The internet is quickly becoming an intergal part of the home theater experience, but is also causing confusion for consumers as to how to add the internet to their home theater, what content is available for access, and if it is even worth the effort. Check out some basic tips that will get you started in enjoying the benefits of accessing content from the internet, and a home network, on your TV and home theater system.
Six Ways to Incorporate the Internet Into Your Home Theater
As a result of increased audio and video content available via the internet, there is now a big emphasis in the integration of the internet with the home theater experience. There are several ways to integrate internet, as well as PC-stored content on your home theater system. For more details, check out my article: Six Ways to Incorporate the Internet into Your Home Theater System.Pros and Cons of Accessing the Internet on a Home Theater
There are advantages and disadvantages to integrating the internet with a home theater system. For more details, check out my article: Pros and Cons of an Internet-Enabled Home Theater Setup.What is a Network Media Player?
What is a network media player? Find out what Network Media Player is and how this device makes it possible to view and listen to your computer's libraries of photos, TV shows and movies on your TV, and listen to music on your home theater speakers.What is a Media Streamer?
While network media player devices have been increasing in popularity, there still is a question of what to call them and how to describe them. he term "media streamers" has been cropping up on tech blogs. It is being used to describe all network media players. Yet this seems like an incomplete description. We would be better served making a distinction between the media-playing feature and the media-streaming feature. For more details, check out What is a Media Streamer and Is it the Same as a Network Media Player? by About.com conributing writer, Barb Gonzalez.Best Network Media Players and Media Streamers
As a result of increased convergence of the PC and Home Theater, a new type of product has emerged, referred to as the Network Media Player or Media Extender. These products allow access to PC media content or the streaming/downloading of audio, video, and still image content directly from the internet that can be played on your TV or home theater system. In addition to standalone devices, Media Player/Extender capability is also being built into other products, such as Blu-ray Disc players and even TVs. For a look at Media Player/Extender options that might work well with your home theater, check out my Network Media Player/Extender Top Picks.How to Shop for a Network Media Player
Network Media Players are quickly becoming important add-ons to the home theater entertainment experience. To keep pace with this development, About.com is continuing to provide additional coverage in this area. One important question many of you are asking is: How do you choose which network media player to buy for yourself or as a gift? For some great answers to this question, check out How to Shop for a Network Media Player, by About.com contributing writer, Barb GonzalezWhat is Apple TV?
Many people imagine a television when they hear about Apple TV. Apple TV is not a television. Find out what Apple TV really is and how it can complement your TV viewing experience, as reported by About.com contributing writer, Barb Gonzalez.What is Google TV?
With Google TV, you have a whole new way to watch your TV. But Google TV is not a television, and it is not only the internet application that might be available on your TV. Find out exactly what Google TV is, as reported by About.com contributing writer, Barb Gonzalez.What is Vudu?
Vudu is an online video on-demand service. Vudu is known for streaming , Blu-ray quality true 1080p, full high-definition video and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound. It offers a large library of movies and TV titles that may be rented and streamed to network media players, media streaming devices, network TVs and home-theater components that have the Vudu app. If your device has a hard drive, you can also choose to own a movie by downloading and saving it. Read more...
Complete Guide to Samsung Apps for Smart TVs and Blu-ray Disc Players
If you have an iPhone or Android phone, you are familiar with the concept of "apps". However, did you know that your TV or Blu-ray disc player can have apps too? One example of apps used on TVs and Blu-ray disc players are Samsung Apps. Samsung Apps take TV viewing to a new level by bringing useful and fun internet content (such as Netflix) and activities (shopping and games) to your home theater viewing experience.For a comprehensive look at Samsung Apps, check out our Comprehensive Guide to Samsung Apps.
