Using only media extenders to distribute media

[bfisher]

You might consider USB over Cat5 so you can put a local DVD player strategically. I plan to put a hub inside my sofa where I can connect gamepads/DVD player/ Joystck whatever you may need.

I think I've played 1 physical DVD in the last 6 months It is so fast to rip a DVD to the hard disk that by the time the wife is ready to watch, it's already ripped and ready.

I have USB ports by my theater TV for gaming, but they don't get used much. Wireless controllers have taken over The only PC gaming I do is racing simulations... otherwise its Playstation

and to answer the question about gaming through your extenders... no way. There is a noticable delay in the best of circumstances. Won't work for real-time gaming.

 

[robolo]

I have found good results using MythTV for both PVR function as well as the DVD playback issues. Also has capability for games. The problems.... runs on Linux and is a royal pain in the a** to get operational but once settled in it has high WAF.

Doesn't use extenders per se but a true computer (or Xbox can be used) at each TV location. All media distributed via LAN

 

[felixrosbergen]

What good free tools are available for ripping DVD to harddrive for viewing with Sage of PowerDVD at a later time?

 

[IVB]

DVDShrink

 

[bfisher]

Slysoft AnyDVD and DVDClone

 

[ctay]

Slysoft AnyDVD and DVDClone

Are both great but not free.

 

[bfisher]

Correct... but they are constantly improving them which makes them worth the small amount of money I paid I used to use DVDShrink but ran into a few movies that wouldn't rip reliably (I rip mostly my kids DVDs... which always seem very protected). I have yet to find a disc these two couldn't handle.