Device and setup advice plz

BoB3rt

BoB3rt

BoB3rt

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Joined
6 Oct 2007
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Liverpool
Hi,

Looking to move all my media files extenally from my pc to a Network drive, i think 1tb would do me.
Also wanting to get shut of my xbox that i use for streaming my content to tv (it is too loud!)

The main perks being quieter room with both my xbox and pc off while streaming content.
Is there any form of device that can be used for media storage and also stream its content to the TV?

If not what would be a 2 good devices for this?

Do newer smart tv's have build in streaming from your network drives yet? (DLNA TV?)

Thanks!
 
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As a general rule Smart TVs will stream. Though it has to be said, they are nowhere near as nice to use as a good media player running something like XBMC.

Combined storage & streaming device = either media centre PC (A.K.A. HTPC)

Or you could go for one of the streaming boxes with either a USB port for a local hard drive or a network connection for a NAS drive. The NAS drive is the best solution if you think you'd like to manage the content properly and to stream to other rooms from a central library.
 
lucid said:
Or you could go for one of the streaming boxes with either a USB port for a local hard drive or a network connection for a NAS drive. The NAS drive is the best solution if you think you'd like to manage the content properly and to stream to other rooms from a central library.
Click to expand...

This setup is only for 1 room but i may branch out to others in the future so getting a NAS drive may be the best option to switch my PC off.
Then after i get a media box i can get shut of the xbox.

While on the suject of HTPC, Having a quick look they are £200+ with no HDD? I do not understand what this is used for other than streaming media and that is a LARGE cost when i can get a NAS and Media box for around £200?

Thanks

EDIT: sorry i am very tired in work since 2am on site release... its effectivly a PC that runs from external HDD such as a NAS, except for its OS? hope thats right.
 
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BoB3rt said:
While on the suject of HTPC, Having a quick look they are £200+ with no HDD? I do not understand what this is used for other than streaming media and that is a LARGE cost when i can get a NAS and Media box for around £200?

Thanks

EDIT: sorry i am very tired in work since 2am on site release... its effectivly a PC that runs from external HDD such as a NAS, except for its OS? hope thats right.
Click to expand...

Well, its more of a bespoke PC for high quality video & audio replay. Plus they are usually built to be quiet and sometimes very small too. Then of course there is the flexibility of being upgradeable and customisable. Some HTPC systems are also high-end gaming machines.Its very much an open 'a la carte' menu where the PC is specified to order or build with a dedicated purpose in mind. The NAS drive is there to provide network accessible storage. That's all really. Its so a PC doesnt need to be on 24/7 if you have media player boxes instead of a HTPC.

Speaking of media players, they are a cheaper solution. But no less valid for that. The trade offs are customisability and future-proofing for for a ready-to-use solution at a lower price..
 
Thanks for all the help.

Considering the WD LIVE HUB :) seems to fit my needs great!
Just trying to work out if when plugged into the router will my PC see it as a network drive?

Thanks
 
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