Customer Reviews

Monster PowerNet 200 Powerline Network Adapter Starter Kit

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

With my new Samsung Blueray, not only can I pop in a Blueray disk but my model has Netflix, Pandora, You Tube, and Blockbuster download and play capability via wireless connection. Problem was my router is upstairs on one end of the house and the Blueray is downstairs on the other end of the house, some 60+ feet distance; and not even a linksys WRT610N would send enough signal to get better than a 10% success rate on the download. Most of the time, it just chugged and chugged and then timed out. Solution: Monster Powernet 200 which sends the signal through your electrical wiring. It takes 2 units of equipment to get started - thus it's called a starter kit. You just plug one into a wall outlet at your PC and connect an ethernet cable from the Powernet to the router. Plug the other Powernet unit into a wall outlet at your Blueray and connect an ethernet cable from it to your Blueray player. Then go into setting on your Blueray and change the connection type from wireless to cable. Now the movies download in about 10 seconds. Another plus is now that the first 2 units are installed, I can add additional units in another room of the house where I have an ethernet ready TV. My only word of caution is that the Powernet unit plugs into both sockets of a typical wall outlet, then compensates by having an outlet on both sides of the unit; but not all plugs may fit into it because of angled plug shapes.

I loved my network-able Blue-ray player I purchased, but I hated the wireless adapter which left me always praying my Netflix or U-tube content would actually play. Same with my networkable TV, I'd always lose the radio or the news. My PS3 online gaming was a joke wirelessly. I dreaded running a network cable from my livingroom into my bedroom. Such a downer for such great products.

However, I found this little device and AMAZINGLY everything works flawlessly! It's literally plug and play. High-speed networking that's virtually wireless!!! You need one on your router end to plug "wire" a Cat5/ethernet cable into and one for wherever you want to have a "wired" connection for your equipment. You use a Cat5/ethernet cable to "wire" your components into the Monster PowerNet which is plugged into the wall. No cables between rooms, only between your router to PowerNet which plugs into the outlet and one from your components to the PowerNet 200 or 300.

You may have to reset your components from wireless to wired, but after that, it just works! NO more jagged netflix, waiting for info to load, missed songs or slow online gaming. It actually downloads the best quality off netflix. I'm really happy with this. I'm used to wiring and setting up computers, home theatre, and complicated set-ups. I was really amazed at how easy it was.

Good luck and buy it! It really is worth it if you use networkable products, or even if you have a wireless deadspot in your home. I'm glad I found this because it's much cheaper than running network cables through my home which was going to run me ($3,000-$4,500).

BTW the difference between the PowerNet 300 and PowerNet 200 is the PowerNet 300 allows for more than one component (4 ethernet ports) in a room. The PowerNet 200 has only one ethernet connection. The PowerNet 200 & 300 also gives you some surge protection & line conditioning (clean power filtering) which erases some of the "buzz/noise" or interference in your walls to give a faster connection.

Worked fine out of the box, no complicated setup. Worked OK through two different power strips, but got slightly better results using it directly in the wall socket, and putting the power strip into the included plug.

NOTE: this requires a standard two port wall socket arrangement (there is an additional ground for a second socket), which isn't detailed in the documentation, so if you have unusual power sockets this may not work.

Received the above items before estimated delivery date. I had the Powernet 200 StarterKit and 300 up and running within 45 minutes including reading instructions. Installed one 200 in basement,1 on main floor and 300 on 3rd floor of condo. I'm very pleased with these items they make it so easy to have wired internet, without running cables in walls, thus saving thousands of dollars for pro installation. I would recommend these items to anyone. I have had them now for 3 days and are still working very well. Thanks to all of you who reviewed these items before me. I tryed them because of your thoughts on them. I could not be happier with these items.

Very easy to install, I'm transmitting internet and HD signals from a 3rd floor to basement without problems. Great value for your bucks! Definitely better than wireless.

I am very impressed with this device. The only issue I have is that all my touch sensitive lamps in my house randomly go on and off when the Powernets are plugged in. But I am getting speeds of 50-100Mbps, according to the devices indicator light which is showing orange. This is much faster than my 802.11n wireless adapter had been doing. Streaming a movie from Netflix is so much better.

One thing to note is that the Powernet 200 is rather large, tall and wide. I was unable to use it in two outlets in my kitchen. One outlet was to low and I couldn't fit the Powernet, due to contacting the counter top. In another outlet, light switches hit the sided of the Powernet and prevented it from being plugged in.

Overall, the Monster Powernet 200 was easy to setup and works great.

I bought this product to upgrade from trying to stream HD content over Wireless N, and I couldn't be happier. The product works as advertised, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone who has trouble getting good wireless signals around their home with a need to network or stream media. It may cost a bit more, but there is nothing easier to set up. Plug it in, attach to your router, connect to your desired device, and that was it. 3 minutes tops, and it was up and running. I love the fact you can add as many as you'd like.

So if you're queasy about the price, I understand but it works!

Good option if you have good power lines in a home on one breaker. Research your power lines (you may just have to purchase and try). It's not going to get you 200 megabits....but 50 megabit works for me. Just remember NOT to plug anything that draws lots of amps through this device (laser printer, electric heater, etc) as it will ruin the fuse/power protection and will stop working (alarm will constantly sound). I made that mistake (had a power strip plugged into it and plugged the electric heater into the wrong strip) and it ruined my previous one. Monster offered to replace it because there are no warnings that came with the unit but they wanted a serial number (which is NOT on the device, it's on the packaging) and receipt (from 9 months ago)....sooo had to buy another one.

***GREAT PRODUCT*** Works as advertised. This product has been a life save. To date, I have had no issues. I simply followed the directions and now I have a wired Blu-Ray player that I can stream music and Netflix to my television. SO MUCH FASTER THAN WIRELESS and no lagging. I would recommend this 100%

Philip

I decided to try this after spending months trying to get my wireless to reach my basement. I tried antennas, upgraded firmware and two highly rated routers. I was a bit skeptical at this solution, but after using a similar product to extend the reach of my phone line to my fax machine, I thought I would give this a try. Needless to say, it works. The connections are fast and dependable. It never reaches the theoretical limit of 200 Mbs, but it is plenty fast for streaming, and still much faster than just about anyone's Internet connection.
I am considering adding a few more to my home network as my neighbors are all using wireless and finding a clear channel is now getting problematic (using innsider helps) but the price of these units are pretty high. Each unit costs more than a new wireless 300 Mbit router. The price is really holding back the adoption of this method as a way start a home network.
It was easy to install, fast and consistent. It also may be a good idea if you have neighbors like me. But it might even be cheaper to run cable if you need to.