Setting up a dedicated DVR computer connected to a 24 port 3com switch?

Question

I intend to buy a bunch of networking stuff this thanksgiving sale and I need some advice as to what to get and how to hook it up. I am centralizing a 24port unmanaged 3com switch and hooking up 1 dedicated DVR computer with 4 200GB HDs and a very nice TV capture card, I was also thinking of dumping many of my DVD's and VHS's to the Hard drives. If I do this and have a computer in every room with a HDTV, can I read off of the DVR system and everyone can watch what they want? maybe I will have to copy a movie before watching it due to bandwidth. Also I want tro have a dedicated music PC that serves the whole house, especially the outside deck/pool area and my woodshop. This question might be too big to answer completely, so a few links to how to do all of this would be sufficient.

I am setting up a wired 100 Mb connection with a 3com unmanaged switch(24 port). perhaps I should think about a Gb switch???

Answer 1

If you want all computers in the house to have access to the music, just share the folder that contains all of the music. Then have the PCs play directly over the network.

I don't know about the video. You may have to get some gigabit networking gear. Try it with your current setup first, then, if when everyone is watching the video is choppy, upgrade to the better gear. I would do the videos same as the music, have a file share open for the videos and play them directly from the network.

I do both of these setups just fine over a wireless link to my laptop. But if you are going to have several videos going, you are probably going to want a wired connection.