Multi-room video systems let you send video from your DVD changer, satellite receiver, computer, and more to multiple displays around your home. Some multi-room solutions can even provide stunning high-def video. While there aren't yet as many options for multi-room video as there are for multi-room music, there are some great solutions out there. In this article, we'll take a quick look at some multi-room video options we offer to give you an idea of what's involved and which setup might be a good fit for you.

As you shop for a multi-room video system, there are a few key questions to keep in mind:

• Do you want to distribute high-def video? If so, be aware that it's generally more expensive to split an HD signal and send it to multiple rooms than it is to buy enough high-def source components for each viewing area. For example, our customers have often found that it's cheaper to buy an additional Blu-ray player for each viewing room than it is to buy the necessary components and long lengths of HD-capable cable required to distribute video from one Blu-ray player. Keep your goals and budget in mind, and shop accordingly.
• Are you installing your system in a finished home, or in a home that's currently under construction? If you're adding a system to a finished home, a wireless system, or one that uses existing in-wall wiring, will often offer the easiest, most straightforward installation; systems that require substantial in-wall wire installation are generally better for homes still under construction, or extensive renovation, that don't have drywall or insulation up yet.
• Does your home already have a CAT-5 or CAT-6 Ethernet network installed? Some multi-room systems communicate over CAT-5 or CAT-6 cables, so you might be able to take advantage of an existing network.
• How many rooms do you want to have video in? Make sure you choose a system that can accommodate your preferences.
• Do you want to be able to select different sources in each viewing area? Only some multi-room video systems can send different video signals to different rooms at the same time, so if this is important to you, make sure you choose a system that can.
• Do you want to be able to access your digital video server, or conventional video sources (like a DVD changer), or both? Think about what you want to be able to watch, and shop accordingly.

For a quick look at some popular options, check out the comparison chart at the end of this article.

If you'd like help planning your own multi-room system, you can contact a member of our A/V Design Group at 1-800-555-9407. They can give you customized, room-specific system proposals, free of charge.

Terk's Leapfrog system lets you wirelessly send composite video and stereo audio to up to four rooms.

Wireless standard-def multi-room video

Terk Leapfrog® wireless A/V distribution system
Terk's Leapfrog system lets you send video and audio to up to four rooms wirelessly. The transmitter connects to an A/V source in your main system via composite video and stereo audio. Then it sends that signal to up to four Leapfrog receivers in different rooms. These devices connect to a TV and sound system via composite video and stereo audio, or just RF. Each receiver can also send IR (infrared) remote control commands back to your main system, so you can use a universal remote in a secondary viewing room to pause the DVD you're watching or skip a track on the CD you're listening to, for example.

Pros

• Cost-effective way to enjoy one video source in multiple rooms.
• Wireless transmission for easy installation.
• Offers simple system control from remote rooms.

Cons

• Composite video can provide a decent picture, but not as detailed, crisp and clear as the higher-quality connections offered in other multi-room video options.
• Transmits signals in the 2.4GHz band; could interfere with other 2.4GHz signals, such as your Wi-Fi® network or a cordless phone handset.

Setup tips

• If you'd like to be able to control your system remotely — change channels, for example, or track forward to the next chapter on a DVD — be sure to connect the included IR flasher to the A/V component you'd like control. Use spare universal remotes to control your source component from another room — the remotes that came with your TV, receiver, and cable box might fit the bill.

This might be for you if...

• You'd like to enjoy one video source in four additional rooms.
• You'd like a cost-effective system that's easy to install.
• You're OK with somewhat lower picture quality in your remote viewing rooms.

Escient's Fireball line keeps your DVD and CD collection organized and easy to access from other rooms in your home.

Escient FireBall and Vision music and movie managers
Escient's line features digital music and movie managers designed to make your media easier to organize and find. An Escient manager stores all your media in one place; from there, it can send audio and video signals to Escient digital media players in other rooms by way of a wired Ethernet network. For example, import movies, music, and photos to a Vision server. Then, install Vision players in other rooms to watch and listen to your collection around your home.

