Network storage ideas

[hexjunkie]

So since this is a virgin post, figured I'd like to put out an ideas thread.

I currently own about 3,000 DVDs and to change my movies is kind of annoying. So I have decided to host these movies onto a network attached storage device. Let me list off what I have and lets seen what people come up with in order to access these movies.

I currently have a PS3 and an xbox 360 for media players onto different sources. I also have an extra computer (linux box) laying around.

for network hardware I have:
24 port unmanaged switch
Router that connects to a cable connection set at 16Mbps internet connection speed

What i need:

First of all I need to come up with a fast compression algorithm to store all the media and still be accessible. (needs to be fast because I don't want to spend the rest of my life trying to copy dvds to a network share)
right now I'm using Xillosoft's DVD to WMV file converter (takes about 4-8 hours per dvd)

Storage media (how much storage will i need)
I'm thinking a network attached storage device with around (4) 1TB hard drives set up in a Raid 5 (about 3TB of storage) or do you guys think I'll need more?

A way to play the digital media across the internet to say a work computer or a friends home to watch a movie or clip from a movie that we are talking about.

Lastly I need this all to be secure (who wants to be blamed by the MPAA, or whoever, for sharing movies when all you wanted to do was be able to watch your collection anywhere.)

This is just an exercise but hay if anyone has any good ideas I'll set up a tutorial on how I did it and how long it took me.

[Franky]

I usually rip my DVDs with Handbrake, which is a fast and good quality compressor with many configuration options.

To share your movies online, you'll have to set up a VPN on your box. Easiest to do so seems to use software like Hamachi. Only the people you share login to the VPN with will have access to your machine/files. If you use XP Pro or Vista Enterprise/Business/Ultimate you can set it up in the OS too.

[hexjunkie]

Will windows media center allow streaming to xbox360 with an MPG4?

It looks like media player will allow it to host and play on a PS3.. has anyone tested this format for both of them?

[Franky]

I sadly have no XBox360 so can not help you with this.

For PS3 it is important to keep the media file names short though.

[hexjunkie]

oh so is that what is creating the unsupported file error?

it all becomes clear now

[Franky]

oh so is that what is creating the unsupported file error?

it all becomes clear now

Have you activated the additional codecs in the settings screen?

[hexjunkie]

see.. ps3 noob

I am going to work on that as soon as i get home now.. i just got the PS3 like 2 weeks ago so 90% of the settings are stock..