Man Caves Audio Video

Networking

There are two kinds of networks, each with their own set of pros and cons.  Wireless networks are often preferred over wired networks because of their ease of installation.  Wireless networks are easy to set up in an existing home when running wires is difficult.  The growing difficulty with wireless interference is pushing more consumers to go with the more reliable option of wired networks.  Wired networks are faster and easier to modify once the are installed.  Home theaters should take advantage of as many wired lines as possible.  Always run at least two cat5/6 runs to your home theater equipment.  It’s important to remember that a wireless network can be added at any time.

Structured Wiring

Structured wiring refers to an organized method of arranging all the wires in your system.  The initial costs for such a service pay for themselves after just one service call.  Each wire is labeled and identifiable.  Future changes and improvements can be made quickly saving money in a technician’s labor.  When the cable company comes out to resolve any issues you may be having with service, it will be easier for them to make repairs, but most importantly you won’t need to call us back out because the cable technician unplugged a wire accidentally and couldn’t figure out where to re-connect it.  It’s a win-win solution for everyone involved including you.

Printer Sharing

A networkable printer can act as the single source for printing from each computer in the home or office.  This can be a huge savings in both ink and hardware.  The preferred means is hard wired but they also work with wireless configurations.  Your current printer may be capable of sharing but if it’s time to buy a new one carefully consider the options.  Not all printers are created equally.  In our experience some of the more popular brands of printers, such as HP, are horrible at printer sharing.  Consider a more professional brand like Brother for the same price.

Router vs Modems

A cable modem, provided by an internet provider, translates the coax signal coming to the home into an ethernet signal.  The ethernet signal and connection can be used to connect directly to a computer.  Most modems only have space for one computer connection.  In order to connect more computers to the internet a router is needed.  The router allows multiple computers to share the internet signal simultaneously in harmony.  Router are both wired and wireless.  Anytime a wireless router is used it should be set up with encryption to prevent outsiders from using your internet signal and hacking into your computers.  This is where a home theater professional is necessary.

Network Attached Storage or NAS drive

NAS drives are like external hard drives the provide additional storage for data, files, music, and photos.  What sets NAS drives apart is that they can be accessed by multiple computers simultaneously and even remotely.  Image being away from your home and having access to all your files and information.  Share data at work or with out of town family members.  The hardware is very affordable.  Our home theater professionals can install this system on as many computers as necessary.  A trusted brand that we have used in the past is the Netgear Stora.