[mythtv-users] DVD carousel or lots of HDD space?

[Brad Templeton]

On Mon, Jan 10, 2005 at 03:52:04PM -0800, Michael Miyabara-McCaskey wrote:
> 
> I'm thinking of setting up a system, that can use a Sony DVP-CX985 - 400
> DVD jukebox ($300), as it's primary method of archiving recorded TV +
> playing existing DVDs... (as I'm trying to avoid buying several terrabytes of HDD
> space - as I have a collection of several hundred DVDs today).

Well, one answer might depend on how good a TV you have, in other words,
what level of mp4 compression do you find acceptable for your movies.

Many people find compressing a movie to 2GB quite satisfactory, some are
highly satisfied with just 1GB!   I think if you have an HDTV you would
not find 1GB very good, but this is for you to judge.  This does not include
special features etc, just the movie.

Anyway, if 2GB is satisfactory, for example, you could fit your 400 disks
on 800gb.  And you could fit your 150 favourite disks, the ones you
actually want to be able to call up on demand, on a single 300gb disk.

I just bought a 300gb disk for $150, and that price will continue to
drop.  Now, I realize your video habits are different from mine, but
I would be amazed if there were 150 dvds you wanted to be able to
call up regularly from anywhere.   If you really have 400gb or more the
jukebox might be the thing for you.   Or if you find mp4 recompressions
insufficient or want all the special features etc.


(Note space is even cheaper in smaller disks but they take more physical
and power.  200gb is the current sweet spot, now showing up in specials
for $75 or so.   For video storage, slower disks are better, 5400 rpm
or even 4500 rpm if you can find it.)