a look at the ZyXEL 500 Mb/s Fast Ethernet Powerline Wall-Plug Adapter. (Buy Now $75)
Features:
- Backward compatible with Home Plug AV 200 Mbps
- Easy to use Plug and Play device
- QoS ensures uninterrupted multimedia streaming
- Power-saving mode reduces energy waste
- Multi-color LED identifies power line network quality
- Embedded noise filter for reduced power interference
- Encrypt button for easy security setup
- Fast Ethernet for real throughput of up to 100Mbps
Setup:
As we stated before setup was trivial. We plugged one end into the wall near our router and then connected it to the router via an Ethernet cable. The other unit was plugged into a socket somewhere else in the house and then connected to the device requiring a network connection via another Ethernet cable. That’s it!
Performance:
The label on the box says 500 Mbp/s and in a perfect world it may actually get that. But in the not so perfect real world, we were able to get 48Mbps on a consistent basis. Will this device eliminate the need to wire your home with Ethernet? The answer is yes and no.
depends on how noisy your powerlines are. If all you are using the network for is watching streaming video and and providing Internet access to your home theater devices, then the answer is yes. If you want to move large files around then the answer is no. Well at least at Ara’s house.
Conclusion:
Ara wanted to extend his wireless signal to his garage so he could watch his Slingbox while he was working out. In this case it worked great! The Slingbox maxes out at 8Mbps far less than the 48Mbps being provided by the ZyXEL. And since Ara added an Apple Airport Express he took his speakers off his workbench and mounted them to the cross beam running through his garage. Look for a video in a couple of weeks. It turned out better than he hoped!
Reader Comments (7)
For the guy with the plasma display problem. Sound like you got a few possible solutions. Sound like either your Display has a slow response time or Defusions issue . Do not wait ,you have a warranty call in for service. If it is defusions, a voltage adjustment maybe all thats needed. The other could be a x board (s sustain) or a logic board. Worst is a slow responding panel. We no longer do their warranty work after Jan. of this year , so I do not know how they are handling these calls now.
Good Luck
Hi, Thanks for responding Al (and the HT Guys of course),
It's very hard for me to even say if this is a huge deal or not. Some research has shown me forum users saying that this effect and any harsh phosphor trailing will lessen over time, and that if this effect is perceptible to me, it is most perceptible during the TV's break in period. For now I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt because the TV does look truly awesome. What I'm going to do is just use the TV as much as I can and see if either a.) My eyes adjust better or b.) The effect starts to go away after the panel breaks in. I've gone through so much with buying a TV over this past year and the last thing I want is to have to return this or something.
I really wish I could get a second opinion on this, but my girlfriend would absolutely kill me if I even mention that there's a problem with this TV. I don't suppose that I might be able to get a tech to visit and take a look at it somehow?
Thanks so much,
Jamie
In regards to plasma rainbow effects, I've always been able to see these. I first noticed the concept when I was watching a movie on a DLP projector. I heard such great things about plasmas, but then when I finally saw some movies on them, I could see the same rainbow effect. I thought I was the only one for a long time, until one of my friends noticed the same thing.
Plasmas and DLPs are very similar. Both cannot display shades of colors. They are either all the way on or all the way off. To deal with this, plasmas will use 10hz for each screen refresh. Within this 10hz, they'll either leave the color on for the entire refresh or they'll alternate it to give the impression of shades. For example, if you wanted 100% green, then you have the green pixel on for all 10hz. If you want 50% green, then you alternate every other hz with on and then off. This is why you see rainbows. If you're eyes move fast enough (like looking away), you'll notice each refresh happening (depending on the image).
Just thought I'd throw my two cents in. Long story short, the rainbow effect is real, and it's the only reason why I have not bought a plasma yet.
CNet Link
I see minor (minor as opposed to major rainbow effect on DLP screens/projectors) rainbow effect on plasma screens. If I intentionally shift my gaze quickly back and forth across the TV screen I can pick-up the colour bands. It's more obvious with black and white film/video.
HT Guys,
The S64 isn't a Panasonic low-quality reject for Costco (and Sam's Club). It's simply the S60 model but with the ST60's AR filter. It's a good TV at a good price, and with the AR filter, very appealing to those who want a good plasma, but are looking to save money over the ST60. My understanding is that the S64 was made exclusively for the two big box stores. The inclusion of the AR filter helps the TV look more impressive next to the LEDs under the bright lights in the stores. I bought one and I am evaluating it now. The clubs have an extended return policy and offer extra warrant at low, or no cost. It's a good deal.
Tim
My understanding of power line adapters is that both ends need to be on the same circuit, this may suit older houses but my 13 year old house has way too many different circuits to make the adapter useful unless I put it in bedrooms, all other rooms in the house have their own circuit.
I picked up up the S64 from Costco after doing some research and finally deciding to replace my Westinghouse LCD TV.
I have not had any problems with the S64 as of yet. I did the 100 hour burn in test and then the screen calibration using links from this avs thread (http://www.avsforum.com/t/1475776/panasonic-s64-at-costco/30). In comparing my old Westinghouse to my new plasma the biggest difference I can see is the black level. The blacks on the plasma are so much more black than they were on the Westinghouse.
I am still in the evaluation phase but so far I have not had any problems or seen any issues with my new S64 plasma.