Streaming iTunes

Sadgeek

Sadgeek

Sadgeek

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Joined
31 Jan 2004
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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
 
Maybie look into getting a Asus Eee Pc box thing when they come out, should be around 200 notes. Then you willl have a full PC in the front room which you can plug into your Hi-fi and TV. There very small and should be silent. There coming in linux and windows IIRC.

Also airport express should be able to tap into your existing network, but i prefer the Eee pc idea, very functional for the price, im considering one myself as a download box and media server to run 24/7 so i can tun my main rig off at night.
 
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.
 
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.
Click to expand...


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
 
another vote for Apple TV - cheaper than a mac mini, iphone, EEEPC etc, has an awesome interface, you can keep all your playlists etc, and also sync your music like an ipod so your PC doesn't have to be turned on.
 
Hamish said:
another vote for Apple TV - cheaper than a mac mini, iphone, EEEPC etc, has an awesome interface, you can keep all your playlists etc, and also sync your music like an ipod so your PC doesn't have to be turned on.
Click to expand...

Don't doubt that this is a good route - the downside of course being that you would have to have the TV on to choose tracks.
 
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