media server software to stream to my HTPC, What software works the best to

[onedeviantd]

I have a HTP running Windows Vista Home Premium and would like to setup a server in a data center where I download all of my movies. I have windows server 2003 available to put on the server and I know there is an option to make it a streaming media server. I do not know if that is the best way or there is a better way?

I would like there to be some kind of interface we I can connect with the HTPC and play a movie and possible pause so it can build up a little like youtube or whatever so there is no lag in the middle of the movie. I looked at clipshare but don’t know if that is a waste and if there is any automatic compression or anything as I want the quality to remain good on full screen mode on a HDMI TV

Am i even going to be able to stream this without compressing it so much that it greatly reduces video quality?

Any suggestions?

[mgithens]

you need to make various compressed videos to see how much compression you can live with... you need a solid 1500kbit to keep Xvid/DivX happy and maintain a "near" DVD Quality... this would allow stereo MP3 audio and about 1370kbps video, keeping the 5.1 surround means your video will start to suffer... 1500kbit would probably need a 3mbps connection to keep "steady" - otherwise you'll have to buffer each one...

look into The Orb for on the fly compression, but I haven't ever seen a Media Center plugin that allows for direct control... but it could exist...