Hi, guys.
I've been considering buying a Vortexbox for use as a Linux-based audio streamer for streaming flac files to my Squeezeboxes (http://www.vortexbox.org). I'm thinking of adding some kind of HTPC sometime in the future, but now I'm wondering whether I should jump to that now and use it to stream audio as well. I know that some of you guys have been building HTPCs for years, so I'm hoping you can give me some sound advice.
First, am I right in thinking that I can use this seemingly complex piece of equipment just like a networked PC for streaming flac files to a Squeezebox? I guess this question will alert you to my level of knowledge!
Assuming that this is correct, here's what I would want to do:
Does all this sound feasible? If it does, my next round of questions will be aimed at getting you to help specify the system for me, but I need to be confident that I'm not biting off more than I can chew first. Thanks for your wisdom,
Martyn
Oh, and the budget has to be reasonable too!
I've been considering buying a Vortexbox for use as a Linux-based audio streamer for streaming flac files to my Squeezeboxes (http://www.vortexbox.org). I'm thinking of adding some kind of HTPC sometime in the future, but now I'm wondering whether I should jump to that now and use it to stream audio as well. I know that some of you guys have been building HTPCs for years, so I'm hoping you can give me some sound advice.
First, am I right in thinking that I can use this seemingly complex piece of equipment just like a networked PC for streaming flac files to a Squeezebox? I guess this question will alert you to my level of knowledge!
Assuming that this is correct, here's what I would want to do:
- I don't have cable or satellite TV, so I don't need (I think) a tuner or a DVR function.
- I do want to be able to stream movies from DVD, and movies and home videos from a hard drive, and to rip and stream audio files.
- I would like to be able to stream Netflix movies (I have yet to try this service).
- I would like to browse the web and watch Youtube clips on my 50" TV.
- Look at digital photographs and run slide shows, either from the HTPC or via Photoshop on my primary PC.
- Escape from the clutches of Microsoft and its eternal efforts to get me to keep paying for replacement operating systems and other software, i.e. use Linux (of which I have no experience).
- Have a pleasing user interface that my wife can use without feeling intimidated.
- Be able to build, configure, and maintain a reliable device without the need for heroic efforts or expert knowledge.
- The whole thing should be quiet and low power (and be left on 24 hours a day).
- It should be visually attractive. I suppose the hard drive(s) could live in the basement if that would help.
Does all this sound feasible? If it does, my next round of questions will be aimed at getting you to help specify the system for me, but I need to be confident that I'm not biting off more than I can chew first. Thanks for your wisdom,
Martyn
Oh, and the budget has to be reasonable too!
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