Setting up an HTPC home

[stringcheesy]

Hello Forum,

Can anyone point me to a post or URL on exactly how to wire one's home in order to play movies, music, and/or Programs at any monitor in the home.

I know that a central server type machine will be needed for distributing media, but where to go from there I get so confused. Do I have to have a HTPC or some type of relay box at each monitor location? How do I communicate with a remote control to manipulate video etc.

Any help or ideas on this would be great!

Thank you,

-String

[redwudz]

It can get complicated if you want the ability to have a different video/music on each of the monitors and be able to control which video/music file you want to play. Almost like setting up your own coaxial cable distribution system with each output on a different channel.

One easier way is use something like the WDTV Live with CAT 6 internet cable to each Monitor location. This would require a WDTV or similar box at each monitor. They would be fed from a central HTPC/media storage drives through a router. They cost about $120US each, but creating a cable distribution system could cost a lot more, especially with the ability of being able to select which video or music you want for playback. The WDTV can also output HD video, even more difficult with a coaxial video system.

EDIT: With the WDTV, you can also use a USB Ethernet adapter on it and a wireless router if you don't want to run CAT 6 cables everywhere.

[jagabo]

I agree with redwudz. HTPCs are usually for use on a single TV. If you want multiple TVs with controls at each you are better off using ethernet (or wireless networking) and players like the WDTV Live.

The WDTV Live only has a Tx100 ethernet port so it only requires Cat5 cable. But if you're going to install cable you might as well use Cat6 and be prepared for the next generation. The WDTV Live may have problems with some high bitrate material when using a wireless connection. The WDTV Live has some limitations and quirks. There are several other options available or coming soon. Asus O!Play, Popbox, Boxee Box, etc.

[stringcheesy]

OK, Great, Thanks guys for the input and prompt response.

I'll have to look at some different angles becaue the last thing I wanna do is spend too much $.

I wonder also if Mediatomb could be a solution? Any thoughts on that?