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Thread: HTPC/media center/NAS help

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    HTPC/media center/NAS help

    I'm a bit confused about the differences between HTPCs and media servers glorified NAS devices and have a number of questions...

    If I bought something like a Silverstone GD02-MT and put suitable bits inside would I be able to replace my freeview box, DVD recorder and stream music from my NAS device to my 5.1 capable HIFi (or alternatively get a decent hifi quality sound card and use my existing 5.1 hi-fi speakers)?

    How does the touch-screen work on the GD02-MT and media cases in general - does it work like a mini-monitor running just the iMon software or does it show the OS? Could I run music servers eg Squeezebox and use the touchscreen to navigate the music collection?

    What software would I need (eg MS or opensource)?

    Am I better off just buying a pre-made solution?

    Many thanks?

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    Re: HTPC/media center/NAS help

    ill try and answer the first question

    A HPTC can either be a stand alone or a front end and back end .
    The front end sits next to your TV and plays the content on your TV.
    The back end ( this can be combined with the front end and makes a stand alone )
    stores you media files and is accessed by your front end ( or multiple front ends)
    so the back end at this point is just a NAS or file server or a pc with shared folders
    now if we want to add a tv card ( analog, digital or satalite ) this can be added to either front end or back. If added to front end then a tv card ( or two if watching one and recording the other )
    will need to be added to each front end, this replaces your freeview ( sky box is a little different as you cant use a sky card in a pc )
    If added to back end this can be accessed by all front ends ( advantage gained when more than one front end is connected )
    IMO this makes it a media server.
    The video can be recorded on to pc replacing your dvd recorder
    I think you should be able to get the audio to work with your HIFI but dont hold me to it
    Sorry I have no idea about the touch-screen
    software

    MEDIAPORTAL - free MediaCenter HTPC Software - Home
    | Mythbuntu

    note i posted link for mythbuntu but you can use mythtv

    MythTV

    i hope this helps a little
    Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

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