Media Streamer/Server Top Picks
There are three steps for enjoying the right media streamer or server in your home: choosing it, buying it, and setting it up.

More and more people are streaming audio and video directly from the Internet as well as storing and playing their media content from networked servers, giving rise to these relatively new product categories.

We'll help with tips for each stage starting with our top picks and a primer on making the right choice.


 
Media Streamers

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
Price: $99

At A Glance: Rent iTunes movies and TV shows • Stream Netflix content • View pictures galleries on Flickr and MobileMe • Extends Apple ecosystem with AirPlay


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
Price: $99

At A Glance: Vastly improved picture quality • More responsive, motion-sensitive, Bluetooth remote • Tiny footprint • Wide variety of content providers


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
Price: $300

At A Glance: Elegant touch-sensitive screen • Decodes multiple audio formats • Internet radio support • Integrates with Facebook and Flickr

Media Servers

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
Price: $399

At A Glance: Single-box solution • Easy setup and operation • Perfect for smaller rooms, garage, and outdoors • Integrates with existing Sonos systems • Product now called Play:5


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
Price: $1,098 (as reviewed)

At A Glance: Robust wireless communication between devices • Access to numerous online audio-subscription services • ZonePlayers can stream local analog sources to other zones


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
Price: $1,995

At A Glance: Upload and download content from Internet services • Excellent user interface • Designed to integrate with a variety of home-automation systems


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
Price: $8,600

At A Glance: Instant touchpanel music access • Housewide and worldwide access • Elegant, intuitive interface • Unlimited storage capacity • Automatic backup and MP3 creation


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
Price: $16,470 (as reviewed)

At A Glance: One-of-a-kind, best-in-class movie interface • Very expensive • Music management not at same level • Blu-ray playback currently cumbersome • Standout pure performance

How To Choose: What's Best For You
Media streamers and servers come in a dizzying variety of types. We help you sort them out.

How To Shop: Buying Tips & Strategies
Even if you know which technology is the best fit for you, the salesroom floor can be unforgiving terrain. We'll help you become a smart shopper.

How To Use: Connections & Calibration
Once you get a media streamer or server home, what's the best way to hook it up? Find out here.

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