On the first day, electronics manufacturers created the VCR. The VCR begat the digital video recorder. The digital video recorder begat the TiVo. Now, the TiVo has given birth to the home media server. When are these guys ever going to rest?

For builders, home media servers offer both challenges and opportunities that simply did not exist with previous entertainment technologies. As long as there were enough electrical outlets and cable TV hookups, the builders’ bases were covered. Today, though, high-end homeowners are spending more than ever on entertainment systems and demanding new levels of home connectivity. Home media servers can address both these needs.

The good news for builders is there are a growing number of installation professionals available to do this work for them. In fact, most systems today are installed by professional integrators once the builder’s team has laid required wiring. But a basic understanding of how the systems work and what products are available is critical to ensuring any given installation will meet that homeowner’s specific needs.

Defining Terms

At their most basic level, media servers combine the functionalities of home media centers — packaged systems combining a DVD player with high-quality speakers to create a more theatrical home-viewing experience — with the media storage and search capability of a TiVo. These products also typically have an Internet connection, so users can access streaming media and get background information on the DVDs they’re viewing by using their remote control.

Initially, home media servers were single-room systems, and entry-level models still focus on home-theater applications. However, higher-end systems are becoming fully networked digital-media repositories, using structured-wiring systems to push digital media to any room in the house.

“Historically, [media servers] were purchased almost exclusively for entertainment,” says Matt Swanston, director of business analysis for Arlington, Va.-based Consumer Electronics Association. “Now we’re seeing this shift to families who want to watch different things in different rooms, without cluttering up the house with redundant equipment.”

In addition, the structured wiring is allowing buyers of higher-end systems to access thermostats, lighting controls and other home-automation systems from any television in the home, using their remote control. Systems can be upgraded to include more controllable applications — such as window shades or outdoor spas — so long as the wiring is in place to provide network access.
“The [CAT-5] cables can support any system you care to put in,” Swanston says. “So the builder can offer good/better/best alternatives.”