Client server questions

[restorick]

Folks,

After looking at what I would need to build a silent HTPC that would end up being dedicated to HT use (about $1500, but I like to overbuild...), I was looking at whether I can use an existing server in my home to be the Sage repository and use clients or media extenders to save some $$.

I have 3 sets - one of which is HD. Running Dish network. Am going to upgrade to a Dish 211 soon and get an OTA HD antenna as well.

My server is a Dell Poweredge with a P4-2.8 processor, 1GB RAM, and a bunch of drive bays. I was considering using it as the HTPC because it is scary quiet, but it doesn't have PCI-Express16 slots and I didn't want to sacrifice on video output.

I have no plans to record a ton of HD content at this time. My server/HTPC would have dual ATI 550 tuners and one HD tuner at some point. Again, with limited HD content I see no reason to record a ton of it - yet.

So, based on this config, is the system strong enough to work as a server? I did wire my house with CAT5e when I built it, so I have no worries about networking at higher speeds.

Am I better off using media extenders with this rig, or going to client PCs? I don't have a problem with a client PC in the great room, since I have a component closet. But in the guest room I don't have space for a large PC (and it's not an HD set anyway...)

If I go with client PCs, what kind of horsepower will I need?

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

Rick

[ChePazzo]

My setup is strictly SD.
I suggest you go the MVP route for all SD content.

I have one server (P4 2.4GHz 1024MB RAM) with 3 tuners (PVR-250, PVR-500).
I use one 30GB drive for the OS and 2 400GB drives for storage (all IDE using both channels provided with the system).

The server runs Ubuntu Linux and sits in the basement.

My partitions:
/dev/hdc1 373G /var/media
/dev/hdd2 273G /var/media2
/dev/hdd1 100G /var/media/tv (dedicated recording partition)

both /var/media and /var/media2 have the same directory structure so I can browse video in 'combined' folder mode.

I use wired MVPs to watch SD TV on my TVs.
I use the placeshifter/ssh to admin the box and change settings and stuff.

Works GREAT for me. I can record TV shows for the kids, rip out the commercials and store them on the 800GB of storage.

[bug1124]

My current system is a budget/apartment setup while I create a master plan for the upcoming house purchase.

I have a cheapo Frys computer ($150 sale machine) with upgraded memory and video card combined with 1 PVR-500 and 1 PVR-150. This machine doubles as a living room client and a server (running comskip and sage webserver). Then I have a hardwired MVP in the bedroom. I use sage client on the desktop computer in the study and placeshifter for anytime I am away from home and need some tv. The system runs pretty well, but ultimately I will end up separating the server and the living room client into two machines.

[ChePazzo]

I should probably also point out that I store all video in MPEG2 format. This makes it not only ready to play on MVP, but also ready to burn to DVD if I need to.

My video camera takes avi video, which I convert to ~8000kbs vbr. They play flawlessly over the network on the MVP. And the kids love watching themselves on TV.