I have about 450 movies on DVD's that I've.. backed up to burned DVD's.

When I lived in my last apartment, I had a linen closet that I stored them in, alphabetically in standard cases. I just bought a house, and don't have any area like this to store this amount of movies, and I really don't want to build or buy a media cabinet to store them in.

So I'm thinking that it would be great to use some type of system that I could rip the movies to a hard drive, and then view them on my home theater setup without having to get up and pick up a DVD and put it in the dvd player..

I have a Sammy DLP that plays at 1080i, so I want to keep everything at a fairly high quality. Thoughts on a dynamic way to roll this out? HTPC of some type? I'd like to setup something easy that my wife could use as well..

1) Get a ReadyNAS
2) Max it out Disk-wise
3) Rip all DVDs to single ISO - Move to ReadyNAS Or Rip Directly to ReadyNAS
4) Get a streamer that'll support ISOs
5) Enjoy

I cannot recommend XBMC as a streaming client enough. You will not need any middle ware server software just the xbox and the ReadyNAS, and the copper between them. No HD tho, but for what you described it'll work peachy.

XBMC will upscale to 720p or 1080i so there is that.

If you are confident in putting together a computer/server and want some kind of protection/parity I'd look at Lime Technology's UnRaid solution. Actually, they are now selling ready made solutions so that might be an interesting way to go - their cases are sweet.

Well, I do have a modded xbox.. and ReadyNAS looks sweet, but I don't have that much cash to spend.

Is there a way to add an external drve to the xbox? In the end, I would need more then a TB drive, and obviously the xbox can only hold one HDD..

I built a pc in a htpc case and use it as a file server.. I only had to buy the CPU, MB and case.. I already had the drives and memory.. It only cost me $150 and it has room for 4 drives.. I currently have about 750gb available and will add to it as I need more space..

I'm assuming you are running XP MCE?

I'm assuming you are running XP MCE?

No, XP Pro, but I am only using the box for a file server.. It is not even connected to a monitor and no KB or mouse either.. I just turn it on and give it a few minutes to boot and then turn the xbox on.. The drives show up as mapped network drives on my main pc and I transfer new music/videos via a wireless connection.. Not too quick but it works..

No, XP Pro, but I am only using the box for a file server.. It is not even connected to a monitor and no KB or mouse either.. I just turn it on and give it a few minutes to boot and then turn the xbox on.. The drives show up as mapped network drives on my main pc and I transfer new music/videos via a wireless connection.. Not too quick but it works..

So you have the drives shared - and the XBMC can read from the shared drives?

I didn't realize that. I'm all over this. ;)

Is there a remote I can use with the xbox? I don't really want to use my controller..

So you have the drives shared - and the XBMC can read from the shared drives?

I didn't realize that. I'm all over this. ;)

Is there a remote I can use with the xbox? I don't really want to use my controller..


Both the file server box and the xbox are connected to a 4 port wireless ethernet bridge.. The xbox can read from either the server box (wired) or the main pc (wireless).. I could not get movies to stream wirelessly without playback problems and it turned out to be cheaper for me to build a box I could put right next to the xbox, then it would have been to have a wire ran..

re the remote, you need the MS dvd playback kit.. It has a remote and the IR dongle that plugs into one of the controller ports on the xbox.. I use my harmony 880 to control it.. It does everything but turn the xbox on..

bw

Both the file server box and the xbox are connected to a 4 port wireless ethernet bridge.. The xbox can read from either the server box (wired) or the main pc (wireless).. I could not get movies to stream wirelessly without playback problems and it turned out to be cheaper for me to build a box I could put right next to the xbox, then it would have been to have a wire ran..

re the remote, you need the MS dvd playback kit.. It has a remote and the IR dongle that plugs into one of the controller ports on the xbox.. I use my harmony 880 to control it.. It does everything but turn the xbox on..

bw

Actually I have a Harmony 880.. and I think I have the remote kit (will have to verify).. I bought the xbox used from a friend, and believe it came with it - just never used it.

If I do - then excellent. I'll use the Harmony with it. Sweet.

once you have your hardware setup, it only takes a couple of minutes to setup xbmc to access the drives.. With as many dvd's as you have it will take an hour or so to scan them all in to the "library".. does your modded xbox have xbmc on it already??

once you have your hardware setup, it only takes a couple of minutes to setup xbmc to access the drives.. With as many dvd's as you have it will take an hour or so to scan them all in to the "library".. does your modded xbox have xbmc on it already??

