Hello - Has anyone else had this problem? I am trying to connect my WDTV Live to my wireless network, but it does not seem to recognize my wireless USB device. I have a Netgear WDNA3100 which I believe I saw listed as one of the compatible devices. The wireless usb adapter works fine on my laptop, but all it does is charge when I plug it into my WDTV. Any suggestions?
The WNDA3100 is only supported if there’s no revision number indicated (which is probably a V1)
http://kb.netgear.com/app/products/family/a_id/10603
Look at the above link. The V2 version has that extra little grey button on it. If yours has that, it’s not going to work.
Hello JBHUI
I have the same netgear wireless card adapter and have not been able to get it to work…Have you had any luck getting this to work or did you have to replace it?
Myron
Hi, I had the same problem with that adapter. The only one sold today is a versioned firmware. WD tested the Beta version of that adapter, hence the no rev number. Once the manufacturer was ready to release it they had changed firmware and chipset.
WD doesn’t go back and retest with a vendor’s upgraded release. Once they test a unit at whatever rev the adapter is at the time that’s it, then there are no re-tests until a new WD product is on the design desk. Then there is no guarantee that WD will test it against an already released product of their own. It’s too costly, ya know, to support their customers with the ever evolving technology changes.
Sorry for you troubles folks. I had to return my NetGear and go and buy a Belkin with the recommended rev that worked.
-Gary
It’s the same with me. I have a Netgear USB WNA1100. WDTV live does not deduct wireless USB.
Thanks Gary,
You saved me a lot of time and energy. I’m taking mines back right now! Thanks again!
Myron
I have same issue with my Netgear WNDA3200 which i received from Virginmedia, did any of you guys find an alternative that worked? I’m trying to decide which to buy and it would be cool to know which one definitely works.
katatonik wrote:
it would be cool to know which one definitely works.
Luckily for you, WD made a list quite some time ago of which ones are tested to work properly…
List of compatible devices for the WD TV Live HD Media Player and WD TV Live Plus HD Media Player
I ended up getting a Trendnet TEW-424UB - not on the approved list. When I plug it in, I do not get the “WIRELESS” or “WIRED” option on the WDTV interface.
So if I get the specific USB wireless listed on the compatible list, this option will come up?
I just want to make sure before I go spend more $ getting this thing wireless ready.
I have the WDTV Live Plus.
Thanks!!
Yes… any adaptor whose chipset is supported by the firmware (whether it’s on the “confirmed” list, or not), you’ll be able go get to the “Settings” for it on the WDTV.
If you can’t get the settings, then it isn’t supported/recognized.
The ones on the list are known to work. Any other with the identical chipset inside, should also work (many folks have come in and posted “____ works too!!”).
But, that’s why the versions listed on the chart matter… The manufacturers switch chipsets, and a newer version may no longer work because it may have a different chipset.
Thanks for the tip on the version - I bought a dlink usb adapter that is on the list, but under version it said not listed Arghhhhh I’ll return it tomorrow and get a supported version. One other question, when you actually get one that works, do you need to go through the installation process on your regular computer? Thanks!
No. There is no “installation” required, short of plugging it into the WD.
You could try using a wireless bridge. That’s what I’m using on my WD TV upstairs.
You mean one of those ones that you plug into the router and the electrical outlet on one side and the electrical outlet on the other side and your WDTV?
The ones I looked at were $130 each, meaning a $260 solution for both sides.
Not sure if it’s worth it.
I think Bill means something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Wireless-4-Port-Bridge-TEW-640MB/dp/B004FMI3DA
$64 for one unit that should connect wirelessly to your router quite easily. The WDTV plugs into it via ethernet, so no need to worry about wireless dongle drivers.
I used to use an old Linksys Access Point in bridge mode, which was fine but a bit slow (‘G’ wifi wasn’t great for HD) and quite a chunky box.
Now I’m using a WD Livewire Powerline kit that networks through the electrical wiring in our apartment. Can stream 720p and 1080p MKVs no problem. An added benefit is that it has a 4-port hub, so my Xbox and net-enabled AVR can get online too. The TRENDnet adapter I linked to earlier also has that feature.
Perfect. Thank you. I didn’t even know that a media bridge was an option. Very cool. So in essence, it picks up your existing wireless and allows you to plug in the WDTV into the bridge?
Thanks!
That’s correct; the bridge might need a little configuring (should auto-detect but you may need to use a laptop to do any tweaking) and any devices plugged into it will treat it as a direct cable to the router once it establishes the connection.
You still need to go through network setup on the Live but, assuming the bridge link is working, that should be quick and painless.
If you don’t need support for multiple devices, you can probably find a cheaper bridge (I think TRENDnet do one for ~$45).
Maybe some people can chip in with what make / model bridges they have had success with and can recommend…
Yup, that’s what I meant. I use one for my hub in my bedroom two floors up and it works fine, though I know I’m pushing it on the distance.
Bill, that means you’re giving bad advice! 
I don’t have a WD TV player, but when I’ve tested one at home I’ve just stolen the Samsung wireless adapter for my Samsung Blu-ray player, on the principle that both players run Linux and the adapter was way too expensive, so I might as well try it.
It worked perfectly, so as a last resort, picking up a wireless adapter branded as compatilble with a Linux-based Blu-ray player might be worth trying if you can’t first find any adapters from the supported adapter list.
As mentioned above, if an adapter is detected you’ll get the wired/wireless network option. If you don’t see that, save some time and just take the adapter back–there’s no way to get a non-supported adapter to work.
This is great advice guys, thank you.
