Wi-fi internet accessory

[mcgruff]

I currently do not have a blu-ray player, but I'm looking to buy one soon. I do not imagine I will buy one nice enough to have wi-fi internet connectivity, but it would be nice to have the ability to connect to my home's wireless router through some sort of accessory, for things like firmware updates and perhaps Netflix and that sort of thing. (If it sounds like I have only bare-bones knowledge of blu-ray players, that's because I have only bare-bones knowldge of blu-ray players.) My multi-part question is:

1) Am I right that this sort of device exists?
2) How does it work/how do I hook it up?
3) How do I buy one/what decent models are out there?
4) Is it worth paying more for a blu-ray player that has this feature (wireless internet connectivity) built-in?

Thanks.

[sham]

samsung has a proprietary "dongle" for about $80 retail that will only work for their players. i would suggest using a powerline converter for a more stable connection for about $100 retail. i use the powerline kit in my home because my router is on the 3rd floor and my home theater is on the first floor. too much interference, which caused my connection to drop frequently.

oh, and i think if you wanted to stick to the wireless route, you could use a wireless bridge. i'll use bestbuy.com links, but you by no means have to shop there.

wireless bridge http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Linksys+...idge&cp=1&lp=2
powerline kit http://www.bestbuy.com/site/NETGEAR+...8&st=powerline
samsung wireless dongle http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+...less&cp=1&lp=3

[battscrew]

research tomato firmware - you can buy a cheap compatible wireless router and turn it into a bridge.

[Rubicon]

I had the Samsung BD-P1600, which needed the wireless dongle to have a wireless connection. As stated above, the thing costs $80.

Personally I'd say a built in wireless device would be better. Since I switched to the PS3, I've had far fewer connection problems.

Just my two cents.

[Tarpon65]

I use an Apple Airport Express as a wireless bridge to my network. Works like a charm.

[Chordata]

You can't just use a regular USB adaptor?

go for samsung

[alchav21]

Originally Posted by mcgruff

1) Am I right that this sort of device exists?
2) How does it work/how do I hook it up?
3) How do I buy one/what decent models are out there?
4) Is it worth paying more for a blu-ray player that has this feature (wireless internet connectivity) built-in?

Wi-Fi has it's applications, but not for Electronics, don't chance Bricking your Blu-ray Player. All you need is a Player with an Ethernet Data Jack and run Cat5 to your Entertainment Center. Now all you need is a Router, come off one of the Ports and you're done. Firmware upgrades and Netflex HD Video Streaming will be no problem.

[jedi209]

Originally Posted by alchav21

Wi-Fi has it's applications, but not for Electronics, don't chance Bricking your Blu-ray Player. All you need is a Player with an Ethernet Data Jack and run Cat5 to your Entertainment Center. Now all you need is a Router, come off one of the Ports and you're done. Firmware upgrades and Netflex HD Video Streaming will be no problem.

i agree you should go wired when available. i've never heard of a wireless bridge "bricking" anything. my mother uses one to her directv receiver for vod and internet scheduling and has never had a problem.
here is one option:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Linksys+...idge&cp=1&lp=2