Newbie questions

General discussion about the media server. Feature requests. Hints, tips and tricks.
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don
Posts:10
Joined:Mon Feb 25, 2008 7:05 pm
AV Hardware:Current:
Server: Ubuntu Linux box w/mirrored 500gb partition loaded with DVD video files ripped w/DVDShrink, shared via samba
Clients: Various Windows machines using WMP or Win Media Center

Proposed: Add a PS3 into the mix
Contact:
Newbie questions

Post by don » Tue Feb 26, 2008 2:20 am

I'm in the process of setting up a home media sharing network and am thinking that TwonkyMedia could end up as part of it. What I've got so far:

- Old Dell 1200mhz server, 1g RAM, 200g system drive and mirrored 500g drives for media, running Ubuntu
This box is mainly just acting as a file server via Samba at the moment; I'm gradually ripping my DVD collection to it (in IFO/multi-VOB format) on my main windows box; will probably put Twonky on it

- Various Windows clients using either media player or Win Media Center to access video files. Planning on moving one of the boxes to the kids' TV and use the MyMovie add-on for Media Center to serve as a video client that only has their movies on the list

I was planning on building another PC in and HTPC case with a blu-ray drive and enough horsepower to play back HD video for our main TV (60' Sony rear projection) but seeing how expensive that might get, I started thinking about picking up a PS3 instead; that's where Twonky will come in if I decide to go that route.

I have a few fairly simplistic questions before I go rushing out to make a hardware purchase:

- My understanding is that this product will allow me to serve DVD files to a media center type application on the PS3 at full quality - is this correct?
- Do I really have to rename all the .VOB files or change the DVD format to single VOB?
- Would there be any advantage to using using Twonky to stream media to the other clients, as opposed to just going through the file system?
- When I eventually start a Blu-ray collection and start ripping those, will I be able to stream them to a PS3 at full quality?

My goal is to get to the point where any new movie that comes into the house will be immediately ripped and shoved into a locked box in a closet somewhere so the kids can't get their grubby, destructive little hands on the originals. :)

User avatar
mgillespie
Posts:1222
Joined:Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:19 pm
AV Hardware:TwonkyMedia AV UPnP Mediaserver (Marvell Kirkwood ARM Sheevaplug with Debian Squeeze).
2x Noxon V2 audio client
1x PS3 Slim 500GB Audio/Video UPnP client.
1x Sony VGF-CP1 Wireless Photoframe.
Location:UK

Re: Newbie questions

Post by mgillespie » Wed Feb 27, 2008 6:50 pm

It's all down to what file formats your client devices support.

Twonky will stream MPEG2 (DVD), as long as there is no encrytion, (i.e. commerical releases)

As for HD, Blu-ray was copy protection that prevents it being ripped, IF you could rip it, Twonky can stream it in high bitrate AVC codec, which can support HD resolutions.

Right now, the PS3 seems to be the best client device going forward, supporting most file formats, including HD ones, and is supported by TwonkyMedia.
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