Gadgets consultant

[LalKJ]

Hello

Due to our expanding family, we have decided to take the plunge and extend our kitchen. The new kitchen area will inlcude a casual seating area/living room and most likely as our kids get older an area for a computer where we can keep a beady eye on what they are looking at. Unfortunately, neither my husband nor I are particulalry IT savvy and have no idea on the latest things available. I think we are looking for some sort of integrated system, for example a tv, some way of playing music, speakers etc. That can be controlled by one system or even an iPad. I just wondered if anyone had used a consultant or something similar to help advise on what systems might be available and might work for us? Alternatively, if anyone knows of any good websites or has recently redone their home and got a similar sort of all in one system, I would very much appreciate hearing from you. We can spend some money on it, but nothing too flashy as the kitchen is already wiping us out!

Many thanks

[Jeremy]

Why not just get a PC with a large monitor? Then you can you that for watching TV/movies, listening to music, and all the usual stuff too.

[Lowlander]

As Jeremy said, buy a computer with a large monitor (if you're not IT savvy get an iMac).

If you really want to watch live TV as opposed to iPlayer / 4OD etc. then you'll need a USB tuner stick, just plug it in and go.

For movies sign up with LoveFilm or similar.

That's it, dead simple. The complexity is when you want to link to other rooms.

Edited to add, I've never been, but am sure if you went into the Apple store they'd show you how it all works and sell it to you there and then.

[RichJ]

Thanks both for the tips.