mac mini as htpc
- Thread starter LabR@t
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thats my intention too (obviously Im waiting to see if it gets updated before leopard)
basically assuming the right codecs etc then it should be fine - you may need to tweak the resolution to suit the tv though.
bt and wifi are standard iirc.
basically assuming the right codecs etc then it should be fine - you may need to tweak the resolution to suit the tv though.
bt and wifi are standard iirc.
LabR@t said:
Aye, no worries. I use my MacBook Pro connected to a 32" Panasonic with digital sound out to an AV amp. Feed the appropriate codecs into quicktime and Front Row will play most stuff (WMA, DIVX, XVID). If not use VLC in full screen mode for things like MKVs. Both use the standard Apple Remote.
Bluetooth and Airport are standard on the dual core Mac Mini's.
PS Be quick - there are credible rumours that the Mini will be killed off within weeks...
slinxy said:
HD video - should be no problem if you go Dual Core.
Some of the USB TV sticks work on the Mac. I had an existing Freecom one which luckily which is the same hardware as the Elgato Mini therefore works with EyeTV.
No TV support in Front Row - it's not a full Media Centre app.
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slinxy said:
Yep...TV tuner support in Front Row would make this the ultimate media centre.
Since I already have a HTPC, I think can make a comment about it. Weakest point is videocard, Intel GMA isn't very good for video acceleration, and since you can't upgrade graphics you're stuffed. However apart from that it looks great. Can you use a IR remote with it? Does the MS IR USB dongle work?
squiffy said:
you get the frontrow remote with it, which is miles simpler to use than the MS IR one that windows peeps have to use.
I tried the frontrow setup at a friend of mines and it is very simple to use indeed, shame its again form over function. Getting codecs to work was a pain as well.
sid
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My Mac Mini has handled every piece of video I have ever thrown at it (not tried 1080p though) so I don't think the video card is too much of a problem.
It comes with its own little IR remote which is perfect for controlling FrontRow.
It comes with its own little IR remote which is perfect for controlling FrontRow.
squiffy said:
So have I, a M$ vista one.... but size, cost and looks wise I would prefer a mac mini in my front room using front row than my shuttle using the media centre remote. an Intel GMA is all I'm likley to need to watch videos and play music and it will save noise from a GPU fan.
JimmyEatWorms said:
Remote lacks functions, is there a CCF available with extra IR codes? I don't use the MS remote, learnt the codes onto URC MX-700, and I have a few discrete codes too.
7300GS-8500/8600GT are passive, and far superior to Intel GMA (plus 85/86 have HD acceleration)
I think it'll be fine as a music server, kids system...but rather have something a bit more flexible for a main PC/HTPC.
well macs use graphics differently to windows/linux pc's. Apple is also a damn site better at getting os-x quicktime to work well with h264 etc than xp quicktime is.
Also as the mac mini (at present) has no hd/blu ray disk drive it isn't quite a big issue.
As to tv tuner integration theres always media central. And if you have a phone/pda that supports it theres salling clicker (I use it on my pc) and its pretty good for the relatively small outlay.
Personally for me, tv playback isn't an issue, I want the mac mini for things like joost, I have a tv and dvd player already
Also as the mac mini (at present) has no hd/blu ray disk drive it isn't quite a big issue.
As to tv tuner integration theres always media central. And if you have a phone/pda that supports it theres salling clicker (I use it on my pc) and its pretty good for the relatively small outlay.
Personally for me, tv playback isn't an issue, I want the mac mini for things like joost, I have a tv and dvd player already