media streaming

luckystav

Hi i have a quick question please, i want to set up a media streaming network so i can watch films from my pc to my tv, i dont have internet access at moment but sure this wont be problem, my main question is apart from the media streamer what other hardware will i need, i want the network to be wired so do i need a router or will a simple switch do, sorry if this question sound daft but just want to make sure im not missing anything out. The distance I want to stream from is not very far as I'm on 1 level, so could I just take 1 cat5 cable from pc to my media streamer.

thankyou

S0litaire

All you need is a PC to store the movies, media streamer to play them on the TV (which you know already)
extras:
A router or switch either is good (you can pick up a good one for £5-£20)
The distance between the PC and TV in meters (then pick a convenient place between the 2 locations for the router)
And CAT5 network cable (pre made lengths cost more but easier to work with)

A) Then it's just a case of laying the cable between locations (If lucky you can get it all under the floorboards or tacked to skirting boards and not worried about moving things around you can just plug one end in to the router/switch and the other to the PC/TV.

Or to be more tidy pick up a couple of network wall sockets (http://www.amazon.co.uk/RJ45-Single-Surface-Mount-Socket/dp/B003AOMLGO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1328554565&sr=8-2)
a KRONE cable punch (http://www.amazon.co.uk/KRONE-Type-Punch-Telephone-Insertion/dp/B000Q84THG/ref=pd_cp_ce_0)
some pre-made RJ45 cables (http://www.amazon.co.uk/2m-Cat5e-Patch-Cable-BLUE/dp/B003538XPS/ref=sr_1_19?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1328554754&sr=1-19)
and a roll of CAT5 cable (http://www.amazon.co.uk/100Ft-Cat5E-Certified-Light-Cable/dp/B00168DS5E/ref=sr_1_29?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1328554815&sr=1-29)

And the time to DIY the job (will take a half day at most, accounting for redoing cables a dozen or so times and the odd screwdriver related incident) ^_~

****NOTE above are examples only and are a rough guide to what you will need. You may be able to source items cheaper.
if you are going A) route then look for "Stranded" CAT5 cable, it will last longer if you move things around.
if you are going route then look for "Solid" CAT5 cable, it's more suted to places that won't move (like between wall sockets).

luckystav

Wow great reply I think you have pretty much done job for me lol, I will now start pricing it all up once again big thank you.

luckystav

just another query, if i was to drill through the bedroom wall into my livingroom the distance would only be 4-5 meters at most, could i just feed some cat5 from pc direct into media box without router/switch.

S0litaire

You could, But you'd need to make sure you use a "Crossover" cable to be safe! (some network cards might do this automatically with a normal "patch" cable. but not sure of the network devices you have would do this.)

I'd generally suggest having a Router/Switch in the mix somewhere! It makes it easier to expand to another machine/device later on and for troubleshooting. ^_^

But a single direct "Crossover Cable" connection is a valid choice.

luckystav

ok thankyou i think i will stick with switch option as it seems like it will cause less problems, thank you again great help.

custardy

you could simply use homeplugs to create the network
A router would also allow you to have wifi in the house
we have a mixture of sets ups and connections in the house
downstairs are wired
upstairs is wifi
PS3/360/XBMC xbox 1 upstairs and recently a WD TV
the WD TV is working well at streaming over wifi
i had thought I would need to go wired with the router being downstairs
good little box

S0litaire

Totally forgot about that option Custardy... might be a better option!!

Never used the Homeplugs myself. But being a cable puller when working I find cable is usually cheaper! lol ^_~