A home media server streams digital content to other devices in the home, and can be a personal computer connected to a TV or a more complicated setup on a home network. It can help reduce monthly bills by canceling cable or satellite subscriptions. Network cable is recommended for the fastest and safest connection, but a wireless network can also work.
A home media server is a computer that has been set up to stream digital content to other media devices in your home. This content may include movies, TV shows, music or other digital media. The servers can connect directly to a display device such as a widescreen television or transmit data over a wireless or wired network. This type of server is often installed by people looking to reduce their monthly bills by canceling their satellite or cable subscription services. Some media servers are designed and built by computer companies, while others are put together by computer enthusiasts.
The simplest home media server is usually just a personal computer connected to a television and a high-speed Internet connection. This computer can be a custom system using hardware designed for a smaller form factor or an older PC model retrofitted for this task. The television acts as a monitor for the PC and allows users to watch downloaded content and any movies stored on the computer’s hard drive. The user must have a TV that can connect to a PC, and users may want to have a large internal or external hard drive to hold digital media. This type of setup is sometimes called a home theater PC (HTPC) and may include a TV tuner card, which allows the PC to act like a digital video recorder.
A more complicated home media server will run on a home network and share media files with networked devices. This allows users to keep all of their digital media on one device, but still have access to it when they are elsewhere in the house. Software packages are available for Windows®, Linux® and Apple® operating systems that simplify the process of storing and sharing files. High definition gaming systems can be configured to work with media servers to stream content to televisions they are connected to.
If possible, the user should install network cable throughout the house to provide the fastest and safest connection speed for the home media server. This is often done while building or remodeling a new home. Once the drywall has been installed, it’s a much more expensive and time-consuming process. A wireless network will work just as well and provide support for the owner’s mobile devices. Most users use a combination of connection options with their home media server connected directly to their router.
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