WiFi G/super-g/Pre-N/N for streaming? Thoughts?

wallaceff · **10th September 2007, 03:29 PM**

I'm currently running 2 XP MCE's PC's - 1 is the main 'server' pc that all the recordings go to. I can stream them all about 5 metres through walls to the bedroom over wifi g (locked at 54), and things seem to run fine using programs recorded in SD. Fast forward/rewind/s30 sec skipping are a bit 'laggy', but it works fine otherwise with no skipping. Can also watch xvids and DVD's ripped to the hard drive with no probs yet.
I've tried some HD programs, and it just skips around too much.
Obviously, it would be best to actually physically wire up the place, but I'm not too keen on that idea at the moment.

My question is: does anyone here have any experience streaming HD TV over G/Super-G/Pre-N/N ??
It sounds to me like 'N' would be the way to go (other than cost). I know I'd have to change my hardware over and all.. but just curious if anyone has tried/succeeded with any of the other formats?

logifuse · **10th September 2007, 04:09 PM**

This will sound like I'm on my soapbox, but....

The problem with wireless is & always will be that it's a shared medium. OK, so you get more powerful gear & it fixes your problem, but then your neighbour finds their wireless isn't as good any more, so they spec up & you find that you're back to square one. And then there are all the non data devices that are using the medium. Wideband DECT phones, AV senders, new wireless speaker systems, etc. You know what else operates in the 2.4GHz range? 'The microwave leakage at any point 50 millimetres or more from the external surface of the appliance shall not exceed 50 watts per square metre' - a microwave oven is a much more powerful transmitter than any WLAN equipment.

At the moment, 802.11a (5.8GHz) seems to do better due to less interference, but there are devices appearing there as manufacturers look to overcome the squeeze in the 2.4GHz range, & it doesn't have the distance & strength to push through walls as well as 2.4Ghz.

I've tried video over Super G (I don't think it deserves the tag super), but I won't be touching N because its a fair old investment that might or might not work today, but there are abslutely no guarantees for tomorrow.

Sorry to be so pessimistic.

Justin

wallaceff · **10th September 2007, 09:56 PM**

Yeah... I've noticed the microwave thing. 'At the moment', wifi in my area is pretty quiet (I'm sure it will change.. but I'm talking about now, and happy to deal with a small investment for the moment). My main thing is really HD streaming (not using .11a) and responsiveness with fast forward/30 sec skipping.
Anyone tested it?

scottb721 · **16th September 2007, 04:03 PM**

I can't even get DVD ISOs and downloaded content to stream faultlessly across my network, main pc to MCE pc, so I doubt HD will be trouble free.
I turned off super G and went back to 54mbps to see if that helped but still has issues.

drewmcnutt · **16th September 2007, 10:56 PM**

I have just spent all day trying to get a Belkin N1 Wireless Modem Router working and once it started working the signal wasn't very good, nor was the speed. I was experiencing fluctuating signal strength and hence connection speed.

So from my experience N isn't all it is meant to be ( my opinion )