Help me build the best home entertainmeny system I can

[adyork]

I am new to the world of Apple, and as such I have several basic questions for the best way to bring together all of the electronics in my home. This is what I have to work with so far: Macbook Air Rev A base model, XBOX360, 32"HDTV which supports 1080i. I am also consdering purchasing a Time Capsule. I am aware that there is a way to perform remote file sharing tasks via the time capsule.
My real objectives here are to be able to play music and watch movies from my tv, without having to store the media on MBA. I think that using the wifi adapter on the 360, i should be able to do this. Any input anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated. I am also open to suggestions, for other ways to achieve these goals. I hope that this is the right forum for these questions. If not, I apologize. Please point me in the right direction.

Thanks for your time, and sorry about the long post.

 

[evildarklordude]

I think you might want to give more information as to your preferences (mostly budget, content, quality) for people on the forum to give you some more guidance. I'm at work but will be more than willing to talk later (I'm a bit of a HTPC geek )... PM or email me...

a z f a r a d i l 1 @ m a c . c o m

 

[adyork]

In light of the most recent post, I am going to give a few more details as to my preferences in a home entertainment system.

As far as budget is concerned, well lets just try to keep it within reason here. I am a poor law school student, with 100k in debt. Shall we say no more than $1500? As far as content and quality go, well I would eventually like to purchase a full 1080p tv, but no go as of right now. Basically I have no place to put it. I would, however, like to be able to play ripped movies/music through my xbox, or some other type of media unit, whether it be a mac mini, or apple tv, etc, etc. Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

[Mr Kram]

do a search. there is software you can buy for $20 that will allow you to stream to your 360. i don't know how this would function with a remote, wireless hard drive.

if you have $1500, just get an ATV or a mini. 1080p is overkill unless you have a huge tv or watch bluray exclusively.

 

[spice weasel]

Get a decent receiver and set of speakers, and an Apple TV.

A 7.1 Onkyo receiver, for example, can be had for $300. 5.1 can be had for less if you don't think you'll be getting a Blu-Ray player in the near future, or if you don't care even if you do.

Speakers bring out the audiophiles. One the one hand, it makes a lot of sense to buy the absolute best speakers you can, since ostensibly they are the pieces that you will keep the longest. On the other hand, for non-discriminating viewers/listeners who have small rooms and are strapped for cash, inexpensive speakers are fine. Get your front stereo and center channel speakers first. Then get your rear surrounds and your subwoofer. Or shop around for a good deal on a receiver and 5.1 speaker combo package.

 

[adyork]

Input is greatly appreciated guys. While I am still doing research on the subject, I think I am likely to go with a soundbar for the audio system, as I dont focus too hard on sound quality, and to me just having the illusion of surround sound is good enough. Plus I really like simplicity in my electronic set ups, and the less wires the better.

That being said, I am going to continue to search, and will post any future advancements here for input/advice. Thanks again.