OTHER TECH

Home audio/video-based networks are made up of three basic components. Media servers take in content from the Internet and other sources, store music, video, and photo files, and distribute them to the network. Media receivers are placed in various rooms along the network to accept content from the server or a PC and transmit it to a TV, audio system, and so on. Control systems act as your interface with all the various components of the network. On the pages that follow, you'll find shopping guides to servers and receivers, an overview of your control-system options, and sneak peeks at innovative network systems from Gibson and Denon. Media Servers Servers let you access your movies and music anywhere in the house, whenever you want. Media Receivers Give your PC or Mac's hard drive a direct link to your home theater or music system. Control Systems The options for controlling your network run from simple to sophisticated.