DLNA = Digital Living Network Alliance
If you don't have any idea what it is, read it at dlna.org (http://dlna.org).

Gateway will be a DLNA server.
1. Any DLNA certified devices, smartphone or PC, can be used to view the recorded shows or to listen to the music channel from Gateway. Shaw may release app to enable smartphone or PC to view the recorded shows.
- Are we able to use the Xbox 360 or PS3 as a DLNA display device similar to Telus system?
- Can we use a DLNA certified TV to view recorded shows without a portal?

2. If Shaw allows, we may be able to store our media on the Gateway. But the chance is very slim. But I will not put anything there because the Gateway system will be disabled if I switch to different provider. Without Shaw cable connection, Shaw box will not function.

3. We may be able to change recording from PC and smartphone.

Portal will make your non-DLNA TV as DLNA enabled TV
1. With a DLNA enabled TV, we can display photo and video on TV.

If Shaw really want to make Arris system ubiquitous they should go and enable full DLNA server and client architecture. That way you can play Shaw content on any DLNA enabled client, as well play content from any DLNA server on TV sets connected to Arris system. If that wouldn't give them an ultimate advantage I don't know what will.

That way you'd be able to use game consoles, smart phones, iPad, Android tablet or 3rd party media boxes to watch content provided by Shaw, and use every Arris system connected TV in your house to watch content served from any 3rd party DLNA server. In other words, we would get it all. But I'm sure DRM and/or bean counters will get in the way of this solution.

I am more interested right now in how they are going to handle the wifi, because it needs to be in place before the DNLA (for it to be practical)

Im interested in knowing:
-will they allow us to turn it on and off?
-will we be able to turn off the Tx on the SSID?
-will we be able to set up our own WEP (or any other) security?
-will they allow us to operate 2 WIFI systems in our home? or will I need to get rid of my new WIFI router?
-once the gateway WIFI is enabled, what happens to our cable modems and existing wifi equipment?

From what I gather at this point (my perspective) Shaw is/are control freaks. So I doubt that they will allow us to control anything on "our" hardware...
Just my $0.02...

The gateway sure had better support dlna to my computer so that the playon.tv system will work, and i want to be able to view my personal photo and video libraries off my computer on my tv (just like i can with my apple tv).

At this point though i would just like to hear something from shaw other than saying the typical "it's coming soon". I'm new to the Gateway, however I've been reading through many of the older threads and the talk of dlna, ethernet, wifi, etc. seems to be ongoing for such a long time.

These days tech. companies need to move quick or someone else passes by. Shaw should be hounding Arris/Moxi for updates with the known problems with updates released weekly to everyone, and also be getting their act together to get these gateways opened up to their full potential (including the phone line capabilities, usb, etc.) There is no valid excuse for taking so long other than lack of funding towards the development to put enough resources towards it.

Just my 2cents.

I wonder if anyone from shaw reads these forums here?

@CowtownBiomed, I am not sure that the gateway and portal have wifi as they do not have antenna. But I may be wrong as the antenna can be internal.

I am planning to connect the gateway to my router directly without using wifi. It will be a problem if the portal cannot be reached from the gateway connection.

Hi Tech...
Yes, the WIFI is part of the gateway..not the portals..antenna's are internal.
http://www.shaw.ca/Gateway/Features/

From what I have been told the RJ45's on the portals will then be activated too, so you will have (wired) connectivity right at the portal..as well as at the gateway.

CowtownBiomed, thanks for pointing it out.

If the portal does not have wifi, l hope that the portal can be accessed through the gateway connection. If not, I will setup one of my old routers as a WiFi client bridge.

I'm pretty sure (almost positive) that would be the case.
If you could not access your portal over the WIFI it would be pretty hard to use for DLNA..
For example, sending a video clip/pictures from your iPhone/iPod/iPad to the TV..

I wouldn't count on being able to beam content to your TV.

DLNA has three relevant roles: Digital Media Server (DMS), Digital Media Player (DMP) and Digital Media Renderer (DMR).

I know that the Portals support DMP mode (another cable provider using the same devices has this working) and hope that this will be enabled by Shaw, allowing them to play back content from any DMS in your home (NAS device, Windows Media Player, etc).

I also saw some indications in initial Arris material that the Gateway supports DMS mode so that you could play back recordings from other DMP devices (e.g. XBox, Playstation) in your home, but have seen no indications that this functionality will be enabled. My guess would be that the content providers would not be happy with this unless it supported strong DRM.

