Advantages of a Home Theater/Home Network Setup:
1. Access to a variety of still image, video, and audio content that is either stored on a PC or streamed directly from the internet to a network media player/media streamer, network-enabled Blu-ray Disc player, home theater receiver, or TV for viewing or listening on your home theater system.
2. Access to content based on your own schedule. In most cases, audio and video content can be streamed on demand. Some services may offer downloads that can be temporarily stored and viewed or listened to later.
Disadvantages of a Home Theater/Home Network Setup:
1. Audio and video quality is not as good as physical media sources, such as CDs and Blu-ray Discs. For example, audio and video files are often highly compressed and video files may look pixelated on a large TV screen. Also, a high definition video stream will not look as good as the same high definition content accessed directly off of a Blu-ray Disc or transmitted via over-the-air, cable, or satellite HDTV feeds.
2.A high-speed broadband connection is required. Video files, especially need a lot of bandwidth due to the large file sizes. If content is downloaded for viewing later, instead of streamed for instant viewing, the download times for high definition movies can be very long. You may have to wait some time before being able to view the content.
Also, the speed of accessing content is also tied into how many people are accessing it at the same time. Sometimes, just as on a PC, websites may reach streaming or download capacity during certain time periods.
3. The available internet content services depend on what brand/model devices you have (TV, Media Player/Streamer, Blu-ray Disc player, Home Theater Receiver). Different manufacturers have contracts with different internet content providers.
4. Not all internet content is free. Be prepared to pay for content, such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, or Blockbuster movies, as well as some audio streaming services, such as Rhapsody.
For an overview of ways to internet-enable your home theater system, check out my article: Six Ways to Incorporate the Internet into Your Home Theater System.