You'll need to connect your Escient components to a wired Ethernet home network. And of course, you'll need to connect each one to a TV — not just to watch movies, but also in rooms where you'll just be listening to music. An intuitive interface displayed on the TV screen allows you to navigate your music and movie collection.

Pros

• Some Escient FireBall and Vision products can manage both your music and movie collections.
• User-friendly on-screen interface makes it easy to find your movies and music.
• Can play different music and video sources in different rooms at the same time (up to four total, two of which may be video).
• A web interface lets you operate your Escient player using a laptop or compatible PDA.
• FireBall and Vision servers use online music and movie databases to automatically identify all of your songs and discs.

Cons

• Vision products can only play video in two rooms of your home.
• Even in rooms where you only want to access your music collection, you'll still need a TV since Escient's players don't have built-in displays.

Setup tips

• Escient Vision products use a broadband home network for multi-room capability. We recommend that you use a wired network connection to link players, because streaming movies requires a lot of bandwidth.

This might be for you if...

• You'd like to listen to your digital music and movie collection in up to 4 rooms in your home at the same time, and want the flexibility to select different media in each area.
• You have a massive media collection you'd like to access easily.

The Xbox 360 can stream high-def video, music and photos from a compatible computer.

Stream high-def video and more from your computer

Pair your compatible Windows® PC with an Xbox 360™ or PlayStation® 3
In addition to being capable video game consoles, the Xbox 360 and PS3 boast some cool multi-room features. Both can stream high-def video, music, and photos from a Windows PC with Windows Media Player 11 over a wired or wireless broadband network.

Also, like some other devices, the 360 can work as a "Media Center Extender" for a Windows Media Center PC, which means it can stream video, photos, and music from that computer for you to enjoy in another room. A lot of folks use Media Center PCs as DVRs, since many have analog and HD over-the-air tuners, as well as TV show recording software. Some also have a digital cable tuner that lets you receive encrypted digital cable channels, including HDTV, with the addition of a CableCARD from your service provider. Plus, depending on the capabilities of your Media Center PC, you can connect up to five Xbox 360s or other Media Center Extenders, and enjoy different music or video on each.

Pros

• Both the 360 and PS3 support high-definition video.
• Allows you to access video, music and photos stored on your computer from your living room.
• You can stream content to up to five Xbox 360s (or other Media Center Extenders) from your Media Center PC, provided your PC and home network can support those demands.

Cons

• You'll be limited by the quality and speed of your computer and Internet connection.

Setup tips

• If you expect to stream a lot of content, you may want to set up one computer or server to handle media streaming, and keep another computer around for day-to-day web surfing.
• If you'll be streaming to multiple 360s (or other Media Center Extenders), consider using a wired network, since you'll get a more stable, reliable connection.
• You'll need a proprietary Wi-Fi® adapter for the Xbox 360 if you want to stream content wirelessly.
• If you're interested in recording and streaming TV shows from an over-the-air tuner or CableCARD, consider a Media Center PC and Media Center Extenders like the 360. Also, talk to your cable provider about the availability of CableCARDs in your area.

This might be for you if...

• You'd like to send video, music and photos from your computer to a display in another room.

Sony's LocationFree TV base station lets you access your DVR or another A/V component from any computer via the Internet.

Stream video from your DVR to a laptop or PC

Sony's LocationFree TV base station
Sony's LocationFree TV base station lets you access TV shows and movies through your cable box, DVR, DVD changer, and other audio/video components from any computer via the Internet. It's a popular option for folks who travel and want to keep up with their favorite TV series on the road. But it can also be a good way to enjoy content in other rooms. You could watch on a laptop, and simply take your shows with you anywhere in the house. Or connect a computer to a nice, large LCD monitor in the den or bedroom and access your shows from there.

Pros

• Allows you to stream TV shows and movies to any computer connected to the Internet.

Cons

• You'll be limited by the quality and speed of your Internet connection.
• Only offers composite video and S-video connections, which can provide good picture quality, but not high-def.

