Building a Media Server, streaming over house

[chrisjwalker]

Hi guys,
I'm in the process of building a media server, and I want to be able to stream or share movies off the server hdd, to other computers and laptops on the network. Could someone help me and tell me how I can do this with my media server pc?

Thanks
Chris

 

[longplay]

I'm assuming you're after a Windows solution?

Windows Home Server allows this.

Hell, even Windows 7 using a Homegroup would do it.

Alternatively, rather than building something, there are plenty of off-the-shelf media servers for the same as what it'll cost to build (e.g. Acer EasyStore).

Have a quick search on these forums or Google and you'll find a huge amoutn already written.

If you go the WHS route, We Got Served is a good resource.

 

[CHBMB]

Building a Media Server, steaming over house

Think you need more cooling!

Sorry, couldn't resist!

 

[chrisjwalker]

I've already got my server, and oldish packard bell with 2.7ghz intel celeron, in a new case, with better fans and cooling, new wd caviar green hdd. Would windows server 2003 sp2 be ok for it? Ive got that already, and would like to save the money. How would I go about, being able to access all the media on this wirelessly?

Thanks
Chris

 

[longplay]

In the simplest way, attach it to your network (via cable to the wireless router or install a wifi card) and the just share the relevant folders.

Map the folders as drives on the other machine(s).

Depending on the speed of your wireless network you may get some issues though, HD ideally needs an 802.11n network.

You could also consider powerline networking (I use powerline as I've found it to be faster and more stable than wireless of any kind), grab a 200Mbps+ kit for HD.