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.