Been kinda thinking about getting homeplugs. But... Ideally I'd like them unsecured*, does anyone still make them this way, do you know?

(*due to laziness. The prospect of having to go down/up two flights of stairs every time they desync is offputting)

The Billion BiPac AV200 ones I have didn't require syncing. They optionally can have encryption, but I've never switched it on!

Thank you, sir!

Follow on question:

I've heard varying reports about how they perform when they're on different loops. They'll certainly be on different loops. Will that be an issue? I'm not looking for amazing performance just better-and-more-reliable-than-wifi.

AFAIK that was only applicable to Homeplug 1.0. Newer Homeplug standards use the neutral side of the circuit which has less issues (noise) . That's what Wikipedia says anyway.

Cool cool cool. Thank you, Matt.

I got this
http://www.trustedreviews.com/samsung-bd-e6100_Blu-ray-Player_review
from Waitrose for 60brick today. looked a good price and I think it does everything I want. Can't play with it yet though 'cos now must wait for a reasonably priced HDMI cable in the post since the cheapest over the counter one appears to be 20-SODDING-QUID!!

If you ever go on HUKD, the next time you see them pop up at ~£1 a cable buy about 5 so you've got some spares. Unless this is going to be the only HDMI device you have.

You can get them on Amazon for <£1, (or at least you could last time I needed obe)

I know accessories like this are always cheaper online but this seems a remarkable example. they are widely available online for £1-3 yet MAPLIN's cheapest option was £20. How has that happened?

It's one of those things where they know anybody bothering to buy one probably wants it quick to go with a new toy, I guess. Pretty much daylight robbery really.

Whenever I shop at Maplin I can't help but wonder how they're still in business.

Maplin and Currys/PC World etc. I've always been mystified by their pricing policy. They all charge a small fortune for cables and similar stuff. I needed a micro USB cable a while back and as I was near Currys I thought I'd check - £17 when the identical item is available for £1 or £2 online. But then Currys/PC World are reasonably competitive these days for PCs, printers etc.

I suppose they're after the buyers who might think to search around for a major purchase like a computer, but assume that something small like a cable is going to cost the same everywhere.

A few years ago, Mac dealer downtown had dvi-vga converter plugs for 30 bucks. PC shop next door had them for 3.99.

But every Mac DVI/VGA converter has been lightly brushed against the hem of Steve Jobs' robe.

The last time I went to PCW was over a year ago when I needed a UK power cable for my Macbook Air. I wasn't sure which of the two types that they had in stock was the one that I needed, and neither was the poor urchin who was trying to help. So he dutifully went off to consult with they 'Mac expert' who recommended a nice one for £20.

I dutifully took it home, only to ring that (a) it was the wrong one, and (b) the correct one could be had for £6 from Amazon. So I dutifully ordered from Amazon and dutifully took the dud back to PCW.

I should've charged their fucking Mac expert for petrol.

I made my Sony blu ray smart player region free with a universal remote. However, I understand that it is only the DVD side that is region free. The blu ray is region locked and would need a hardware hack to change.

This is the one I have. It is excellent on all counts.

Ahh yes, I meant to say that I wanted one that was DVD region-free (not bothered about BR) without having to swap my remote (which I quite like)

There are hacks on AV Forum, and elsewhere, that I can apply to my player...but I'd have to get a free-for-all (?) remote.

I used the hack from AV-Forums and it worked fine. I got the ONE-for-all from Amazon for about a tenner I think.

Well there are many many options when it comes to getting the best blu ray players. 
The main factors to consider is performance /speed - media compatibility and 3D Experience.

Companies like LG,OPPO,SONY AND PANASONIC all have good blu ray players in their line of products.

If you still like to get a detailed review of the blu ray players , I advice you to take a look at this article on blu ray players.