VOB Video Server - any ideas how?

[davekone]

I would like to use a computer to store all my ripped DVDs so I can
play them on demand to my HDTV set. I need a few things I'm having
trouble locating, a video or tv out card that has component outs for
a HDTV set supporing 480p, 720p and 1080i. A sound card that has a
digital out to plug into my DTS/Dolby Digital receiver. A software
player for the PC that will play VOB files supporting the video and
audio modes listed above. Something that will list all the titles I
have stored on my hard drive by folder names (Adventure, Kids, Drama
etc.) and let you pick them, just like a Mp3 player but for video.

Anyone have any ideas on any of this?


thanks

[SquirrelDip]

First the component video: Check on the ATI site (http://www.ati.com), or do a Google search - I recall reading about an adapter for the DVI port to component video.

For the VOB's: Check the tools section of this site and take a look at VOB edit, I believe this program can convert a VOB to an MPEG2 (without any loss). Once you're done use TMPGENC (also in the tools section) to join up the MPEG's to a single file. Oh, you'll have to be using either WinXP or Win2000 to store these as single files (and an NTFS drive).

Also check with the common players WinDVD or PowerDVD for which ones support 5.1 sound (I believe both do if you get the right version). I'm sure you can use the player to directly play a group of VOBs but creating a single MPEG would in the end be simpler as you can pick wich audio track you use.

For the digital sound: Many sound cards now have an SP/DIF port (as do many motherboards - my Asus P4C800 Deluxe does so many must) - check the SoundBlaster site for starters.