Mac mini Wrong Choice?!

[Santabean2000]

So, I had been experimenting with my wife's iBook hooked up to our old(ish) 42" (1024x768) via VGA with good results.

Then... impulsively, I just bought a new Mac mini (2.0GHz, 4GB RAM, 120GB HDD) with a view to set it up (slowly, over time) as a media center.:D


Subsequently however, researching these forums (and others) for tips and tricks I have read about people who've had issues with the resolution displaying properly - to the point of getting myself rather confused.:confused:


My questions are:

1. Can I expect to have problems with the display's resolution? (any fixes required?)

2. What is the best connection to hook this machine up to the TV?

Any help, (esp in layman's terms), much appreciated.

[AVR2]

1. Can I expect to have problems with the display's resolution? (any fixes required?)
Possibly. Depends on the TV. However, the fix could well be as simple as switching overscan off on the TV - it's not a given that you have to mess around with the likes of SwitchResX. It took me less than a minute to get my 2009 mini working perfectly with my 42" Panasonic plasma.

2. What is the best connection to hook this machine up to the TV?
DVI to HDMI. Forget VGA, it's an analogue connection and will never be as crisp and sharp as a digital one.

[Santabean2000]

Possibly. Depends on the TV. However, the fix could well be as simple as switching overscan off on the TV - it's not a given that you have to mess around with the likes of SwitchResX. It took me less than a minute to get my 2009 mini working perfectly with my 42" Panasonic plasma.


DVI to HDMI. Forget VGA, it's an analogue connection and will never be as crisp and sharp as a digital one.

Thanks for that.

My plasma is the Panasonic TH-42PV600H (good tv in its day, and still ok now too really); what model is yours?

[JonHimself]

DVI to HDMI. Forget VGA, it's an analogue connection and will never be as crisp and sharp as a digital one.

This confuses me (and maybe it's just me and my inability to perceive things) because when I use my 360 over HDMI onto my lcd tv (only 32") it does not look as good as my VGA connection from my 360.

I do have a question for you (which the OP might appreciate) but what do you mean by "working perfectly"? I occasionally hook-up my macbook pro to my TV, somtimes using DVI to HDMI and other times DVI to VGA. I never tooled around with switchresx (well, that's a lie.. I did but couldn't seem to get it to work) so maybe that's the issue.

I found that the VGA was a better picture (crisper) but the resolution was too low... then with HDMI the picture was a little bit blurry (blurry is the wrong word.. maybe softer) but overall was a better experience (in terms of usability as a monitor) but the resolution could never get worked out and I ended up with black bars, stretched images or part being cut-off. Could have been a limitation of the TV (in terms of VGA resolution) or inability to use switchresx (for the HDMI connection) but I was hoping, for the OP's sake, you can elaborate on how good your set-up is when compared to using a "regular" computer monitor.

[tobefirst]

Chris Breen at MacWorld just recently went through the process of setting up a Mac Mini as a media center. He'd done it before a couple years ago, but wanted to try it again based on the new hardware and software options. It was a pretty in-depth look that might be worth the read. Here's the link (http://www.macworld.com/article/140210/2009/04/macmini_mediacenter_cost.html?lsrc=top_1) to the final part of the series.

[Sky Blue]

Plex.


and you're done.

[robotartfashion]

the general consensus is that most tvs have a pixel to pixel mapping selection and if you choose that and use overscan on the mini, you'll be ok without switchrez

haven't tried it yet but will be getting a couple of minis as media centers once i move so i've done a lot of research

[Santabean2000]

the general consensus is that most tvs have a pixel to pixel mapping selection and if you choose that and use overscan on the mini, you'll be ok without switchrez

haven't tried it yet but will be getting a couple of minis as media centers once i move so i've done a lot of research

Looking forward to hearing more about it from you.

Thanks everybody for your help and ideas.

I'm guessing the only real way to find out for sure is to get started with the setup and go from there. Will initially head down the HDMI route and see what happens...:confused:

[design-is]

Just jumping on your thread here a bit, sorry...

Can the new mini's output to s-video?

I want to use a mac as a media centre but currently have a conventional crt TV and have heard that mini's have had problems outputting to these screens. I've also heard that the new mini's don't support this old tech at all...

