Currently I keep my PC on all day so that I can access the media files on it from the another laptop. I want to buy a NAS/Media enclosure and copy of all my music and videos files to it so that I can turn off the main PC (since it eats up a lot of power - 4Khr /day) and still access the files from the laptop. Also, I would like to situate this enclosure next to my TV so that I can listen to music and watch TV as well (via video out to the TV) I am assuming I would be able to find a NAS unit that would be at least 1/3 the energy of my PC running.

Budget < $500

Thanks,
-UC

QNAP 209 or 209 Pro. Either one will do fine. From $325-400 at www.newegg.com

O,

That looks like a nice device. However, it does not have TV video out like a MediaGate?

-UC

It is better to separate the storage unit and the playing unit, since the latter will become redundant far more quickly.

Once you have a NAS you can use Ethenet cable or wiFi to connect it to any number of TV boxes sold by companies like PopCorn Hour, TVix 4100, Netgear 8000 and a million others