Wireless streamers

Modern makeover
You could also opt for a standalone device, such as the sleek Sony NAS-CZ1 (£180 from Stone Audio). With its own built-in speakers, a CD player and an FM/AM radio, the NAS-CZ1 shares many of its attributes with the portable stereo you may already listen to in the kitchen or bedroom, the difference being that the little beauty can also stream digital music from your PC and tune into internet radio stations too.

The one drawback with the NAS-CZ1 is that it’s not wireless-ready. It can only stream via a wired connection, though it’s possible to buy an adapter (such as the D-Link DWL-G810, £49 from Dabs) to add wireless capability to it.

Bigger budgets
Those with more money to spare could consider splashing out on the Digital Music System from Sonos. This modular system enables you to mix and match from the three main Sonos products to provide your home with multi-room music.

You can choose from the standalone ZP100 Zoneplayer (£379 from the Sonos UK website), which has a built-in 50W amp or the ZP80 Zoneplayer (£269), which needs to be plugged into a hi-fi or external amplifier. On top of that is the wireless Sonos Controller (£319), with its own colour LCD screen and iPod-like scroll wheel for browsing your music. The Sonos system offers many advantages, such as top-notch audio quality, smart design and total control over your music – but it’s pricey and at least one Zoneplayer needs to be attached to your network via a wired connection for the wireless feature to work.

Sound and vision
With devices such as the Philips SLM5500 (£155 from Broadband Stuff) or the Netgear EVA700 (£110 from Amazon) you can stream digital video files stored on your PC as well as photo slideshows. Both devices feature multiple video output options (including composite and component video) for connecting to your TV set, along with support for file formats such as DIVX, XVID, MPEG and WMV for video and JPEG for photos.

Streaming and DRM
Many music files bought online feature built-in copy protection known as DRM, or digital rights management.

In order to stream such tracks in the same way as music you have ripped yourself, your music streaming device needs to be compatible with the protection system used.

As a general rule, if you use Windows Media Audio-based services, such as Napster or MSN Music, then you need to look for the Plays for Sure logo (see www.playsforsure.com for a list of compatible devices).

If you download from iTunes, however, you’ll only be able to stream your tracks using Apple products like Airport Express. With major distributors like EMI currently rethinking their whole approach to the DRM system, however, all this could soon change.