Using NAS with MC.

311

Hello ,I've been looking at getting a network attached storage device ,for holding everything from Ipod library,photo library, windows media tv recording etc,etc.

The thing is ,I know absolutely nothing about this end of stuff . How easy is it for other hardware like the PS3 to read and write to a device like this ?
I keep thinking I will have problems typing in i.p addresses ,here and there from different points to gain access to the nas.

Should I be looking at other alternatives ,or would something like this be the best way to go. I don't like leaving machines turned on ,but I could stick something like this anywhere out of the way really.

SouperComputer

it really depends on the NAS. For maximum compatibilty, you want somthing that does not require software to be installed to use it. It should be linux based, and use SAMBA for filesharing. That way all OS's can use it.

Not sure on the PS3 though, maybe someone else can chime in.

Media centre will work with it, but recording to it from MCE it not really feasable for a variety of reasons. Of course you could add it to the watched folders list in MCE and write a batch file to copy file from the MCE computer to the NAS if you want to free up space on the MCE computer.

You will mount the NAS as a network drive on all the computers, and map the appropiate apps to the folder that they need access to.

leahcim

If the NAS supports Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and is running a uPnP media server you shouldn't have a problem with streaming your content off the NAS to most devices (including playstation 3).

SouperComputer

leahcim wrote: »

If the NAS supports Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and is running a uPnP media server you shouldn't have a problem with streaming your content off the NAS to most devices (including playstation 3).

If you want it to work with MCE natively then you don't want UPnP. Its a handy feature to have in a NAS, but first and formost he needs to setup a network drive for the applications to map to.

311

Thanks for the replies, I'll go look around for something with the details above.

The playstation isn't really that important to me ,a good storage point with easy access to the windows computers is good enough.
Maybe in time the ps3 can blend with it.

I never thought about writing a batch file ,is it as easy as it use to be .
Maybe edit the autoexec.bat of the capture machine with ,

Copy C:\windows\documents\*.Mce N:\PVR\Video\
Del C:\windows\documents\*.mce

SouperComputer

Well maybe not the autoexec.bat!

But you could write a file that perhaps moved shows older than one week to the NAS and that deletes files that are older than three weeks from the NAS, or something to that effect.

Stick it in scheduled tasks, run it before your defrag and away you go.

Also bear in mind that any old PC will function very well as a fileserver/NAS and offer a lot more flexibilty. Albeit with a bit more power consumption.

311

SouperComputer wrote: »

Also bear in mind that any old PC will function very well as a fileserver/NAS and offer a lot more flexibilty. Albeit with a bit more power consumption.

I'll try this ,I have a machine thats sitting around doing nothing. I thought buying a nas ,would make it easier to use.

Thanks again btw ,
Brian.

SouperComputer

Well you might be right, buying a NAS will probably be easier to use, but you will outgrow it pretty quiclky.

Making fileshare from a windows computer is as easy as right clicking the folder, share tab, and assigning the usernames/privlidges. When mapping other computers to it, dont even bother with workgroups or computer names, map the network drive directly to the IP address of the computer that is accessing it. If its an older computer, you might want to put windows 2000 on it rather than XP. Certainly id go for 2K over XP home for this kind of setup ad you have a lot more scope for customisation in terms of users/groups etc etc.

Then You can just open IE and type \\192.168.1.5 for example and this will list the shares available. You can then click the share and select "map network drive"

Although, I highly reccomend clarkconnect as a very easy to setup, mostly web base linux distro that offers a host of features and great community support. Not mention that it uses very little resources. The community version is what you need.

311

Thanks for that link ,looks interesting . I'm fairly restricted in picking up on networking as I don't work in IT at all. It takes me a lot longer to learn stuff ,

That software does seem worthwhile looking into though ,

Is there any site that can be used as a base ,for layman's terms on networking?

Cheers,
Brian.

SouperComputer

Is there any site that can be used as a base ,for layman's terms on networking?

boards.ie I suppose, there's a networking forum here.

There are some guides and howtos on the Clarkconnect website.

I guess if you google home networking guide or picked up a book that would also explain the basics and get you up and running. The internet is great, but theres still a lot to be said for having a single book to reference.

There are some HTPC books out there as well, no doubt they would explain what you need to know about networking too.

subway

recorded tv space manager will save you having to write batch files
http://www.brettrobichaud.us/Professional/Software.aspx

311

Thanks for the replies ,any paticular network book to look for ?

I might head into borders later and get something .