I see you figured out the Wireless question. Just in case, yes you can use either or. If wireless only use 802.11N. If possible use ethernet lan cable connection, so you can ensure you get the best bandwidth possible. This is really important for streaming apps like Netflix.
Don't worry about the fan. Just because it is big it doesn't mean that it is louder.
Usually, the larger the fan, the quieter it is. Look at new gaming computer cases which have a huge fan on them. Those push more air, thus not needed to spin faster as a smaller fan would. the better question to ask is what type of temperature control do they use. Is is a dumb switch, or does it have more intelligence. If it uses technology like what was on the original PS3s, then we are in trouble, but I think they are smarter than that, and are using similar and more efficient technology like on the slim PS3..
One last thing regarding your diagram. Most cable boxes don't need connectivity to your access point/ cable modem. They get all meta data information over the actual coaxial cable. The cable or satellite HDMI output cable will plug directly into the Sony device, so you can view and surf the different channels. The internet is used for all internet based applications (Netflix, twitter, Cnbc, NBA, web surfing), but doesn't have anything to do with the cable box beyond provide TV scheduling information.
I hope this helps.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dyevin 
i haven't seen this asked anywhere or been able to confirm with any of sony's documentation: will this be able to use a wireless network adapter in place of the wired ethernet?
also interested to see how loud that fan is. thing looks huge back there.
edit: just saw the online help guide post - it says wireless. must have missed that in the specs.
