Ethernet v eSATA for NAS solution

[Banzai_Joe]

Hi all,

Say if you wanted to use a central hdd store for your dvd library, so that pc's running vista media center could browse across the network to it to pick and watch a dvd, what would you go for, Ethernet 100/1000mbit or eSATA?
Obviously the ethernet connectivity doesn't require a pc for it to attach to, which is a bonus.
But, if connecting to a pc wasn't an issue, as its always on, would you vote for eSATA connectivity?

your opinions would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[Banzai_Joe]

the list goes on. If you've got a big house and a room to stick a PC in, then you could probably go for an old PC and build a proper NAS. if you're short on space and dont fancy the idea of having a PC running 24/7 then a Qnap NAS would be ideal.

Can you be more specific please? how do you build a 'proper nas'? If it has an OS other than server os then surely it will limit connections and traffic to it?
Granted there will only ever be 5 max. pc's connecting into it, but i'm curious as to what you mean.

 

[Banzai_Joe]

Yeah, been looking at the qnap range. It is basically for holding all our dvd library (complete with menus etc at max resolution). Vista's media centre will browse to the NAS and let you pick out a movie to watch. So it obviously needs to be able to stream movies without stuttering. Its entirely possible that there could be up to 4 pc's connecting to the NAS and watching a dvd at any one time.
You reckon the Qnap could handle this throughput?

edit: am downloading freenas right now. Do i need any linux experience to use it? As i don't have any. I do have a spare pc to try it on though.