Been lurking here for a while to learn about the Kscape system. I generally understand the pricing levels of various Kscape configurations. My current dealer and I are trying to set up a demo here in Northern VA. Purchase is about 2 months out right around Christmas time. I've seen the Kscape experience video, the CEDIA US & UK video clips (cinenow), and read most of the manuals on the Kscape site. I've read the posts at avsforum and nearly all of the posts here.
After considering all of this material, I've been thinking of several configurations that will give me the best bang for the buck, because I just have to buy a Kscape system (and I haven't even seen a live demo yet). I know the system is costly, but I want to spend less than $40k, including install and dvd import of my entire collection. I have a little less than 1100 dvd titles, and based on different TV series, etc., the number of actual DVDs is probably close to 1250. These are all stored in numbered Slappa cases at present.
I have 2 thoughts. First spend a little and go with the 1u server maxed out with an extra movie player for the bedroom. This keeps the cost way down, let's me play with the system while storing 300 most played DVDs. I can then import new purchases into the system while purging recently played movies out of the system to make way for the new DVDs on a more or lesss revolving basis. Not the most ideal setup, but cost-effective.
2nd thought is to bite the bullet and go with the 5u server and then possibly add a 2nd player for the bedroom. I don't need the music option, and won't use it, but I guess it comes bundled. I'd prefer not to be forced to purchase the music license. I have six Sonos zones hardwired throughout the house and chose that primarily because of the handheld controller. I don't expect that the Kscape music solution would add anything beyond what we enjoy from Sonos. Passing on the music option, if possible, would save me over over $2k which is nearly 2 more HDs. I then fill the 5u server with (8) 750gig HDs and start importing. I don't want to purchase the bulk loader, so I guess my only solution is to rent/borrow one from my dealer? After the initial 8 HDs are filled, I purchase additional HDs two at a time. The initial fill will probably take about 1 month. In less than 6 weeks I could have the entire collection uploaded.
Are there any Kscape add-ons that I can forego or should consider in building this system? What do I get at the 2 base prices for the 1u and 5u servers? Since I'm going to be running out of 5u slots quickly by importing my entire collection and will have to add on sooner rather than later, is it better to go with the 1u and wait for a newly designed 5u server that might be on the horizon in the next year? Any specific questions to ask during the demo or features I should ask to see that I might not be aware of?
For me, the Kscape 5u setup will cost as much as my entire media room, components and all so I'm trying to consider everything because this would be a major outlay. I would be giving up the projector upgrade for a year (have a Dwin TV4 now). Because most of you have already purchased a system, would you have done anything differently that might help my decision? My wife is saying that it's better to walk before I run, but for me, the 1u server will be a costly mistake if I decide I really want the entire collection on the 5u server so we're at a major decision point.
Thanks in advance,
Jay
After considering all of this material, I've been thinking of several configurations that will give me the best bang for the buck, because I just have to buy a Kscape system (and I haven't even seen a live demo yet). I know the system is costly, but I want to spend less than $40k, including install and dvd import of my entire collection. I have a little less than 1100 dvd titles, and based on different TV series, etc., the number of actual DVDs is probably close to 1250. These are all stored in numbered Slappa cases at present.
I have 2 thoughts. First spend a little and go with the 1u server maxed out with an extra movie player for the bedroom. This keeps the cost way down, let's me play with the system while storing 300 most played DVDs. I can then import new purchases into the system while purging recently played movies out of the system to make way for the new DVDs on a more or lesss revolving basis. Not the most ideal setup, but cost-effective.
2nd thought is to bite the bullet and go with the 5u server and then possibly add a 2nd player for the bedroom. I don't need the music option, and won't use it, but I guess it comes bundled. I'd prefer not to be forced to purchase the music license. I have six Sonos zones hardwired throughout the house and chose that primarily because of the handheld controller. I don't expect that the Kscape music solution would add anything beyond what we enjoy from Sonos. Passing on the music option, if possible, would save me over over $2k which is nearly 2 more HDs. I then fill the 5u server with (8) 750gig HDs and start importing. I don't want to purchase the bulk loader, so I guess my only solution is to rent/borrow one from my dealer? After the initial 8 HDs are filled, I purchase additional HDs two at a time. The initial fill will probably take about 1 month. In less than 6 weeks I could have the entire collection uploaded.
Are there any Kscape add-ons that I can forego or should consider in building this system? What do I get at the 2 base prices for the 1u and 5u servers? Since I'm going to be running out of 5u slots quickly by importing my entire collection and will have to add on sooner rather than later, is it better to go with the 1u and wait for a newly designed 5u server that might be on the horizon in the next year? Any specific questions to ask during the demo or features I should ask to see that I might not be aware of?
For me, the Kscape 5u setup will cost as much as my entire media room, components and all so I'm trying to consider everything because this would be a major outlay. I would be giving up the projector upgrade for a year (have a Dwin TV4 now). Because most of you have already purchased a system, would you have done anything differently that might help my decision? My wife is saying that it's better to walk before I run, but for me, the 1u server will be a costly mistake if I decide I really want the entire collection on the 5u server so we're at a major decision point.
Thanks in advance,
Jay