Media streams are becoming more popular as an alternative to regular cable TV services. They can as well be used to share personal media libraries files stored by on various media devices. These devices can be used as a stand-alone or in a network environment giving them greater accessibility to other devices connected with the network. Are modern set-top boxes that can deliver the internet and streaming content directly to a standard TV? It does not require to a smart TV but can be installed on a smart TV.
Media Streamer vs Network Media Players
At one time Media Streamer was limited to streaming content only from the internet. While Network Media players can stream content from both online sources and your home network, and some can also download and store content. However the devices have evolved and now support the addition features that would classify them as a network media player. They now include such features as USB ports, which allows ext. drive support, and micro SD slots expanding the storage capacity of store media, game, and application files. Allowing the devices to streams from other external sources other than the internet.
They can either by used as a stand-alone or in a network environment. Network / Media Streamers can include anything having to deal with multimedia services such as video, music, and photos. This can include both personal media libraries and commercial streaming sites which provide entertainment services.
We will not discuss in this section the Network Media Player as many of the streaming devices are offering similar features. In near future we will discuss the Network Media Players.
CCC Evaluation – a consultation with our client where we will determine their needs and present capabilities – followed by a Q&A session. This will occur no matter if the equipment as already been purchased/installed or has yet to be bought.
 |
Client Needs & Expectation (as it relates to services they except) |
|---|---|
|
Client’s Present set-up and equipment already in place. |
|
Determine the appropriate media streamer to fit the client’s needs (based upon their service needs, preference, and feasibility of the equipment already available. |
|
Lay-out of the area you plan on using the device. The accessibility to the internet and if it is to be used in a network environment. |
|
Most Important Budget (The allocation funds) |
**Note: It is important to purchase the appropriate streaming device to accommodate your present needs and any future expansion. This include as well any device or computers you plan on interfacing.
Basic Requirements (Smart TV or Top Set Box)
The Availability of a HDMI port HDMI Cable, 4K Requires 2.0 HDMI Cable An Active Internet Connection
| SERVICE BREAKDOWN OVERVIEW | |
|---|---|
| Stand-alone | Top-set boxes or smart TV w/no other connection other than a television. The placement and connectivity by way of HDMI cable. |
| Network Interfacing | Connecting the top-set device or IPVR to local area network and the internet. |
| Device Interfacing | This will involve the connectivity to other devices such as smart phones, smart tablets, and computers (laptops /desktops) to the top-set boxes or IPVR. |
Standard Installation
|
Purchasing of any top-set box or already purchased by Client |
|---|---|
|
Positioning & Mounting (if necessary the set-up) of the device. |
|
Connection to television via appropriate HDMI cable. (4k support devices require v 2.0 HDMI rated cable.) |
|
Connection to internet (whether Wired or Wireless) |
|
Assignment of a static or dynamic IP address (this will be based on the present network configuration (capabilities). It majority of cases, it will be a dynamic IP that will be assigned by your router’s (DHCP). CCC prefers to assign IP address but if the clients are comfortable with their present configuration the dynamic IP will continue to be used. |
|
Installation of any necessary software needed to support the top set device |
|
Perform any firmware update for the top set box or smart TV. |
|
Perform or assist in any subscription service requested by the client to an on-line (video) streaming service |
|
Installation and set-up of any smart device or computer system requested |
|
Verification of connectivity and device functionality |
|
Demonstration of the top-set operation. A Q&A Session |
|
Demonstration of those devices being connected to the top-set or smart TV |
|
Checking the functionality and connectivity in the streaming device. |
**Note: CCC – prefers to use Ethernet or Wired network to attach most top-set devices or SMART TVs has it provides a more reliable connection in handling multimedia streaming. If Wi-Fi is the only option, CCC recommends the 5 GHz band as alternative to the standard 2.4 GHz band. The 5 GHz is less respectable to band conjunctions (the lack of channel availability) and less vulnerable to interference. The downside is the distance coverage is less than the 2.4 GHz band. However, if the wireless device are while placed within the needed coverage area this should not be a problem.
OTHER CONCERN FACTORS
Anytime you dealing with streaming videos it takes additional bandwidth to avoid the buffering popups & pauses. It can be characterized by pixilation and freezing of the video stream.
.png)
EXTRA STORAGE
If extra drive space is needed a simple external drive can be added and if more elaborate storage is needed a NAS/SAN (Network Attached Storage/Storage Area Network) [Ext. Drive NAS/SAN] or a media server can be utilized. A centralize STORAGE repository where all your media and game files can be stored and ran – making it easily accessible by many of your computer devices.
EXTRA SECURITY
For those client’s wishing to have added security or more anonymity in what they are viewing, a VPN can be installed. CCC uses an OPENVPN on most of the devices. In some case PTPP (Point-To-Point-Protocol) or L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) may be used.
FINAL NOTE
It is IMPORANT to remember that this is an evolving technology. A certain level of patience and learning curve will be required.
CCC - Service Time
60 minutes increments are assigned to this service. The equipment and set-up will depend on an approximate time of completion.
CCC - To Schedule a Service (Select the appropriate ICON from the sidebar)
.png)
Last Updated: 01/29/2016 15:21
.png)