Can I directly Ethernet connect my computer to HR-22?

[DallasM5]

I'm just looking to display items from my computer (photos, etc.) on my TV screen. Can I just connect directly with an Ethernet cable without worrying about networking?

[Stuart Sweet]

While it would work theoretically with a crossover cable, you would need to manually assign DNS and gateway addresses, and even then there might be issues.

[bobnielsen]

You don't even need a crossover cable. Most modern NICs (including those in the DVRs) will automatically adjust.

[harsh]

I don't think you would like having both devices disconnected from the Internet.

Its just too much easier to hook everything up to a basic router.

[Stuart Sweet]

You don't even need a crossover cable. Most modern NICs (including those in the DVRs) will automatically adjust.

You're probably right but I can't confirm that the one in the DVR will do that.

[BattleZone]

It can be done, BUT without a router to assign IP information, it would have to be assigned manually on both the computer and the DVR. Much easier to let a router handle all that via DHCP.

[bobnielsen]

I recall seeing in another thread here that someone had done that without a crossover cable, but can't find that thread now :)

A router is quicker, but if someone doesn't have one a manual setup would work fine:

DVR #1
IP Address: 192.168.0.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1
DNS: 192.168.0.1

DVR #2
IP Address: 192.168.0.2
Others as above

The gateway and DNS won't work anyway, but I don't know if leaving them blank will cause any issues.

[erpbridge]

Shouldn't need gateway and DNS... he didn't state needing to get onto the Internet, so there's no need for gateway as long as we're talking about staying inside the same subnet (and if you are knowledgable to get multiple VLANS setup in your switch to have different subnets, you wouldn't be here asking the question....)

Don't need DNS unless you have a DNS server... and with picture/music sharing, you're doing a network discovery and seeing a name returned by the media sharing software, not necessarily the actual computer name.

But to be honest, you'll only need an IP and subnet mask as a bare minimum on your computer, so you might as well have a corresponding set on your DVR as well. Follow bobnielsen's numbering setup, and you'll be good. I also forget if the receiver lets you get by with just those two pieces of info, or if you have to go whole hog.

[DallasM5]

Many thanks for all the technical responses!

I should have stated that I was really talking about "plug and play" - idiot proof, stupid simple. Just a way to display photos for viewing by others from my laptop.

FWIW, I have wireless in my house and can access it with my laptop, but internet access wasn't what I was shooting for now. Because of the location of the set, hard wiring to my current router is not practical and I didn't want to mess with setting up wireless to my HR-22 for a variety of reasons since initially I only wanted to display photos on that set.

Thanks for all the advice!

[dodge boy]

It can be done, BUT without a router to assign IP information, it would have to be assigned manually on both the computer and the DVR. Much easier to let a router handle all that via DHCP.

Even with my router all my stuff is set up with Static IPs, so it is no biggy.....

[Spanky_Partain]

Yes, the switch ports on the DVR's have been confirmed to be auto MDI/MDI-X. This translates to no crossover cable is needed. Even if one is used, it will still automatically swap the TX/RX appropriately. ;)

To the OP,
Unfortunately, plug-n-play in this case will not work. The PC will most likely not default to the same network subnet and will not talk to the DVR with the IP scheme. If static IP address are used, as suggested above, then it will work as expected for displaying pictures, etc as long as you have the media server working on the PC. See network help link in my signature for the full story.

[CCarncross]

Even with my router all my stuff is set up with Statin IPs, so it is no biggy.....

DHCP with mac address reservations is the way I roll...

[gully_foyle]

As long as there is a router in the system (such as at the DSL or Cable modem), all you would need is a hub or switch. A basic 100Base-T switch costs maybe $15. Many routers include switches.

So, as long as the wiring is a "star" coming out from the router, and maybe a further "star" from the switch, it will all work. The gateway router will assign all the addresses if each device is set to DHCP (default).

If your DSL or Cable modem does not have a router (only one output), get one and add it. Otherwise your security is nearly zero.

[jdspencer]

Don't use a hub. A switch is the better option.