Similar to a set-top-box, media streamers can draw video and audio files from a server stored in the house and a display it on a local screen, for example the television in the living room. Typically, a house would have more than one media streamer, with each capable of independently streaming files from the server.

It can almost be described as one half of a media centre, and its popularity continues to grow to the point that is even starting to become a mainstream option for a home theatre. One advantage of investing in a media streamer is that it avoids the inconvenience of burning the movie files onto a disc in order for you to watch it on the big screen.

Some of the most common media streamers on the market are made by Popcorn Hour (www.popcornhour.com/onlinestore/), AC Ryan (www.acryan.com) and Western Digital (www.wdc.com).