help please, basic advise needed.

[Ben]

ok,

I now have these devolo 85mbps over the mains network plugs and they are great. I want to utilise them as much as possible.

I want to store most of my DVD collection on one or more HDDs and be able to access them over the network for viewing on the TV.

I have been reading the Maplins catalogue. I think i know the bits i need, Any recommendations for the hardware please??

EDIT: maplins have discontinued lots of items i would have referenced.:mad:

[onzarob]

how to rip the DVDs in to my computer.

I know there is a plethora of DVD ripping software out there. .:mad:

Basically leagally your not allowed to do this, even if you own the DVD's as soon as you breach the copyright/copy protection you have broken the law :( unlike audio CD's that you can make a backup of.

[Ben]

of corse we don't condone piracy so i'll edit my post accordingly.

lets just discuss the hardware i'm likely to need.

i think this http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@2091313542.124803035 7@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccddadehkedhlfecflgceggdhhmdfhk.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=056408&category_oid=-32901 for storage and this http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@2091313542.124803035 7@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccddadehkedhlfecflgceggdhhmdfhk.0&page=Product&fm=13&sm=1&tm=2&sku=125072&category_oid=-24978#productInformationSection for the viewing aspect

[proff999]

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0222269585.124810771 7@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccddadehldiifgfcflgceggdhhmdfhk.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=125584&category_oid=

I use one of these mate and no issues to date.

[Ben]

so i could plug this in to it then?

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/671416#productInformationSection

its not clear to me how the hdd is powered, via usb or mains electric.

[DaveLeake]

From what you've said, you want to stream files via your network to play on your TV. There are plenty of products out there that will allow you to do this (the D-Link media streamer you suggested), but as far as I can tell the product suggested above by proff999 relies on you physically plugging in a USB stick / external Hard Drive.

If you have an XBox 360 you can use this to receive files from the PC over your network and play on your TV...if not it's a good excuse to get one! I have this setup and use a program called TVersity on my PC to transcode the media 'on the fly' - the spec of your machine should easily be up to this. This sounds complicated but it just means changing the encoding of the media so that it can be played via the streaming device - this becomes more important if you are going to compress the media into divx format or similar.


All you would then need is a large additional disk to store any media on - USB disks are fine, although if you can get an additional internal disk it will be slightly quicker.

ETA - I assume you are using the same PC as in your earlier thread about PC to TV streaming

[rharris]

Personally, I prefer just using a media player box with connected HD. Set my father up with a TVIX box and a 1TB drive and its great. Can even be ethernet attached so you can ftp into it to transfer files (or use a USB cable directly). I don't generally like leaving my PC on 24/7 and the startup time is much quicker than my Windows/Mac machines :)

[proff999]

I tried streaming Hi Def and suffered all sorts of stuttering or audio issues until I got the Western digital gadget and used an old freecom external HDD with it. Cost was £60 off fleabay.


I am now looking at one of these that appear to be well received by the reviewers.

http://www.tvix.co.kr/Eng/products/HDM6500A.aspx

[Ben]

hi,

i am not looking to have the pc on 24/7.

I will only need to use the pc to transfer media files to the networked Hdd.

As we don't look at dvd's that often, we will probably even turn off the networked hdd.

Not looking at dvd's so often may make this operation appear pointless, it is not however, the space the dvds occupy is far more valuable and the little un doesn't exactly come as a compact package.

i also plan to host my mp3 and photo collection on the hdd so visitors don't have to crowd round the pc, they can remain in the lounge.

[Ben]

ETA - I assume you are using the same PC as in your earlier thread about PC to TV streaming

yes.

[rharris]

Most of the media hdd devices will also do pictures and music...I've messed around streaming from a windows machine to the xbox 360 - it was just a ball ache to be honest.

[DaveLeake]

Most of the media hdd devices will also do pictures and music...I've messed around streaming from a windows machine to the xbox 360 - it was just a ball ache to be honest.
Fair enough :o I thought it was remarkably straightforward, I suggested it as it saves on the cost of new hardware (as long as you have an xbox of course!)

It's horses for courses - I hope the OP will find the solution that fits their needs.

[rharris]

Yeah; understood - I set it up once because I'm a geek like that - but having to switch the PC and XBOX on every time I wanted to watch a movie wasn't ideal - plus the xbox is not the quietest of units :)

I got the tivx for my father, personally I have an archos 5 with a dock which I use for traveling and connect to the big screen at home to watch movies :)

Richard

[Ben]

Halt!! Go no further.

This is the item for me.

http://www.o2media.es/en/mediagate_mg-350shd

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/rf/mediagate-mg-350shd/10222_18228_101

i can plug it wired into my router and use the NDAS technology to transfer media files from my pc over the mains through the router to its internal HDD

Ndas works by making the units Hdd appear as a drive in 'my computer' in xp so its a case of drag and drop.

This way i'll not require a NAS (network attached storage) device.

All the reviews say that video over wifi can be iffy so the internal hdd is ideal.

What i want to know is, will i be able to view my ip camera on the tv using this?

I can utilise my PIP (picture in picture function.

Can you tell i've learnt some stuff guys??

[proff999]

Looks like a decent bit of kit although it doesn't appear to support .mkv which is a common container for H.264 media. Depending on your budget I see Icybox have a new enclosure packed full of features.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/storage/2009/05/28/icy-box-ib-mp309hw-b-hd-media-player-review/3

[Ben]

I may have to change my mind to this little baby.

http://www.xtreamer.net/

:D

[proff999]

Looks a nice idea mate but judging by the forum they currently have a lot of major issues with cables,heat,tuner interference and playback issues. However once thats all sorted looks great value.

[Ben]

After much thought, I ordered the Xtremer:D

now i need a 500GB 2.5" HDD (http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=330276&CatId=0) :D:D

[proff999]

Stuck on of these in my ps3 and works a treat, Once formatted gives you 465GB.

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/150515


Under £65 with free delivery