- Joined
- May 27, 2009
The reason I made the topic "HTPC/Server/Combo?" is because I am looking to build something that has aspects of both, but I'm not exactly sure how to go about this/what the best setup would be (example: a server and a media box, or just a HTPC, etc). This is because my girlfriend and I would like it to do different things:
Myself - I don't watch live TV, I either watch DVDs or downloaded movies/shows. I also work with my laptop in various places around town, so I want to be able to remotely access data at my house that I might not have access to on my laptop. Hence, all I care about is remote access, backup capabilities (though this isn't high on the list), and being able to stream movies from and such from a central location, to either a different comp in the house, and to the TV.
My girlfriend: Loves her Tivo...basically all she does is Tivo everything, and watch it like an hour after it airs so she can skip the commercials. She doesn't care for watching shows on the computer, TV only. Hence, why I'm looking to put a DVR component into my build.
Can these two different ideas be merged into one box. A DVR/server setup. Something with the Windows Home Server backend (such as remote access, etc), and the functionality of a DVR (easy user interface, etc...my girlfriend will never go for a complex interface).
The following is a list of what I theoretically want my home server to be able to do: (sorry for repeats of above)
- Its going to sit either in a closet or next to my TV stand (entertainment center) running 24/7. Because of this, I'm mostly interested in low power/low heat components.
- It needs massive amounts of storage, because I want to be able to rip my dvds and my downloaded movies and keep them on the drive. I want to be able to stream everything to both of my two other computers, and also to my TV.
- In regard to the point above, this is where I'm not sure if i should place it in a closet or next to my entertainment center. I want to unit to be able to stream to my TV and possibly have DVR like abilities. What is the best setup for this?
- What extra hardware would I need to be able to stream to my TV.
- Can act as an automatic backup for two computers in the house.
- Possibly install a Blu-ray player to also stream 1080P to my TV.
- I would also like to be able to access it though the internet, to be able to download workfiles from anywhere.
Any advice, links to good articles on building home servers, etc. is greatly appreciated.
Myself - I don't watch live TV, I either watch DVDs or downloaded movies/shows. I also work with my laptop in various places around town, so I want to be able to remotely access data at my house that I might not have access to on my laptop. Hence, all I care about is remote access, backup capabilities (though this isn't high on the list), and being able to stream movies from and such from a central location, to either a different comp in the house, and to the TV.
My girlfriend: Loves her Tivo...basically all she does is Tivo everything, and watch it like an hour after it airs so she can skip the commercials. She doesn't care for watching shows on the computer, TV only. Hence, why I'm looking to put a DVR component into my build.
Can these two different ideas be merged into one box. A DVR/server setup. Something with the Windows Home Server backend (such as remote access, etc), and the functionality of a DVR (easy user interface, etc...my girlfriend will never go for a complex interface).
The following is a list of what I theoretically want my home server to be able to do: (sorry for repeats of above)
- Its going to sit either in a closet or next to my TV stand (entertainment center) running 24/7. Because of this, I'm mostly interested in low power/low heat components.
- It needs massive amounts of storage, because I want to be able to rip my dvds and my downloaded movies and keep them on the drive. I want to be able to stream everything to both of my two other computers, and also to my TV.
- In regard to the point above, this is where I'm not sure if i should place it in a closet or next to my entertainment center. I want to unit to be able to stream to my TV and possibly have DVR like abilities. What is the best setup for this?
- What extra hardware would I need to be able to stream to my TV.
- Can act as an automatic backup for two computers in the house.
- Possibly install a Blu-ray player to also stream 1080P to my TV.
- I would also like to be able to access it though the internet, to be able to download workfiles from anywhere.
Any advice, links to good articles on building home servers, etc. is greatly appreciated.