Getting Ethernet to your Blu-Ray player, satellite receiver or any other device is difficult if your house isn’t already wired in the room and on the wall you need. In my house, built in the early 70s, I have firebreaks in every wall, which makes running Ethernet an extreme gymnastic sport because of the flexibility involved.

 I could hire someone to come out and do it or I could even do it myself but the effort and cost are just not worth it. I did find a solution however and it is both budget friendly and works like a dream. A wireless Ethernet bridge, also known as wireless print servers, work very well and I am surprised that nobody has picked up the ball and started marketing these as a home theater solution.

Yes, these do require a wireless network to connect to but most people have one, if not they need to get one, besides they are not terribly expensive. Most models have a USB port, it is important that the model you select also have an Ethernet port. My final solution is the Netgear WGR614 Wireless-G Router which has an amazing 4 port Ethernet hub built in which means I don’t have to also add a hub.

The Netgear WGR614 is the only wireless print server I have found with more than 1 Ethernet port and at under $40, it is an incredible bargain. In the rooms I have set these up in I have multiple devices that need to be connected. In my primary theater, I connect my DirecTV HD-DVR, HD-DVD and Blu-Ray and I am sure I will need one for the next receiver I buy. Having extra ports is great but many new products make use of Ethernet now so I am sure I will be forced to add a hub within the next year or two.

Connecting the Netgear WRG614 to a PC network is as easy as connecting the Ethernet, identifying your network and entering your security code. It connects and you are off and running. I have found streaming HD material from my DirecTV DVR to my computer is flawless from across the house and I have never had to touch it in more than a year. It connects, stays connected and I don’t even have to think about it.

For my friends who only have a Mac, well, you need to borrow a PC laptop to do the initial settings but once connected you are all set and have no reason to touch it ever again.

Any wireless Ethernet bridge will work and most network hardware companies have at least one model available. I have found the Netgear WRG614 on sale for as low as $20 if you are willing to do a little hunting, which makes it a serious home theater bargain that lets you take advantage of all the Ethernet features your system provides.