CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

drice1234 · Joined: 07 Oct 2006 Posts: 1309 Location: Allen, Texas

Below is a related idea that I am going to try when this becomes available for free on Dec 18th. You use your PS3 to rip the files and store them on your PS3 hard drive. If this works then you can either connect a large external hard drive to the PS3 or figure out a way to transfer the files from the PS3 to your server. I am using a program now called PlayOn that allows me to stream NetFlix to the PS3 via my home computer. There may be a way to use this program to access the files off of your server.
Dan

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/02/18/164648.php

Mark_A_W · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 10:41 pm Post subject:

garethdavis · Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 8 Location: London, England

If all you are after is dumb data storage then it might be worth looking at a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device designed for media storage. Loads of people make tham, and they are designed to have just enough processing power to run the file sharing so don't consume lots of power or make lots of noise - especially if they are set up to spin down when not in use.

The media NASs usually look like a DLNA (UPnP) server on the network, which makes life very easy getting a PS3 or XBox 360 to talk to them. Not all NAS devices can do this though, so it's worth checking any potential purchase can do more than just basic samba file sharing.

A quick google for media nas brings up a few reviews and suggestions.

WanMan · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 10270

Is it me, or are those NAS devices expensive? For instance, let's say we want 4TB (4x1TB drives).

stefuel · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 11:54 pm Post subject:

The whole idea started when I was looking at this now un-used rack mount PC while at the same time thinking about how much work is involved in watching a DVD/BD in my theater. The equipment rack is in the garage and involves going outside to get to it. I guess I'll wait till someone builds a 500 disk BD mega changer.

Stonefool · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 253 Location: Sweden

Oh this is simple, buy a new with warrenty cheap -ss dual core PC with at least 2 GB RAM and a Gigabit ehternet connection, load it with XP, and Media player 11 and nice a UPNP server the XP/MP11 and PS3 combo like. And that's it. (And of course open up UPNP in your switch.)

Of course you only need the XP and MP11 if you access pay sites, since legal sites tend to us MS DRM. Otherwise you'll be better off with Ubuntu, since it's cheaper ... or a minimac with a much larger capacity hard drive.

VideoGrabber · Joined: 09 Apr 2006 Posts: 933 Location: Michigan

Chip commented:
> I guess I'll wait till someone builds a 500 disk BD mega changer. <

You mean to hold a $15,000 disc collection? Ouch! And keep it in the garage?

Anyway. On a more serious note, I wouldn't be surprised if someday Sony did build a 300 or 400 disc BD changer. I doubt you'll ever see a 500 disc (consumer) unit though. That could be a long wait.