ok, I though this was easy, get a linksys
DMA 2100 and jobs done!
But some say it's not that great. Other option of course is a 360, but again some say it's not that great either with its fan noise etc.
So apart from another pc, is there a definitive extender for Media Centre?
Maybe there isn't?! would it be better to run a small atom pc that others have mentioned like
this one?
I believe with all new xbox's the cpu uses 45nm, which means that its quieter and cooler. Im not sure if the fans have been made quieter, but there are aftermarket mods you can do (which void warrenty)
I don't mind using the xbox, but it wasn't just the noise, it was also the sluggish menus, and not being able to utilalise all the extra programs you add into mc.
I looked around and there are no new media extenders endorsed by microsoft, which I find so bizarre.
At the end of the day a small efficent htpc can be built for around £200 - £250, yes more money than a xbox, but so much better. I'm using my laptop as a media center in my bedroom untill I build an atom type comp. It manages everything very well with no problems.
How are you storing you film formats, is it vob files or iso or wmv?
I certainy did not wan't to transcode 400 dvds, it would take forever, but now im not using an extender, i can build a cheap server and run it off that.
If your starting out, its difficult to decide which way to go, but think of future expandibility, will 360's keep up with future proofing, or untill microsoft bring out the next xbox, then you have to buy new machines for that new feature?
(01-18-2010 12:28 PM)northan Wrote: [ -> ]How are you storing you film formats, is it vob files or iso or wmv?
If your starting out, its difficult to decide which way to go, but think of future expandibility, will 360's keep up with future proofing, or untill microsoft bring out the next xbox, then you have to buy new machines for that new feature?
Thanks for the ideas. Ive only just bought an external drive to store my films, and I'm looking at normal dvd rips (video ts folders)
Good point about having to upgrade the 360s as well. So it might make more sense to get another mini pc, but that wouldn't stream things like liveTV over the network would it. I do like the simplicity of extenders, for the sake of free (i already have a 360) i'll stick with that for now and see how things pan out. plenty of money to be spent on the rest of my house first!
the atom pc idea is calling to me though...
I am still trying to get to grips with this whole subject... Do I get a WHS (which I have) and then use that as a PVR, do I just use WHS as a storage setup and then run the files over the network to an individual extender (HTPC or other) or just have 2 or 3 HTPC's with a shared drive on one of the HTPC's The choice is daunting!
I know this may go against the "Redmond" grain but has anyone tried the Apple Mini as an extender? Just a thought as they seem to look good if anything else!
Hi there.
You seem to be caught with the same problem that most of have faced one time or another.
Unfortunately there is no right or wrong way and it heavily relies on preferences and budget. Most will testify that no matter what you start to do your system will evolve to something else.
Personally I wouldn't rely heavily on extenders, you can be restricted by what file formats will play.
Keeping all the files on a local pc is ok (I'm doing this at the moment) but I think it's only appropriate on smaller networks. I.e just your lounge and 1 bedroom.
Having a NAS or server is by the far the most flexible system to have, you can tuck them out of site and its easy to expand the storage easily too (see elootos linux server)
If I were to buy a new hpc as a peripheral computer, I would buy one like enjay has just got or something similar. There small, very quiet and can play anything you throw at it.
The most important thing I came to realise from an early stage is to have a hardwired network (preferably cat6 if you can) This makes it so quick and flexible. For example you can use the network cable to distribute hdmi too.
My response is very basic, feel free to bring up more specific questions, or start your own thread if you like.
See you around