I also can stream using Plex on my Mac (works on Linux and Windows) as the server. Roku and iOS devices have Plex clients. Plex is a GREAT option.

Jason, how do you like the UI offered by the Denon?

Nothing special, it does the job. It just shows little file icons beside the file names. I have seen newer avr's that have much improved graphics, IIRC, there was one that used the cover picture as the background, but I can't remember which avr that was or if it was a new (at the time) media player.

Plex is looking very nice have to decide if it is worth the slight bit of effort on my part to get it to run on WHS. Serviio is next on the tryout list.

I took a different approach. I have a dedicated computer strictly for music that has no internet access, but just network access. All of my files are on a NAS down in the basement. I then take over the computer using microsoft remote assistance with my laptop. There are no blips because I am not actually streaming anything; it works pretty good. I also have a Songigo Sirroco that I use sometimes, and it works well, only with the odd pop now and then. It supports any file because it is basically a virtual sound driver.

Cheers, Brendan

I do similar. As mentioned, I have a Squeezebox for music on my main floor and I love it, but I never purchased a second for the basement as my HTPC is connected directly to my AV gear there and it also acts as the Squeezebox server and player for the downstairs system using XBMC as an interface for movies, music, TV etc.

If not in front of the TV with my Blutooth keyboard, I use an app on my tablet, Splashtop Remote to control it via my WAN. It works well (as long as you don't try to contact them for thier useless support) and it's free if you don't want access from outside your LAN.

I also have not set up remote access through my firewall. I don't see the need for another hole when I'm always carrying some kind of portable player with me anyways, be it an iPod, tablet or my work laptop.

I have been using a Squeezebox for quite a while. Works great.
Yep everything is in FLAC

I have been streaming via (a) airplay on itunes to either my Denon 4520 in the main room or 1713 in my office. Combine this with the remote app (and a strong wireless signal when I am outside) and it works well.

I also have 4 apple tv's at various locations in the house. I could push out airplay to them or pull the music via the cloud. Again another great option especially with netflix. This saved my a lot of $$$$ versus a whole home contol system.

Again, many thanks to those of you that have contributed.

You've basically confirmed my assessment. It appears that - to get what I want - my best alternative may be Apple TV with iTunes continuously running on a networked machine. Which probably means converting 200 GB of FLAC files into something that iTunes likes better. Bother.

My wife bought me an Apple TV for Christmas. It is definitely the way to go especially for movie rentals.