Media Server Build

[encino]

Having lurked on this forum and others for quite a while, and not having exactly found the answers I need, I thought I'd throw my head into the fire and ask for some advice.

Here is what I want to achieve :
Central media server in cupboard to serve all rooms running WHS or W7
At moment will be buying 3 dlna tvs, bit in future may use htpcs to control content
Server will hold ripped DVDs, mp3s, and record and store tv(fta and cable)
Also will serve as a printer server and connect to a router with voip capabilities (plan on naked dsl)
My brother works in IT and suggests rack mount as much as possible, but I'm guessing this will be more expensive and perhaps overkill. Am open to suggestions though.
So I'm going to need to buy a fair bit of stuff for the beast, including but not limited to :
Case
Gigabit switch
Patch panel
Voip router
Hdds
Mobo
2-4 tv cards

Etc

Any recommendation on suitable parts for the above greatly appreciated. Also any rack mounted suggestions welcome. Cheers

 

[RazMan]

I'm not sure how much help this will be but I have built a similar, if more modest system which comprises:

Media Server / Desktop - HP XW6400 Workstation (see my system spec)
Shuttle PC
Netbook
Netgear ReadyNAS Duo (only 1Tb but easily expandable)
Netgear Digital Entertainer HD EVA8000
Sony 52" Plasma HD
Netgear DGN2000 Router/modem
Wireless Canon Multifunction printer (networked)

Presently I keep all media files on the ReadyNAS and use WMP12 or WMC to view on the PCs. The EVA streams all the HD movies to the TV and also uses its own os to view photos etc. I initially tried the EVA on a wireless connection but soon realised I needed a CAT5 cable to avoid too much buffering.

One of the advantages of the ReadyNAS is that you don't need to have the server running as it sits on the network independently - I have all of my work files on there too (I'm a graphic designer so they're usually quite large)

 

[acurasd]

My Setup

My Server:
Hp Pavilion p6140f

My Printers: both networked
HP Officejet 6500
- Faxes, color printing, scanning
Brother HL-2170w
- Laserjet for black print only (everyday printing)

My Router:
DGL-4300

Switches:
10/100/1000 Linksys Switches x2

External Hard Drives:
1 T (Media)
320 (Computer Backup)

I have everything Shared when it comes to my music and videos.
I use iTunes for my media sharing.
Then I have direct media directory sharing for my videos.

I also have IIS enabled on there too so I can access my media directory from anywhere in the world.

I also have vonage connected too.

The photo with the TV:
That is what I have in my room. I have everything to control the server.
Everything is Hardwired as well Except my mini laptop.

 

[encino]

Thanks so much guys. Looks like you've both done great jobs, shows there is more than one way to skin a cat