What do you use your Media Server for?

[Tech198]

Hi al..

I have my own Media Server(Mac Mini) set up, but i'm wanting a bit of encouragement or rather seeing what other people use it for when they already have streaming services like iTunes & Netflix...

The idea, I'm looking at is "Well, it its all on iTunes/Netflix anyway, why have a mini server."

Then I thought of, "Well, when it gets pulled" that's probably a good enough reason, but apart from that, it's probably the ONLY reason, apart from the fact its not there in the first place.

So, what does everyone who has Netflix/itunes use their Media server for ? and why do you choose it over streaming services which has the same content ?

 

[MacsRgr8]

I have a Mac mini (server) as a iTunes & Plex media server (amongst other things like a FileServer, NetInstall)

I like to import my CD's using the Apple Lossless Decoder on iTunes and stream the max. quality that's still convenient.

I like having the data "in house" (I also have iTunes Match if I'm not in..)

 

[Gav2k]

Mac mini - drobo - plex

iTunes March for everything else

 

[chown33]

I use mine as a night-light and a drink warmer, in addition to serving media.

 

[velocityg4]

I've got it loaded up with my DVD and BluRay library ripped at high quality. With the Bluray's ripped I can get much higher quality video than iTunes, Netflix, &c offer. Heck even though the DVDs are lower resolution I still get better audio and less artifacts.

Also opposed to iTunes. I can get movies for much less this way. Since I can look for deals and used discs. While with iTunes I'm stuck with Apple's price.

I should note for pricing most of my library is 80's movies and earlier. Some 90's and very little after 2000. At least half is from the 1930's and 40's.