Setup tips

• You'll need a broadband Internet connection and a Wi-Fi® network.

This might be for you if...

• You'd like to send video from your DVR, DVD player, or another component to a display in another room.
• You'd like to be able to watch your recorded shows from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Niles CAT-5 baluns use durable, inexpensive CAT-5 cable to send video and audio signals to another room in your house.

High-def multi-room video using an existing CAT-5 network

Niles CAT-5 baluns
Niles CAT-5 baluns use durable, inexpensive CAT-5 cable to send video and audio signals to another room in your house. They're a good option for homes with an existing CAT-5 network, since you won't have to install any new in-wall wire. Some models can handle high-definition video and digital audio signals.

You'll need to purchase two matching baluns to set up a fully functioning system. One connects to a video source in your main room, as well as to your CAT-5 network; in your remote viewing room, the second balun receives the signals, converts them to standard audio and video signals, and sends them to a connected TV and sound system.

What is a balun?
Niles' baluns are small black boxes that enable standard audio and video signals to travel long distances over CAT-5 cable. A/V connections travel along unbalanced lines that are prone to noise and interference. CAT-5 networks, on the other hand, consist of balanced lines, which do a good job of resisting interference, even over long cable runs. A balun gets its name by converting signals between balanced and unbalanced lines. Niles baluns convert audio/video signals between balanced CAT-5 connections and unbalanced A/V connections.

Pros

• Allow you to distribute high-quality video and audio signals over durable, inexpensive CAT-5 cable.
• Support long cable runs up to 500 feet or more.
• Some models support resolutions up to 1080i, as well as digital audio for surround sound.

Cons

• Each pair of CAT-5 baluns only allows you to send video to one additional area.
• The baluns cannot share the CAT-5 cable with other signals. That means you wouldn't be able to use your CAT-5 cable to connect your home computers to the Internet and send audio or video to a remote room at the same time. One solution is to run additional CAT-5 cable for the baluns, so that you can continue to use your main CAT-5 network for Internet surfing, etc.

Setup tips

• You'll need two matching baluns for a complete setup.
• Not compatible with Wi-Fi® adapters.
• You'll need a remote control extender system to control your gear from a secondary room; see our article on Remote Control Setups for Multi-room Systems for more information.

This might be for you if...

• You'd like to send video and audio to a system in another room.
• You want to access existing A/V equipment located in one room from another place in your home.
• You're installing a system in a house that has or will have a CAT-5 network.

OWLink distribution systems carry high-definition video and stereo audio over a single, flexible cable.

Send high-def video to multiple rooms using fiber optic cable

OWLink video distribution systems
OWLink gear lets you distribute high-definition video and stereo audio throughout your home using fiber optic cables. Use their distribution systems to send audio/video signals around a single room. These systems use transmitters and receivers to send high-def video and stereo audio signals through a single, flexible cable that's about as thin and lightweight as fishing line. Because the fiber optic cable can also carry remote signals, you can control your gear without running extra cables or adding a remote repeater system.

For multi-room applications, they make a metal-wrapped cable that's rated for in-wall use. Like their standard cable, the in-wall cable connects to OWLink transmitters/receivers and carries remote signals. The cable's very narrow and flexible, so it's easy to fish through walls and route around obstacles.

Pros

• Allows you to distribute video and audio signals from one or more sources to multiple displays in your home.
• Handles HD signals up to 1080p
• Fiber optic cables carry IR signals, so you don't have to set up a separate remote repeater system.
• Narrow, flexible cable makes it easy to hide against a baseboard or fish through walls.

Cons

• Multi-room connections may require you to install in-wall cables (may not be an easy option for finished homes).
• Only passes stereo audio (may not be an ideal solution if you want to send high-def video and surround sound to a second location).

Setup tips

• To send video and audio to multiple rooms from multiple sources, you'll need an HDMI switcher as well as an OWLink transmitter and receiver for each viewing area.

This might be for you if...

• You'd like to send one video source to another display area in your home.
• You'd like to send multiple sources to multiple areas of your home.
• You're installing a system in a house that's being renovated or is still under construction.

