Tools and other software Access media files on a linux server for playback on MP (1 Viewer)

[antimatter]

Hi all,
for some time now I've been thinking about some aspects regarding my future HTPC system. So far, I prefer to setup the following components:
- linux-based server (central data storage for media, documents, etc)
- windows-based HTPC with MediaPortal (and tv tuner card) connected to a TV
Server and HTPC will probably communicate wirelessly.

The question I couldn't answer so far is: how do I access the media files - especially video files - on the server from the HTPC? Direct access to the servers filesystem via shared folders? Or would streaming be a better solution? What software would be needed on the server in order to offer all the movies (and tv series) as a stream for a client such as MP ?

I already have a small library of movie files, mostly MP4 and MKV containers. Sources are DVD and Bluray discs I own. These files contain H.264 video and ACC audio (5.1). Some have Subtitles in IDX/SUB and PGS format as well as chapter information. So, multichannel, the mentioned subtitle formats and the chapter information must be streamed properly. For the moment, I use my PC as a home cinema (sort of) with the movie files on an external USB hard drive. So, the shared folders method should definitely work (but could be a bad method).

What would be your (much appreciated) advice?

Best regards,
antimatter

 

[mattjcurry]

If you use FreeNAS or something similar, you can access the files as a windows share, use NFS if you have Win 7 Ultimate, or mount an iSCSI LUN.

I think that most people use Windows Shares.