Multi-room video systems let you send video from your DVD changer, satellite receiver, computer, and more to multiple displays around your home. Some multi-room solutions can even provide stunning high-def video. While there aren't yet as many options for multi-room video as there are for multi-room music, there are some great solutions out there. In this article, we'll take a quick look at some multi-room video options we offer to give you an idea of what's involved and which setup might be a good fit for you.

Here are the types of multi-room video setups we'll cover:

Wireless standard-def multi-room video

Stream high-def video and more from your computer

Stream video from your DVR to a laptop or PC

High-def multi-room video using an existing CAT-5 network

Send video to multiple rooms using standard A/V cables — including high-def

As you shop for a multi-room video system, there are a few key questions to keep in mind:

• Do you want to distribute high-def video? If so, be aware that it's generally more expensive to split an HD signal and send it to multiple rooms than it is to buy enough high-def source components for each viewing area. For example, our customers have often found that it's cheaper to buy an additional Blu-ray player for each viewing room than it is to buy the necessary components and long lengths of HD-capable cable required to distribute video from one Blu-ray player. Keep your goals and budget in mind, and shop accordingly.
• Are you installing your system in a finished home, or in a home that's currently under construction? If you're adding a system to a finished home, a wireless system, or one that uses existing in-wall wiring, will often offer the easiest, most straightforward installation; systems that require substantial in-wall wire installation are generally better for homes still under construction, or extensive renovation, that don't have drywall or insulation up yet.
• Does your home already have a CAT-5 or CAT-6 Ethernet network installed? Some multi-room systems communicate over CAT-5 or CAT-6 cables, so you might be able to take advantage of an existing network.
• How many rooms do you want to have video in? Make sure you choose a system that can accommodate your preferences.
• Do you want to be able to select different sources in each viewing area? Only some multi-room video systems can send different video signals to different rooms at the same time, so if this is important to you, make sure you choose a system that can.
• Do you want to be able to access your digital video server, or conventional video sources (like a DVD changer), or both? Think about what you want to be able to watch, and shop accordingly.

For a quick look at some popular options, check out the comparison chart at the end of this article.

If you'd like help planning your own multi-room system, you can contact a member of our A/V Design Group at 1-800-555-9407. They can give you customized, room-specific system proposals, free of charge.