Hi all,
I don't know how to summarize what I want to ask, so here are the details.
Here's what I have in mind... this is what I want:
1 - One potential solution I found is to install Windows Media Center 2005 on my main computer and use it with Linksys Media Center Extender.
Thanks for all your help!!
Yalublum
I don't know how to summarize what I want to ask, so here are the details.
Here's what I have in mind... this is what I want:
- All my divx/xvid/mp3/jpg files are on my main computer upstairs.
- I need a way to watch/listen to all that 'on-demand' on my TV downstairs.
1 - One potential solution I found is to install Windows Media Center 2005 on my main computer and use it with Linksys Media Center Extender.
Pros about this solution: Except for the cons listed below, this setup is closest to what I had in mind. The device comes with a remote. I can use the remote to browse/watch from my tv screen downstairs all the media I got on my computer upstairs.
Cons with this solution: First, I'll have to install MCE 2005 on my main comp, which I don't really want. Second, the linksys device only works with mpg1/2 and wmv formats... it doesn't support dvix/xvid... so it's useless.
2 - Buy a 2nd computer for downstairs that can read files off the main computer's network shares and can play directly over the network. Ofcourse, you also hook the the 2nd computer to the TV.Cons with this solution: First, I'll have to install MCE 2005 on my main comp, which I don't really want. Second, the linksys device only works with mpg1/2 and wmv formats... it doesn't support dvix/xvid... so it's useless.
Pros: Can play any format I want ... and even do other stuff, like play PC games / browse web using wireless kbd/mouse.
Cons: Not as portable / nifty as having a dedicated gadget (e.g. the linksys). Will need to install something on the second computer, like MCE 2005 or something. Was hoping to get by without it. Plus I won't be able to control it using my universal remote.
3 - Use video streaming over the LAN. On the TV side, I'd need a set-top box that can accept an ethernet connection and display whatever's streaming. I found this solution at: http://www.videolan.orgCons: Not as portable / nifty as having a dedicated gadget (e.g. the linksys). Will need to install something on the second computer, like MCE 2005 or something. Was hoping to get by without it. Plus I won't be able to control it using my universal remote.
Pros: The software is free.
Cons: The software is a bit criptic to use for a person like me (noob). Plus this is just streaming... so my TV will receive whatever's streaming. I want "on-demand" using remote.
So that's what I got so far. What do you think? What are your suggestions/comments? Am I missing a better solution here? Are there products out there (like the linksys) that can help me create such a setup?Cons: The software is a bit criptic to use for a person like me (noob). Plus this is just streaming... so my TV will receive whatever's streaming. I want "on-demand" using remote.
Thanks for all your help!!
Yalublum
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