Western Digital WDBACB0010HBK - Elements Play User manual

WD Livewire™
Powerline AV Network Kit
User Manual

WD®Service and Support
Should you encounter any problem, please give us an opportunity to address it before
returning this product. Most technical support questions can be answered through our
knowledge base or e-mail support service at http://support.wdc.com. If the answer is not
available or, if you prefer, please contact WD at the best telephone number shown below.
Your product includes 30 days of free telephone support during the warranty period. This
30-day period starts on the date of your first telephone contact with WD technical support.
E-mail support is free for the entire warranty period and our extensive knowledge base is
available 24/7. To help us keep you informed of new features and services, remember to
register your product online at http://register.wdc.com.
Accessing Online Support
Visit our product support website at http://support.wdc.com and choose from these topics:
•Downloads - Download drivers, software, and updates for your WD product.
•Registration - Register your WD product to get the latest updates and special offers.
•Warranty & RMA Services - Get Warranty, Product Replacement (RMA), RMA Status,
and Data Recovery Information.
•Knowledge Base - Search by keyword, phrase, or answer ID.
•Installation - Get online installation help for your WD product or software.
Contacting WD Technical Support
When contacting WD for support, have your WD product serial number, system hardware,
and system software versions available.
North America Asia Pacific
English 800.ASK.4WDC Australia 1 800 42 9861
(800.275.4932) China 800 820 6682/[phone]
Spanish 800.832.4778 Hong Kong [phone]
India 1 800 11 9393 (MNTL)/1 800 200 5789 (Reliance)
011 26384700 (Pilot Line)
Europe (toll free)* 00800 ASK4 WDEU Indonesia [phone]
(00800 27549338) Japan 00 531 650442
Korea 02 719-3240
Europe [phone] Malaysia [phone]/1 800 88 1908/[phone]
Middle East [phone] Philippines 1 800 1441 0159
Africa [phone] Singapore [phone]/[phone]/[phone]
Taiwan [phone]/[phone]
* Toll free number available in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy,
Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

TABLE OF CONTENTS – i
Table of Contents
1 Important User Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Recording your WD Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Registering your WD Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
2 Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Features and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Sharing Internet Access on the Livewire Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Sample Livewire Home Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
LED Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Minimum Installation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Installation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5 WD Livewire Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Operating Systems Supported. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installation Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Using the WD Livewire Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6 WD Livewire Network Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Firmware Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
7 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Regulatory Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
IMPORTANT USER INFORMATION – 1
Important User Information
Important Safety Instructions
This device is designed and manufactured to assure personal safety. Improper use
can result in electric shock or fire hazard. The safeguards incorporated into this unit
will protect you if you observe the following procedures for installation, use, and
servicing.
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods
of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.
Carefully read and follow the Quick Install Guide and User Manual.
Do not operate this device outside the temperature range of 5°C–35°C
(41°F–95°F).
Do not drop or shake the device.
Do not move the device when it is powered on.
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon them or against them.
Do not overload wall outlets.
For additional safety information, refer to www.wdc.com.
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WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
IMPORTANT USER INFORMATION – 2
Recording your WD Product Information
In the following table, write the serial and model numbers of your new WD product.
You can find this information on the label on the bottom of the device. You should
also note the date of purchase. This information may be required when requesting
technical support.
Registering your WD Product
Your WD product includes 30 days of free technical support during the applicable
warranty period for your product. The 30-day period commences on the date of
your first telephone contact with WD technical support. Register your WD product
online at http://register.wdc.com.
Accessories
For U.S. residents, visit www.shopwd.com to view additional accessories available
for your WD Livewire. For users outside the U.S., visit http://support.wdc.com.
Serial Number:
Model Number:
Purchase Date:
System and Software Notes:

WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
PRODUCT OVERVIEW – 3
Product Overview
Thank you for purchasing the WD Livewire Powerline AV Network Kit. This user
manual provides step-by-step instructions for installing and using your new
WD Livewire devices. For the latest WD product information and news, visit our
website at www.westerndigital.com.
Expand your home network instantly without running wires – Create
high-speed Internet connections anywhere in your home without running wires
between rooms. Just use your home's electrical wiring to create a network.
Set-up is as easy as plugging in a lamp – Plug one adapter into your router and
an electrical outlet. Plug the other adapter into an electrical outlet in any room where
you want a high-speed connection.
Faster and more reliable than wireless – With speed up to 200 megabits per
second*, the WD Livewire Powerline AV network kit is fast enough for every
computer in your home to share your broadband internet connection and still have
the velocity you need to smoothly stream 1080p full-HD video to your TV.
*Your performance may vary based on network conditions and volume of network traffic.
More ports for more devices – The WD Livewire adapter kit offers 4 ports on both
devices in the pair. This allows you to plug in your router and up to seven
Internet-connected devices such as computers, TVs, game consoles, media
players, and network storage drives.
Encrypted for security – The data transfer between the WD Livewire adapters is
protected with the same 128-bit encryption that you trust for your online banking
and shopping. And because the encryption is automatic, there’s no need to
remember a password.
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WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS – 4
Features and Functions
Sharing Internet Access on the Livewire Network
To share Internet access over the powerline network, connect your router to a
WD Livewire device using an Ethernet cable and plug the device directly into an
electrical outlet. The connections between the Internet, modem, and router remain
the same.
In the example below, a WD TV®device and laptop computer are connected to a
WD Livewire device using Ethernet cables. Internet access is provided through the
network from a different room.
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WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS – 5
Sample Livewire Home Network
This diagram below shows a WD Livewire network in a two-story house. The router
upstairs (which has a desktop computer and network storage drive attached) is
connected to a WD Livewire device, which is plugged into an electrical outlet in one
room. Downstairs, a network-attached media player and gaming console share a
device.
Using the powerlines of the home, the router expands your local network to include
a network-attached external hard drive, HD media player, gaming console and
desktop computer. Internet access and files can be shared between your computers
and other networked devices.

WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS – 6
Connections
LED Indicators
Item Component Description
1 Ethernet ports (1-4) Supports connection of computers, removable storage
devices, gaming consoles, and other network-connectable
devices
2 Sync button Press the Sync button on all WD Livewire devices in your
powerline network within two minutes to create a private
network.
3 Reset button (bottom of
device)
Resets the device. See “Firmware Upgrade” on page 17.
4 Power switch Turn the switch to On or Off for power saving.
5 Power jack Connects the power cable
Item Component Description
1 Device LEDs Indicates if a device is attached to the corresponding numbered
Ethernet port.
2 PLC-Link Indicates that the WD Livewire device is connected to the network.
3 Power LED Indicates that the WD Livewire device is powered on.
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3
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WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
GETTING STARTED – 7
Getting Started
Package Contents
Minimum Installation Requirements
An available electrical outlet in two separate locations in your home or office
At least two network-capable devices with an Ethernet connection
4
WD Livewire devices Ethernet cables
AC power adapters Quick Install Guide Documentation and
software CD

WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
GETTING STARTED – 8
Installation Procedures
Important: Plug the devices directly into a wall socket. Do not plug the
devices into a power strip, surge protector, or similar power extension.
Connect the Network Devices and Computers
1. Connect the power cables to the power jacks on each device, then plug the
opposite ends into AC power outlets in separate locations (one location must be
close to your modem or router).
2. Be sure that the power switch on each device is set to the On position. The
power LED on both devices illuminates.
3. Connect your router (with modem and other devices/computers connected) and
up to three more devices or computers to the Ethernet ports in one location.
4. Connect up to four more devices or computers in the other location.
5. Make sure the power switch on all powerline devices is set to ON.
6. See “Sharing Internet Access on the Livewire Network” on page 4 and “Sample
Livewire Home Network” on page 5 for possible configurations.
Expand the Network with Additional WD Livewire Devices
Note: WD Livewire devices can be added to an existing powerline network with one or more non-WD
devices if the devices are HomePlug Alliance AV Certified. Go to www.homeplug.org for further
information.
Connect a power cable to each device, then plug the opposite end into an AC
power outlet in the desired location. The power LED illuminates on each additional
device.
Press the Sync button on ALL devices (WD Livewire and other powerline adapters)
within 2 minutes of installation to join an existing powerline network that includes
other manufacturers' Homeplug Alliance AV certified devices.
Location 1
Location 2

WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
GETTING STARTED – 9
Create a Private Network
Note: You may want to create a private network if you live in an apartment building or other dwelling
where the electrical system is not exclusive to your living space.
To create a private network, press the Sync button on the back of each WD Livewire
device in the network for less than three seconds within a span of two minutes.
Press the Sync button on all WD Livewire devices in the
network within two minutes to create a private network.

WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
WD LIVEWIRE UTILITY – 10
WD Livewire Utility
Use the WD Livewire Utility to manage your powerline device network.
Note: The WD Livewire devices are plug and play and can be used without having to install any
software. For advanced functions such as diagnostics, firmware upgrades, and creating a private
network without using the Sync button, install the WD Livewire Utility.
Operating Systems Supported
The WD Livewire Utility is supported by the following operating systems:
Windows®7
Windows Vista®
Windows XP
Installation Instructions
1. Turn on your computer and wait for the operating system to load.
2. Insert the product CD into the CD or DVD drive.
Note: If AutoPlay is disabled on your computer, you must install the utility manually. Click Start and
then (My) Computer. Right-click the CD/DVD drive, click Open, and double-click WDsetup.exe.
3. Windows Vista/Windows 7: Click Run WDsetup.exe, and then click Allow.
4. The WD Livewire Setup Wizard screen displays. Click Next.
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WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
WD LIVEWIRE UTILITY – 11
5. Click I Agree in the License Agreement screen.
6. Accept the default install location or click Browse to select a different destination
folder. Click Install.
7. WD Livewire Utility installation is complete. Click Finish to close the Wizard.

WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
WD LIVEWIRE UTILITY – 12
Using the WD Livewire Utility
Turn on your computer and wait for the operating system to load.
For Windows Vista and Windows XP, click Start>Programs>Western Digital>WD
Livewire Utility or double-click the WD Livewire Utility icon on your desktop.
For Windows 7, click the Windows icon and then All Programs>Western
Digital>WD Livewire Utility or double-click the WD Livewire Utility icon on your
desktop.
The WD Livewire Utility contains four tabs:
Main - WD Livewire Utility opens to this tab by default. Here, you can view, detect,
rename, set passwords for, or add WD Livewire devices.
Privacy - Allows you to set up a private WD Livewire network.
Diagnostics - Provides information about your powerline adapters.
About - Provides information about the WD Livewire Utility.
Main
Use this tab to view, detect, upgrade firmware, rename, set passwords for, or add
WD Livewire devices to a private network.
The Local Device(s) on your computer list shows the Device Type name and
MAC Address of the powerline device connected directly to your computer. Click on
a local device from the list, then click Connect to connect to that device.
The Powerline device detected list shows the Device Name, (Device) Password,
Quality (of connection), Rate (Mbps), and MAC Address of all powerline devices
connected to the network.
The AutoScan option is selected by default. To scan the powerline adapter network
manually by clicking Scan, deselect AutoScan.

WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
WD LIVEWIRE UTILITY – 13
Upgrade Firmware
Go to “Firmware Upgrade” on page 17 for instructions.
Rename
To assign a new name to a remote powerline device, select it, then click Rename.
Enter the new name, and then press Enter on your keyboard.
Note: The new device name only appears on the computer running the WD Livewire Utility used to
assign the new name. If the WD Livewire Utility is installed on a different computer, the default name
for the device displays.
Device Password
Entering the device password allows you to change the name of the private network
to which the powerline adapter is attached (see “Privacy” on page 14).
Select the remote powerline adapter, then click Enter Password. Enter the
password located on the label on the powerline adapter, then click OK.
Add
If you add a new powerline adapter to an existing WD Livewire network with a private
network name other than the default name (HomePlug), it may not be detected. In
this case, do the following:
1. Click Add Device to manually add the powerline adapter.
2. Enter a unique name for the powerline adapter.
3. Enter the password located on the label on the powerline adapter, then click OK.

WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
WD LIVEWIRE UTILITY – 14
Scan
Click Scan to update the status information of the remote powerline adapters.
Privacy
Create a private network that provides you with extra security using the Privacy tab.
Private Network Name
The default Private Network Name, HomePlugAV, displays. To change the Private
Network Name, all devices in the network must have their device passwords entered
(see “Device Password” on page 13). Enter a new name in the Private Network
Name field. Click Use Default (Public Network) to reset the Network Password to
the default name (HomePlugAV).
Place On This Network
Click Set Local Device Only to update the network name of the powerline adapter
connected to your computer via Ethernet. Click Set All Devices to update the
network name of all the powerline adapters in your powerline network. The network
name of the powerline adapters whose passwords have been entered will be
updated.

WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
WD LIVEWIRE UTILITY – 15
Diagnostics
The Diagnostics tab provides detailed information about the powerline adapters in
your WD Livewire network.
System Information
The following information about the powerline adapter connected to your computer
via Ethernet displays: Ethernet adapter MAC address, powerline adapter MAC
address, network password, vendor, and firmware version. The following information
about your computer also displays: computer network name, user name,
microprocessor, and Operating System (OS) platform. The version number of
WD Livewire Utility, library, and drivers information also displays.
Remote Device History (Log)
The remote powerline adapters display with the following information columns:
Device name, MAC Address, device Password, Rate (Mbps), Network name, Last
Seen (detected), Vendor, and Firmware version.
Devices are displayed in this log until you click Delete.
Delete
To remove a remote powerline adapter, select it then click Delete. This does not
remove the device from a private network, and the device will reappear in the list if it
stays connected.
Save Report
To print the Diagnostics report, click Save Report.
Print Report
To create a text-only file of the Diagnostics report, click Print Report.

WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
WD LIVEWIRE UTILITY – 16
About
The About screen displays information about the WD Livewire Utility.
Version number, copyright info, release date, and a link to the WD website display
under the WD logo.
Note: You must have an active Internet connection to use the WD link.

WD LIVEWIRE POWERLINE AV NETWORK KIT
USER MANUAL
WD LIVEWIRE NETWORK MAINTENANCE – 17
WD Livewire Network Maintenance
The firmware for your WD Livewire network can be upgraded to the latest release,
which includes product fixes and enhancements. To ensure you receive the latest
update, we recommend registering your product at http://register.wdc.com.
This chapter describes how to upgrade firmware and perform simple
troubleshooting.
Solutions to more serious problems may require contacting your dealer or an
authorized service center for assistance. For more information, refer to WD Service
and Support on the second page of this user manual.
Firmware Upgrade
Firmware is an important set of instructions that tells your WD Livewire devices how
to operate, what the interactive screens look like, and how to do what you tell it to
do.
Important: Make sure that all the devices’ AC power adapters remain
connected and plugged in during the firmware update. A power disruption
during the update process can corrupt the firmware and render the
device(s) unusable.
To update the firmware:
1. Go to http://support.wdc.com. Click Downloads, then the product name (or
photo) and download the latest firmware update file for your WD Livewire device
to your computer.
2. Connect your computer or router to port 1 on a WD Livewire device.
3. Launch the WD Livewire Utility program on your computer. Click Upgrade
Firmware.
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