Future of Home Entertainment part 2

Following on from our media player basics here is part 2. 

In this post we will cover what you will need to start unleashing your media from your PC. If you already have an internet connection and a computer then you´re half way there, why not contact Future Lifestyle to help you get the most out of the internet and your stored media.

The great thing about this form of entertainment is that it can be retro fitted into your home using wireless routers and extenders. However if you are about to build a new house or undertake some renovation work on your home, a little forward thinking about your home network will ensure you will get the best out of next generation of home entertainment. 

Here is what you’ll need:

  

Digital media files. You´ll need content—photos, and/or music and movies.  

Content can come from any number of sources: 

• Download photos and movies from your digital camera or digital camcorder. 
• Download photos from friends and family from photo sharing websites like Picasa or from emailed photos.
• Copy music CDs, or use a device to record from vinyl record albums or cassette tapes.
• Download movies from the Internet, or digital versions of movies included on DVD/Blu-ray Discs. Note: digital versions of movies may be copyright-protected and may not be compatible with many network media players.

Storage. The content must be stored on your computer(s) or a networked attached storage (NAS). When deciding where to store your files, consider:

• The benefit of a media server or a NAS is that you don’t have to leave your computer turned on in order to access your files.

• If you store your files on your computer, you will also need to turn on media streaming or acquire special software:  

A router that connects to the computers you want to include on your network. A router is a device that creates a path for all of your computers and network devices to talk to one another. The connections can be wired, wireless or both. 

Most internet providers will supply you with a modem / router combination, however these standard routers are not always the best for coverage or handing large amounts of data transfer. So spending a little on a good router is always advisable, you wouldn´t build your new home on an unstable foundation would you? 

Connection to the router, either wireless or wired. Connect your computers and devices to the router either with Ethernet cables or wirelessly.  Most laptops come with a built-in wireless card. For desktops and NAS devices, you will probably need to connect by means of cables.  

If you connect devices or computers wirelessly to see each other and communicate, they all must be on the network of the same name.  The available networks will appear in a list of selections, both on computers and when setting up a wireless connection on a network media player. Make sure you have the correct network name and any passwords when setting up the connection.

Forego Configuration Hassles by Using a Wired Connection

The easier and more reliable way to connect is to use an Ethernet cable to connect your device or network media player to the router.  If you have a newer home with whole-home in-wall Ethernet wiring, you will simply connect your Ethernet cable to your device or computer and then plug the other end into the wall outlet.

However, if you don’t have built-in Ethernet cabling in your home, it is doubtful that you would want to add cables running from room to room.  Instead, consider a powerline Ethernet adaptor. By connecting a powerline adaptor to any wall electrical outlet, it sends data over your home’s electrical wiring as if it were Ethernet cables.

Once you have set up your network, connect your media player to your TV and loaded your content you are ready to start enjoying what we believe is the way we will all watch TV in the future. There will be no more need for huge satellite dishes on your roof or the picture breaking up due to bad weather, the power of the internet and world wide entertainment will be at your fingertips.

To find out more about unleashing the power of the entertainment on your PC or the internet contact the Future Lifestyle team on +34 902 107 227 or email them at info@futurelifestyle.es.