Is there such an animal? I need to get my dad a music server for Cristmas. It has to be a standalone unit, no pc required. As far as I am concerned, the best music server is Vista Media Center and I am looking for something similar. I specifically need to see the folder artwork on the tv and search by artist. All of the music will be stored on a 650Gb hard drive. I was thinking of getting him a Modix or Tvix box, but their interface is just disgusting compared to MCE.

Thanks,
Chris

Some choices:

Sonos (http://www.sonos.com/) -- the best standalone device for music, but it doesn't use your TV


AppleTV (http://www.apple.com/appletv/) -- -- the best standalone device for music that uses your TV


XBMC (http://xboxmediacenter.com/info_screens.htm) on a Xbox


SageTV HD (http://brentevans.blogspot.com/2007/12/sagetv-hd-extender-stx-hd100-review.html) ($249) with the HP Media Server EX470 (http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/desktop/desktop_hp/home_servers/1/accessories/GG795AA%2523ABA;HHOJSID=nym1Hc9Gl2YNSJdhhvbRGL3bZ2lVGrpWDLZv rhGv0HPpLYTNQ20f!-1765049345) ($579-$599) running the SageTV server software.


Xbox360 ($299-$399) with a 120Gb hard drive or remote storage

Can I use an external USB Hard drive with the Xbox 360 to store the music? Would I still be able to sort by artist or album?

Can I use an external USB Hard drive with the Xbox 360 to store the music? Would I still be able to sort by artist or album?I don't have an Xbox360 so I can't answer #2.

For local storage on the Xbox360, you have the option of a 20Gb or 120Gb detachable hard drive.

Another option I forgot to mention was AppleTV. In fact, that may be the best option if your sole use for this device is music on your TV. It is available in models with 40Gb and 160Gb of storage. It's probably the easiest to use of the bunch.

http://www.apple.com/appletv/

I ordered an Xbox 360 Pro with HDMI. I hope it wil recognize the music from a regular USB hard drive and allow me to sort by artist album. The music will have id tags. If that does not work, I will order this:
http://www.qnap.com/pro_detail_feature.asp?p_id=78
Can I connect it directly to the Xbox without a router?

Can I use an external USB Hard drive with the Xbox 360 to store the music? Would I still be able to sort by artist or album?

If you attach the external USB harddrive, you will only be able to play it via the xbox dashboard. You will not be able to use the media extender (ie. Windows Media Center). See my below thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12457892#post12457892

I am going to attempt to load on twonky software based upon another poster's comments when I receive my external harddrive, but I do not know if you can do it via usb, as oppose to it being plugged into a network.

It ended up being too difficult and expensive to do what I wanted to do. I just canceled the Xbox 360 HDMI in favor of a Dell Slim Vostro 200 with Vista Premium and MCE remote. It actually comes out cheaper with the current deal they have and it is the same size as the xbox.