DSL Modems (??)

[kevhed72]

I have pinpointed a problem I have had with my Roku Box - it was not displaying 720p movies properly via a wireless router / modem. When I hooked the Roku box directly to my Motorola computer modem and then to the wall outlet - so far so good. I need a second modem for the PC - either a wireless or hard wired - and will keep the Roku hard wired.

Any advise on a solid, reasonably priced DSL modem - and/or wireless router? I know nothing about modems, and really don't want to know anything except which is a good one to buy...Any advice is appreciated.

[WilliamM2]

Sounds like you want to run two modems? Are you going to have two DSL accounts?

The problem was probably the wireless router. Your current wireless router should have ports in the back, hard wire the Roku and see if it works better.

[kevhed72]

So...I can only have 1 modem for the entire house, and then have a wirelss router to connect other devices to it? I definitly want the Roku hard-wired to ensure the 720p picture. I also think my crappy wireless router was slowing down the speed to my PC, even though the PC was not running wireless. I may have to venture into Best Buy and talk to an "expert", which I always try to avoid.

[WilliamM2]

What kind of wireless router are you using?

[phuz]

Most wireless routers have 4 ports for wired connectivity. If yours doesn't, get one that does.

[kevhed72]

What kind of wireless router are you using?

An older model Linksys...about 4 yrs old.

[mshan242700]

Streaming video probably works best when hard-wired, especially HD content.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833156250

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833156066

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...ormat=2&style=

http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10208

:)

[kevhed72]

My old router was a "G" speed. I went out to my least-favorite store and picked up a new Belkin N+ speed, and it seems to be working much better as far as receiving the 720p. But, eventaully I do want to hard-wire it to the modem after we move the home office. Thanks for the links...

[polktiger]

I doubt the modem iteself will have as much influence as the level of high speed service you get (DSL lite vs DSL mega).

Even without internet, merely streaming HD content wirelessly is very hit or miss even with N switches/routers based on my experience. Hardwire is really the way to go. I know it is a pain, but i tried many hours to set up a wireless streaming system in my house, but it never worked without drops unless everything was within about 20 feet of the wireless point; otherwise the wireless data losses were too much.

[kevhed72]

My old router was a "G" speed. I went out to my least-favorite store and picked up a new Belkin N+ speed, and it seems to be working much better as far as receiving the 720p. But, eventaully I do want to hard-wire it to the modem after we move the home office. Thanks for the links...

After more "testing", wireless is definitely not the way to go for streaming movies...still not consistently getting the best pic for either SD or HD movies.
My weekend project will be figuring a way to snake a cat 5e cable from the 1st floor to 2nd. I may actaully end of returning the wirelss router and replacing with a hub.

[vc69]

My old Linksys wireless - G router works just fine. Wireless connection, as some have said, is no good for HD content. Your router should have 4 10/100 ports. Those ports will be just fine for HD content. No need to get a hub.

[maggiefan]

I just use my D Link router as a hud since it has four ports. I only use my laptop on my desk so I really have no need for the wireless ability. You can even turn off the wireless function. From what I have read on the net, the wired way is much better for streaming, which makes sense to me.