The HDHomeRun can be connected directly to a PC via an Ethernet cable.
The HDHomeRun is auto-MDX so does not need a cross-over cable.
Software: This feature requires HDHomeRun software release 20070829 or later.
Network configuration: Configure the PC to use a static IP address in the 169.254.x.y range, e.g. 169.254.5.12, with a network mask of 255.255.0.0. No gateway address or DNS servers are needed.
Firewall configuration: The Windows Firewall should be disabled for the interface when using the direct connect mode.
HDHomeRun Setup should detect the HDHomeRun.