Home Entertainment Server

I want to build a Server for my collection of MP4,avi and mp3 files. I have over 6 Terrabytes of files I wish to share around my house.

I want to be able to connect 3 TVs (Lounge Room and 2 bedrooms) up to 3 Tablets via Wifi and 2 sets of speakers for mp3 playback.

I will connect the TVs via Ethernet cable to Raspberry Pi computers with wireless keyboard/Mouse combinations.

the speakers will also be controlled via Raspberry Pi computers - these ones will have 3 inch touch screens built on to the Raspberry Pis and have speaker outputs.

I expect to run the server with some form of Linux with a PFSense Firewall.
The Raspberry Pis will run XMBC

The Server will also be connected to my home PC to enable the transfer of files as they are collected.

My Hardware:
I have a PC Quad Core I5, 4GB RAM, 1TB HDD plus 2 4TB HDD.
8Port Switch
WiFi ADSL Router
5 Raspberry Pis.

If anyone can think of anything that I am missing or suggest a better way of doing part of the process I would appreciate it

:S

Connect all the Pis to the (gigabit?) switch directly, so the internet and internal switching is separate. Also XMBC is now known as Kodi.

:S :S

I'd go with a Plex server and install RasPLEX on your raspberry pis for the clients.

The good thing is that you can use your existing Windows PC as the Plex server - esp if you just want to give it a test run to see if it is for you. You can also use a dedicated Linux/Windows 'server' (no need for a Windows Server OS - any version will do). You can also run it along side of your current plans and have a mix of clients. Plex clients are also available on some smart TV's and other devices - I use an XBOX360 as the main client and Rasp Pis on other TVs.

check out www.plex.tv for more info.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shasta

:S :S

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+1

I just change the HDMI input.

Plex also do a client for the Apple TV if you're not scared of a little stuffing around to get it working. The AppleTV option also gives you a Netflix client and a bunch of other streaming services.

My brother does some work for Plex now apparently!

I think I need another beer!

When I saw the topic I thought you were talking about the "beer bringer" while you're watching the box ;)

have a look at a NAS that has a plex built in, and a specialist transcoding chip.

a mate uses a synology diskstation play

For Shasta, Elf, Jono, Gunny and TIF.

I am a lazy bastard. In the past I used to own a very large DVD collection and a even bigger CD collection. Over time I have converted this collection to store on my computer hard drive.

A server will enable me to play movies or music from various locations around my house at the same time. Without the necessity of getting up select the movie, removing the disc from its cover. Inserting the Disc in to the player and then sitting down.

With less then $1000 Not including the TVs worth of equipment and cabling I can do this.

I was being sarcastic. I have a tower with 4 TB of usable storage linked into the TV, found a Keyboard with trackpad that works on my TV, so - computer & I can download off the TV and can either watch on the main TV, or off laptops.

Next step is going to be to link the other TV up in the spare room.
Easy process but I CBF.

Also approve of the converting to digital. Am 80% there

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Exile

For Shasta, Elf, Jono, Gunny and TIF................
With less then $1000 Not including the TVs worth of equipment and cabling I can do this.

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I'm sure there's an upside there X. But I'm not seeing it. As long as my remote can flick between all the Foxsports channels and Gem I'm all good. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shasta

I'm sure there's an upside there X. But I'm not seeing it. As long as my remote can flick between all the Foxsports channels and Gem I'm all good. :)

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Well mate- once this project is finished. I will be able to use my remote to flick thru over 1700 movies, and thousands of TV shows.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Exile

Well mate- once this project is finished. I will be able to use my remote to flick thru over 1700 movies, and thousands of TV shows.

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if you are looking for somewhere to host it. get a NAS, and even better a NAS with a encoding chip in it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Exile

Without the necessity of getting up select the movie, removing the disc from its cover. Inserting the Disc in to the player and then sitting down.

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First world problems.