In-home streaming has been in beta for quite a while now and during that time it has received quite a number of updates. As a beta participant I can say that it has come a long, long way since inception and that everyone should try it at least once.
Essentially the way it works is that you log into your Steam account on two computers on the same network, they automatically connect, allowing you to remotely install, launch, and play games as though you were sitting at the remote PC. The video and audio are sent through the network and played on the machine you are playing on. Likewise, the keyboard and mouse (or controller) you have plugged into the local computer is sent back to the remote computer. And yes, it really is that simple.
WITH IN-HOME STREAMING YOU CAN...
Play your Windows games on devices running other operating systems
Currently Mac OS X, Linux, and SteamOS, with support for more systems coming soon.
Play your demanding games on lower-end systems
System requirements dictate the rig you’ll need to run your game, but with In-Home Streaming they won’t limit where you can play.
Kick back with your laptop or home theater PC
Your Steam games are now available throughout your home when you stream them from your PC to your computer, netbook, laptop, or HTPC.
Seamlessly pick up where you left off
Looking for a change of scenery? Steam knows whether your game is already running. Move to another device and start streaming your game right as you left it on your PC.
Download once, play anywhere
No need to wait for your game to download again when it’s already installed on one of your home computers.
Play your Windows games on devices running other operating systems
Currently Mac OS X, Linux, and SteamOS, with support for more systems coming soon.
Play your demanding games on lower-end systems
System requirements dictate the rig you’ll need to run your game, but with In-Home Streaming they won’t limit where you can play.
Kick back with your laptop or home theater PC
Your Steam games are now available throughout your home when you stream them from your PC to your computer, netbook, laptop, or HTPC.
Seamlessly pick up where you left off
Looking for a change of scenery? Steam knows whether your game is already running. Move to another device and start streaming your game right as you left it on your PC.
Download once, play anywhere
No need to wait for your game to download again when it’s already installed on one of your home computers.
So go on, give it a go. For more information visit support.steampowered.com
