Building Media Server - Need advice

[Rakewell]

Greetings all,

Though I've built many a PC, I'm a bit new to the whole media server thing. I'm going to build one over the holiday season for my wife, and I just want to make sure I am on the right path.

Here's what I want:

-A server hidden in my apartment that can stream music/videos/pics, not only to any PC in the house, but most importantly, directly to my TV that can EASILY be used onscreen with a remote control. (my wife is not so good with the technologies, if you catch my drift.)

-Replace Time Warner's crappy DVR, able to record TV/Cable Movies that can be kept & edited (remove commercials via VNC or remote access, etc.)

Here's what I will have:

-Powerline Ethernet Adapters for the server:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-306-_-Product

Windows Home Server:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116550

Hauppauge WinTV-HVR 1850:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-015-_-Product

(I'll build a cheap PC in a small case.)

Am I forgetting something? Is there anything I need/don't need in this setup?

Thanks in advance-

Rakewell

 

[slackerinabox]

After much heart ache re: trying to use Windows Media Center as a DVR, I suggest just paying $7 a month for a cable company dvr (or get a tivo). The cable companies are douchebags and, at least in NYC, even basic tv channels (ABC) weren't on their CLEAR QAM tier. Do you plan on using an antenna instead? Then you'll have better luck.. HD Homerun has been recommended vs. a PCI card/usb solution.

So are you building a server plus an HTPC for each tv? I'd suggest keeping your cable company equipment for live tv purposes and picking up a WD Live / pop corn hour for media play back on the tvs. I have an HTPC in my bedroom but, honestly, prefer the simplicity of my living room set top box (asus o!play). You'll also save money this way, vs. building an HTPC capable of 1080p playback

 

[sivart]

Good luck with HD over those powerline adapters. Tried in my house (not apartment) and couldn't stream .tp captures past the next room. They were choppy at the best, didn't play at the worst. Wasn't much better than my wireless G. Now with gigabit throughout the house (obviously not possible in an apartment without making an eyesore) I have no problems at all.

 

[slackerinabox]

I use powerline netwokring as well (the linksys set) and it does work fine for 720p. 1080p's choppy, and my electrical wiring is brand new. It's very sensitive, i.e. I had to experiment with different outlets to get the best throughput.

 

[Rakewell]

I use powerline netwokring as well (the linksys set) and it does work fine for 720p. 1080p's choppy, and my electrical wiring is brand new. It's very sensitive, i.e. I had to experiment with different outlets to get the best throughput.

Ugh,

I live in a NYC apartment. The chances of good wiring are, well, just chances.

What about Wireless-N? Anyone have any luck with that, in regards to streaming?

 

[slackerinabox]

Ugh,

I live in a NYC apartment. The chances of good wiring are, well, just chances.

What about Wireless-N? Anyone have any luck with that, in regards to streaming?

I have wireless-N and used it until I got powerline. It works, but flakes out just often enough to be annoying. 720p would be my max on that

 

[RedCOMET]

Another idea would be to use a MoCA Bridge if powerline and wireless are a no go... But as stated before about flaky wiring, if you have a good coax plant installed this could be an option. They have a long thread on it in the AVS forum.. so it seems to be worth a try, eh?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1145636

 

[Rakewell]

Another idea would be to use a MoCA Bridge if powerline and wireless are a no go... But as stated before about flaky wiring, if you have a good coax plant installed this could be an option. They have a long thread on it in the AVS forum.. so it seems to be worth a try, eh?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1145636

Bully.

Fantastic link!