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Streaming Multimedia Data

Do you have music, video, and photo files saved on your computer? Digitizing your CD collection sure can save space in your CD rack, but it can also lead to another frustration: what if you don't want to listen to your music on your computer in your home office, but rather on your stereo in the living room? And what do you do when you want to watch your stored movies from the comfort of your couch? Nero 8 has a convenient solution: access your multimedia files from every room in the house by streaming your multimedia data through a home network! But how do you set up a network at home? What equipment is needed? And what should you do to avoid streaming problems? Don’t worry! We’ve created some basic, useful streaming information for you.

 

What does streaming mean?

Streaming is the consistent transfer of a large amount of data. The major advantage users have with streaming is that the transfer and playback of the file can take place at the same time. Also, users have the opportunity to adjust the streaming settings in such a way that converting formats and resolution in advance is unnecessary.

Home networks

The simplest way to easily and conveniently access all of your saved multimedia files throughout your home is through a home network. And setting up a network is easier than you may think.
For simple networking, make sure your devices are UPnP™ or DLNA® -compliant and that you have a UPnP™-Server. Your PC can also be used as a server. Set up your network over a WLAN router to avoid having to deal with the awkwardness of too many cables. A DMA (Digital Media Adapter) is responsible for the connection between the computer and multimedia devices. The multimedia devices can consist of analog devices (such as amplifiers) as well as digital devices (such as LCD or plasma TV sets). The following UPnP™ or DLNA®- capable devices can function as DMA and can be integrated into your home network: some DVD players, set-top boxes, current generation A/V receivers, as well as PlayStation® 3 and Xbox 360™ game consoles. However, most next generation multimedia computers have integrated DMA.


Streaming options let you access any stored multimedia files from anywhere within your home network.

Streaming with Nero MediaHome

A UPnP™ server application is required to transform your computer into a streaming server. A number of software solutions are available for this. Nero 9 includes the Nero MediaHome application through which your computer becomes a UPnP™ server. Nero MediaHome allows you to authorize certain folders and files (for example MP3 files) so that the devices which are integrated into the network can access and play back the content.