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Why is a wired solution better than a wireless network? |
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Wireless was designed for data. Wireless can be a useful part of a network (for checking email, Web browsing, etc.), but it cannot handle the demands of today’s homeowner for high-quality audio and video distribution.
As homeowners invest in large-screen TVs, digital cable, digital cameras, TiVos, and media PCs they want to maximize what they can do with videos, music, photographs, and computer files. tecStream is revolutionary because it is the only network that distributes data, video, and voice over a single Cat5 cable. A “Category wire” (such as Cat5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, and others to come) based network is not susceptible to interference and can transmit data whether it’s in a digital or analog format. tecStream is a high-bandwidth switched network that can stream high-quality live action and stored video files and images to television displays throughout the house
If you base your “network” on wireless signals or on any device that operates over an IP-based network, you can’t do that. Your network also will be prone to signal interference, virus attacks, and congestion from high traffic. |
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What about people without the proper wire in their homes? |
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That is another reason why tecStream is revolutionary. It operates over a single Cat5 (or better) wire. Installing Cat5 into an older home has become very routine and not very expensive. It can cost less than new curtains, and the benefits to the homeowner are enormous. |
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What does tecStream cost? |
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Because the network configuration will vary from home to home, the cost will fluctuate. UStec sells through a dealer network. Any of our dealers would be happy to tell you the exact cost of installing tecStream into your home. We can help find a dealer near you. Please call us at
1-800-836-2312.
An important point to remember when you talk about cost is the economizing elements of tecStream. With tecStream you don’t have to set up a home office network, a phone network, a stereo/home entertainment network. That’s what we mean when we say tecStream is a “TRUE” network. It integrates all of those functions, and saves the homeowner the expense and trouble of setting up all the “mini” networks in the home. With tecStream the homeowner saves money because he or she does not have to buy more than one entertainment device or lease more than one TiVo or set-top box to be able to access these products or services throughout the home. |
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What are the cabling requirements of tecStream? |
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Each tecStream network adapter relies on a Category 5 (Cat5) or better cable that typically is installed in newer homes. The cable must be properly terminated on each end (T568A to T568A or T568B to T568B). One end of the cable must terminate at the tecStream switch and the other end at the tecStream port on the network adapter. The cable cannot be cut or spliced. If an issue exists with the cable, the tecStream network adapter or switch will indicate that there may be a problem with the cable. |
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How many streams can a tecStream handle? |
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tecStream’s power is unmatched today. It enables transmission of up to 16 high definition video streams simultaneously over one Cat5 cable with no loss of signal quality. This provides homeowners with more than enough capacity to meet their needs today and in the future. |
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What equipment can I hook up to tecStream? |
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What can’t you hook up to tecStream? Anything from old televisions and VCRs to personal computers, DVD players, and media PCs. It also is possible to add compatible 1394 devices such as digital VHS decks and compliant AV hard disk drives. Because it is technically possible to connect up to 63 compatible 1394 devices to each tecStream module, there's no limit to how sophisticated you want your network to be! |
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Can I use my computer as a DVR? |
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Yes. There are many ways of doing this:
Scenario 1 – Media Center PC. Microsoft makes software specifically for this and the S_VIDEO output of this device can be connected to a tecStream 2500 module and used like any other 1394 device.
Scenario 2 – Other Media software. There are many third-party software packages available for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux that can turn a PC into a DVR. The computer must be connected to an analog input on a tecStream 2500 and allow for IR control of its features.
Scenario 3 – 1394 connection to PC. Software, expected to be available, can make a PC act as though it is a Digital VHS recorder or an AV hard disk drive.
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I already have a home network. Can I install tecStream over it? |
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tecStream operates over Category 5 (or better) cabling. If your home has Cat5 cable running to the rooms that you would like to include in the network and collected at a central location, then you have the wiring you need. tecStream runs in a “star topography,” with each location connected to the central switch. Your certified UStec installer will be able to advise you on whether your wiring is sufficient. |
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Will tecStream work with my existing UStec network? |
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Yes. All installed UStec structured wiring after 1992 includes Cat5 cable, so tecStream can easily be installed by mounting the tecStream switch to the tecCenter. Your UStec certified installer will be able to advise you. |
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