How can I stream HD content from one Comcast DVR to a another TV two stories above?

July 24, 2009 1:18 PM

Does anyone know of a product that can stream HD videos from an HD DVR to another TV two stories above?

I have looked at Slingboxes and Popcorn Hour, but both seem to be able to send HD content to a computer, but not another HD TV. I have seen products that allow people to send non-HD programs to a TV, but I want send HD programming too.


Sony and Gefen make wireless HDMI streaming devices, but they are limited to 30 and 65 feet respectively.


Any suggestions?

posted by parakeetdog to Technology (10 answers total)

AT&T Uverse. But then you'd have to give up Comcast.
posted by GuyZero at 1:29 PM on July 24, 2009

You're halfway there with the Slingbox idea. There's a companion product called a SlingCatcher:

"The SlingCatcher is the perfect companion to the Slingbox. The SlingCatcher extends your Slingbox experience beyond a computer or mobile phone screen. Now you can watch and control your main TV and DVR on ANY other TV in your house or around the world. The SlingCatcher is great for a room that isn’t wired for cable or satellite."

You'll need a wired ethernet port or WiFi access pointed near the upstairs TV.
posted by empyrean at 1:32 PM on July 24, 2009

You'll need a wired ethernet port or WiFi access pointed point (WAP) near the upstairs TV.
posted by empyrean at 1:33 PM on July 24, 2009

I'd say run the ethernet cable, if you can. Wireless streaming is going to be spotty through two floors.
posted by Oktober at 1:38 PM on July 24, 2009

I'd just drill some holes and run a cable up. YMMV.
posted by Sys Rq at 1:44 PM on July 24, 2009

Go wired. You should be able to get an HDMI cable long enough. Blue Jeans Cable makes good ones, and has useful information. I guess you'd also need some kind of infrared repeater to get the signal from your remote to the DVR downstairs. (It may also be cheaper in the short term to just lease a second DVR.)
posted by paulg at 3:14 PM on July 24, 2009

Give these Netgear Powerline HD adapters a go. They'll stream HD content on your existing electrical outlets. No new wiring. I used the older/cheaper version to stream HD from my PC to my living room. These new sets are supposed to be vastly superior in speed and distance.
posted by lattiboy at 3:36 PM on July 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

Seconding SlingCatcher.
posted by intermod at 7:15 PM on July 24, 2009

SlingCatcher user here. Wireless actually yields good video quality if you're viewing over LAN and not via internet. But if you can run ethernet, that's still the better way to go.

Also SlingCatchers come with a remote, so no need to worry about IR stuff. Woohoo!
posted by Yoshi Ayarane at 7:57 AM on July 25, 2009

Response by poster: Thank you for your responses. I think I'll start with the "Powerline HD Kit" since it seems like the easiest to set up.

I wish ATT Uverse was in my area, but it's not available in Chicago (city proper).
posted by parakeetdog at 8:26 PM on July 25, 2009