Home Media Centre: What you need to know

Rather than talk about the different ways you can set up a media centre suitable for home use I thought I would just tell you how I have achieved it.

I implemented this around 1 year ago and it works flawlessly. If you require something that is simple to use and energy efficient then you are going to have to part with a bit of cash. 

The alternative is whack a media centre OS on your old PC/Laptop and install a decent graphics and sound card.

So my set up consists of:

• Synology DS210j NAS - storage
• Sony PlayStation 3 - transcoder
• Router (standard SKY) - connects storage & transcoder
• Panasonic Viera HD TV - display
• Cambridge-Audio Amplifier - sound

This is what it could look like (as a diagram)

A typical set up

Compatible

Ok so pretty simple, this network connects all of your devices - all the content is on the NAS can be shared and streamed amongst multiple devices. Depending on the brand of your NAS they might have iOS apps that make streaming music and photos easy.

PlayStation 3

This set up streams Blu-ray quality video files no problem. If you are streaming 6+GB MKV files then don't expect fast forwarding at 120x to work particularly well.

There is a caveat to this, your video files must be in encoded into a PS3 supported file format. It does recognise quite a few, but you may find yourself reverting to your PC and handbrake.

I keep hoping that Sony bring out a firmware update to rectify this, transcoding any video file with its 8 Core processor should be easy work.

Web Server

So the NAS has lots of functions, it is a very capable Linux web server - this allows you to work on your site from multiple computers.

Back up

DS210j

Its primary function is to act as the first in-line back up device for your connected computers. It does ship with Synology's own sync software, if you don't like it Microsoft do one along with loads more third-party applications.

My computer is backed up automatically each time I boot into windows over wireless (802.11g). Again works very well, don't notice it.

Sony NEX-5 Camera: Right choice for you?

Sony NEX-5

The NEX-5 is Sonys first attempt of creating a quality DSLR camera that is both compact yet offers versatility by supporting interchangeable lenses.


Try not to be fooled by what you might read about the quality of this camera. It is by no means inferior to similar priced 'full-sized' DSLR cameras, they all share very similar technical specifications and features.

Digital Viewfinder Only

Viewfinder
This is how Sony has managed to get this camera so compact, it is the difference between optical and digital viewfinders that allows manufacturers to significantly reduce the body size. 
Sony has managed this by losing the "mirrored/optical viewfinder" that allows you to see exactly what the lens is seeing before it is digital processed.
The NEX-5's viewfinder however is entirely digital and yes I would say this is a disadvantage. Personally I much prefer an optical viewfinder but unfortunately you cannot have advantages of both (just yet).


After conducting extensive research, reading copious blogs, comparing specifications and image quality I went with the NEX-5. Size is important to me, carrying around a large bag and having a heavy camera swinging around my neck is a bit of a burden to me. This camera is less obtrusive, this could allow you to take more time to get the shot you want. Even taking a photo one-handed is no problem due to its lightweight magnesium shell.


My partner really enjoys snapping away on the NEX, thanks to its light, versatile and simple ergonomics - there is no need to teach her how to hold it!
The camera supports a good user interface, easy to use functions but only accessible through the soft-keys menu system. The iAuto mode can give surprising results, automating each and every setting on the fly. I think the camera would benefit from some sort of scroll wheel on the body of the camera to flick between the many scene modes, just as other manufacturers have.


The Models
We have the NEX-5 (around £400) and the NEX-5N (around £650). 
The N version is much improved but it certainly doesn't warrant the £250 price tag, buy yourself a few extra lenses instead, Sony have just released a few more E-Mount lenses to its arsenal, there are 14 AF (auto-focus) compatible lenses to choose from at the moment.

Bags

KATA Grip-10 DL

You need a bag that is a as close as possible to your camera and equipment. You want it to fit snug, well padded and good quality shower proof bag to offer your hardware the best possible protection. My advice, don't jump in and take exactly what your retailer offers. Put some time into it and test it with your requirements in mind. 
I bought a KATA Grip-10 DL - fits perfect and costing £20 is an absolute bargain when you have to double the price for a Sony branded case..