A wireless home network is like a matchmaker for all your multimedia devices. Digital audio, video, and pictures are just computer files, and getting computer files from one device to another as conveniently as possible is a wireless network’s specialty. At minimum you’ll need a wireless router, which serves as the central point of contact for all networked devices and makes sure data goes where it needs to go. Because some multimedia files (especially videos) are large, we recommend buying a router, such as the Netgear RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router Gigabit Edition WNR854T-100NAS ($139.99; www.netgear.com), that uses a proprietary version of the upcoming 802.11n wireless networking standard and that also supports the widely-used 802.11g standard. 802.11n is faster and more reliable than the 802.11g, 802.11a, and 802.11b standards that preceded it and is suitable for transferring high-definition video files that those older standards often can’t handle. Although 802.11g is much slower relative to 802.11n, it is still fast enough to handle audio files, digital pictures, standard-definition video, and even high-resolution video in some cases. It is also compatible with nearly every wireless network device that is designed to deliver multimedia content over a wireless network.

You’ll need additional wireless hardware at the other end of the connection, but we’ll discuss that when we tell you how to use wireless technology to tackle the following all-too-common scenarios:

Situation: You’ve bragged to everyone at the party about all the cute digital pictures and digital videos you have of your adorable kids, and now everyone wants to see them.

Old Way: Huddle around a computer monitor and squint.

Wireless Way: Kick back in the living room and wow your guests with larger-than-life stills and high-quality video on your massive HDTV.

Here’s How: This trick requires what is often called a media extender, which is a device that connects to a TV or stereo system and delivers multimedia content that is stored on your computer’s hard drive. A good example is the 802.11g-based D-Link MediaLounge DSM-520 Wireless High-Definition Media Player ($249.99; www.dlink.com), which handles a variety of digital audio and music formats, including high-definition video feeds. Just connect your PC to a wireless router that supports 802.11g, connect the DSM-520 to your HDTV or surround-sound receiver using the HDMI or component connection, and you can enjoy every multimedia file stored on the computer on your home-theater equipment. The DSM-520 even plays Internet radio stations.

The DSM-520 uses proprietary technology, but there is a standard called DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) that lets compatible devices interoperate with one another with minimal muss and fuss. For instance, the Buffalo Technology TeraStation HS-DH1.0TGL/R5 Storage Server ($699; www.buffalotech.com) is a DLNA-certified media server that delivers multimedia content to any DLNA-compatible media player with minimal setup hassles. Products with DLNA support built-in included HDTVs, boomboxes, computers, and audio receivers, so keep an eye out for the DLNA logo when shopping. You can learn more at the DLNA Web site (www.dlna.org).

Situation: You created the perfect digital music mix for your party, and it’s playing in the living room, but now everyone’s moving outside to enjoy the beautiful weather.

Old Way: Listen to the crickets and the sounds of your own voices.

Wireless Way: Stream the mix to any part of the house, inside or outside, using a Sonos ZonePlayer system.

Here’s How: If you want your guests to listen to more than crickets chirping on a warm summer’s eve, be sure to set up a Sonos ZonePlayer ahead of time. You can easily stream any music stored on your PC across the wireless network to up to 32 different rooms in the house—or to the backyard if necessary. The system is completely modular, consisting of the nonamplified ZonePlayer 80 ($349; www.sonos.com) designed to connect to existing stereo systems, the amplified ZonePlayer 100 ($499) that independently powers a pair of speakers (not included), and Sonos Controllers ($399) that let you manage your audio collection from anywhere within the range of the wireless network. Attach at least one ZonePlayer to your router and then strategically position additional ZonePlayers throughout the house and in the yard to achieve full coverage—you are limited only by the range of your home network. The system also plays Internet radio stations, and you can attach CD players, MP3 players, and other audio devices to one ZonePlayer to stream the music to all of the other players. Party on!

by Tracy Baker