BBC iPlayer review and testing the D-LINK DHP-303.

BBC iPlayer review and testing the D-LINK DHP-303.

As regular readers will know I tested the BBC iPlayer already using the Wii versus the PS3 and the PS3 won hands down for picture quality and speed.
Now it's the turn of the straight forward to use Ethernet D-Link;
For those who have never heard of the D-Link, here is how it works and how to use it - there are others on the market but we know this one is top quality,
and it offers up to 200mbps for HD streaming and gaming.
In the box, you get two three pronged look alike-plugs called DHP-303's, a CD rom manual and installation Wizard(not needed) and two Ethernet cables.
Assuming your home has one electrical circuit throughout your home the next bit is mind numbingly simple - lets say your internet router is upstairs, you
simply plug in one of your DHP-302 plugs and using one of the two supplied Ethernet cables, plug one end into a spare Ethernet port and the other into the
DHP-303 plug. You then go to your chosen freesat receiver and plug your other DHP-303 into a socket and connect the other Ethernet cable into the DHP
and the other into your chosen freesat receiver.
The DHP-303 is designed to work straight out of the box, without CD-ROM discs or Wizards etc, the CD-ROM is for setting your security and testing the
connections.
Both DHP-303's start to talk to one another and you get green lights(they still perform without complete green lights) and then switch on your HD freesat
receiver, go to BBC1 and press the red button on your remote, it opens up a menu and you can then scroll to the iPlayer selector - select your viewing
pleasure and enjoy the programme. No need for codes etc...once set up your DHP-303's can be left on as they power down themselves when not in use.
The benefits are obvious for this one - simple straightforward wireless connection which runs at speed, the DHP-303 is quality and they feel like they will
last for years, there is no picture hang-up or line break even with my less than ideal internet speeds, maybe if I used a different kind of Ethernet adapter
my viewing ability would change, but I'm happy with this one.
O.K. how does it perform against the PS3?
I tested both thoroughly and although the D-Link 303 is a good bit of kit and may suit those who need a viewable internet connection via the HDP-303
speed benefits, the picture is still not as crisp as the PS3 while watching the BBC iPlayer.
Conclusion;
D-LINK 303 worth getting if you need speed for gaming and to stop line break while viewing the iPlayer.
PS3 still the best picture quality - it could possibly be the upscaling, but it's still our favourite.