Choosing an audio system
When it comes to choosing a home audio system that's right for you, you need to work out what its primary use will be...
Surround sound vs. stereo
The difference is fairly obvious to anyone who's heard it, but which is appropriate where? And what sort of surround sound technology should you...
IPTV and Video on Demand (VoD)
In contrast to the traditional 'watch whatever's on' style of television, IPTV now allows you to choose what you'd like to watch, whenever you'd...
Streaming media
Streaming media is media that is stored in one location, which is able to be played back in another location over an internet connection....
Game consoles as media centres
As well as allowing you to play games, video game consoles have evolved to also work as streaming audio and video devices, communication tools...
Home automation and security
Automated security systems are normally an integral part of a home automation system. Find out how they work, and what sorts of technologies they...
Cloud storage
An increasingly common way to store media and content, cloud storage takes advantage of fast internet speeds and large data centres to store your...
Personal Video Recorder (PVR)
PVRs, also known as 'Digital Video Recorders' (or DVRs) allow you to record what's on television and play it back when you're ready to...
Home Theatre PC (HTPC)
Home theatre PCs are effectively computers that are used in the living room to serve movies, games and communications, among other things. They can...
Timer switches
Timers are another way that automation systems can help to ensure that your smart home activates the necessary functions at the right time of...