All right, it’s meat and potatoes time. Now that I’ve piqued your curiosity about a connected home, there’s one big question hanging out there – How do you make it happen? First let me warn the techies out there, this is a basic primer for those who are new to this game.
Ok, let’s tackle the question of "how to?" Of course you could just hire somebody to connect your home – like one of those guys in the matching polo shirts at the electronics store – but that’s not you, you’re hands on! So, let’s break it down. We can separate the components you’re going to need into four categories:
File Storage
Here’s where you store all your digital media – music, video and photos. For most people this would be your home computer. However, keep in mind that to access your files the system needs to be turned on. Depending on your computer, this could use up a bit of power and be a little noisy. Another option is to store your media on a Network Attached Storage device (NAS). A NAS is a stripped down computer that is composed of a minor operating system and a big hard drive for storage. It takes a lot less power to operate than your desktop, and is usually a very discrete machine – running quietly in the background. All it needs is to be connected to your network either via Wi-Fi or hard-wired Ethernet, and loaded with your media files. Once this is done you will see it on other computers in your network – appearing much like an external drive.
Media Server
A media server is nothing more than a piece of software that finds out where your media files are located and serves them up to other devices. There are many media server software programs out there ranging in price and capabilities so have a look around. Once you choose your media server, download it and install it on your computer or NAS. Some NAS devices already have a media server installed so you might be able to skip this step.
Transfer Path
Now that you have your media files sitting on your computer or NAS, and your media server is running, you’ll need something to get them to an end device such as your TV. First, you’ll need a router. A lot of people already have a Wi-Fi router hooked up to their computer – this works great. Or, if you’re paranoid about the C.I.A. hacking into a wireless system, you can use a hard-wired router. The basic setup is that your broadband connection feeds into the router and the router feeds your computer and/or your NAS. Next, you’ll need to connect your router to a Digital Media Adapter (DMA). There are a variety of DMAs out there with makers ranging from D-Link to ZyXEL, but you may already have a DMA connected to your TV – example: a gaming console such as Xbox or a Playstation 3. Yes, the same machine that your kid has been driving you nuts with can be used as a DMA, feeding your media to your TV! All you need to do is connect your router to your DMA (gaming system) either via Wi-Fi or hard-wired Ethernet. Then connect the DMA to your TV. Most DMAs have a HDMI output, which I would recommend using, but you can also use a basic connection like a composite cable (red, white & yellow cable).
End Location
Some DMAs are an end location, such as the Roku Soundbridge audio player. But the main use case I’m focusing on here is the television – so we will call that our end location. To re-cap, you’ve got your media files on your computer/NAS, they have been detected by your media server, the computer/NAS is connected to a router, the router is connected to a DMA, and the DMA is connected to your TV. Guess what? You’re done! Turn your TV on; select the input you’ve got your DMA plugged into and start enjoying your digital media! The look of the DMA interface will vary depending on what type you’re using, but let’s use the gaming console example again (Playstation3). On the Playstation 3 main menu you will see the option the “Search for Media Server.” In your new connected home your computer/NAS is your media server, so click on that option and the console will find all your photos, music and video and you can now see them on your TV! In addition, you can run the audio out from the gaming console into your stereo receiver and listen to your music files, using the gaming controller as a remote – that’s a Two-Fer!
This is just a basic scenario intended to get the thought process rolling. Below are a few links to some of the devices I’ve mentioned above. There are many ways to connect your devices to each other, and many pricing options, so have a look around. But keep in mind; it’s easier than you think to have a connected home!
NAS Devices (with and without a Media Server)
Media Server Software
Digital Media Adapters
Monday, January 5, 2009
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