OS for Home Entertainment Center/LAN

[goshdarnindie]

Here's what I would like to do, and I can come up with a 100 different ways to do it, but I don't know enough about my options to make a good selection. This is where your help would be appreciated.

What I want:
A computer to be used to show DVD's and play games on my TV and also act as a LAN for my home as well as the hub for internet access.

What I have to work with:
Realmagic Hollywood Plus, DVD player, Voodoo3500 with TV out, GeForce2 MX200

Is there a DVD software solution within Linux that will cooperate with my video cards. Or is there a Linux driver for the Hollywood Plus that someone knows about? I can always run a Windows window over Linux, but will I have the advanced features from the vid card? Should I give up on Linux (yea right) and run a full Windows OS as my server? Or what haven't I thought of. Thanks in advance.

 

[AkumaBao]

Did you think of trying a SB Live! Platinum series, or Audigy Platinum series sound card? It has great software, and you can set you're remote control to control your DVD program, CD program, and many more!!! I've just about developed a home stereo system in my computer room apart from the living room just because of my Audigy! I can't find Linux drivers for it though. Surely there are some somewhere, or at least use a Win 98 to power it. It also comes with the player programs, and the Audigy has two IEEE-1394 firewire ports for networking, and other compatible devices. Sorry I got a little of the subject, but I just thought I would throw that up in the air.

 

[goshdarnindie]

Right, but that would only complicate things further, as I am not sure whether or not I would have full facility of the SB under linux. What I need to know if there is a solution that fully utilizes my multimedia gear while not loosing the stabilty and functionality of a linux LAN server that I have come to enjoy.

 

[AkumaBao]

I see. Well, I'm sorry that I can't help. I'm just now starting to work with Linux, but check out this site if you already haven't seen it.

 

[goshdarnindie]

Thanks, I had completly forgotten about that website.

 

[hmagoo]

Also, check out the Home Theater PC forum out at www.avsforum.com .

There are members there who use Linux exclusively. I can't remember who though.

good luck