Got rid of WHDVR to get Internet but still problems

I had direct tv installed in september of this year.  The installer asked me if I wanted direct cinema since it was free. He told me it was for ordering pay-per-view movies.  I declined being unaware that it actually was needed for on-demand shows as well.  I did get whole home dvr.  So, I call direct tv 3 weeks later (after I find out that I cant get VOD shows) and inquire about getting a direct cinema kit for free since it was offered at install.

They refuse and say it will cost me $31 to get something that generates more revenue for them by allowing me to get pay per view movies. Aside from that being incredibly obtuse, I decide not to purchase the kit.

So, today I purchase a powerline adaptor so I can use wifi on some devices I have including my HD direct TV.  Hook it up, doesnt work.  Do some research and find out that with WHDVR I MUST have the kit.  Call again....they refuse to give me one. So, I cancel WHDVR so I can connect to the internet.  I make sure the service is turned off, plug in ethernet cable, reset box....snap...I am connected.

I realize it takes 24 hours to download all the channels etc but I am seeing some really really slow download speeds.  Currently on this laptop with which I am typing this (and shares the same wifi as my DTV box) I am pulling 25 MBPS on speed test yet it took an hour to download a 3 minute highlight from a Sunday Ticket game.  Normally I would think that this was an issue having to do with normal content also being downloaded at the same time but after doing some searching, I am finding that many many others have this same issue.

Is there anything that can be done to increase download speed?  Is the fact that I just connected to the internet and having content being downloaded  really an issue?  Is my slow speed due to NOT having a direct cinema kit?  My powerline adapter can run as high as 85mbps so I cant see a problem with that and Netflix run through my Blu Ray player is really fast.  Any ideas and suggestions appreciated.