Take a look at the JRiver product. Download a full feature version with a 30 day trial and buy the product if you like it. The ver 14 software is free and called "Jukebox"
Media Center Release 15 running in 3D mode, combined with Windows 7 and a touch screen monitor $250 and up (depending of features and size) will provide the front end. Using the 3D configuration and your own sound card the server can be as fancy or simple as you want. The built in flexibility is hands down the best and allows you to reference your files to suite yourself.
A little elbow grease will take you a long way for $50 and modest point release upgrade fees.
No you don't need to spend $10,000+ when you may have most of what you need already. If you don't feel the need for touch screen, $50 is all that is needed to jump start your music server. The approach is on your terms your terms with the equipment that you can afford now with unlimited upgrade possibilities for the future.
Media Center Release 15 running in 3D mode, combined with Windows 7 and a touch screen monitor $250 and up (depending of features and size) will provide the front end. Using the 3D configuration and your own sound card the server can be as fancy or simple as you want. The built in flexibility is hands down the best and allows you to reference your files to suite yourself.
A little elbow grease will take you a long way for $50 and modest point release upgrade fees.
No you don't need to spend $10,000+ when you may have most of what you need already. If you don't feel the need for touch screen, $50 is all that is needed to jump start your music server. The approach is on your terms your terms with the equipment that you can afford now with unlimited upgrade possibilities for the future.