Here's what you need to stream movies, music and photos from your computer or network hard drive to your home theater. Perhaps you purchased a Smart TV, connected a Blu-ray player, Boxee Box or other media streamer. While you may happily stream Netflix movies to your TV, at some point you'll also want to enjoy your saved music, photos, home movies on the big screen.
If you are already streaming online movies, you will probably have the first item:
A router - not to be confused with the modem that connects to the Internet, a router creates your home network so that your devices and computers can communicate with each other. The router is connected to the modem with an Ethernet cable, so your devices and computers can connect to the Internet. Routers are usually WiFi-enabled for wireless devices to connect to the home network and the Internet.
What you need to know about routers and home networks: When streaming media, the computer from which you are sending the photo, music, or movie, must be connected to the same network. You may have a router that has a guest network or one that has a 5Ghz network. Although it is the same router, be sure you choose the exact same network name or you won't be able to stream.
A shared media library - your files must be stored in folders on your computer, external hard drive (attached to your computer or router), or network attached server (NAS) drive. It is best to organize your files in folders for video, music, and pictures. Once you have the files in a media library and the computer or device is connected to your router, the media player has to be able to see it as a source and display the files it finds.
Shared Windows media libraries can be seen by a Smart TV or media player. Devices like NAS drives can store massive media libraries and are typically DLNA certified so they will connect with your DLNA media player, Smart TV, or other connected device.
To be sure that your media player can see the videos, music, and movies you have stored on your Windows PC, you will have to be sure that the folders can be shared. For Windows 7 machines with Windows Media Player, add the folders with your media to your Windows Media Player library. Choose "Turn on home media streaming" under the "Stream " menu. The Windows Media Player can send the photos, music, or movies directly to many Smart TVs or media streamers. Click on the device icon in the upper right corner of the Windows Media Player window and choose the device where you want to play the movie, music, or slideshow. Be sure that the player or TV is turned on so Windows Media Player can see it.
For Macs, you need Media Server Software - Most Mac users choose iTunes as their media library and it works beautifully using AirPlay for AppleTV and other Apple devices. However, for other media players or Smart TVs to see the music, movies and photos stored on a Mac, you need special DLNA media server software. Start by downloading software like the Twonky Media Server. Once installed, Twonky loads in your web browser but is not on the web. You'll see a link that says "First Steps." Click on it and choose your set up. Then click on the "Sharing" link below First Steps. Here you will browse to find the folders where you have saved your music, photos, and videos. If you have a hard drive attached to you computer, you can browse to those folders too.
Smartphone Apps can play media stored on your phone - You can store files on other devices, including smart phones and tablets. There are a few apps for Android and iPhone that make the music stored on your device available to play on your media player. You can play your media files from your smartphone or tablet using mobile apps like Twonky Mobile and PlugPlayer.
There are apps that turn your smartphone and tablets into a controller. You can choose your media server library and a media player then stream the music, movies, or photos directly. But, that's another story.
Do you have movies, music and/or photos stored in your computer's media libraries?
