Calling all hardware/configuration hackers
Design exercise (semi-serious; planning HW upgrades for 6 month-1 year time frame -- probably phased).
echoweaver and I are considering upgrading our increasingly vintage video set up, aiming for a consolidated home theater-ish rig with a networked media server and game setup. Here are the design goals:
echoweaver and I are considering upgrading our increasingly vintage video set up, aiming for a consolidated home theater-ish rig with a networked media server and game setup. Here are the design goals:
- Modern, flat-screen TV. Size appropriate for an ( Read more... )
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As for audio, I really like our Pioneer VSX-917. it's got a decent amount of HDMI, SVideo, and other video inputs and will decode digital audio from our cable box and DVD player. You might consider a newer model like the VSX-918 (or if there's a newer model) or a more upscale model which can handle video transformations (i.e. input goes into composite, output goes to HDMI). There are also similar types of stereos available from other vendors too, so look around for something that works for what you want.
I'd suggest working in a MythTV server too, but it's probably pretty much redundant with the Tivo in the mix. An AppleTV is probably a good choice, and isn't really that much. It will give you an advantage over the G5 in that it has HDMI out and remote control integration.
Good luck! Please post what you come up with!
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Ok, so I haven't done full due diligence yet. I have heard of both of these toys, and vaguely think of them as streaming media servers. Can you briefly describe the function of each and their relative pros/cons?
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Using the Mac as a server might work, but it will be left behind as the upcoming Snow Leopard version of OS X is Intel only
Do we care? What's wrong with just keeping it on Tiger (which is, I think, the most recent thing installed on it)? Its only job in life is going to be to serve files and function as a backup station. Plus, it has the distinct benefit that we already own it, which makes it much cheaper than an Ubuntu quad/2.7 GHz that we don't actually own. ;-)
We should really catch up over voice...
Absolutely! Well, I will probably be home and at loose ends this evening. If you're free, I can give you a call. (As long as you're willing to talk while I shlep boxes around.)
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How do your desktops in the computer room connect to the 'net? We got a good wireless router recently - have to pass that name to you. For stationary computers, where possible, you'd want to run cable, ideally with a guide string so later you can swap it out for whatever comes next.
Depending on where wireless router is, you may want a repeater to insure solid coverage throughout the house - easy to test.
You could install speakers in the kitchen ceiling to pipe in music while you cook! (some friends of Nav's did this, and it's awesome.)
this thread might be useful
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Happily. That's just what I'm doing here. ;-) I'm happy to share knowledge!
How do your desktops in the computer room connect to the 'net?
The computer room is where the cable modem comes in, so they're all hard-wired to the router. The WiFi from the router feeds the rest of the house.
For stationary computers, where possible, you'd want to run cable
Not gonna happen. We have a concrete slab and a flat roof. There is literally nowhere to pull cable in this house. It is one of our less-favorite features of the place...
Depending on where wireless router is, you may want a repeater to insure solid coverage throughout the house - easy to test.
Yeah, we've considered that. The WiFi reaches many of the important places in the house, but doesn't quite get coverage everywhere we need it. But it's an 802.11g. We're considering replacing it with an 11n. That should (ideally) get us much better coverage everywhere, not to mention higher speed.
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Go with N, and then see if you need a repeater.
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