Need a little help, planning HTPC + Storage.

AddonCustoms · January 24, 2014

Hey, I am wanting to convert my cupboard, into a sort of server rack, and need to know if the following is possible.

I am new to this but I am planning on having a few separate machines, download server, backup server and media server, they will all be connected to a gigabit home network. I was wanting to build a HTPC next to my TV, and have that read files from my Media Server.

Now my questions are.

Does this all sound possible ?
Can Plex index files located on another machine within the same network ?
Any better alternatives to Plex ? or is Plex ok for what I am looking to do ?
Can anyone suggest a good LCD display for the case ? preferably with a remote.

Sorry if I have confused anyone, or I am asking stupid questions.

looney · January 24, 2014

1. sounds good to me.

2. Yes you can but I prefer to run it on the server that has the data as that is a lot faster.

3. there is XBMC on which plex is based, XBMC ha a lot more options and is fully customizable, I used plex as its a very easy setup.

4. sorry, not really a display guy

knight_40k · January 25, 2014

^^^

He answered most of it.

As for the LCD case, there are options but they don't come cheap. I found these from a quick search.

http://products.ncix.com/detail/silverstone-lascala-lc18s-silver-htpc-atx-case-2x5-25-1x3-5-5x3-5int-w-7-touch-screen-no-ps-c4-19558-1374.htm

http://products.ncix.com/detail/luxa2-lm300-pro-atx-mitx-htpc-case-silver-black-1x5-25-2x3-5int-w-hot-key-module-no-psu-f9-40482.htm

Why do you need a LCD case? You are building a HTPC, just use the TV as the display for navigating, that's what I do. Personally I like the SilverStone GD line, I have this case.

For the remote, if you have a Logitech Harmony, buy one of these, this is what I use with my Harmony One and it works fantastic.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-HP-Remote-Control-USB-IR-Receiver-OVU400103-00-/321286652985?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ace2d4439

Otherwise here's one with a remote, but I don't know how well the remote works.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-HP-USB-Microsoft-MCE-Media-Center-IR-Remote-Control-RC6-Kit-Certified-/221270374012?pt=US_Remote_Controls_Pointers&hash=item3384bdf67c