Actiontec Ethernet Over Coax MoCA Adapter - Twin Pack Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My Environment:
I want to use my PS3 to access Netflix , HULU (via PlayOn) and the shows that are recorded in my PC (a combination of HD and SD). My PC is upstairs (where the cable modem is) and my TV is downstairs where i do not have any Ethernet port and rewiring is not an option in my home.
Various Methods Used for connectivity:
Tried Wireless G and N but was never able to stream anything from my PC. Then tried various power line products from Sling, Belkin (rated as 1000 MBPS) but was not satisfied. Belkin one worked quite well but was not consistent, something was interfering and impacting the performance as the output would vary wildly at different times. Then heard about MOCA technology and was initially skeptical but wanted to try it out.
Set up using Actiontec MOCA device:
Ordered these Actiontec ones as they are cheaper than Netgear ones. Received them and all the package had was the two units, two Ethernet cables, power cards and a sheet of paper with instructions. Just plugged them in with the following set up and within few min the set up was done and configured my PS3 to use wired connection.
Coax from wall --> Input of first unit ,Output of first unit --> Cable modem.(Office) and then plugged in the ethernet cable from my router to the ethernet port of first unit
Coax from wall --> Input of second unit,Output of second unit--> STB(Living Room)and then plugged in the ethernet cable from the second unit to the PS3.
Input is labeled as Coax and output is labeled as STB/TV on the two Actiontec units
So far did not see any degradation in the TV signal or the internet connection.One thing to note is, if you want to use this set up i,e use this as a pass trough for your Coax signal, you need a couple of Coax cables(F-pin) which are not included and might be better to order along with these units, if you want to do the set up right away.
Conclusion:
I did not measure the throughput and do not know if my home has any splitters or amplifiers but could see reliable connectivity and could stream HD video (only have 1080i) flawlessly,Netflix and HULU worked quite well and would recommend it to anyone who has Coax wires all around the house. I hope that the same performance continues in the future and do not have to update this review.


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NETGEAR MCAB1001 MoCA Coax-Ethernet Adapter Kit (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been waiting for the Netgear MoCA Kit for awhile now. There were other solutions, but I had high hopes for this model. As it turns out, it was worth the wait.
First things first, installation was a snap. I followed the instructions and all status lights were on and I was able to use a computer on the other end within minutes. Awesome, but now the TVs were not working. I went into the configuration and turned off All Pass and the problem was fixed. There were also options to adjust frequency, but I did not have to go that far. My setup includes a cable box and DVR and the MoCA works great with them. I'll be adding a small switch to allow for connecting gaming consoles and other devices soon.
I have not tested the transfer speeds extensively, although the Adapters are saying they are at 252 Mbps (out of a max of 270 Mbps). I do have some doubts that the speed is that high, but it's not too far off. Files transferred quickly and I was streaming photos, music, and videos from my home server within minutes to my HDTV in the other room. While I did not test all kinds of video file types, I was able to stream 720p and 1080i without trouble and no lag at all. Of course, if you had other devices pulling bandwidth, then it might be an issue.
You receive 2 coax cables and 2 ethernet cables in the kit. However, it would have been nice to have the cables a bit longer. The configuration pages are fairly straight-forward. Although, it requires you to hook a computer directly up to the devices in order to access the setup options, which isn't a big deal because after you get it going I don't really think you will be doing any additional configuration. The lights on the front of the adapters are a bright blue, but you can turn them off by hitting a button on the back. The units appear to stay relatively cool, but do warm up a bit when you are passing traffic through them heavily. It's nothing abnormal though.
Overall, this setup is highly recommended for those that do not want to run CAT5 through their house. The cost is decent and the setup is very easy. The units provide you with an easy solution for providing network access to your HDTV, gaming console, or other devices.
UPDATE 1/2/2010: It's been almost eight months since buying and installing the Netgear MoCA kit and I am providing this as an update to my review. I have been using them to stream media (video, music, photos) from my home server to my HDTV on another floor. I have also added a small switch and an Xbox 360 along with the HDTV. Streaming has been going very well and all internet access to my Xbox 360 has been great. While there are days I have to reset my other network equipment for various reasons, the NetGear MoCA devices keep on trucking. I never have a problem out of them and they are always performing top notch! Still highly recommended.

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Turns coaxial cable outlets into a high-speed Ethernet network connection; Advanced Quality of Service (QoS) supports uninterrupted HD video, gaming and high-speed networking; For use with both wired and wireless routers and gateways; Delivers up to 270 Mbps transfer speed; Connect an Xbox360, PlayStation 3, Blu-ray player, Apple TV, VUDU box, TiVo, Slingbox, DVR, NETGEAR ReadyNAS storage, desktop, or notebook PC; Works with DSL broadband in homes wired for cable; Data encryption ensures privacy and security; Not compatible with satellite television installations (e.g., DIRECTV, DISH Network).

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