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Must... access... files...
How do I share the folders across the network?
In some cases your media player might allow direct network access to a folder on your computer, rather than needing a program to stream media. If you're running a NAS, there's a good chance that the files and folders on your hard drive are shared already and you should be able to access them. If not, consult your manual.
If you're running a file server or transferring the files off your own computer, you'll need to set up file sharing. It's fairly easy to allow network shares, in fact we've got a handy tutorial already set up for you right here.
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JamesG
23/01/2008 02:43 PM
The simplest solution is Windows Media Center and it rocks. It lets you: watch high def digital TV (no need for set-top box) record straight to HDD (no need for PVRs, VCRs or DVD recorders) play DVDs (throw out DVD player) Just put a digital tuner card in a PC, plonk Windows Vista on it, attach an LCD TV and youre off and running!
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Craig Simms
23/01/2008 05:13 PM
Spot on James, although Linux alternatives like MythTV (and eventually XBMC when it's fully ported) provide good solutions too, as long as there's internet access then you've got a great system right there. Some however don't like a PC being in their living room -- and even if it's disguised well as a piece of home theatre equipment, then there's often not much physical room for disk storage, which means if your collection grows out of control you'll have to rely on a networked fileserver of some sort anyway. In saying that, most will be happy with a single terabyte drive, even if losing so much data in one hit due to mechanical failure would be a nightmare.
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JamesG
25/01/2008 11:59 AM
Who doesnt want a stylish PC in their loungeroom? My Media Center PC is a gloss black finish and doesnt resemble a PC at all. Indeed its the only thing in my entertainment system apart from the LCD up top. Personally im not one for massive collections so a single large HDD is currently all I need for fave TV shows and movies.
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Mugen
01/02/2008 12:22 PM
I love to setup a HTPC but the cost for good case - with a volume control nad LCD dispaly espcially the glossly black ones (hehe) alone can be $500+. To Play full HD and have HD sound and a digital tuner, add software and you have a masive bill $$$. I've seen pre made systems go for $4000+. Though the result with a Media Centre remote looks and feels great. I'm think of the TVIX 4130 (plays just about everything and has a digital tuner) add the biggest HDD I can find and it should do me over for now. Unless anyone havs any tips on setting up/purchsing a HTPC for a similar price.
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JamesG
01/02/2008 03:25 PM
mugen i built mine for about $1200 by buying the parts from a Canberra computer fair. The case was about $100. I have an MSDN subscription so was able to get Vista Home Premium for free - this has Media Center. the website to start at is www.xpmediacentre.com.au My 32" Samsung LCD is 720p and costs about $1400-1500 these days.
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Wozza
04/02/2008 09:08 PM
Great advice, i went out and put together this (PS3 & DLink dns 323) My problem is that i get a "DNLA Protocol error 2113" when i try to view any media on the server?? Any answers?
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Mugen
08/02/2008 12:33 PM
JamesG - Thst $1200 sounds very reasonable, any chance you can list the pc specs and tuner card you used you used. I'm looking for a dual ditigal and analogue tuner. The case model would be really goos also. Is yours fully Media Centre compatable - ie. you can use the remote control for everything?
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JamesG
13/02/2008 02:19 PM
Mugen, my system: MS Vista Home Premium, Intel Core 2 Duo E4300, 2GB Kingmax RAM, Nvidia 7800GTX, 80GBsataII & 250GBsataII, DVico dual digital tuner, Gigabyte mb, MS infrared cordless kboard & remote, Samsung 81cm LCD. Yes, the kb & remote do all that theyre meant to in Media Center. Ive done a few reg tweaks and other things (easily found on the net) to make my Media Center behave like a TV, i.e when I power it up Vista automatically launches Media Center and then automatically goes into live TV. My fave thing about this system is downloading movies & TV shows (whole seasons at a time) via torrents.
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TP
29/02/2008 02:17 AM
Where do we find the 8 digit code on the Playstation 3? I have the connection through the Windows Media Player, but I would love to use the media center. Thanks
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CB
04/03/2008 07:27 AM
>Great advice, i went out and put together this (PS3 & DLink dns 323) My problem is that i get a "DNLA Protocol error 2113" when i try to view any media on the server?? Any answers? download the new firmware 1.4 to fix that exact problem.
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