Streaming Media Server

[koollkidd]

Hi. I am currently creating a media server... Reasonably spec'd sever with a few 500GB drives.

I am attempting to get the ability to view multiple sources in different rooms.

I have looked at products like the D-link and Pinnacle Media Streamers and they seem to do what I want with the exception of one feature...

I need the ability to control each of the "viewing stations" from the server itself with suitable commands.

I am a proficient Visual Basic Programmer and am considering writing my own software to control each station but this then presents a whole host of problems to overcome.

Have any of you seem a "set top" like streaming device that can be controlled by something other then IR remotes. (IR control as well would be great though!)

Any suggestions would be great.

Chris.

[Otto-Mate]

Re: Streaming Media Server

I need the ability to control each of the "viewing stations" from the server itself with suitable commands.

Hi Chris - can you explain more what you need to do here and why.

Thanks

M.

[toscal]

Re: Streaming Media Server

I can recommend the pinacle showcenter. I have one and its excellent. Had a few teething problems with setting it up. The original unit had to be returned. But the new one has worked flawlessly. I know you can connect more than one Showcenter to the same server, I think it can cope with a maximum of 6 units on one server.
Why would you want to control the media streamer from the server.

[TimH]

Re: Streaming Media Server

You might want to have a look at Xlobby. I know it does multi-zone audio, not sure about multi-zone video though.

Check it out at www.xlobby.com

Alternatively, a media centre PC and Xbox 360s for the remote rooms?

HTH,

Tim.

[koollkidd]

Re: Streaming Media Server

Hi guys. Thanks for your sugestions.. Right.... more info.

The main reason i want to be able to control each station from the server is so i can integrate it with a touch-screen (one in each room). Using such a screen to choose a movie, the computer can deal with which room asked for the movie and instruct the relevant streaming device to play the movie from the server. I can also integrate this into some shutdown routines i have in HomeSeer, whereby the computer can shut of the streamers when it needs to.

Not an x-box fan so having one in each room is not an option. Will check out xlobby.

Thanks.

Chris.

[TimH]

Re: Streaming Media Server

Chris,

One other I forgot: www.videolan.org

Tim.

[toscal]

Re: Streaming Media Server

Have you had a look at Cinemar's range of products. Their DVDpro and MainLobby might be what you are looking for a customisable front end. I've used MainLobby with HomeSeer and it worked very well.
website is http://www.cinemaronline.com