So... I want to hook up 3 (maybe 4) computers to a A/V Receiver

[allies]

How do I go about doing this? The receiver will have 3 TOSLINK inputs, but I don't think all the computers have TOSLINK outputs. Also using all the optical will mean nothing else can use it?

Should I just try to build a cheap HTPC and use a router to connect all to that one pc, share all the music on the network, and then have that single computer go to one of the optical ports? Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[bigboxes]

Just build a file server with enough/large enough hdds to host it all on one pc. Then link 'em all via a switch/router. Use the HTPC to hook the file output to the A/V receiver.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: bigboxes
Just build a file server with enough/large enough hdds to host it all on one pc. Then link 'em all via a switch/router. Use the HTPC to hook the file output to the A/V receiver.

:thumbsup:

This what I have, and probably a lot of others.

 

[allies]

How does one build a file server? And how is this different than sharing all 3/4 computers Music folders with a HTPC with the HTPC hooked up to the receiver? I know stuff about hardware, but when it comes to networking I'm a newb.

 

[InlineFour]

you can build a simple file server with just a 500mhz p2 with 250gb+ storage.

storing your files in one central location is better than spreading out the share.

 

[Markbnj]

Yeah, a file server can be cheap as dirt in this scenario. Get the cheapest box that will support enough storage and a nic and you're golden.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: allies
How does one build a file server? And how is this different than sharing all 3/4 computers Music folders with a HTPC with the HTPC hooked up to the receiver? I know stuff about hardware, but when it comes to networking I'm a newb.

Well, a central file server is not necessary. If all of your systems share a network over a router, then yeah, you just need your HTPC hooked up to the TV and/or Receiver. Just network and map all the drives.