The diagram below illustrates some of the devices in my connected home. It’s not as complicated as it looks. Most of the devices will easily connect to your existing wireless or wired network.

The traditional home network typically is comprised of a cable modem for internet traffic, a wireless router, maybe an Ethernet cable connected desktop computer, a printer, and wirelessly connected laptops for most of your computing needs.

Well, there is a lot more you can do with your computers and your network. You can turn your computer into a DVR and record multiple channels of Local Network TV in High Definition, all at the same time, depending on your setup. You may then use your network to stream video to connected computers and other devices on your network.

They are many low cost devices on the market today that enable you to stream your media.  Xbox 360 works very well in the windows environment.
Many of today’s new TVs (DLNA certified) come with a network connection (wired or wireless), which allows you to stream media directly to your TV without a secondary device. DLNA certified Blu-ray players also come with a network connection and accomplish the same. There are also numerous sub $100 tiny media streaming devices like the Sony SMP-N200 Digital Multimedia Receiver that will easily and cost effectively stream your media to an older TV which does not have a network connection.

Backing up your digital world has been grossly overlooked in the past. With all of our digital music and photos, you don’t want to take the chance to lose them.
Turn your older PC into a Back-up server. There are plenty of backup programs to choose from, some free.  However, I chose Microsoft Home Server which provides a relatively cheap way of automatically backing up your data from multiple computers.

A simple Z-wave network connected controller allows you to control your Z-wave light switches, Z-wave Thermostats, and other Z-wave devices over the network, from your cell phone or your computer.
You can program your Z-wave controller to simply turn on/off lights at specified times or set your Z-wave devices to specified settings.

Ever left home and can’t remember if you armed your security system? Well, there is an app for that. With the DSC do it yourself security control panel, you can add a network card that allows you to remotely arm/disarm or check the status of your security system using your cell phone or a laptop.
Check with your security system installer for availability of devices and apps for your system.

In the next article, we will teach you how to convert an existing PC into a DVR and how to make a cutting edge Media Center PC from the ground up.