Media files growing exponentially, HDMI video and RCA stereo, two systems

[otto88]

Sorry about so many questions, I’m just learning

To store media files that are growing exponentially (lossless audio, and video now including Bluray) I need either a NAS, or simply a big hard drive/ s (either USB or internal).

Looking at the receiving end of the sound and film:
• For best video (1080p) into my projector and TV - I will use HDMI
• For best audio into my pre-amp (for music) and later a HT receiver (for 5.1) I need audio via a pair of RCAs (phono plugs)

Not needed:
• Saving or sharing files from more than one PC to one storage place
• remote access from a browser

There are two output systems in two adjacent rooms - TVs and stereo amps.
Running cables isn't an issue. ie wireless isn't needed

For the 2nd systems, potentially I could just use splitters from one PC. But to control the system in the room currently without a PC, I need a 2nd PC or tablet. (I want a good size screen, so wouldn't use a smartphone). For a PC, I have an idle Antec case that’s well insulated for noise, with a very good sound card. And to run just a software media player eg VLC, it should be ok with specs of just a basic low-end processor etc. .

In the room that doesn't have a PC, while listening to music I might to browse the net, maybe on the TV. Do wireless keyboards and mice work through a wall of sheetrock (plasterboard)?

Looking into it, I just read that “entry-level NAS products with 20-50 Gb of storage can be purchased for $500 or less”

Other questions:
1. Can a NAS that is not expensive: have a Video HDMI Out, and an Audio Out (either a pair of RCAs out; or a 3.5 mm socket, into a splitter to a pair of RCAs)??
2. Or via some sort of media player (hardware or software) should I stream the media from a NAS into a PC, then use its Video HDMI Out; and normal stereo audio out (probably from a 3.5 mm socket into a splitter to a pair of RCAs)?
3. Or just use a big hard drive?

* Key question: for its extra cost, what advantages would I get from using NAS and/ or a separate hardware media player?

Advice appreciated!

Two other things to consider:

Other things being equal, though one system isn't that great, it'd be preferable to have just one, really good stereo DAC (with a splitter to the 2nd system). Probably the Metrum Octave http://www.nosminidac.nl/Octave_English.html (Its inputs are S/PDIF, either optical or coaxial, and my M-Audio sound card has S/PDIF, so no converter is needed).

However while the main audio system is currently passive, but in a few months I’ll be resuming an active three way project. I was possibly going to use a mini DSP, but unless I win Lotto, the budget wont stretch to three Metrum Octaves! . . mm, what’s a poor man’s Octave?

[jplesset]

Originally Posted by otto88

Sorry about so many questions, I’m just learning


In the room that doesn't have a PC, while listening to music I might to browse the net, maybe on the TV. Do wireless keyboards and mice work through a wall of sheetrock (plasterboard)?

Looking into it, I just read that “entry-level NAS products with 20-50 Gb of storage can be purchased for $500 or less”

Other questions:
1. Can a NAS that is not expensive: have a Video HDMI Out, and an Audio Out (either a pair of RCAs out; or a 3.5 mm socket, into a splitter to a pair of RCAs)??
2. Or via some sort of media player (hardware or software) should I stream the media from a NAS into a PC, then use its Video HDMI Out; and normal stereo audio out (probably from a 3.5 mm socket into a splitter to a pair of RCAs)?
3. Or just use a big hard drive?

* Key question: for its extra cost, what advantages would I get from using NAS and/ or a separate hardware media player?

I solved a rather similar range of issues, but somewhat differently....

"NAS", Network Attached Storage is really a simple computer you can't use for much other than sharing the local disk. If you're at all handy, it's going to be cheaper to plop in a big disk into one of your systems. 1 terabyte disks are around $100 today...

If you've wired your place (network, that is), you can simply share that disk as needed, and instant network disk.

I'd spend the $$ and put something with computing power in the "room without a pc", even if an inexpensive laptop. That gets you what you need, and access to your files as well as the ability to use your TV and laptop to browse the 'net.

[beanbear]

Do wireless keyboards and mice work through a wall of sheetrock (plasterboard)?

Bluetooth might (depends on specific models and room specifics), but most other wireless units are IR-controlled, so no.

even if an inexpensive laptop

Agreed, and if you run either Win7 or Win8 Pro, you can use remote desktop to manage the "headless" computer.

[otto88]

Sorry for my tardiness, been too busy - and researching this a lot

Jplesset
While there seems not a lot of benefit for me in a NAS, this (available for approx only $240) is great value HP ProLiant MicroServer G7 N40L server review . . I'll think some more . .

