Assuming you're dealing with iTunes library, the obvious answer is an Apple TV. There are other options available depending on the source of your media, we just need more info.
Assuming you're dealing with iTunes library, the obvious answer is an Apple TV. There are other options available depending on the source of your media, we just need more info.
My music files are FLAC and WAV. My movies are any video format from the internet (torrents). I'm not using iTunes. Currently I'm using VLC + Foobar on windows laptop and VLC + Vox/Cog on my MBP.
I have a 2005 Mac Mini with 4TB external storade connected via 2x 2TB hdds (USB) and that streams via the itunes client to my Apple TV. server can sit quietly in my office while watching TV / listening to music on my apple TV. The added bonus of apple TV is airplay so i can screen share / stream music from my iphone and macbook
Any cheap windows box similar to the mac mini will do this ( http://www.walmart.com/ip/eMachines-EL1352G-01w/15062989 ). This assumes you want iTunes. From there I would run Plex (http://www.plexapp.com) to any number of devices, a roku box being the cheapest. So essentially you can save some money by going with a windows machine and roku box. It also will stream to PS3/XBOX but it won't have the same nice plex interface.
I'm running Plex on my mac mini and love it as a media server.... but I also use my mac mini for a lot more, not just streaming .... so if you are just going to set it into a corner and forget it make sure it is cheap, energy efficient and quiet.
If you use Plex Media Server, any DLNA compatible device will work. Right Now I stream from My IMAC running Plex server to my Dish Network Hopper using the Home Media Option and it works fantastic.