PS3 is the Best Media Extender HTPC
After all the testing that I have done I have to admit that the best HTPC for me to use is the PS3. I have tried dozens of configurations for Vista Media Center and cannot seem to get it to all work at one time. The main issue is the ability to transcode the .mkv and m2ts files that I have my HD movies ripped into.
The savior for the PS3, PS3 Media Sever. This app rocks the universe. It is literally plug and play. It plays all the movies I have on my media file server with no complaining. It transcodes 1080p HD movies in full surround sound without a jitter. All you do is install the application and start it up. IT automatically finds the PS3 that is connected to your network. You then tell it where your files are kept (k:\Movie Library) and boom! All the movies are listed in the menu and you can play them as if they were stored on the PS3 HDD.
I think my quest is over for the perfect media server. Finally and thankfully. Now I have to find a new MP3 player. I have about2000 hours on the one I am using and it won’t stay alive much longer. itouch perhaps???