Geek Dillema

I’m looking to set up a media server.

Music-movie-ripping-streaming goodness. Currently I have TVersity on my XP box streaming to my 360. Free is good! But the quality is constantly varying (I expect that from different sources, of course). Podcasts and flash-based webisodes have yet to work as well.

Now Im looking for something more dedicated. More.. flexible? Robust? fun?

My first thought was a NAS server with Twonky installed on it. But that would cost money. I dont have money.

My next idea was to reformat my XP box (I have another XP box waiting for gaming abuse), dump a bunch of spare HDs in it and make an all-purpose Linux server out of it. (Twonky makes a Linux version, too). Heck, I can also make it a firewall and maybe even setup mail/webservers.

Lastly.. I have the most-of the-time-in-box G4 Mac Mini, which I can probably hook up a  extrenal Firewire enclosure, hook it up directly to the TV and be done with it. (Twonky again, maybe Rivet or Connect360) . I can always use more Mac Experience, plus playing in garageband or ProTools is always appealing.

Maybe I’ll just do all of them.. for fun.

What say you fellow geeksters and tinkerers? Is there an option Im missing?