Home Terminal computers?

[haha49]

Ok I want to build several media centers built into the wall for the tvs in my house so I just want to hook them up and go and instead of adding hardrives and all that I was wondering what would I need to setup a terminal setup so I can have 1 computer do all the work doesnt need to be fast just enough to run hd movies through another computer and display it.. Im tired of all the big clunky media centers I have lieing around I want small pcs that can act as a termial so I can stream the media from them instead of installing an os on them.. want usb hardrives to cut down on the size..

[x88x]

So, what you're wanting to do is have a central computer processes all video streams, then sends out streams to client systems?

The only thing that I know of that'll let you do that is StreamMyGame (http://www.streammygame.com/smg/index.php), though I've never had any luck getting it to work.

If, however, you do the video processing at each client, it's a lot easier. If you use CUDA-enabled codecs, this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500027&cm_re=ion-_-13-500-027-_-Product) can push 1080p content just fine, and it's nice and small and quite.

[OvRiDe]

Instead of going the terminal route, sounds like you might be more looking along the lines of a dedicated media player.

You should check out this review for the Mvix Ultio 1080HD Digital Media Player.
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20317

There are several other products that are along these lines.

One that I have been watching for a while is the WD TV HD.
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?driveid=572
Nice and small, and I have seen it priced around 100 bucks.

They just released the WD TV Live which adds a ethernet port is available at Best Buy for 119 bucks.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9539591&type=product&id=1218121172453

Hope this helps.

[OvRiDe]

If you want to do the DIY route, another good option may be something like Linux MCE.

http://www.linuxmce.org/

I know it will alow you to setup a central server, and then pxe (network) boot diskless machines they refer to as Media Directors. Its a really slick setup where you can move from room to room and have your media follow you with the proper setup.

Here is a link to a long video demonstrating the initial release of LinuxMCE.
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1504581/linuxmce_0704_demo_video/

There are also a bunch of videos on Youtube if you search LinuxMCE.
I thought this one was a particularly cool feature.
5ufVBOf1ir8

[Luke122]

OvRiDe beat me to it, I was going to suggest LinuxMCE as well. I've played with it a bit, and will be using it when I finally get around to finishing my home integration system. (Might be a while since money is so tight!)