IF, however, I had a spare computer with fast networking, then I would instead plug the 2TB drive into the computer, share it so that other computers could access the files, and install the Plex Media Server on the computer.

I think I'm leaning toward that. I have Plex installed on this computer, but it's got some quirks that I don't love. I also just downloaded XBMC to look at, because (if I understand this correctly), I could use an app on my phone or iPad to control it. It's like living in the future.

So to clarify, my suggestion:

Pick a computer (an always-on desktop will be best) to be your server. Attach a large drive and put all media on it. Install Plex Media Server on that computer.

For playback, install Plex Media client on any computers that want to stream from the server. For playback on the TV, buy a $50 Roku streaming stick or $100 Roku 3 and install the Plex channel on it. It will come with Netflix installed, so you should be all set.

Oops! Sorry.

I prefer XBMC to Plex for playing media back on one computer. Plex's strength is in serving content to lots of other computers. And, most importantly for my suggestion the Roku. Or the Chromecast, for that matter, if you want to save $15 and like controlling it from your phone.

Cool, thanks for the advice.

Edit: Also, I could seldom get the Plex client to play on my machine. It would inexplicably freeze. But I might try it again when I start over.

Dana, I'm not particularly tech-savvy, but I have the following set-up that works well for me.

First of all, I bought a mini-PC that basically functions as the media center. I have Zotac ZBox but I imagine there are a number of probably cheaper options. I have this connected to my router. My router also has connections to my TiVo and my desktop computer via an eternet cable.

The mini-PC output then goes to my receiver via one of its HDMI ports. The receiver is also connected to my Blu Ray player and my TiVo and output from it goes to my HDTV. Provided that your TV has enough HDMI ports, you don't really need the receiver, but the stereo sound you get from the receiver is nice. Through my Receiver remote, I control which screen I get on my TV screen -- TiVo, Blu-Ray player, or the mini-PC. When I go to the PC option, it basically gives me a desktop screen and allows me access to all the media from any of the computers in the house connected to the router via the Home Network. All my media lives on my desktop and I can stream it directly to my TV this way. Although nowadays, I'm too lazy to do this so end up watching a lot of media on my android tablet (they have some sweet applications that let me stream everything from my desktop, easy as pie.)

There are probably simpler ways of doing this though. The back of my media center looks like the aftermath of Tentacle Monsters Apocalypse and it's not pretty.

Unfortunately, our router lives upstairs in a weird-ass closet. The house is supposedly "smart" and many things can theoretically be controlled from this closet, but mostly it's a pain in the ass.

Anyone use feedly? Their service has been out for me all morning.

It's down for me too.

Me to!

It's a DDoS. [link]