Remote Storage Solution - PC as network drive?

Has anyone out there tried a remote storage solution for consolidating very large libraries?
I am currently having difficulties as I have over 2TB of iTunes content now, stored in multiple libraries (using iTunes Library Manager) across several remote hard drives (USB). My problem is that if I don't access one of the libraries for a while, often the software updates break links to the files, and I have various other problems organizing the disparate libraries (especially when I outgrow a USB hard drive).
I'm still expanding my storage needs rapidly as I encode more home video and import old records. I'm not entirely sold on the idea of an ever-increasing number of remote libraries and dozens of USB drives humming away. Any suggestions on a good high-capacity (and hopefully expandable) solution to consolidate my whole iTunes library in one place?
I have contemplated building a network PC and putting a bunch of 500GB/1TB drives in it, but would my iMac/iTunes still see those each as separate drives? Is there any solution out there to give me >3TB of space (affordably - eg, without having to buy a high-end multi-TB HDD) whilst still allowing me to "keep iTunes library organized"?

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