Advice needed - please

foreright · 9 Sep 2013 at 19:30

Can you please tell me if the demands of streaming MKV files over a wireless network are more demanding than playing Spotify say. Can you also tell me if you introduce a second wireless route does it also become more difficult.
Excuse what may seem simple questions but I have received a call from my son who has even less network knowledge than me.
He has a Mac with a Ext. HD full of MKV DVD rips. That communicates to his Sky router in his loungewirelessly. This in turn communicates with his Samsung TV via a WiFI dongle to play the MKV's with a Plex app.
The set up was easy and the Plex client populated with ease as did the metadata etc. However when playing the files they are buffering. This does not happen when he uses a Airport Express which sits adjacent to TV, Amp etc. for playing Spotify.
Does this suggest that the demands are greater streaming MKV's and is the answer a better router or is/could there be another reason.
I have tried a similar set up in my house and although I have a VM Superhub experienced similar problems. Although I am hard wired and only experimented wifi to try to answer his questions.
Could you please advise an old man and I can pass info on. Thanks VM

MissChief · 9 Sep 2013 at 20:01

The bandwidth required for video is way higher than Spotify. I would suggest either cabling or making sure there are no Wireless G devices as the Sky Router can't run 'N' and 'G' Wireless simultaneously.

KIA · 10 Sep 2013 at 14:57

He needs to use a wired connection.

foreright · 10 Sep 2013 at 15:11

Thanks for the replies guys. I have a fully wired network and have never had any issues and funny enough my VM Superhub streams my MKV's very well till the distance gets too far (experimenting)
Are you saying that even if he gets either an upgraded Sky Hub or configures his existing one to modem only and buys a better quality wifi router. You feel that it still will not be sufficient and he will have issues and the only fool proof way is to connect the whole lot wired ie. Mac - Router & Router - TV or just one of the sections.
Thanks again and sorry if the questions are a bit lame.

KIA · 11 Sep 2013 at 17:19

Better WiFi gear might help. Is a wired connection out of the question?

foreright · 11 Sep 2013 at 17:49

First he is trying to get an upgrade to his Sky router ie. the new Hub. If that is still not sucessful (or they want to charge) he was going to try those wall plugs unless you say they're useless. It he is then in the same scrape he will have no option but try and hard wire although I think it may be impossible.
Easiest answer will be a WDTV media player with that and the HD beside his TV.
A few options to try before spending money. Thanks again.