Let Your Network Entertain You
Today, home networks are used primarily to connect PCs for performing traditional tasks, such as sharing an Internet connection, exchanging files, and printing. But it won't be long before these same networks will be used to transport all types of data, including audio and video, to a wide range of gadgets throughout the home. In fact, this is already becoming a reality. With the right components, you can stream MP3s directly to your stereo and connect your gaming console to your home network.
Media adapters and gateways: Digital audio receivers | Media streaming servers | Gaming consoles | Presentation gateways
 Digital audio receivers
Adding your stereo to your home network is easy, thanks to a new type of networking device called a digital audio receiver, or DAR. A DAR sends music from your PC to your stereo using any one of a number of networking protocols: wired Ethernet, 802.11b, FM, USB, HomeRF, and/or phone-line networking. These vary a great deal in terms of design and features, so it's a good idea to research them all before choosing one.
Things to consider about digital audio receivers
• How good is its sound quality?
• What type of networking standard does it support?
• What audio outputs does it have?
• Does it have a TV output? |
Roku SoundBridge M1000 |
These devices utilise the latest wireless networking technology. With a streaming server, your computer becomes the entertainment central of the entire house, granting you the cable-free freedom to watch DivX videos or listen to MP3s from the living room or any room in the house. What's more, setting up a wireless media streaming device is no more difficult than programming a VCR.
Things to consider about streaming servers
• How good is its audio and video quality?
• What video codec does it support?
• How good is the remote control?
• What type of AV sockets does it support?
• What type of networking standard does it support?
• Is it easy to install and use? |
SMC EZ-Stream Universal Wireless Multimedia Receiver |
Some gaming consoles, such as the Microsoft Xbox, come with a built-in Ethernet jack, making them network ready. Not every home is cabled for Ethernet, though. Fortunately, there is an easy way around this that allows you to place your console next to your TV and hook it up to the network without stringing Ethernet cable across the room: just attach a wireless bridge to the console, and it will play happily with the rest of your network.
Things to consider about wireless bridges
• Is it compatible with other bridges, access points, and routers?
• Does it have a removable antenna or an external connector?
• How many Ethernet ports does it have?
• Does it include both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint modes?
• Is it easy to install? |
Sony PS2 (Slim form factor) |
Presentation gateways provide a central networking node for the distribution of digital and audio content. You connect the wireless presentation gateway to a projector or a monitor, and, after doing so, anyone can connect wirelessly to the gateway to display images, slide shows, or other content on the screen. Some gateways come with internal memory and allow you to store a presentation directly onto the device so that you can leave your computer at home and take your show on the road.
Things to consider about wireless presentation gateways
• What networking standards does it support?
• What audio and video outputs does it have?
• How many users can it support?
• How much storage capacity does it have?
• Does it come with a remote control? |
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