Advice on Setting up Gigernet , Server and Media player (PS3, Streaming Blueray etc)

[FFactory0x]

So I am ready to embark on a whole networked media room and want to digitalize all my media for streaming including all my DVD's and Blue Rays ( Reg / 3d)

I and need help determining what I need and if i need any additional Equipment to what i currently have and how to set it up including Software

Current Hardware
- Cat6 in walls all heading to a centralized office
- Gigernet Router in office plugging connecting all Cat 6 cables.
- Old PC with 3GB Ram and AMD Athlon 2.3ghz
- Stand Alone Server with 2 Terabytes Disk Space - 3-4GB Ram - Xenon CPU's
I have access to all MICROSOFT SOFTWARE including the whole 2010 Suite (Win 7, Server 2010 etc)
- PS3
- Xbox 360
- Mitsubishi 65" DLP 3d

So basically I want to network my whole entertainment system to a Central Store where I have all my DVD's and Blue Rays Ripped.

From a Blue Ray Standpoint it looks like .MKV is the best format to rip and wrap to at the moment. Want to have 5.1 or 7.1 included.

Still deciding on DVD format.

1. How should I setup my computers and what software / OS should install on each? Do I only need 1 of the computer?

2. Are the computers powerful enough?

3. If there a way to play all different formatted media especially Blue Ray and 3d Movies? Will play music as well.

4. How do I set my Xbox or PS3 up to this as I only have one cable drop...Switch or Splitter?

5. I saw the PopCorn hour boxes. Do I need one of these? Is there software similar i can run on the PC's that have a cool interface when I switch my TV to the HDMI the Media server will be used on?


Any questions or advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Destiny]

1. How should I setup my computers and what software / OS should install on each? Do I only need 1 of the computer?
You only need one... but you can also use both computers to store all your digital media files and stream - make sure you have the proper permissions enabled for folders for sharing. Obviously the latest Windows 7 is the best right now for support wise - but some media players currently need work arounds due to Windows 7 sharing issues utilizing SAMBA protocol. I have the Nixeus Fusion HD and they have provided a direct fix for it in their recent firmware update.

2. Are the computers powerful enough?
Yes, they both are.

3. If there a way to play all different formatted media especially Blue Ray and 3d Movies? Will play music as well.
The best is the original format or direct rip - Blu-Ray ISO for 3D playback... there are media players out there that playback Blu-Ray ISO, but without menus. Media players that can play back Blu-Ray ISOs with menus are generally more expensive because they require licensing. Most media players in the market also don't have DTS license or Dolby Digital Licensing and are using a hack or work around to playback HD audio - stick with ones that have lincesing to avoid playback issues. But generally if you want to save space MKV, m2ts, m4v, h.264 and ACVHD are the best qualities. I have not seen any media player or set up boxes that can directly play 3D yet - but CES is this week so maybe we'll see some coming out soon.

4. How do I set my Xbox or PS3 up to this as I only have one cable drop...Switch or Splitter?
A switch is fine. Don't use a splitter to avoid IP addresses confliction.

5. I saw the PopCorn hour boxes. Do I need one of these? Is there software similar i can run on the PC's that have a cool interface when I switch my TV to the HDMI the Media server will be used on?

If you have the proper encoding/transcoding software on your PCs (VLC media player) or ps3 media server you should be fine. Please keep in mind the XBox 360 and PS3 uses UPnP/DLNA. If you want a better and more comprehensive media playback you can try a dedicated media player such as the PopCorn Hour boxes. SAMBA/Network Shares or NFS is usually the best way to stream high bitrate large file formats. There is also no media player that can fully utilize the Gigabit streaming speeds yet.

Based on your file formats you want to playback - I suggest going with Sigma Designs based media players. Intel based players are powerful but still relatively new in the media player market. When looking into media player companies do your research - any company can make media players, but it is the customer service and stability of Firmwares that may save you tons of headaches.

 

[FFactory0x]

Thanks.


Whats a good Sigma Based Media Player?

 

[Nebor]

I rip all my blu-rays and DVDs to ISOs (ensuring full quality, future playability and 3d functionality) and use a plug-in for 7MC to automatically scan them, provide reviews, cover art, etc. Then another plug-in automatically mounts the ISO and PowerDVD 10 starts up inside 7MC, providing a seamless experience.

Now if only Hulu Desktop worked inside 7MC instead of in a separate window....