Key Digital's distribution amplifiers can carry HD video to multiple locations in your home. See an example of a setup using this model below.

Send video to multiple rooms using standard A/V cables — including high-definition content

Audio/video amplifiers
Audio/video amplifiers can send signals from one or more components to multiple displays and/or multiple rooms using common video and audio interconnects. As their name implies, these devices boost the audio and video signals, allowing them to travel longer distances without degradation. They offer a range of picture quality, from regular TV to high-definition. If you'd like to control your system from a remote room, you'll need a remote control extender system; see our article on Remote Control Setups for Multi-room Systems for more information.

If you're interested in high-definition video distribution, check out Key Digital's switchers and distribution amplifiers. They can carry high-def video up to 1080p, as well as digital audio for full surround sound. They can be a great option for folks who want a multi-display or multi-room HD setup in their home or business.

Some Key Digital components can carry high-def video up to 1080p, as well as digital audio for full surround sound, to multiple rooms in your home.

Pros

• Allows you to distribute video and audio signals from one or more sources to multiple displays in your home.
• Some switchers and amplifiers can handle HD signals up to 1080p.
• Some switchers and amplifiers include sophisticated processing and a high-end design to maintain signal integrity and top picture quality, even over long runs.

Cons

• Requires installation of audio/video cables (may not be an easy option for finished homes).
• Installing a high-def-capable system can be expensive, especially if you use HDMI cable.

Setup tips

• Make sure you don't exceed the maximum cable lengths given in the owner's manual to maintain peak picture quality.
• You'll need a remote control extender system to control your gear from a secondary room; see our article on Remote Control Setups for Multi-room Systems for more information.

This might be for you if...

• You'd like to send 1-2 video sources to multiple displays in the same area — for example, you could hang monitors over the sectional couch, bar, and pool table in your rec room so everyone can easily watch the game.
• You'd like to send video from 2-4 sources to 2-4 rooms/displays — for example, you could enjoy your favorite movie in the living room while a housemate watches the game in the den.
• You want to access existing A/V equipment located in one room from multiple places in your home.
• You're installing a system in a house that's being renovated or is still under construction.

On-Q video systems integrate with their security camera systems, so you can view security footage on your televisions.

Integrated video and security systems

On-Q structured wiring systems
Use On-Q video modules to create a multi-room system that distributes standard-definition cable or broadcast television signals around your home and can integrate with On-Q security camera systems. Their security modules let you monitor your front door, patio, or even individual rooms within your home. By linking the two systems together, you'll be able to view the video feeds from the security cameras on TVs throughout your home. For example, if the doorbell rings and you're in your bedroom, turn on the TV to see who's there — you won't have to sprint from one side of the house to the other.

Pros

• Allows you to distribute video signals to multiple locations around your home.
• Integrates with On-Q security systems, so you can use TVs in your home as displays for security video feeds.

Cons

• Requires installation of in-wall audio/video cables (may not be an easy option for finished homes).
• Video modules don't support distribution of satellite TV signals.

Setup tips

• Contact our A/V Design Group for help customizing an On-Q system to your home.

This might be for you if...

• You'd like to send standard-def video signals around your home and want to use your TV's screen as a display devices for your home security system.
• You're installing a system in a house that's still under construction or one that's being heavily renovated.

A quick comparison of popular multi-room video setups

	Plays video through traditional A/V components	Plays video stored on your PC	HD-capable	Wireless capability	Wired setup	Integrates with other structured wiring systems	Good for new or finished homes
Leapfrog							Both
Escient					CAT-5		Both (with existing CAT-5 network)
Xbox 360 or PS3					CAT-5		Both
Sony LocationFree TV					CAT-5		Both
Niles CAT-5 baluns			Some models		CAT-5, audio/video cables		Both (with existing CAT-5 network)
OWLink video distribution systems					Fiber optic cables		New
A/V distribution amplifiers			Some models		Audio/video cables		New
On-q structured wiring systems					Audio/video cables		New