I need some advice on an HTPC build. I would like to build something from scratch, but I have never done it. You may see that a prebuilt system is easier or more economical based on what I want to do (prioritized):
1. Internet streaming (Boxee, Hulu, etc.)
2. Play movies from a connected hard drive (USB, preferably Firewire though)
3. Stream media from other network computers
-There is a macbook pro and a windows 7 machine on the network as well as an iPhone and iPod
-iTunes is the hub for most music
-There is also a lot of music in FLAC and other lossless formats that I would like to stream
4. Light internet browsing
5. Photo storage and viewing
I don't have a need for an optical drive. I have a high end Bluray player and higher end receiver and I want to avoid duplication of functionality. Wired ethernet is available, but I would also like wireless capability. HDMI video output is a must. Audio isn't as important, because I don't think hulu has anything but stereo sound.
What do you think? I have been looking at Dell Zino's for simplicity's sake. Thanks
1. Internet streaming (Boxee, Hulu, etc.)
2. Play movies from a connected hard drive (USB, preferably Firewire though)
3. Stream media from other network computers
-There is a macbook pro and a windows 7 machine on the network as well as an iPhone and iPod
-iTunes is the hub for most music
-There is also a lot of music in FLAC and other lossless formats that I would like to stream
4. Light internet browsing
5. Photo storage and viewing
I don't have a need for an optical drive. I have a high end Bluray player and higher end receiver and I want to avoid duplication of functionality. Wired ethernet is available, but I would also like wireless capability. HDMI video output is a must. Audio isn't as important, because I don't think hulu has anything but stereo sound.
What do you think? I have been looking at Dell Zino's for simplicity's sake. Thanks