Yep, sure do.. Not sure on the version, but I'll verify when I get home.

SSpiro,

I was reading this thread and as I got down to your post saying you own a modded xbox I was like, heck! you have everything you need right under your nose....lol

Make sure you have the latest version of XBMC... The IMDB lookup in older versions had to be changed to accommodate for changes on the IMDB website.

Here is the web site where you can download the latest version...(a new release came out today as a matter of fact...) If you have questions on how to replace the old version with the newer one just let us know.

http://t3ch.yi.se/

Enjoy!

Scott

Thanks Scott! Will upgrade the XBMC tomorrow.

I can't seem to find the DVD parts.. so I may need to pick up a set on ebay.

Thanks Scott! Will upgrade the XBMC tomorrow.

I can't seem to find the DVD parts.. so I may need to pick up a set on ebay.

Do you live close to a Game Stop or similar store? They usually have used ones on the cheap. In fact we have a used game store in my town that sells just the IR dongles without the xbox remote for just a few bucks. With your Harmony 880 you won't need the xbox remote.

Do you live close to a Game Stop or similar store? They usually have used ones on the cheap. In fact we have a used game store in my town that sells just the IR dongles without the xbox remote for just a few bucks. With your Harmony 880 you won't need the xbox remote.

Good thought. I do, I'll check this out tomorrow!

LOL, you must be pumped to already own everything you need. Sometimes life does throw you a break. I would just make sure you have either the MSFT or Monster component cables (and optical). It's really all you need. Standard network shares run fine. I have multiple terrabytes on an XP Pro machine and even under use it's rock solid (just don't do heavy gaming on it simultaneously I'd assume you might get an issue somewhere). Eventually I'll do an Unraid server but this has been up and running for a long time.

LOL, you must be pumped to already own everything you need. Sometimes life does throw you a break. I would just make sure you have either the MSFT or Monster component cables (and optical). It's really all you need. Standard network shares run fine. I have multiple terrabytes on an XP Pro machine and even under use it's rock solid (just don't do heavy gaming on it simultaneously I'd assume you might get an issue somewhere). Eventually I'll do an Unraid server but this has been up and running for a long time.

Oh dude, you have no idea. How nice to not have to go out and drop an s-load of money..

I just need drives, thats all really. Oh. And time to rip all my dvd's..

I think I'm following but need more info:

(1) No HD was mentioned - what would need to be added/changed to get HD too?

(2) I have an old XBox but not sure what I need to do to make it like what you are referring to (modded, XBMC).

Thx.

XBMC does not do HD, Xbox does not have enough power..

I built a pc in a htpc case and use it as a file server.. I only had to buy the CPU, MB and case.. I already had the drives and memory.. It only cost me $150 and it has room for 4 drives.. I currently have about 750gb available and will add to it as I need more space..
I've been intersted in a "Movie Server" with XBMC for quite some time. And since this topic is fairly recent and active, I'm hoping I could get some input from those of you who are currently running this setup :D

So, since XBMC and the XBOX will be the 'brains', when I build the HTPC 'server' I should only need the follow components, right?

- HTPC Case
- MB & CPU
- Drive (Hard & Optical)
- Memory
- Power Supply
- OS

Many of the HTPC build info I've seen, also include Graphics/Sound cards and TV Tuners, but I'm guessing that is for setups where the HTPC will handle the output too.

So, once the HTPC is done, I just rip ISOs and then map the drives to the Xbox and let XBMC do the rest?

Am I missing anything? Cuz this sounds very do-able with building the HTPC being the most difficult part.

I think I'm following but need more info:

(2) I have an old XBox but not sure what I need to do to make it like what you are referring to (modded, XBMC).

Thx.

Can someone explain this in more detail?

I think I'm following but need more info:

(2) I have an old XBox but not sure what I need to do to make it like what you are referring to (modded, XBMC).

Thx.Can someone explain this in more detail?

Ok, I'm new to this, but I'll do my best with what I've learned.

Modding Xbox can be done with either installing a mod-chip, TSOP Flashing, Soft-mod using a game save exploit or Hot-swapping Xbox HD to your computer.

All of these mods basically alter the Xbox BIOS so you can bypass security and run game-back ups and software apps. One of which is XBMC (XBox Media Center) that allows you to display many media formats.

Can someone explain this in more detail?

