Most people are still using PCs to view and manipulate digital media – like the one you’re likely using to view this website. However, as broadband access reaches more homes and digital content of all kinds becomes more available, users will demand the higher quality experience available from “dedicated” digital media devices. A “dedicated” device is simply a machine – a computer – that is specialized to deliver digital media to the components that allow you to experience it, such as your television, display, stereo, and/or home theater.

These devices have many advantages over PCs when it comes to digital audio and video (to learn what those advantages are, click HERE). They come in many forms, including set top boxes (STBs) that bring digital video and Internet to your television, and “gateways” for so-called “smart homes” that will enable you to control many of the appliances in your home. Our Portal Gold MediaLink can be used as a set top box, and also as a gateway.