I can't afford to get a new TV and a second mac at the same time. I'm considering a second hand macbook pro (not unibody) if I can find one cheap enough.

Anyone know the truth?

Cheers :)

[spacepower7]

Just jumping on your thread here a bit, sorry...

Can the new mini's output to s-video?

Cheers :)

By default, any Macs with the Nvidia 9400 graphics chip (Current Macbooks, Minis, and lower level iMacs) cannot output a S-video or composite signal. Only Mini-Displayport, DVI, and VGA.

You might be able to get a VGA to S-video Converter that may work.
Check out this one,
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10401&cs_id=1040113&p_id=2509&seq=1&format=2

but they have a disclaimer to check with the video card manufacturer.

I thought I might have read somewhere on Macrumors that it won't work.



Back to the original poster,

It all depends on the TV. Even a brand new Panasonic Plasma that I just read a review about, doesn't have 1:1 Pixel mapping and it has two modes:
Underscan, where there are black bars on the sides and top and bottom.
Overscan 3%, can't be changed except maybe on the Mac. This causes the top menu bar to be clipped off the screen.

This is a brand new Panasonic, which doesn't even have a vga in.

If you have vga working with the iBook, then vga should work fine with the Mini.
HDMI will be hit or miss with various possible solutions, or maybe none.

[design-is]

Thanks very much for your quick reply :)

[TuckBodi]

It all depends on the TV. Even a brand new Panasonic Plasma that I just read a review about, doesn't have 1:1 Pixel mapping and it has two modes:
Underscan, where there are black bars on the sides and top and bottom.
Overscan 3%, can't be changed except maybe on the Mac. This causes the top menu bar to be clipped off the screen.


Yeah, this is what happened to me with my older mini through DVI to HDMI and my Sammy LCD. I had to go the VGA route and I now have a sweet crisp picture and now using the whole screen. I really think it depends on what TV you have and what route you go.

[Undecided]

the general consensus is that most tvs have a pixel to pixel mapping selection and if you choose that and use overscan on the mini, you'll be ok without switchrez

Why wouldn't you turn off overscan on both the TV and the mini? Wouldn't that result in the TV being used like a monitor, pixel for pixel?

[bigbossbmb]

Plex.


and you're done.

x2

[illtype]

plex is the way

[Santabean2000]

plex is the way

Thanks again everyone; don't know if I'm any less confused, but hey.:o

[gkarris]

And just in case it hasn't already been mentioned...

Plex

;)

[OrganMusic]

Had been using our MBP hooked up to the TV so often I just picked up a Mini to leave plugged in there. Any mac (or PC even) I've ever hooked up to my Sony LCD (about 2 years old) via VGA correctly detects its native resolution (1920x1080 IIRC) and displays a full screen picture without even having to fool with the display prefs (except to turn mirror on in the case of my MBP). The picture via VGA is a touch fuzzy but I don't sit close enough for it to matter most of the time. I'll have to give HDMI a go sometime.

My next problem is finding a cheapish receiver with 3 optical inputs (TV, PS3, Mac Mini)

[the vj]

I am using a mac mini with 256MB of VRam, the top of the line. And it works just fine with my 42" lcd. Is connected via DVI and it runs just fine.

I can playback full 1080p videos with no problem.

[Chris Rogers]

I know upgrading the RAM to 2GB makes a HUGE difference, but if I'm using the mini as a media server only, would i get anything out of it by upgrading even more to 4GB? I know you can never have too much ram :)

Also, the 1GB that comes inside, is it 2x512 or 1x1024?

[Santabean2000]

I know upgrading the RAM to 2GB makes a HUGE difference, but if I'm using the mini as a media server only, would i get anything out of it by upgrading even more to 4GB? I know you can never have too much ram :)

Also, the 1GB that comes inside, is it 2x512 or 1x1024?

I believe it's a single 1GB piece.

I dropped in 4GB, (as opposed to just 2GB), to give me options with the machine in the future; I might pass it on to my father.

[Bye Bye Baby]

Definitely HDMI. Also tosslink if you want 5.1 audio.

There is also a program for fixing screen resolution. I can't remember the name but it worked well with older minis and screens.

