Quote:
Originally Posted by cherno
1. If I set up a media server on my PC can it play my itunes content, video and audio.
2. Does it have any problems with the Protected AAC files?
3. Is WMP11 a good enough server or should I look for other software? What are the advantages to alternate software packages.
4. Anything I am noting knowing enough to ask right now?
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I am probably the best person to ask about this since I've dabbled in it a ton.
First of all, WMA/WMV from my testing are the best formats to use for streaming. They are actually designed to stream over networks from the get-go and can be encoded to be optimized for this delivery method. Windows Media Player 11, or even better the new Zune software are both by far the best media servers out there in terms of output quality and streaming capabilities. However, in your case you are using the PS3 so this probably isn't your best bet, these are a better match for XBOX 360... Mainly because some of the more neutral codecs like AVC are not streamed as robustly via these tools as WMA/WMV are.
Streaming iTunes can be a problem for protected AAC files, you need to buy a DRM license from Apple and most companies do not want to do that - I am not sure where the PS3 stands on this issue, but I know the 360 can read AAC but not protected AAC. You can stream iTunes, but it is a much more difficult affair and Apple basically wants you to buy their proprietary wireless bridge hardware in order to do so. It is possible, but it takes a lot more setup work to be compatible with all platforms.
As a result of all this and being that you have PS3, my recommendation would be buying
Nero 8 Ultra Edition for your media server. It has a lot of "format neutral" tools including a media server, DVD -> AVC converter, music streaming, etc. It's not as polished nor as efficient as the Microsoft media tools, but it may offer more flexibility for formats based on the console you plan to use as the client. Plus you'll get the best burning software with ability to burn BD discs if you ever get a BD burner in the future.
http://www.nero.com/enu/nero8-features.html