Mac Mini + HP EX485/7 Media Server - Other options??

[antlaff]

Hi - looking guidance. i want to convert to Apple and build up a home server. The question is has anybody got this setup - looking to import the HP from the States from ebay and just wanted to know will they work 100% together. If somebody has better setup option please advise.

This will be my first server which i will use to access large amounts of photo's & home videos(i have 6 kids!!), and a central base for media streaming both video and music as we have 3 laptops + several iphone/ipods.

Does apple have applications to rip DVDs in full format for streaming purpose?

I intend to have the mini mac connected to my Samsung LE46F86BD in the lounge, with the server either here or in the attic connected by 200mps Homeplugs via BT Home Hub 2.0.

What would i need to be able to stream to my Panasonic TXP42X10 in the kitchen.

sorry if this is disjointed but help would be greatly appreciated.

thks

[afdoughty]

I can't recommend the Mac Mini enough. I have a 5 year old one and it deals with 150gb of music, 40gb of home video/photos, Freeview TV recording without fault. I have not needed to do any maintenance on it (whilst my Windows PC have been rebuilt 3 times in the same period).

I have hooked it up to a NAS in the past. The bottlenecks were

- The NAS processor and memory
Min spec of CPU of 1.0ghz and memory of at least 512mb if you are going to ask it to multiple serve

- The LAN speed
Gigabit LAN throughout. I found 100mb speed to be jittery on lossless DVD playback. Can't speak for the newer G/N wireless standards. I went wired for all "playback" clients. Also RAID seems to slow things down a little. Don't rely on RAID for "backup", if the raid card goes, you loose it all. Get a ext HDD and do your own regular backup or use Mozy online (or similar)

- Quality
I ripped all the CD's in Apple Lossless. DVDs more tricky. Mac The Ripper is free software and does the DVD lossless. You might also look at Handbrake but not for lossless.

- Server software
I don't have any answers for you but you might want to look at Twonky, Slimserver, uPnP and DNLA issues.

Could right loads more but my son needs me to play with him

Good luck

PS - no view on the HP, there are people that have compared HP, QNAP, Synology, etc in terms of speed .... I think small net builder is one of those sites.