What to do with old PC?

[stumben32]

So, I finally started thinking about perhaps turning my current pc into a media center when I buy/build a new main rig.

But, I am pretty much a newb when it comes to network/streaming media.

What general advice can you guys give me on building a media center? even as simple as what do you guys use a media center for? can you stream mp3s to say a 5.1 home theater? movies? pictures?

What sparked this question and my thought of building one is how fed up I am with the transitional state of music. I don't use cds any more! just my ipod and mp3s. so othere than concert dvds or plugging my ipod into my reciever I don't have music really at my finger tips-its too spread out.

how can I easily have access to all my Mp3s/itunes on my home theater (or anhwhere ) AND have it sound good! or is this overkill for just music?

help me get started. thanks guys

 

[mmntech]

There are a few ways to do this. You need something that can interface between your TV/AV receiver and your network. Any DLNA system such as an Xbox 360 of PS3 will work well. I use my PS3 but at $299, that might be a bit expensive for some. Using a 360 Arcade would probably be cheapest, and it can interface with Windows Media Center. For PS3, something like TVersity would be excellent. Alternatively, you can also use something like Popcorn Hour, which is a self-contained streaming device with its own server software.
http://www.popcornhour.com/onlinestore/

 

[JackMDS]

There are practically tens of ways to go about this.

The best solution depends on the specific hardware that you have, and its location through the house.

The server computer is the last thing that you have to think about.

The Locations of the Audio/TV peripherals and the interface to them is the main factor in the cost of such project.

If you just want a server to manage, store, and stream out, an old computer with Windows Home Server, and few of the free TV/AV addons would do very well.

120 Days Windows Home Server with Power Pack 1 Evaluation download.

http://www.microsoft.com/downl...b2dadca&DisplayLang=en

With something like this, http://www.asciiexpress.com/webguide/homeserver.aspx

A little more about WHS, http://www.ezlan.net/WHS.html