Are networked media servers all that? Part 1

I’m beginning to sour on the idea of a networked media server. The idea seems simple enough – create a box that connects to a TV and/or stereo system, and then grab multimedia content (music, photos and videos) from either a networked PC or network-attached storage box in order to play said content on the TV or stereo.

Early systems seemed to do a decent job of this, but the latest versions seem to want to integrate more features, such as adding a TV tuner card and personal video recorder, as well as a DVD player so users can watch their favorite movies or play audio CDs as well. It’s almost like the makers of these devices figure that the more features they have on a box, the more likely that someone will want to buy it - but instead of improving the networked media streaming, the result is often a box that can do several things OK, but not as well as an individual box or unit could.

Case in point - I recently tested the MediaREADY 5000 box from Video Without Boundaries. Designed to complement other home entertainment components, the system offers the following features: DVD Player/Recorder (it also can play audio CDs and karaoke CDs, as it has two microphone inputs); personal video recorder with a free electronic program guide; a TV-centric Web browser; on-demand video; and the ability to share video, music and photos when connected to a home network.

To continue reading, register here and become an Insider. You'll get free access to premium content from CIO, Computerworld, CSO, InfoWorld, and Network World. See more Insider content or sign in.

I’m beginning to sour on the idea of a networked media server. The idea seems simple enough – create a box that connects to a TV and/or stereo system, and then grab multimedia content (music, photos and videos) from either a networked PC or network-attached storage box in order to play said content on the TV or stereo.

Early systems seemed to do a decent job of this, but the latest versions seem to want to integrate more features, such as adding a TV tuner card and personal video recorder, as well as a DVD player so users can watch their favorite movies or play audio CDs as well. It’s almost like the makers of these devices figure that the more features they have on a box, the more likely that someone will want to buy it - but instead of improving the networked media streaming, the result is often a box that can do several things OK, but not as well as an individual box or unit could.

Case in point - I recently tested the MediaREADY 5000 box from Video Without Boundaries. Designed to complement other home entertainment components, the system offers the following features: DVD Player/Recorder (it also can play audio CDs and karaoke CDs, as it has two microphone inputs); personal video recorder with a free electronic program guide; a TV-centric Web browser; on-demand video; and the ability to share video, music and photos when connected to a home network.

The device provides a multitude of video input/output, audio output and other port options (including four USB ports, two IEEE 1394 ports and a PCMCIA slot) that let you connect additional source devices (such as playing music off a USB flash drive). The multiple options gave me great flexibility in deciding how I wanted to connect to an existing home entertainment system and home network.

I connected a cable TV coaxial cable into the TV tuner card on the MediaREADY 5000 box. I then connected a composite video cable (yellow ports) to the video in port on the TV. For audio, I connected a digital optical cable from the MediaREADY 5000 system into a Logitech Z-5450 5.1 speaker system.

To connect to a home network, the system offers a few options. An Ethernet port provides wired networking ability, or you can insert an 802.11b/g PC Card into the PCMCIA slot (Type II) for wireless network connectivity. Since my router was too far away from the home entertainment system, I connected to the Ethernet port with a Belkin powerline Ethernet adapter, which was no problem – the system talked to the router’s DHCP server and obtained an IP address quickly and easily (I know, it shocked me, too).

While it was easy to connect the system to the existing home entertainment system and home network, there was trouble on the horizon as we tested the list of features supported by the system. Next time, we'll detail some of the problems we’ve encountered, as well as possible solutions from the folks at Video Without Boundaries.

Read more about home networks in Network World's Home Networks section.