Best linux for a media server

rexehuk · 10 Sep 2011 at 21:09

As the title says, what is the best version of linux for a media/download server? Or recommend some good alternatives to XBMC and Boxee for Debian.

I currently run Debian on a Samsung NC10 and works fine, but having issues when it comes to adding a media streaming provider, no one seems to use debian as a platform.

Currently got:

Apache server
Samba server
Couchpotato
SABNZBD
Sickbeard

All running fine, but would love to expand it to a media centre for downstairs capability.

Ideas? This will ALL be done via cmd line, not installing a gui. This is to ensure I can use the samsung nc10 to it's best and not overpower it.

craptakular · 11 Sep 2011 at 12:20

What are you streaming it to?

mediatomb streams to xbox, ps3 and WMP/WMC via upnp.

There is MythTv which has a front and backend.

I just use samba to create shares and let the boxee box read them, simples.

rexehuk · 11 Sep 2011 at 13:14

Essentially want to be able to browse all my content via my windows machine, presently I have to browse to the server via samba share and click play etc. Having a media setup will let me see new content easier, rather than having to check sickbeard / sabnzbd history.

RomanNose · 11 Sep 2011 at 13:57

rexehuk said:
Essentially want to be able to browse all my content via my windows machine, presently I have to browse to the server via samba share and click play etc. Having a media setup will let me see new content easier, rather than having to check sickbeard / sabnzbd history.

XBMC?

craptakular · 11 Sep 2011 at 13:58

You could use WMC to see the content?

What do you want a single box as a server and media player or two separate machines?

rexehuk · 11 Sep 2011 at 16:07

chaosdestro0 said:
XBMC?

XBMC doesn't work on deb unfortunately, looks like a very long winded process to get it running. Gave it a stab yesterday but couldn't get it going.

I would use WMC, apart from the fact it's utter crap. Client processed content would be better to some extent, not sure how my poor laptop will cope streaming me 1080p via its crappy onboard vid.

I might wait and see if we upgrade the entertainment kit downstairs, if so I'll opt for a lan on the new kit and think about investing in a proper media server next to the TV.

craptakular · 11 Sep 2011 at 16:21

I have my file server and have these in the house which connect to the samba shares:

http://www.boxee.tv/buy

http://www.playonhd.com/en/?upn=products&subpage=playonhdmini

The Boxee box is far better, but it was double the price.

Subliminal Aura · 11 Sep 2011 at 21:06

rexehuk said:
Apache server
Samba server
Couchpotato
SABNZBD
Sickbeard

+ xbmc + torrentfluxb3rt.

My HTPC - the one in the sig runs the above on ubuntu.

Even though xbmc is perfect, for some reason boxee doesn't work as well and I'm not bothered to work out why

SMN · 12 Sep 2011 at 13:31

I just use my PC, an xbox as a media end-point and i setup PS3MediaServer on Arch. Works a charm.