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[singletrackmind]

Hey guys,
I've been using Windows MCE for a couple years now and have a few questions about how certain procedures relate in linux mce. I have been using a product called slysoft HD DVD copy to rip DVD's for playback and a different app called My Movies to get the artwork, etc. from what I can tell it's stored in an xml file in each of the folders directories.

Next questions are about how to allocate my hardware.
I was thinking of dismantling my Windows Vista Media center and re-purposing the hardware. I have (10) 750gb drives and was thinking of purchasing a raid controller to get as many of them up and running as I can for movie storage. Maybe build a freeNAS box? then take the video and sound card and put them in a small form factor PC and connecting that to my TV. Maybe run ubuntu 10.4 on it or maybe Win7 since I have a licensed copy?

So, what apps would I use for ripping and cover art and does anybody think the "My Movies" data will transfer?

I have a couple PCs that I was thinking of setting up for the kids to use as Media Director's. I don't have any cool touch pad devices or smart phones aside from the BlackBerry Curve my work makes me carry. My kids have a couple Nintendo DS's that have access to the wireless network?

We have vonage (i know, i know) and I was thinking of dumping it and going with a couple ip phones at some point after the movies are migrated to linux mce. Anything special I need for the linux mce box to manage it? I've seen some other pbx apps out there for linux that look slick.

So what kind of resources should I allocate to the server? Should I skip the freeeNAS box and just put a raid card and 6 drives in a box running kubuntu and let it fly? Also, what can I get away with for the PC connected to my home theater? Hmm, now that I think about it, could I leave the media center in tact and connect to the NTFS partitions and just add a new PC for the server and make the media center a director...

I've just discovered the wiki for linux mce so forgive me if i'm asking all the noob questions that have been answered. I'm still researching. I'm thinking maybe I should just dive in and get it installed on a PC and figure it out from there.

[tkmedia]

Start here
http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/FAQ
look here
http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Category:User_Setups
re-read 
http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/FAQ
ask questions here
#linuxmce

HTH

Tim

[singletrackmind]

Perfect, working through the reading now. Thanks

[singletrackmind]

Is anybody loading 8.10 on kubuntu 10.4?

I have an install setup with two nics now. However, i will have to get up in the addict to run some new cables to get the server in between my router and cable modem.  Couldn't I setup NAT or something else to get around having to put my LMCE on the public network?

Lastly, if I keep my Windows MCE running can I manage my movies that are on that box if I have a gigabyte connection?

Good new, I've acquired a tablet PC for my orbiter to use in the living room! Put ubuntu laptop on it and loving it. Can't wait to get my media center setup and get this setup as an orbiter.

[tkmedia]

Is anybody loading 8.10 on kubuntu 10.4?

No the kubuntu  version must match the linuxmce version


Tim