Hi Hotkey,

I would first suggest you do a Google search with "How to softmod a XBOX". Or "How to chip mod a XBOX". That will get you several really good websites that explain what we are talking about as well as give you step by step instructions on how to perform the mod.

IMHO, softmods are extremely easy and can be done without buying a special chip. After you have checked out a few of the sites describing how to mod, come back here if you have any questions and I am sure we will be able to help you out.

I would suggest using the actual XBMC thread for any questions as that one is frequented by many of us that have been using XBMC and modded xbox's for a while now.

Thanks

www.xbox-scene.com

Tons of info burried in the top menu bar and inside the forums. Look for the stickies in the Xbox1 newbie forum and XBMC forum. Also Xbox Media Center has a wiki.

I've been intersted in a "Movie Server" with XBMC for quite some time. And since this topic is fairly recent and active, I'm hoping I could get some input from those of you who are currently running this setup :D

So, since XBMC and the XBOX will be the 'brains', when I build the HTPC 'server' I should only need the follow components, right?

- HTPC Case
- MB & CPU
- Drive (Hard & Optical)
- Memory
- Power Supply
- OS

Many of the HTPC build info I've seen, also include Graphics/Sound cards and TV Tuners, but I'm guessing that is for setups where the HTPC will handle the output too.

So, once the HTPC is done, I just rip ISOs and then map the drives to the Xbox and let XBMC do the rest?

Am I missing anything? Cuz this sounds very do-able with building the HTPC being the most difficult part.

What you list above is correct, but you will also need some kind of video output and network interface.. If you need to buy the MB, easiest thing is just get one with onboard video and network interface.. You only need the video to do initial setup.

re the HTPC case, you only need this if you are worried about how it will look. If that is not big factor, any mini tower will do and they tend to be much cheaper.. they are also easier to work in and typically will hold more drives and a htpc.. Could be a consideration down the road.

You don't need a lot of computing horse power, I used a celeron D and run 512mb of ddr memory and it works just fine..

I rip my movies on my main pc and just transfer them to the file server.. Not the quickest way, but it works..

I've been intersted in a "Movie Server" with XBMC for quite some time. And since this topic is fairly recent and active, I'm hoping I could get some input from those of you who are currently running this setup :D

So, since XBMC and the XBOX will be the 'brains', when I build the HTPC 'server' I should only need the follow components, right?

- HTPC Case
- MB & CPU
- Drive (Hard & Optical)
- Memory
- Power Supply
- OS

Many of the HTPC build info I've seen, also include Graphics/Sound cards and TV Tuners, but I'm guessing that is for setups where the HTPC will handle the output too.

So, once the HTPC is done, I just rip ISOs and then map the drives to the Xbox and let XBMC do the rest?

Am I missing anything? Cuz this sounds very do-able with building the HTPC being the most difficult part.

As said above you don't need a HTPC - you just need a networked computer sharing folders on the network. You can use anything you want. I think I still have a circa 1998 Asus MB, 1.4gh celeron, 256mb ram, that can stream DVD ISO images flawlessly under Win XP (I use something very different now but it's still on my network and more than capable). People make the server part harder than it is. Any networked PC can likely do the job as long as you have enough storage).

What you list above is correct, but you will also need some kind of video output and network interface.. If you need to buy the MB, easiest thing is just get one with onboard video and network interface.. You only need the video to do initial setup.

re the HTPC case, you only need this if you are worried about how it will look. If that is not big factor, any mini tower will do and they tend to be much cheaper.. they are also easier to work in and typically will hold more drives and a htpc.. Could be a consideration down the road.

You don't need a lot of computing horse power, I used a celeron D and run 512mb of ddr memory and it works just fine..

I rip my movies on my main pc and just transfer them to the file server.. Not the quickest way, but it works..

Thanks bigbw & ChrisFB :cool:

The video out and networking are great points, knowing me, I would have overlooked those and would have been S.o.L. - D'oh!

And the HTPC case, I'm all about function over form any day. Looking at HTPC cases, I was beginning to see that it was more about aesthetics than convenience. *adds Mini Tower to list*

It's also good to hear about the processor/memory requirements too.

Thanks again!

I would have went for a tower, but the htpc case has a great "WAF".. gotta do what you gotta do..

I would have went for a tower, but the htpc case has a great "WAF".. gotta do what you gotta do..
LOL! I hear ya! Lucky for me, my W seems to like the 'tech' look of our living room already, so one more tower isn't gonna be noticed ;)