How to Build a Multimedia Server From an Old System

Don't throw away your old computer! With a couple adapters and a wireless network, you can build a Multimedia Server from your old system. Even a dinosaur of a PC will work, it just takes a little bit of ingenuity and these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• TV
• Old PC

1. Clear off the system. The only software you'll need on your computer is a multimedia player and some multimedia files, so wipe out anything unnecessary from the computer.
2. Find a good multimedia player. You'll want something that can run smoothly in full-screen and, ideally, something that can access files on a local area network. ITunes is an excellent choice, especially for the latter task, but you might also want to try MusicMatch or Windows Media Player.
3. Build your library. Download or rip your music, video and picture files onto your new machine. If you have other machines on the network, you can also access those files once you get connected.
4. Position your machine. This is essential. You'll want the computer to be able to reach your entertainment center in the living room, but also close enough so it gets good signal from the wireless network or can be reached by a wired ethernet cable. You'll also want it somewhere out of the way but also accessible, so you can reach the keyboard and mouse.
5. Connect your machine to your TV and stereo. Few PCs have video outputs, but if they do it will be S-video, so pick up a cable to connect it to your mixer or the back of your TV. For audio, simply run an audio cable from the headphones or speakers output to your mixer or stereo.
6. Adapt to a media center. If your PC doesn't have any audio or video hookups that will work, invest in some multimedia hardware, such as the ATI All-in-Wonder or an Audigy from Creative. If you aren't sure, take a look at your mixer or TV and write down the types of audio and video inputs it has and ask someone at the electronics store to help you.
7. Set up your TV as your primary display. Make sure your S-Video cable is connected. In Windows, click Start | Settings | Control Panel | Display. Click the "Display" tab to open up your output options. This menu will be a bit different depending on your hardware, but generally you will make the TV primary and the monitor secondary. Click "Apply."
8. Enjoy your media! Use your new multimedia server to enjoy digital media on your TV screen.

Tips & Warnings

• To share your files on iTunes, enter preferences by pressing "Ctrl." Click the sharing tab and click "Look for shared libraries" and "Share my library on my local network." Do this for all the machines on your local network and you will be able to access their files from any machine.
• A wireless keyboard and mouse can make controlling your multimedia server much easier.
• Most TVs can't handle resolutions higher than 800x600, so make sure your system is set up for 800x600.

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