Also known as a digital media renderer or receiver, the digital media adapter is an electronic device that makes it possible to connect a personal computer to a home theater system. As a result of the connection, it is possible to locate various online media and transfer it to a television or other audio-visual equipment that is incorporated into the home media system. Some forms of this device are proprietary designs that will only work with home theater equipment manufactured by specific companies, while other adapters work well with a system created using components made by different manufacturers.
The process of operation for a digital media adapter is relatively simple. The desired type of media file is located on the Internet using a desktop or laptop computer. Once the media is located and engaged, the adapter makes it possible to not only view or listen to that media on the computer, but also to simultaneously stream the signaling to the home theater system. As an example, the user may locate a video stream of an old television program, engage the stream via the computer, then use the adapter to stream that signal to a television set that is also connected to the adapter.
A digital media adapter can either make use of an Ethernet, or wired, connection between the devices, or function as a wireless connection between the computer and the home theater system. Some adapters are only configured to transmit audio, such as music files. Others are capable of transmitting both audio and visual files. With the latter type of digital media adapter, it is possible to watch television programs from all over the world on a full sized television screen, without the need for cable or satellite television services. Some adapters also come with software that makes it possible to record the media during the transmission, and retrieve it for viewing later.
Since the advent of the first audio-only receivers around the end of the 1990’s, the digital media adapter has been refined to allow real-time streaming to a home theater network. The streaming is often of a quality that there are no sudden frame freezes on video streams, and no problems with a clear audio transmission. Often, the installation of this type of adapter is no harder than setting up an external modem, and can be accomplished by following a few simple steps. Manufacturers of different versions of the digital media adapter can also provide guidelines on what type of components must be present in the home theater system in order for the adapter to function at optimum efficiency.