HP microserver to hold all my HTPC content?

Microserver convert here, running WHS2011 w/13TB storage and using Mezzmo DLNA client over a wired network to various other devices. My HTPC running XBMC also uses the server exclusively for its content and its faultless.

Easy to setup, manage and upgrade.. one of the best tech purchases I ever made.

go for it.
 
I struggled to get 1080p content to work well over wireless from my ReadyNAS to my Popcorn Hour. My house is also rubbish at HomePlugs, so 100mb tucked down the edge of the carpet for me.

Your wireless might be better but it's worth thinking about.

Tbh I doubt it is.



So, experts, what's my best option (considering I will probably get one)?

It's possible that I can locate the Microserver under only a few meters (about 5)fromthe main pc aand Htpc which would allow a cable.

I would still want to access the files wirelessly though for Androidtab and if iI'm out and want access via inet.

How would I do this? The above would mean the Microserver is not connected to thewireless router that supplies the wwireless Internet
 
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Wireless is not going to be an option for large files.. I quickly scrapped that idea.

I am lucky in that my apartment is prewired with CAT5 in every room, so my server is in the other end of the house behind a router, I can terminal onto it from any PC on the same network, and its got an indirect wired link to the HTPC (Server->router->patch panel->switch->HTPC).

If I understand your suggestion, it will be fine just for playing content to the HTPC..But if neither are on your wireless network you may have a challenge accessing content on any other PCs you may have.. copying files, making backups etc?

If your router supports wired and wireless then it should be fine.. put the router where your HTPC and server will be for wired connections.

n.b. you can setup WHS2011 for remote access from anywhere, whether it be an iphone, blackberry, or your tablet.
 
Just doing some reading I'm guessing to do that I would need a remote access card and be connected via a wired connection to the main wireless router in the house.

I'm also gonna guess that you can't go Microserver > wire > router >wireless >router >Internet?
Which would in effect be using 2 routers to bridge the gap
 
Wireless is not going to be an option for large files.. I quickly scrapped that idea.

I am lucky in that my apartment is prewired with CAT5 in every room, so my server is in the other end of the house behind a router, I can terminal onto it from any PC on the same network, and its got an indirect wired link to the HTPC (Server->router->patch panel->switch->HTPC).

If I understand your suggestion, it will be fine just for playing content to the HTPC..But if neither are on your wireless network you may have a challenge accessing content on any other PCs you may have.. copying files, making backups etc?

If your router supports wired and wireless then it should be fine.. put the router where your HTPC and server will be for wired connections.

n.b. you can setup WHS2011 for remote access from anywhere, whether it be an iphone, blackberry, or your tablet.

OK so what you are saying is

If I want to send data in big chunks (ie sending a blu ray rip or back up of drive image) wired is essentially essential. This is doable. I have 2 pc's close to the servers intended location (Htpc and main pc )
But if I do this I will not be able to reach the wireless router with a wire.
For the devices I would like to use wirelessly (tablet phone) the most stressful job will be streaming video
I'd like to be able to this not only in the house but out and about
(i can do this via splashtop on android but it's not the best for video)
I'm guessing there is no way to 'wake' the server from off site without a wire to a router?
 
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Just doing some reading I'm guessing to do that I would need a remote access card and be connected via a wired connection to the main wireless router in the house.

I'm also gonna guess that you can't go Microserver > wire > router >wireless >router >Internet?
Which would in effect be using 2 routers to bridge the gap

The main router being from your ISP? I dont see why not.. mine has the same. You only need wired between the HTPC and Server.

Note of caution: While the server isnt noisy per se.. it may disturb you having it slose to your AV stuff during quiet scenes..

Remote access: I gave up trying on my blackberry as I needed to download anything before I could view it.. hopeless.. but I did access from my work on another PC and it streamed fairly well.. particularly music.. but for me this was more of a gimic than anything else. If you thjink you are going to stream HD seamlessly over the internet to your holiday destination.. I would find another plan ;)
 
I'd like to be able to this not only in the house but out and about
(i can do this via splashtop on android but it's not the best for video)
I'm guessing there is no way to 'wake' the server from off site without a wire to a router?

WHS2011 allows you to create a domain name for the server e.g. http://al4xserver.homeserver.com and a user account for remote access, as the server is always on, you can log in remotely from anywhere to access your files, but not (I think) to administer the server.
There are loads of WHS how-to vids on youtube
 
The main router being from your ISP? I dont see why not.. mine has the same. You only need wired between the HTPC and Server.

Note of caution: While the server isnt noisy per se.. it may disturb you having it slose to your AV stuff during quiet scenes..

Remote access: I gave up trying on my blackberry as I needed to download anything before I could view it.. hopeless.. but I did access from my work on another PC and it streamed fairly well.. particularly music.. but for me this was more of a gimic than anything else. If you thjink you are going to stream HD seamlessly over the internet to your holiday destination.. I would find another plan ;)

It's next room along it shouldn't be a problem, yeah i may try it but don'treally expect it to work , I should be able to transcode it down to a much lower bit rate tho. I will experiment

WHS2011 allows you to create a domain name for the server e.g. http://al4xserver.homeserver.com and a user account for remote access, as the server is always on, you can log in remotely from anywhere to access your files, but not (I think) to administer the server.
There are loads of WHS how-to vids on youtube

That sounds good, I'm a complete network newbie really this is why I'm asking probably fairly basic questions so I appreciate the help.
So with the server domain how would I access my folder tree from, say, my android phone? If I wanted to view a pdf or listen to music etc?
 
I was new to it also but with the folks here and some googling it was easy enough.

on your phone go to the domain via the web browser and you will see your folder tree, but you may need to download a file before you can play it.
 
I was new to it also but with the folks here and some googling it was easy enough.

on your phone go to the domain via the web browser and you will see your folder tree, but you may need to download a file before you can play it.

That's retarded question of the day, it's a web address I should have realised.
So as long as it is always on it can be accessed.

I'm liking this more and more.
Also will I be able to send stuff to it from my phone?
 
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