I don't really see much discussion on media extenders and I think that is what I am looking for.

I currently have a Tvix 4000 but would like to have all my media stored centrally and be able to output from my server (PC with 5Tb of storage) output via cat6 cable to 3 different TVs but be able to control the movies via a remote like I currently do with my Tvix. I assume that what I am looking for is a media extender (box to plug into the TV). I realize I could buy 3 Tvix devices but that can be expensive. Is there a cheaper way to do what I want (maybe $50-100 per box versus $200-300 per Tvix-like device)?

I thought about the WD media player but that can not be networked and most other NMT are at least $150 on up.

I don't really see much discussion on media extenders and I think that is what I am looking for.

I currently have a Tvix 4000 but would like to have all my media stored centrally and be able to output from my server (PC with 5Tb of storage) output via cat6 cable to 3 different TVs but be able to control the movies via a remote like I currently do with my Tvix. I assume that what I am looking for is a media extender (box to plug into the TV). I realize I could buy 3 Tvix devices but that can be expensive. Is there a cheaper way to do what I want (maybe $50-100 per box versus $200-300 per Tvix-like device)?

I thought about the WD media player but that can not be networked and most other NMT are at least $150 on up.

if your IT savy xboxes can be had for $40 + cables and remote say $80 total but you need hacking supplies $50 and some time to make it work...

Its hard to imagine anything much cheaper than the PCH

Media extenders generally refer to devices that extend the capabilities of Windows Media Center editions. So if you run MCE and want that interface that might be an option. Dont know how well that model will scale to multiple extenders...

Sean

if your IT savy xboxes can be had for $40 + cables and remote say $80 total but you need hacking supplies $50 and some time to make it work...

Its hard to imagine anything much cheaper than the PCH

Media extenders generally refer to devices that extend the capabilities of Windows Media Center editions. So if you run MCE and want that interface that might be an option. Dont know how well that model will scale to multiple extenders...

Sean

I have a copy of MCE and can run it if that is the way to go. I did not know if 2 different movies can stream to 2 different TVs at the same time from the same server running MCE. I have thought about the xbox option but my impression is that it does not do high def (1080p) very well or at all. I am currently not doing any BR movies but that is clearly something I will do in the near future.

Seems like a PCH may be the way to go although a tad higher than I wanted to spend. Maybe a combination of xbox and PCH may work. I have only 1 plasma (58" Panny) and the other 2 TVs are 27" tubes (i.e. non high def).

There must be a better solution out there!!!!!!!

I have a copy of MCE and can run it if that is the way to go. I did not know if 2 different movies can stream to 2 different TVs at the same time from the same server running MCE. I have thought about the xbox option but my impression is that it does not do high def (1080p) very well or at all. I am currently not doing any BR movies but that is clearly something I will do in the near future.

Seems like a PCH may be the way to go although a tad higher than I wanted to spend. Maybe a combination of xbox and PCH may work. I have only 1 plasma (58" Panny) and the other 2 TVs are 27" tubes (i.e. non high def).

There must be a better solution out there!!!!!!!
I don't know if any real media center extender can do 1080p. Even at 480p, you have to live with ridiculous restrictions that Vista sets on you. If you want microsoft to tell you what to watch and what not to, go for it :eek:

I have a copy of MCE and can run it if that is the way to go. I did not know if 2 different movies can stream to 2 different TVs at the same time from the same server running MCE. I have thought about the xbox option but my impression is that it does not do high def (1080p) very well or at all. I am currently not doing any BR movies but that is clearly something I will do in the near future.

Seems like a PCH may be the way to go although a tad higher than I wanted to spend. Maybe a combination of xbox and PCH may work. I have only 1 plasma (58" Panny) and the other 2 TVs are 27" tubes (i.e. non high def).

There must be a better solution out there!!!!!!!

you never mentioned streaming 1080P content in your original post.

There is no cheaper solution for streaming HD video than PCH. It simply does not exist....

Sean