I use my Windows 10-based value HTPC as a media server to record, store, and stream all media files with Argus TV, MCEBuddy and Plex software. It is also a much more affordable solution than buying a powerful commercial NAS server as a media server. If you plan on using back-end applications like Plex Media Server to store and transcode your media on the fly, then I would recommend that you build a media server yourself as it is going to be the most cost effective approach.ĭIY media server will do all the heavy lifting such as recording live TV, scraping metadata, and transcoding video files and online video streams. The front-end does not need to have any storage for media files, TV tuners, or DVD/Blu-ray drive. Your main front-end should be a super silent Home Theater PC (HTPC). WD Red hard drives to store your media files.

Synology DiskStation DS216j or DS416j as a NAS storage.

Custom-built HTPC or NVIDIA Shield TV as a streaming media player.

Here is a summary of recommended products needed:

It is useful to think of your home theater as a modular setup with a separate front-end and back-end.

Setting up a home media server