Mac Pro as Media Server viable?

U

upallhours

Limp Gawd
Joined
Nov 3, 2010
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So i just recently built my first PC mainly for gaming. I was using a Mac Pro with dual Xeon 2.66 processors. Since i have a new gaming rig, i was planning on turning my Mac Pro into a media server to store all my media. I want it to be accessible with both my gaming rig, and my ps3.

However today when i hooked my mac pro and pc up to the network, i wasn't able to find the server on my pc. (I had some trouble getting my ps3 to find my mac before, but i got media link to connect the two) After some looking around on the web, i found a few guides to connecting the two, but i still could not achieve file sharing.

These problems were making me wonder, is there a possibility of achieving stability for file sharing between all three while using OSX? Should i use boot camp with windows (would like to avoid buying another copy of windows)? Or i guess the final option would be to build a storage pc and sell my Mac Pro.

Any tips or advise is appreciated.
 
Sell the mac pro, build a custom file sharing pc, pocket the extra $$$$
 
You can certainly share files between everything. But the mac pro is overkill as a media server. Personally i'm just using an old PC to stream bluray rips to my HTPC. Works great.
 
I'd recommend to sell the Mac Pro get something less powerful for much cheaper. Even a Mac Mini would do. Also, the SMB protocol is your friend.
 
Your profile says your in Nor Cal, if your in the Bay, I got Power Mac G5 for you for $50. Fans always spin at 100% so its loud but that might not matter too you if its sitting in the basement.
 
I'd cash in the mac pro and get a mac mini and a drobo. I have had leaps and bounds of great experiences with a uPNP program called 'Playback', the windows equivalent (tversity) did not work reliably and I ran into a number of problems with it.
 
bootcamp with a linux disto and do samba shares.......if you dont sell that is
 
Thanks for all the suggestions, I've looked at the drobo's and I think its exactly what I need. Morazl u recommended I get a mac mini as well, is that just to manage the upnp for ps3 and other media devices?
 
Yeah, it's just for running the uPNP software. I have yet to find a comparable one on Linux/Windows that is as simple to setup and is rock solid as Playback. I recommended the Mini because it's the cheapest apple offering and Playback doesn't transcode so it doesn't need to process anything, just a solid network connection. If you're looking to save some more money, a 2009-2010 Mac Mini will also do exactly what you need as well, and could be had for cheaper if you can find them used.
 
For DLNA streaming (uPnP) there are plenty of good server apps on all platforms. (windows, linux, osx)
 
Grentz said:
For DLNA streaming (uPnP) there are plenty of good server apps on all platforms. (windows, linux, osx)
Click to expand...

Ok, why don't you go into greater detail about each one? Your post doesn't really contribute other than saying it's out there :)

I've used Tversity on Windows, it crashes pretty often when I tried using it, and has trouble updating it's index of the library when you add new files.

I've used Mediatomb on FreeBSD, if you no nothing about installing/setting up this kind of thing in a Unix OS, then steer clear of this. I had a friend set it up for me, but there was lack of support for certain formats (I can't remember all the specifics, but google could probably show you)

I've used Playback on OSX, works perfectly.
I've used Rivet on OSX, works, but not nearly as reliable as Playback in my experience.
 
I decided im going to try and sell my Mac Pro, so if anyone is interested, pm me. I cant make a thread yet because i have a low post count... (reader, not poster)
 
Morazl said:
Ok, why don't you go into greater detail about each one? Your post doesn't really contribute other than saying it's out there :)

I've used Tversity on Windows, it crashes pretty often when I tried using it, and has trouble updating it's index of the library when you add new files.

I've used Mediatomb on FreeBSD, if you no nothing about installing/setting up this kind of thing in a Unix OS, then steer clear of this. I had a friend set it up for me, but there was lack of support for certain formats (I can't remember all the specifics, but google could probably show you)

I've used Playback on OSX, works perfectly.
I've used Rivet on OSX, works, but not nearly as reliable as Playback in my experience.
Click to expand...

Never had any issues with Tversity or TwonkyMedia. They pretty much just sit there, listen for connections, and transcode on the fly. I have switched to trying to have players that natively support my formats though, I like that concept much better as you don't lose quality like with transcoding (which IMO is the biggest issue with the whole DLNA concept that in most cases involves transcoding). I have heard good things about SimpleCenter and MediaTomb too.
 
What are the specs of your Mac Pro? I have a Mac Mini 2.0ghz 500gb 7200rpm HD and have been looking to move to a Mac Pro.. Might be willing to work a trade.
 
Tums ill pm you when I'm off work. Going to try craigslist first though, not looking forward to shipping it.
 
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