Here are the "How-To" BASICS. These are non-technical, step-by-step instructions to guide you through your entire home-media world: sources, hardware, software, tools, and techniques. Everything you need to organize your own personal media.
Step 01: What I Have Now?
Perform a complete inventory of your media sources and content. You need to know what you already have and what you are spending.
Step 02: What Do I Want?
Streaming, cable, DSL, satellite, movies, TV shows, music, photos, home videos, etc. what do you want? This is a wish list.
Step 03: Local Channels
Broadcast, over-the-air (OTA) TV is a must have for most people. Local news, sports, community shows are all broadcast free OTA to your home.
Step 04: Internet
Sure, we all need internet but how much, how fast and how expensive? Don’t buy more than you need or use.
Step 05: Home Network
How important is your home network? It is the last mile, the hub, the wireless heart of your home media.
Step 06: Streaming Devices
Firestick, Roku, Nvidia, and more choices. choices and more choices is the name of the game. Where do I start? Which one is for me?
Step 07: Streaming Services
Local channels, networks, sports, travel, documentaries, I want it all! Wait a minute, maybe not all, just a bunch.
Step 08: Cut The Cord
At last, the moment has arrived. Will cutting the cord really set me free? Am I just grabbing a new cord?
Step 09: Create Your Libraries
Know where all your media is making its home. Eliminate duplicate files and duplicate folders.
Step 10: Photos
Hi, my name is Frank and I am a photo pack Rat! But unlike most pack rats, I know how to keep track and organize my photos. I am going to share with you how I do it.
Step 11: Videos, Movies & TV Shows
After photos, your home videos are the next most essential elements of your media library. They are irreplaceable slices of your life.
Step 12: Music
I want to make sure you know today’s easy techniques and how to get your music library organized and ready to enjoy.
Step 13: Books
This topic is a mixed bag of various solutions. Read it and decide what works for you.
Step 14: Data
Add all of your important documents to your personal digital library.
Step 15: Backup & Protect
Know where everything is and backup, backup, and backup. Hope for the best and plan for the worst. Your photos and home videos cannot be replaced.
Step 16: Media Management
There is no magic software that will take over and do everything for you. But these come close.