Hi,
Would really appreciate some advice on a home media network config.
Requirement :
A server to store about 500 albums, few hundred videos, photos + misc other and make available over hardwired network to 2 or poss 3 media players.
Server should also (with approp TV capture card) capture and stream TV channels? [Do any provide PVR function also?]
Happy to build/configure hardware but abilities setting up and configuring software, somewhat limited.
Have lots of questions, principal ones being :
Is there a relatively easy-to-install Server package that could be installed to run under XP?
Will this Server package accept and manage existing (mainly .mp3 and .vob) files currently on a PC?
What media player to use, for HDMI-connection to respective TVs and Hi-Fi amps? It should be able to access everything on the Server of course + also be able (over the LAN) to be able to access the Net for browsing.
Would a low-power PC such as an Aleutia H1 be suitable as the Media Player? If so, what media player app should I run on that?
Given the possibility of some different file formats - when playing will any relevant transcoding that may be required be the responsibility of the Server or the Player - or is this something not to be worried about, these days?
Appreciate this is a long post and I apologise in advance - any advice much appreciated.
TIA
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