Alternatives to the official Panasonic Wireless adapter

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dclegg

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#103270 2-Jun-2012 17:08

I bought a Panasonic Viera 32" LCD TV today (model TH-L32E5Z), and was wondering whether it is possible to use an alternative to the official wireless adapter. Will any USB Wifi adapter do the trick, or do I have to purchase the official one?

It also begs the question of how they can advertise a TV as being "Wifi ready" when they actually mean "Wifi capable, once you buy an optional adapter". I guess marketing types have a different definition of "ready" than I do. :-)

sbiddle

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#634715 2-Jun-2012 17:15

I don't know if anything has changed recently, but I'd say the answer is no - that's based on a friend spending ages a few years ago on one.

The easiest solution is simply a wireless bridge plugged into the ethernet port, which is a lot cheaper.

th3r3turn

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#634721 2-Jun-2012 17:25

what about this?

http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/tv/compatibility/usb/option3_1.html

CL has it for 79$

http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview.asp?partid=6197&ref=pricespy

thinking of trying this out.

Dunnersfella

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#634818 2-Jun-2012 21:18

Yup - Belkin make a wifi gadget that will work.
It tricks the TV into thinking it's connected via ethernet (it is powered off USB, and connects into the TV's ethernet port). RRP is around a hundy, should be able to get one for a little less if you're buying a TV etc.

th3r3turn

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#634873 3-Jun-2012 01:55

Dunnersfella: Yup - Belkin make a wifi gadget that will work.
It tricks the TV into thinking it's connected via ethernet (it is powered off USB, and connects into the TV's ethernet port). RRP is around a hundy, should be able to get one for a little less if you're buying a TV etc.

yea do you have a model number or a link to the product.

MurrayM

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#634883 3-Jun-2012 07:58

Last weekend I bought a NetGear N600 Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter, model WNDA3100, and I was surprised to see that it had a sticker on the front that says "Connects to HDTV's from Panasonic Co and others. Check for supported models at www.netgear.com/wifitv" I didn't buy it for a TV so haven't tested it on one, but it could be an option.

th3r3turn

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#634914 3-Jun-2012 10:01

MurrayM: Last weekend I bought a NetGear N600 Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter, model WNDA3100, and I was surprised to see that it had a sticker on the front that says "Connects to HDTV's from Panasonic Co and others. Check for supported models at www.netgear.com/wifitv" I didn't buy it for a TV so haven't tested it on one, but it could be an option.

Thanks for the link, found this on there site, supported models.

New ZealandTH-L32D25Z
TH-L32S25Z
TH-L37D25Z
TH-L37S25Z
TH-L42D25Z
TH-P42V20Z
TH-P50V20Z
TH-P50VT20Z
TH-P54V20Z
TH-P65VT20Z

New World

Shop on-line at New World now for your groceries (affiliate link).

Dunnersfella

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#635170 3-Jun-2012 19:47

They're all 2010 TV's - so it may not work with your current tellie...

This is the Belkin unit.
http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=552221

dclegg

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#636554 6-Jun-2012 11:15

Here is the official response from Panasonic WRT compatibility. Not overly helpful.