Beanbear
for controlling music in rooms beyond the main two rooms, which would difficult to run Ethernet into, Bluetooth could be the way to go . .

BTW, in the "other" rooms, music won’t run off the lounge room’s amp. Each will have its own stereo amp – I have a few spares.


But I should really focus on the software and interface. Then work “back” to the hardware needed to run it.

I recently got an iPad3, and just a few days ago was using YouTube in different rooms, like a jukebox. I found that for me a 10 inch tablet that I carry around is THE nicest way to control media.

I’ve just learnt of two great tablet controlled options: JRMC controlled by JRemote, and XBMC run by Yatse.

Currently JRemote being only for iPad, and Yatse only for Android. While I have an iPad, in the scheme of things I’d get an Android if XBMC – Yatse is overall better for my situation

JRemote was Computer Audiophile’s 2012 Software Product of the Year Computer Audiophile - JRemote The iOS remote for JRiver Media Center Review They mentioned that JRMC has multi zone playback, that every pc running JRMC can be controlled as a different Zone.

* Does that mean (subject to hardware) JRMC can play *different media on each PC in a network?
* Does JRMC’s multi-zone functionality run off multiple sound cards in one PC, or separate PCs??

* Display devices and media vary in quality, but do software media players??


Thanks

[Johno]

quote "Media files growing exponentially..."This is the first problem that you need to solve.
What you describe could be classed as a virus. As an IT manager and I used to go bananas at my users trying to get them to manage their files sensibly. Literally 99% of the stuff in user files is rubbish blah blah blah.

My solution for myself is to only acquire hard copy - vinyl or CD and I ignore media as you call it.

Those hard copy things I buy are readily sold and actually increase in value over longish times. As my music tastes change over time the titles that shuffle to the back of the shelf through lack of interest, I sell and use the funds to buy new interests.

Clearly there is a generation gap here but I find the whole premise of your questions redundant.

[otto88]

a generation gap?
how old do you think I am? an Oldie or pimply youth

"a virus" ?

> I find the whole premise of your questions redundant

Crikey. Is file management "redundant"? - have you had a bad day?

Anyhow, enough with the joking - back to the issues:

How is files growing exponentially a problem?? Maybe 15 years ago, but you'd know that HD space is cheap. I dont need 000s of TB, just 1 or 2

> My solution for myself is to only acquire hard copy - vinyl or CD and I ignore media

I have heaps of hard copy, but it's harder to eg search. It sounds like you haven’t used a PC based music system?

As I said just before your post, I am focussing on the software (and interface)

As you’re an IT manager, would you know if software media players, for a given resolution eg 1080p might vary in quality of output?

[phofman]

Originally Posted by otto88

While there seems not a lot of benefit for me in a NAS, this (available for approx only $240) is great value HP ProLiant MicroServer G7 N40L server review

IMO this microserver has been an overlooked solution. Much cheaper than 4bay NASes used by audio/video consumers and way more powerful and flexible.

I got one on sale for 120 euro

[otto88]

Cheap! So you like it, any negatives?

What drives did you fit?

[phofman]

Actually it is still waiting on my desk for transport to my sister's where it will serve as a central backup for her home office business. I will put 2 drives into RAID1 (and still have 2 bays available). A third drive will go to an external eSATA bay for offline backup (third component of the same RAID1 array). OS debian stable. For backup I want to use backuppc BackupPC: Open Source Backup to disk as it is my favorite one.

Sorry, not much into audio storage now but the requirements are the same - reasonably silent relatively low-consumption reliable 4bay system.

[jrenkin]

I don't know if this will be helpful.

Upstairs on the tv room (loft) I have an old G4 Mac mini, 1gbRAM connected by wire to the home wireless router, the tv (monitor), a 500gb HD and a 2tb RAID HD (4tb). The smaller HD is only for playing music, the RAID drive backs everything up twice.
I then have an old intel MacBook on the living room system and a new MacBook Air in the "listening room" (or more like "listening closet"). These, and my wife's iMac, all connect wirelessly to the Mac mini using apple file sharing and screen sharing. Built in and easy.
I use PureMusic for playback, which uses iTunes, and with a memory play option so there is no streaming lag. Since it is data streaming and not music streaming, there is no loss of resolution or compression. I can still play at full lossless and even high resolution recordings. PureMusic and Airport express can also each stream directly, but there are limits that may or may not be important.
I can screen share all the computers an control any music with apple remote on my iPhone or iPad. Cool!
Anyway, it works well, but I benefited from having too many old computers lying around. Buying all this gets expensive, and I would have better responsiveness if the old Mac mini was upgraded, but it doesn't effect the sound/fidelity so no worth it.
FWIW