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.
