Off Topic - DVD Server

[Grubby]

I know this is way off topic but there are a lot of members here that are quite knowledgable in many different area's, so I thought I'd ask the question.

I have quite a large DVD collection and was wondering if anyone knew of the best / easiest way to create a DVD server ( or similar ) that I could load my DVD's onto and then access this from the location of my TV's.

Any advise or info would be appreciated.

Cheers

Grubby

[daveZ27]

Not sure if it's the best or easiest, but if you had a media server (eg. XP Media Centre) and added a DVD dukebox. They are not cheap. Just do a google and some research on DVD dukebox's.
The other option is to load them onto disk. DVD's are about 3-4GB, so a Terabyte (1000 GB) should get you a couple hundred DVD's. Big disk's are coming down in price, but are still expensive.
Good luck,
Dave.

[Leigh]

I still can't understand why all our devices arn't linked...there is essentially little difference between the modern LCD TV and Monitor, DVD players are stand alone devices as are all other electronics...everything should be able to be plugged in to a central multi-media centre that could run the whole house...from computer/internet access, to TV and DVD...all on the same device, with access via remote LCD screens and keyboards etc...

I know this can be done (as I've seen it), but it is currently complex and requires a third "box" to connect it all together:rolleyes: Worst of all, a complete system for an average 4 bedroom house can cost tens of thousands of dollars:eek:

[lavenlaar]

Get a Terrabyte removalble HD and im sure in Europe somewhere there is or ive seen a DVD HDD with USB connection that allow to plug in media and read- think its Phillips

[daveZ27]

I still can't understand why all our devices arn't linked...there is essentially little difference between the modern LCD TV and Monitor, DVD players are stand alone devices as are all other electronics...everything should be able to be plugged in to a central multi-media centre that could run the whole house...from computer/internet access, to TV and DVD...all on the same device, with access via remote LCD screens and keyboards etc...

I know this can be done (as I've seen it), but it is currently complex and requires a third "box" to connect it all together:rolleyes: Worst of all, a complete system for an average 4 bedroom house can cost tens of thousands of dollars:eek:
Creating a simple A/V system for your house should be reasonably simple without breaking the bank. Still in the realm of the hobbiest, but at a level most of us can understand.
It's when the spec starts moving beyond this the $$ start to mount up. Controlling various parts of the house lighting, monitoring for security and safety etc.
Cheers,
Dave.

[Grubby]

Thanks to all.

[HRT 1-2]

Allegedly (;)) the best way to achieve this is to get hold off an old Xbox (around $100), allegedly chip it, replace the hard drive with a big one, convert all your DVD's into AVI's/DIVx because they are around 1/4 the size (or better) of normal DVD format (allegedly) and ya done, instant media centre. Network it via Ethernet to your pc's, network drives, etc... and you have storage galore (allegedly)! Not to mention store all your MP3's and digital images!

[Martin Thomas]

Just found this on deals direct..

http://www.dealsdirect.com.au/p/3-5-250gb-hdd-media-player-5-1ch-surround-sound/

Looks pretty good.