[direwolf-pgh]

a lot of different ways to slice it..

A few thoughts from my config:
for the main media server: $450 Asus wrkstn (dual core/ 6GB RAM / HDMI video out / HD Audio (via hdmi or optical)) + standard Media Center remote.

For gapless audio playback: Winamp and/or Foobar2000
-not much to config.. point the software to the audio folders and press play.

Windows Media Center will playback your flac collection - but its not gapless audio (its fine on shuffle)

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For HD video playback: VLC and/or Windows Media Center

With VLC you can easily queue folders if video is in multiple VIDEO_TS folders (read: shows traded here).
VLC will also mount .iso rips with full menu and chapter support.

Windows Media Center kinda sucks in standard config, but..
when using this tweak Windows Media Center can now mount and play any .iso rip.
also, Windows Media Center is very easy to navigate with a remote from the sofa.
read this How To: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/11071...-media-center/

Download links for WMC to mount .iso files for playback (freeware and tested)
http://mikinho.com/wmc/mount-image/
http://www.slysoft.com/en/virtual-clonedrive.html

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In short, flac audio playback is a no brainer - straight up config.
video playback depends on the folder/file structure.
personally, I prefer VLC to queue multiple VIDEO_TS folders for playback - WMC for the .iso collection.

As the media server wrkstn is hardwired via ethernet to the network - streaming audio and video to/from any wrkstn/laptop is not a problem.

Using the standard wireless G connection:
streaming 24bit flac = no problem
streaming standard video = no problem
streaming Blu ray video with HD audio = no way

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there are many ways to slice this. I too would be interested to see what others use. likes/dislikes.

You mention using a wireless connection to your amp.. then mention using an optical cable.. then mention .vob video files.
Perhaps you should look at the Squeezebox solutions - audio only.
http://www.logitechsqueezebox.com/pr.../overview.html