[gcmexico]

sweet thread...I have my new mini with same specs...waiting for my new flat screen to arrive...based on the this thread sounds like it won't be a problem...I'm going to have a drobo connected to it where all my media will be stored

[dernhelm]

Definitely HDMI. Also tosslink if you want 5.1 audio.

There is also a program for fixing screen resolution. I can't remember the name but it worked well with older minis and screens.

It's a shame you can get Dolby 7.1 surround. It is a digital audio port after all...
:mad:

[Santabean2000]

sweet thread...I have my new mini with same specs...waiting for my new flat screen to arrive...based on the this thread sounds like it won't be a problem...I'm going to have a drobo connected to it where all my media will be stored

Quick update:
Have successfully hooked up to the TV first time using HDMI, but have encountered the clipping, which is kinda annoying without being too much of a hindrance.

I've been searching for a solution, but haven't found an easy one as yet, (wish Apple could address issue - it must be a common one).

Will try switching to the VGA if I have to, but I'd rather stay with the digital path if possible.

[QCassidy352]

FWIW, I have a 2009 mini running a 40" Sony Bravia using mini displayport --> HDMI and it's working great, no picturing clipping or anything.

Also, I haven't tried Plex because I've got everything working how it want it as-is (eyeTV, front row). But I think my setup is not a conventional HTPC in that I eliminated the 3rd party DVR (just use eyeTV) and also use the mini as fully-functional mac (logitech dinovo edge mac edition is the perfect control solution). So YMMV. :)

[Delameko]

Also, I haven't tried Plex because I've got everything working how it want it as-is (eyeTV, front row). But I think my setup is not a conventional HTPC in that I eliminated the 3rd party DVR (just use eyeTV) and also use the mini as fully-functional mac (logitech dinovo edge mac edition is the perfect control solution). So YMMV. :)

I used to be happy with Front Row, but Plex is lovely and I could never go back.

http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/plex_seven_tv_shows_screenshot-credit_automated_home.jpg

[akm3]

Getting the mini and your TV to display properly together depends more on your TV having settings to overcome the mini's deficiencies. Apparently SwitchResX can fix this but *I* could never get it to work and I tried for hours and hours and looked for every tutorial I could find. I could find tons of people saying they tried it, but vanishingly few people who claim success with it.

My TV has no overscan compensation so the Mini just doesn't work with it. Overscan control is a requirement for my next TV :)

[QCassidy352]

I used to be happy with Front Row, but Plex is lovely and I could never go back.

Could I access eyeTV recordings from within Plex?

[Cave Man]

It's a shame you can get Dolby 7.1 surround. It is a digital audio port after all...
:mad:

I've never seen a movie encoded in Dolby Digital Plus (7.1), only Dolby Digital or DTS (5.1). I think the studios have done this to force the market towards Blu-ray and DTS-HD and True-HD. But what's funny is that most of those Blu-ray discs only have 5.1 audio anyway. Any chance to squeeze the consumer, I suppose.

[Alrescha]

Getting the mini and your TV to display properly together depends more on your TV having settings to overcome the mini's deficiencies.

I don't use a Mini for this task anymore, but when I did the overscan control in OS X was sufficient to make everything look perfect.

A.

[cc2096]

My Mini HTPC setup is suffering from the overscan issue and unfortunately I haven't figured out how to overcome it. Luckily PLEX will allow you to resize the screen to compensate for overscan, but I can't get OSX to do it:mad:. I looked at SwitchResX but was a little daunted by it. Plus it costs $17 to purchase vs DisplayXconfig which was only $12. But even with DisplayX I still haven't figured out how to change the settings the way I need them. But to the OP the Mini seems to be a great choice for an HTPC as long as you understand it's limitations.:D

[DAMAC3]

My Mini HTPC setup is suffering from the overscan issue and unfortunately I haven't figured out how to overcome it. Luckily PLEX will allow you to resize the screen to compensate for overscan, but I can't get OSX to do it:mad:. I looked at SwitchResX but was a little daunted by it. Plus it costs $17 to purchase vs DisplayXconfig which was only $12. But even with DisplayX I still haven't figured out how to change the settings the way I need them. But to the OP the Mini seems to be a great choice for an HTPC as long as you understand it's limitations.:D

x2

I've only had my Mini for a couple weeks, and I haven't even bothered using anything but Plex. OS X is overscanned and annoying, but Plex allows proper adjustment. I don't know how that is affecting the actual pixels, but the TV isn't that great anyway (bedroom 32" Symphonic LCD about 4 years old). I've been very happy with the quality of the picture despite the TV. Blu-ray rips look great.

