Newbie Build
#1
I have decided to build a Media Station using XBMC and UnRaid as NAS. I have a few really dumb Noob questions.

1. Do I need a dedicated xbmc box per TV I plan on serving up media?

2. What devices can access the Media Server? Is it fairly universal? PC's, Mac's, Androids, etc.?

Thanks in advance!
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#2
1. Yes

2. unRaid provides network storage over the SMB protocol so basically any device connected to the network that can access a windows shared folder, can access the unRAID server.
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#3
Thanks for the info.!
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#4
How about a recommended build list? I am more concerned about performance and longevity than upfront cost. In addition I've got to make is simplistic as possible from a remote standpoint or I'll get endless grief from my wife and kids. Thanks!!!
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#5
It depends on the set up.

You have two main hardware specs that need to be served.
The server/streamer
The Front ends

You then need to figure out exact roles.

For the server
Rip Optical Media
Download Media
Re Encode Media
Web Server
etc.

You get the idea what do you want it to do now, and possibly in the future.

For the frontend.
Stream local content
Stream wan content (hulu,netflix,etc.)
3D support
Surround sound (dolby digital, dts, dts-hd, true-hd, etc.)
Games Roms
etc.
Also frontend Live os
poofyhairyguy has an excellent breakdown of the operating system choices somewhere around here. But if you want netflix windows, otherwise live should work fine.

Really you start simple with xbmc, then its like it can do that and that and that Tongue.

Server hardware

Just serving up files. I like AMD for value at this price point. An Athlon X2 would suffice, but an X3 would give some more breathing room later down the road.
So really
{athlon ii, phenom ii} X2 just serving files
{athlon ii, phenom ii} X3 Just serving files, but leaving future options available.
{athlon ii, phenom ii} x4 Encoding and ripping optical media

The difference between athlon and phenom is l3 cache and you probably won't notice that. So you could probably get by with an athlon ii.

For ram 1-2GB should suffice. But there have been some pretty good deals on ddr3 out there.

HDD thats up to you

Frontend
A ion/ion2 are generally favorable. I don't know about ion2, but someone correct me if im wrong ion1 cant stream hd surround sound or do 3D.

Graphics Cards

Geforce 210 1080 hardware decode, surround sound (not hd audio)
Geforce 220 1080 hardware decode, surround sound (not hd audio), better deinterlacing
Geforce 430 hardware decode, surround sound +hd audio, and 3D support

I haven't kept up with ati since they dont work as well under linux, or xbmc live. Someone else may be able to fill you in on their options.

For a server build, im being lazy right now and going through deal forums right now Tongue
Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811129086

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...0CX%20500W

Ram
Keep your eye open there have been a lot of sales as of late.

Mobo+CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealD...mbo.581114

One thing is how many hdds did you want or plan to have is 4 enough or did you want 8 16 or 32?
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#6
For the server end, I put in an Athlon II X3 with 2GB of RAM. The only time I tax it is when running HandBrake. It's my home file server, media server, Squeezebox server, and has (in the past) run an email server too. Even rebuilding the softraid set just tickles the processor (and it's a low-power Athlon, rather than a high-speed one).

I used to run my server on a 1400MHz Pentium3 and it had no trouble whatsoever (though that was with a hardware RAID card. The server end can be pretty lightweight, though - that's all I'm trying to say there. And there's no reason why you can't do what I do. Server in the attic (with SSH available for when I need to log into it), my desktop in my office (for ripping discs as far as XBMC is concerned), and lightweight appliance-style devices for playback.

Given the hard disc noise I'd rather have the server right out the way. That means not touching it even to rip movies/music. But that's just me.
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#7
Thanks for the replies! I already have parts on the way for a NAS, going to use UnRaid to store all data. It will go in a component closet and I will rip media from my desktop to it.

For the front end I'd like to serve up any media from the NAS, as well as WAN media, ie. Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, etc. It will be used on a 7.1 Surround system to a HD 1080p projector to a 110" screen. Based on that what suggestions do you have for the front end box? I don't want to waste money upfront by trying to be too cheap and then having to turn around and rebuy...

Many Thanks!
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#8
For the frontend, if I were buying one today it'd be an ION-based Atom machine. Small, cheap, low-power, and the ION chipset deals with 1080p no problem.

If you need 3D today, the ION will struggle. From what I'm reading, XBMC will happily decode side-by-side 3D streams, so if your TV supports that then excellent. But the IONs can't handle the frame size of 2x1920x1080. If you're happy to drop the horizontal resolution by half it'll handle 2x960x1080, but that's not ideal.

If you don't need 3D today, go with the ION and then when you want a 3D playback device you can shove the old ION into the bedroom (or whatever) and buy it's contemporary (which should hopefully still be small, cheap, low-power, but be able to handle the extra workload of 3D playback).

Anyway, that's how I'd play it. Or it would be if I had HDMI on my screen (I have an AppleTV for its Component output). Treat the front end as an appliance and don't try to get too clever with it. Saves grief from the wife if its nice and easy.
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#9
Simplicity is key in this, or I'll catch constant grief from my wife! I'd definitely like to go HDMI out of the frontend box.
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#10
If for 7.1 I'm assuming you will also want true-hd and dts-hd, and since your using a projector 3D is not a concern(?). If so the ion1 is out. The limitations are closer to the geforce 210 i think. Looking at my break down of the various geforce your most future proof option is a 430. Which would allow HD audio and 3D. However you'd need a custom build for that.

So real quick.
3D support yes or no
HD Audio yes or no


Do you want a sleek all in one unit if so look at something like the asrock vision 3D.

Or build your own.

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6817104953

CPU Going with X3 in case some things lack gpu decode include ram in combo didn't see overly good mobo in combo.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealD...mbo.582606

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811163174

GPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6814130579

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813186205

HDD Someone with more ssd experience want to chime in.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820139428

That comes out to 425, 525 with windows. You can lower prices by looking for better deals etc. but its a good start.

Remote is the other thing you need to consider. Logitech harmony is cream of the crop, and Media center edition remotes work rather well also.

Optical is optional or you can upgrade to blu ray.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6827106289

Windows license needed for netflix
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...-_-Product
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#11
Thanks for the advice and help! Ended up being out of town with work for a bit, but ordered the ASRock Vision 3D 156B today. Can't wait now!
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