[willieneal]

I want to setup a music server and need suggestions/help.


I have the following HT setup:

65" HD Mits

HD Mits sat

Pioneer receiever

Pioneer CD

Pioneer DVD

Infinity speakers


Available computer

PII 500 processor

128 mg RAM

10 Gig Harddrive - I already know I need a larger one

running Windows 2000

home network connection to DSL


First question - is the computer strong enough?


Want to be able to do now (need suggestions):

1) Plan to rip approx 200 cd’s to computer (need suggestions as to format)

2) Be able to burn cd’s on server

3) Use TV for display of music lists –

a. I need suggestion for a decent video card (inexpensive one) that has TV output

b. Need suggestion on music server software

4) Use Pronto Neo remote to control computer – how do you get IR signal to control computer?


At a future time want to use computer to control a DVD megachanger (haven’t decided brand)

 

[GBPorter]

D-link, linksys and net gear have or will be coming out with network clients for this purpose. The box connects to your home network via ethernet cable or wi-fi and to your receiver with rca or digital coex or optical. A connection to your tv is not needed, the boxes have a display. They come with a remote. The box uses your pc as a music server. I think the supported formts are wav and mp3. Use higher bitrate files, 160 or better. If I remember correct, the coat is $150. Creative Labs also has a box that I think also does video.


I do not have any personal experience with these but am considering setting up a music server using them. If any one has one or seen one, your comments would be welcomed. The current issue of sound and vision is my source - it has a small review of the net gear unit. Also, there is alot of other info regarding dedicated music servers and clients costing upwards of $20,000.

 

[Thomas J. Coyle]

Hi all,


I am presently using two Turtle Beach Audiotrons with my music server. The Audiotrons come in metal cases and can be rack mounted. They have a 40 X 2 display so they do not have to hooked up to a tv/monitor. The server software is Audiostation 6 and works very nicely. I have ripped all of my CD collection to one hard drive in MP3 format. Audiostation does all of the major compression formats. Turtle Beach has an extensive on line knowledge base and a very large user group. The two Audiotrons have been very reliable. I have not had any trouble with them.

I am using two Linksys WET11 wireless access points with the Audiotrons.

Audiotrons can be found on Ebay for under $200. Presently Amazon.com is selling them new for $238 with free shipping.

Regards,

TCIII

 

[IVB]

Quote:

Originally posted by willieneal I want to setup a music server and need suggestions/help. I have the following HT setup: 65" HD Mits HD Mits sat Pioneer receiever Pioneer CD Pioneer DVD Infinity speakers Available computer PII 500 processor 128 mg RAM 10 Gig Harddrive - I already know I need a larger one running Windows 2000 home network connection to DSL First question - is the computer strong enough? Want to be able to do now (need suggestions): 1) Plan to rip approx 200 cd’s to computer (need suggestions as to format) 2) Be able to burn cd’s on server 3) Use TV for display of music lists – a. I need suggestion for a decent video card (inexpensive one) that has TV output b. Need suggestion on music server software 4) Use Pronto Neo remote to control computer – how do you get IR signal to control computer? At a future time want to use computer to control a DVD megachanger (haven’t decided brand)

1) search on EAC for ripping. search on FLAC, APE, and WAV for threads discussing ideal formats.

2) same as #1

3a) I use an ATI-9000. Has great TV out, only costs ~$60 or so. I'm sure there's cheaper, but this one works well.

b) I just use WMP, but others use J Rivers Media Center, 4 am music console. search on those.

4) dunno what the neo remote is like, is that a PDA? If so, search on netremote. If it's an IR type remote, search on USB-UIRT and Girder.


I used MP3-256K level ripping, and I regret it. On the upside, 275 CDs only take up about 22GB, but I think I can tell a difference on my brand new webern speakers.


If you upgrade your PC, you can use it as a DVD server as well using SmartRipper or DVDShrink. DVD megachangers are limited to playing back 1 DVD at a time, which is fine if you're single, but if you're married or have kids, that won't fly.


I used to have an audiotron, but I sold it as I went down the HTPC route. I can build a new HTPC client for

 

[willieneal]

IVB,


Thanks for you help/suggestions.