Windows 2008/WHS and custom HA

I've been reading the custom server thread in order to design & assemble the back end to multiple HTPC and I have some future-proofing HA questions

Couple questions.
1. I am in a temporary house for the next two years until I can build my "home". I will want to employ a full home automation program such as control4 or creston for example. I am currently putting together a 20 drive server to rip all of my DVD and Blu-ray to. Will the server I build be compatible with home automation programs in my next home if I use Windows Server 2008 or WHS? I don't want to get suck with all of this server hardware to meet my needs now but then told that I have to use something like kaleidoscope or some other insanely expensive system to distribute my A/V. I also don't want to get stuck using two different GUIs/controllers (one to manage security camera, thermostat, lighting, shades and another for AV). It needs to be "dummy" proof for my family. I.E. - using one controller panel to to be able to switch between all the functions including controlling HTPCs as front ends stored in the central stack.

2. I guess I should ask if anyone runs their front ends from their central rack and if so, what cable should be used? Are there RF keyboards available so I could still have full computing functionality? I'm trying to eliminate all hardware at the front end except for the TV.

3. Are there any HA solutions that allow integration with other software such as mediaportal? sage tv?

4. Are there any commercial AV systems that allow viewing of backed-up iso's? Or even downloaded content (yes, I rarely would want to watch blu-ray P2P content) and have it fully integrated like mediaportal does

Thanks
Peter
Toronto, Canada

Thanks for the reply.

Should I assume that if I spend 4 to 5K on my current needs for a large server that it would be incompatible with Crestron. I think I've ruled out control4 for now.

I'll take a look at MainLobby and CQC. Are these DIY HA systems?

I'm definitely looking for a pro and will contract a system designer to help me plan the system so I can use it to tender out to other contractors including the designer. I would like future proof and reliability with warranty.

I'm assuming for a 5000 sq ft house, I'm looking at $150K for all of my needs.

I would hate to have 10 TB of backups & downloads go wasted b/c my server isn't compatible with a professional grade product.
Thanks

Okay,

It seems that crestron ADMS and control4 mediapoint have the ability to stream content loaded on a server. However, I've emailed both companies sales and tech support to ask
1. Which OS does the server need to run
2. Which codecs/folder must be used to encode the back-ups
3. For unsupported codec/folder types, can crestron or control4 control a popcorn hour c-200 which can play almost anything thrown at it and distribute the unsupported content as it's processed thru the PCH out to my system?

I've had no response from the companies. Hopefully an installer/designer can answer my questions

Thanks
Peter