A Look at Connected Audio/Video Gear
Creating a connected system
From the Crutchfield Archives
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 Want to learn more about connected HDTVs? Watch our short video to learn about what you need to get connected, as well as what you can expect from today's Internet-ready TVs. |
From HDTVs and Blu-ray players, to video game consoles and handheld devices — lots of today's audio/video and portable gear can connect to your home network. And once you're connected, there's a lot you can do. For example, you can use a compatible HDTV to watch videos on YouTube, or play music stored on your computer in any room in your home with a wireless multi-room system. In this article, we'll give you an overview of some of the most popular options out there, and provide tips on setting up your own network of connected A/V gear.
First things first — you'll need a network
As varied as these networkable devices are, the one thing they all have in common is that they need access to a home network to reach their full potential. This can be a wired network — consisting of Ethernet (CAT-5) cable; or the more popular option, a wireless network, which sends Wi-Fi® signals throughout your home. Check out our article about setting up a home network to learn about the basic steps involved.
Putting together a connected system
Once you've got a home network up and running, there are a lot of A/V possibilities. One important note before we get started: Even if a component can connect to your network, it probably won't give you full access to the Internet the way a computer does. And capabilities can vary widely, even across the same types of products, or products by the same manufacturer. For example, one networkable Blu-ray player might let you stream Netflix movies, while another might be designed only to let you stream photos from a compatible computer. So when you're shopping for networkable gear, pay very close attention to the capabilities and the limitations of each product, and always feel free to call our Advisors at 1-888-955-6000 if you have any questions.
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HDTVs: Quick, limited Internet access |
 Some TVs, like the Samsung UNB8000 pictured above, can access online content like YouTube videos and news articles. |
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Blu-ray players: Stream photos, music, even Netflix |
 A few Blu-ray players, like the Samsung BD-P3600 pictured above, can stream movies from Netflix. |
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Video game consoles: More streaming and browsing capability |
 Video game consoles like the Xbox 360 (above), PS3, and Wii offer a number of networking features. |
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Multi-room systems: Streaming music throughout your home |
 Wireless multi-room music systems, like the Sonos system pictured above, let you listen to your digital music collection anywhere in your home. Some also let you listen to music from online services. |
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Cell phones and other portables: Internet browsing and games in the palm of your hand |
 A lot of handheld devices, like the iPod® touch pictured above, can connect to a Wi-Fi network. |