I have a large number of CDs that I'd like to rip to a small music server that sits by my receiver. The Pocket Server looks intriguing, but is likely more than I need. I'm considering building an inexpensive server around the Dell Zino HD, (which costs about $300, has a built in DVD drive to rip CDs and DVDs and an HDMI output) and J River Media Center 14. I'd like to connect the PC to my Onkyo receiver using HDMI, and for video to be put through to my TV by the Onkyo's internal HDMI switching.
I'd be very appreciative if someone would give me guidance on the following questions:
1. Has anyone had any experience with such a set up? Are there any fundamental limitations? My TV is a 720p Pioneer plasma, so 1080i/p performance is not an issue.
2. If I connect the PC to my receiver via HDMI, is the analog output (and hence the sound card) now irrelevant? Can Media Center 14 send music, pictures and movies to my receiver via HDMI?
3. Can I use the as a DVD player as well?
4. If I use the Zino as a PC, will I be able to use my TV as a monitor without any auxiliary connections?
Thank you in advance
Thomas Philips