I have not seen any indications at all that the Portals or Gateway support DMR mode, where you could instantly send photos to the screen from your device. This doesn't mean you won't be able to install an app that runs as a DMS and then navigate to the phone from the Portal. It also doesn't mean that I'm right :)

Shaw is actually pretty good at keeping secrets... most publicly traded companies are because any future looking statement could potentially affect stock prices and generally needs to be approved at the highest levels before release.

EDIT: check out this video

aRDDsiwwEhw

Only talks about DMP functionality, sited at the Gateway interestingly, either this was just marketing droid speak, or the Portals proxy through the Gateway (which I guess makes sense).

...There is no valid excuse for taking so long other than lack of funding towards the development to put enough resources towards it.

Just my 2cents.

I wonder if anyone from shaw reads these forums here?

I have to say on Shaw's behalf that these things are not 'plug and play' by any means. It can take millions, yes, millions of dollars to incorporate a new system like the Gateway to existing infrastructure. Not only does it have to work with the basic delivery systems but also the control and billing systems. This can mean countless hours of troubleshooting and testing once the 'compatibility' issues alone have been solved.

I know a company(not a cableco) that spent close to 10 million, or more, over the course of about 5 years for a 'system' that never did get completed and that was actually 3 different attempts at the project.

Also, if you would care to read through the many threads here, especially the 'rant' and 'customer service' threads, I think you will find there are many indications that Shaw does read these threads and in many cases actually responds to them.

Don't get me wrong, I'm one of the hardest critics of Shaw on here but at the same time, I feel it is only fair to speak up on their behalf when statements like yours above are thrown out there without having done your homework first. No offense intended.

None taken. I might have come across harse with the statement however being in the IT industry since about 1998 and an active programmer myself I am experienced in code development, testing, rollouts, cross platform integrations, etc. and my feelings here are that a company the size Shaw is, they should be consistently releasing updates to fix issues as soon as possible to help minimize peoples frustrations with the system.

Having only been on the Gateway platform for about a week here, I have already experienced a number of quirks that appear to have been ongoing for months according to this forum (which leads me to believe either shaw doesn't pay attention to us here, or they are just really slow on releasing the updates).

Without ranting too much, my sole decision to convert from a polished/virtually glitch free system from Telus optik to the Gateway was based on the ability to have 6 HD streams, mobile apps, and DLNA. I now have the 6 HD streams plus better contrast in the HD, but no DLNA, no mobile apps and less overall HD selection, and an assortment of bugs for about the same monthly price. Honestly, considering that this system should really be called Beta right now, it should be cheaper for us 'testers' until it can match the performance of Optik. I attempted to convey this to Shaw CSR, but they arn't willing to budge in pricing. Such is life, I'll continue with the gateway because i see the potential. If the updates and additional services don't happen quick enough for me, I'll just switch back.

Back to the topic at hand. If the DLNA supports connecting to my PC for viewing of my pictures/videos/mp3 library, plus can work correctly with the playon.tv system then I will be extremely happy with it. According to the playon.tv site they list the Moxi HD PVR system, so in theory it should work - providing Shaw doesn't block it.

One more thing - personally i feel Shaw should be more open about their software update timelines and maintain a page on their site within the client login with this information instead of just saying 'no known date for the next update'.

... a company the size Shaw is, they should be consistently releasing updates to fix issues as soon as possible to help minimize peoples frustrations with the system.

That could be true if Shaw were the ones writing the code for this system. All code for the Gateway is in ARRIS's hands so Shaw can only make requests(or demands if you are the CEO).

Having only been on the Gateway platform for about a week here, I have already experienced a number of quirks that appear to have been ongoing for months according to this forum (which leads me to believe either shaw doesn't pay attention to us here, or they are just really slow on releasing the updates).
Shaw definitely does listen to us here and the more we complain about any given issue, the more priority it will be given in the order of what gets 'fixed' first.
... a polished/virtually glitch free system from Telus optik...
I think if you take a look at the Telus threads here you will find this is hardly the case. Perhaps your experience was different but it would seem that system isn't without it's own share of issues.
... I now have the 6 HD streams plus better contrast in the HD, but no DLNA, no mobile apps and less overall HD selection,... If the updates and additional services don't happen quick enough for me, I'll just switch back.
Patience will pay off. DLNA is not far off now and neither is the mobile app. You are always free to switch since there are no contacts at Shaw.

