As most of my friends and family know, I am a media center guru. I love designing, building, and creating the most optimal system that can pass the family test and be both easy to use, as well as fun to use. Making a media center work with all members of the family is the hardest challenge to making a media center work. If the wife can't use it, she will be against its development and growth. If the kids can't use it, they will constantly bug you to start shows and movies. Finally, if guests don't see its ease of use, they won't be impressed and think you are just a geek with too much time on your hands.

It is also important to have media distribution to other devices for ease of access. If you can only watch one show, movie, online video, a media traffic jam is sure to ensue. Plus, with cable being so cheap per room, people expect to be able to watch what they want without having to wait for someone else to finish.