BT Promote Ethernet over Power

Probably flogging off old stock as they expect it to get banned, and they don't want to get caught bare-bummed.

Huge posted:

Probably flogging off old stock as they expect it to get banned, and they don't want to get caught bare-bummed.

These are new,  styled to complement the HH6 (launched in 2016) .............  

EoP is not new with BT as they have always used it to connect BT TV system when needed.  It's just a new HH6 styled device & I had not seen it before.  I was at first interested to see if it's Mesh technology - that is until I saw EoP   

Maybe they contracted to purchase them before the ban became likely?

Huge,

Can I ask you why you think there is likely to be a future ban on the use of power line adapters. 

I personally don't use power line adapters for either of my main systems or for my main desktop computer or laptop. I have switches and direct Ethernet routes for these, and so have no need touse power lines, and my Naim Muso qb (which does not have a direct Ethernet route) is used largely for Internet radio over Wi-Fi.

However, I do have a pair of power line adapters that I plug in and switch on only very occasionally for use with a bedroom music streaming system (not hi-res compatible so buffering problems not an issue) and an elderly upstairs PC that does not have inbuilt Wi-Fi.

I am convinced by the arguments that power line devices can result in a degradation in sound quality for a number of reasons, and from personal experience am aware that they may not cope adequately with hi-res streaming content, and for these reasons I would not use power line adapters with either of my main music systems. However, you seem to be implying that there could be a bigger problem such as health issues. I have come across insinuations that this might be the case from time to time, but like most claims of this type I have yet to find any convincing evidence or arguments to suggest that this might be the case. 

Can you enlighten us?

I saw the advert too, and it's annoying that the likes of BT are encouraging powerline adapters so widely, especially as there is some evidence that they may have a detrimental effect on neighbouring properties. I understand that Sky also use them, hidden inside some of their boxes, so people may even be unaware that they are running them. 

The Homeplug AV2 standard uses modulation frequencies up to 86Mhz at moderately high energy levels (at least compared to most small signal devices and the normal RF level from radio signals).  This energy level is necessary as mains wiring isn't a particularly good transmission line, so higher energies are needed to overcome the losses.  Guess where those losses go...  yes, that's right into the atmosphere and from there into any nearby RF absorbers (e.g. people!).  In essence by using PLAs you're sitting yourself inside a low MHz range RF antenna.  There are considerable concerns about the long term health implications of doing this.

There are also concerns about compliance with RF emissions standards in the wider environment and why these devices seem to have an exemption.  When used on their own for emissions testing (i.e. plugged into a mains system designed to prevent stray emission from the surrounding mains cable for testing purposes - which is perfectly legal!), these devices pass the tests as required.  Practical use in real homes is another matter.  There may also be a get out clause in that the emission may be deemed to be part of the primary function of the device, and so it becomes permitted at higher levels at it's operating frequencies.

Three years on and not fried yet:

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...-hi-fi-sound-quality

;-)