A little background first...
I'm in the process of putting together a distributed a/v network system for my house. My general plan is to centrally locate all of the equipment in the basement leaving just the monitors (and inwall speakers in those rooms with 5.1 capability) to be installed in the rest of the house. I do not want any other a/v equipment in these rooms.
I primarily want to store and play back dvds (1500+) and cds (probably about the same number) from a device located in the equipmet closet to the various tvs throughout the house. I would like to be able to access different movies on different tvs at the same time. Internet access and gaming would be a wonderful addition, but I am willing to give that up in the name of reliability on the dvd storage/play back end. OTA reception isn't necessary.
From what I have read, an HTPC can accomplish what I want. While I don't have an unlimited budget, I believe I can afford to put together a very good HTPC. In a perfect world, I would like to be able to purchase a unit ready to plug and play, but I'm getting the impression from reading the threads that this really isn't a viable alternative.
Which leads me to my questions...
Is there a HTPC that I have overlooked that can meet my needs and is pretty much ready to hook up and use?
If not, what is the best approach to putting a machine together that will meet my needs on a budget of $3000?
Assuming I build such a machine, how dificult is it to implement into my current system (I am computer literate, but by no means a computer whiz)?
Are there any major issues with HTPCs that I should be aware of?
Keep in mind that my main concern is RELIABLE storage and play back of DVDs and CDs... Gaming and internet are a bonus, but not at the expense of reliability.
Any help that you folks can provide would be greatly appreciated. If additional information is needed, let me know and I will provide it.
Regards,
Stan
I'm in the process of putting together a distributed a/v network system for my house. My general plan is to centrally locate all of the equipment in the basement leaving just the monitors (and inwall speakers in those rooms with 5.1 capability) to be installed in the rest of the house. I do not want any other a/v equipment in these rooms.
I primarily want to store and play back dvds (1500+) and cds (probably about the same number) from a device located in the equipmet closet to the various tvs throughout the house. I would like to be able to access different movies on different tvs at the same time. Internet access and gaming would be a wonderful addition, but I am willing to give that up in the name of reliability on the dvd storage/play back end. OTA reception isn't necessary.
From what I have read, an HTPC can accomplish what I want. While I don't have an unlimited budget, I believe I can afford to put together a very good HTPC. In a perfect world, I would like to be able to purchase a unit ready to plug and play, but I'm getting the impression from reading the threads that this really isn't a viable alternative.
Which leads me to my questions...
Is there a HTPC that I have overlooked that can meet my needs and is pretty much ready to hook up and use?
If not, what is the best approach to putting a machine together that will meet my needs on a budget of $3000?
Assuming I build such a machine, how dificult is it to implement into my current system (I am computer literate, but by no means a computer whiz)?
Are there any major issues with HTPCs that I should be aware of?
Keep in mind that my main concern is RELIABLE storage and play back of DVDs and CDs... Gaming and internet are a bonus, but not at the expense of reliability.
Any help that you folks can provide would be greatly appreciated. If additional information is needed, let me know and I will provide it.
Regards,
Stan