Unsure how to Configure a New Network for Media Streaming

lilybear

Distinguished
Apr 21, 2009
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18,510
I'm renovating an old house, and part of the renovation will be running Cat6 for a wired network.

What I'm a bit lost on is how I can make sure I'm getting the most out of the network for what I'd like to do. I'm entirely new to all of this, so I hardly even know what to ask.

Basically, I would like the hub of the network to serve as a central streaming point to my TVs for Netflix, music, etc. What I'm lost about is how exactly I get the video signal to the TV. Do I need some sort of device hooked up to each TV and the network, or can I plug the TV right into the network? (Assuming the TV allows it). I'm just trying to cut down on exposed cords, and I'd rather not have a streaming device for every TV. But I have no clue how to execute. So can anyone give me some pointers?
 
If you have a smart tv, then it can run independent programs like netflix as shown here:
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Otherwise, you will need to connect a laptop or something that can run netflix and other stuff.
 

BuddhaSkoota

Admirable
There are a few smart TVs that allow streaming from a media server, but few do this well. If it's not a smart TV, then you'll need a media device.

In any case, it's probably better to have a separate media streaming client connected to the TV. Most streaming devices are better equipped to handle streaming than many current generation TVs.

Relevant article:
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/how-to-stream-to-tv,news-18335.html
 
Solution

Pooneil

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Apr 15, 2013
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You get a video signal from your cable or satellite video provider. You wiring will be a data connection that transmits data from the internet or your streaming device. Connect your central switch to the router and run a ethernet cable to the TV location. Add a switch at that point to connect the data network to the TV, Bluray player and any other devices you have such as a a Roku. The Blu Ray or Roku will convert the data into video over an HDMI cable.

While not strictly necessary, the best way is to have a networked device, like a Roku, for each TV.