...According to the playon.tv site they list the Moxi HD PVR system, so in theory it should work - providing Shaw doesn't block it.
Yes, this should work but it will of course come with an additional monthly subscription so you will effectively be paying for your content twice, at least some of it anyway. Also, this 'feature' is one advertised on the American system so there is no guarantee it will be available in Canada but I am told it should work.

One more thing - personally i feel Shaw should be more open about their software update timelines and maintain a page on their site within the client login with this information instead of just saying 'no known date for the next update'.
This last point falls into the 'commercial competition' area. It doesn't make any sense to publish when you are planning to release a new feature because any delay makes you look bad and also gives your competition the chance to 'one up' you and release a new feature before you. I'd call it a 'no brainer' as to why they don't do it.

My suggestion to you would be: take a deep breath, relax and wait just a little longer and you should be pleasantly surprised by what we will eventually be able to do with this Gateway system.

...
From what I have been told the RJ45's on the portals will then be activated too, so you will have (wired) connectivity right at the portal..as well as at the gateway.

From what I have been told, this is not the case(I hope I'm understanding you here, we could be saying the same thing). The RJ45 jack is more of an 'input' and will allow connection to the Gateway via ethernet cabling rather than just coax. Theoretically, this will allow a Portal to be placed anywhere in your home's wired internet network, allowing greater flexibility of connection. This will be possible with the activation of DLNA which should be happening anytime now so we will soon see just how it does work then.

Jetranger, I understand that this is how it's designed, but it sure would be useful to a lot of people if Arris could figure out how to make that port act as an extension of the MoCA network as an alternative. I bet there are far more homes out there that have coax and need network at their TV, than are prewired with ethernet.

I guess the cost/benefit isn't really there for Shaw though even if they could. It would lock people into their gear for the home network, but it would also increase support costs and possibly enable more rapid adoption of OTT.

I couldn't agree more but it seems the creators of these systems don't think of this stuff when they are designing them. That or maybe they do think of them but it would add too much to the cost of the system or unit cost of production?

One could argue they are complex and complicated enough but I think there are more of us dreamers out there that are desperately waiting for our dreams to be fulfilled.

I'm not sure if we are saying the same thing or not Jet.
My understanding is that it will be and extension of the WIFI (hardwired obviously)
The ability to connect your Wii/PC/PS3/Xbox to the network directly.

Now, if I understand what you are getting at, there are two ports, perhaps it will be one of each, one for standard IP traffic and one for MoCa..
I guess time will tell..

http://www.bendbroadband.com/residential/pdfs/Alpha_User_Guide.pdf

Page #64 requires a network "Cable" so I think I am on the right track..
Though it does not state anywhere, where it is connected...strange...

There is no wireless in the Portals, just in the Gateway. There are two 'inputs', or 'connections to the Gateway', on the current Portals: one RF for coax and one RJ45 for an Ethernet connection. Right now, only the coaxial one is active but the RJ45 one will become active with the enabling of DLNA in the next code update(should be anytime now) which should also include activation of the wireless capabilities. This will allow the Portal to be a full DMP on the network, either MoCA or Ethernet. There is no IP traffic over the MoCA network though so that's why the RJ45 can't act as an 'extension'.

Once DLNA is enabled and the Gateway is connected to the home Ethernet network, you could then place a Portal where an Ethernet connection is but no coax and be able to play any content the Gateway can see. An additional way you could connect would be by using a wireless bridge. The bridge(wireless router set to bridge mode) would connect to the Gateway wirelessly and then connect to the Portal using the RJ45. This would allow for the 'extension' you might be looking for but it does require the additional piece of equipment in the wireless router.

Originally, I, too, thought this might mean there could be an 'extension' of the Ethernet network from the RJ45 port but this is just not the case. I have checked and double checked this and, no matter how many of us would love to have it work this way, it just isn't something that is possible with this system.

Yes, only one RJ45 (on the portal) my mistake.
I guess the 10/100 and the PC network image (under the RJ45) is just a misnomer...Bummer...


I guess time will tell...

Like I said, think of it more as an 'input'. Sure, there is two-way communication through that port but the Portal is an 'end device' rather than a link to the network. It's more like a Blu-Ray player with an Ethernet port.

A good number of posts about ethernet cabling have been moved to an existing thread on the topic.
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=150095
Thanks for your understanding.