Streaming iTunes

Sadgeek

Sadgeek

Sadgeek

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Joined
31 Jan 2004
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1,445
Location
Plymouth
Guys, I'm looking for the most cost-effective (and simple) method to stream my iTunes library from a Windows pc to the main room with a HDTV and hi-fi etc.

Current network is a Netgear DG834G in the kitchen, with a Netgear WG602 connected for wireless for downstairs and the garden. In turn, there is currently another WG602 attached upstairs to the PC and broadcasting for access to upstairs and the front of the house.

My iTunes library is currently circa 120Gb without videos (up to another 100Gb).

I've been looking at getting an pair of Airport Express base stations (with AirTunes), or a Mac Mini.

The benefit I can see of the Mini is that I will be able to fully control iTunes, as well as having an extra workstation, and would connect to my existing network. However at £400 it might be a bit rich for the wife.

The Airport Express route would seem to be cheaper (around £65 each) but then I lose control of iTunes and would need to be running up and down stairs to change tracks. I believe that these do not plug into existing networks with WEP very easily, hence buying two of them to work on a separate network.

Another alternative would be to have another PC in the front room, but the wife has already said no to that, as she is used to the large units in the office and other desktop pcs.

Is my summary of the Apple side above fair, or is there something else I could be looking at?

Cheers (and sorry for war & peace)
 
I do, and have thought about it, but it's on Orange atm, so until I can jailbreak 2.0, it's not an option yet.

Good idea though
 
Cool, I can't wait for the unlock (like millions of others I suspect :) )

I'll get an Airport Express then, and see if I can get it working with the existing network. Worst case, I have to buy another one to pair up with it.

Thanks guys
 
mdjmcnally said:
Silly question possibly, but if looking to stream an iTunes Library to a HDTV then what about an AppleTV as it gives you the full control over tracks to select etc, can use the Apple Remote App on your iPod Touch or iPhone to control, although it ships with an Apple Remote anyway.

You would be able to browse and select what tunes/movies you want to playback and as you said is an iTunes Library then the format restrictions wouldn't apply as the files are already in iTunes. Putting files into iTunes would still need to be done at the Windows PC uptstairs that is the iTunes Server, but surely this is the easiest and cheapest way of getting iTunes delivered to the HDTV.

It is also wireless so can connect to the Wireless Network.
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For a little more money, you can get a mac mini, with all the extra functionality. It would also allow me to shut-down the main pc so saving on leccy
 
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