You may instead want to look into a different DLNA server like PLEX, twonky, or firefly media servers to handle that lifting in place of WMP file sharing capabilities.īut as far as your HTPC's storage layer, that will ultimately be the function of your drive controller. Windows will do that to an extent, but may be limited when dealing with other non-windows devices like the PS3 or mobile OS's. In your situation, it appears you're ultimately just trying to make sure you're getting the most of out your htpc and its contents. A typical NAS box handles this behind the scenes and presents any attached device on the network a file share for the device to utilize. Note- I have looked at open source NAS software but I would like to preserve the Windows Media Center functionality in Windows 7, so other NAS software is not an option for me currently.Ī stand alone NAS provides additional functionality in regards to data protection and fail over redundancy using some form of RAID.

Apple AirPort Extreme base station router (most recent revision).I know that I can buy external hard disk cases that can plug in the USB port of my router, that I can get a Drobo or other network storage solution, but I would really just rather not spend the money (especially considering that I already have a computer that I should be able to use). I have used SubSonic to stream music to my Android phone and other computers before, but I would really like to find a way to do this natively if possible. My primary uses would include accessing content on my PS3 (same LAN), accessing content from other computers on my home network and (if I can) accessing content from my Android phone over the internet. I searched and didn't find any answers, so please forgive me if this is a repeat.Īnyway, I have an older computer that I'm using as an HTPC, and I was hoping that I could use it as a NAS/multimedia server, as well.

Best nas for home use 2013