HDMI 1.4 delivers two big features that earlier specs lacked: data and bi-directional audio. The new capabilities could eliminate the need for extra Ethernet and audio cables—a single HDMI can do the trick. Two-Way Data With transfer speeds of up to 100 Mbps, the HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) will enable countless IP-based applications that previously required a dedicated Cat 5 cable connected to the home network. Now, instead of running… View this story
HDMI • Ethernet • Networking • Product News

Until recently you had two options for setting up a computer network in your home - wired or wireless. First on the scene was wired networking. The upside is clear and reliable connections between your computers and all the devices attached to your network - printers, external storage, etc. The downside: unsightly wires everywhere. Then along came wireless technology. No more wiring clutter. All your networked devices could “talk” to… View this story
Networking and Communication • Powerline • WiFi • How To • Networking • Info and Answers • Research

I just installed Netflix on my S1Digital Media Center. It wasn’t showing up on the Start screen—Microsoft says it’s been uploaded to their servers but it could take 24 to 48 hours to be pushed out into the field—I pushed it out manually. Here’s how: From the Start screen: Tasks > Settings > General > Automatic Download Options > Download now. That took about 20 minutes or so and then,… View this story
Networking and Communication • Digital Media Servers • Networking • Info and Answers

Is Wi-Fi dangerous to your health? At this point, the jury is still out on that debate, but are the risks so great that you are unwilling to have a wireless local area network (WLAN) deployed in your home? I don’t think so. The debate got more heated last month when a major teachers’ union in Britain called for a full-scale government study addressing the possible health risks of Wi-Fi… View this story
WiFi • Networking • Info and Answers

It is a fact that the release of USB back in the 90’s, has highly impacted our way of interacting with computer devices, while also replacing obsolete RS232 and Parallel connections. Today it’s the most popular way to interface any kind of peripheral, from the well known USB memory sticks to more complex devices such as HDTV tuners or audio and video processing devices. Are we experiencing a new era… View this story
Cables, Wires and Tools • Networking and Communication • Computer Accessories • Reviews • Networking • Product News

Now that wireless networks are everywhere, computer burglars, aka hackers, are having a field day, attempting to invade your privacy and worse yet, steal your identity. Believe me, you don’t want that to happen. That is why we strongly suggest that you take the following steps to secure your network: Passwords Almost all routers and access points come with an administrator password that is a weak default, like “password” or… View this story
Networking and Communication • WiFi • Computers • How To • Networking • Info and Answers

You won’t see a single touchpanel on the walls of this home. Nor will you run across big, beefy speakers or keypads blanketed with a bazillion buttons. With the exception of a 100-inch screen in the media room, this home doesn’t appear to be very high-tech at all. But when you pick up one of the family’s six remotes, the true sophistication of the electronic systems becomes apparent. From any… View this story
Home of the Year Awards 2009 • Home Theater • Multiroom AV • Networking • Security • Home Control • Cool Homes • Slideshows

Ever dream of downloading a full-length HD movie in about ten minutes? That dream will soon be reality for Cablevision subscribers in New York. Starting May 11, Cablevision will offer “Optimum Online Ultra,” their new high-speed Internet service for $99.95 per month. You’ll get downloads speeds up to 101 megabits-per-second and upload speeds of 15 megabits-per-second. At these levels, you can download 750 digital photos or 150 songs in 60… View this story
Networking and Communication • Cable • Internet • Networking • Product News

Network file sharing between computers is a much faster and convenient way to gather information, music, movies, and photos. Once a home network is installed, sharing one printer is much easier. No longer will you need to load files onto a USB drive to print. Also, multiple family members will be able to access the Internet simultaneously without needing to pay for multiple ISP (Internet Service Provider) accounts. As there… View this story
Computer Systems • Networking and Communication • How To • Networking • Info and Answers

Netflix burst on the scene in the late 90s as a DVD rent-by-mail company. A few years ago, Netflix launched the “Watch Instantly” feature which allows subscribers to stream movies on their computers. Now, through partnerships with various CE manufacturers, Netflix is giving its 10 million subscribers the ability to Watch Instantly right on their television. Whether you are looking for a set-top box, gaming console, blu-ray player or TV,… View this story
Blu-ray • Set Top Boxes • Networking • Info and Answers