@the guy asking about EyeTV - you can add it as an app in Plex and boot right to it from Plex. Plex is the best front end I have ever seen (PC or Mac). Nothing else has come close for my needs.

[TuckBodi]

My Mini HTPC setup is suffering from the overscan issue and unfortunately I haven't figured out how to overcome it. Luckily PLEX will allow you to resize the screen to compensate for overscan, but I can't get OSX to do it:mad:. I looked at SwitchResX but was a little daunted by it. Plus it costs $17 to purchase vs DisplayXconfig which was only $12. But even with DisplayX I still haven't figured out how to change the settings the way I need them. But to the OP the Mini seems to be a great choice for an HTPC as long as you understand it's limitations.:D

As I mentioned in my previous post, switching my connection to VGA (had tried HDMI but it was either overscanned or underscanned) fixed my issues. If you haven't tried VGA yet, give it a shot.

[TuckBodi]

Plex is the best front end I have ever seen (PC or Mac). Nothing else has come close for my needs.

I'm a fan of Plex but I would have to argue that XBMC and Aeon/Auriga blows the socks off of Plex and MediaStream (if that's what you're using). Hopefully someday soon Aeon will be fully working on Plex and this point will be moot. :D

[Chris Rogers]

Just got my mini today and began converting from Apple TV to my new media center mini. It's quite a lovely experience :)

[Santabean2000]

Yeah, this is what happened to me with my older mini through DVI to HDMI and my Sammy LCD. I had to go the VGA route and I now have a sweet crisp picture and now using the whole screen. I really think it depends on what TV you have and what route you go.

So, on trying the VGA route, indeed the resolution is now perfect.:D But, of course now the colours are not so vibrant etc.:o

I think I might stay on the VGA though unless I can sort out the clipping with HDMI, (have dug deeper into the TVs setup menu...).

Anyone know why HDMI can't sort out how big the TV's screen is?:confused:

[Bye Bye Baby]

I must say that I have been very unimpressed with plex. I still can't see the attraction. I understand the idea, but it is just so cumbersome.

[Alrescha]

Anyone know why HDMI can't sort out how big the TV's screen is?

I am as confused as you are, but for the opposite reason. I have a Sharp Aquos, and used a DVI to HDMI cable. I set the television to 'Dot by Dot' and checked the 'Overscan' box in System Preferences. It has worked perfectly on every Mac I've ever owned.

A.

[Chris Rogers]

I must say that I have been very unimpressed with plex. I still can't see the attraction. I understand the idea, but it is just so cumbersome.

Bold statement with no elaboration...the floor is yours

[OrganMusic]

So can the apple remote be made to control anything besides iTunes?

[robotartfashion]

I must say that I have been very unimpressed with plex. I still can't see the attraction. I understand the idea, but it is just so cumbersome.

the initial setup is cumbersome, and can be frustrating enough to make you feel like pulling you hair out, but it only took me a couple of days and a few posts on the extremely helpful and kind PLEX forum to get it all rolling, and after that initial steep learning curve it was fantastic and easy to keep going and expanding with

personally, i think it's genius, but you have to be willing to invest some time understanding its ins and outs

[grills]

fwiw, i bought a new shiny $599 1GB Mac Mini two days ago and I'm thoroughly enjoying using it as a media center. I tried boxee for a day and then moved to Plex. I'm sticking with Plex. I don't need a facebook rolled into my media center. And browsing Hulu on Plex is easier than on boxee (for no fault of theirs, i know). btw, I use a 32" $450 Dynex HDTV and a dvi to hdmi cable. Video worked/works without a fuss. For audio, I used a stereo-stereo cable (the cable I use to connect my ipod/iphone to my car stereo) to connect my mac mini to my 5.1 DVD Player input. Works beautifully.

But I also tried using a stereo-composite (red and white) cable to pipe audio from the mini straight to the TV, but somehow I haven't been able to get it to work at all.

That said, its been a very pleasurable experience so far. dvi-hdmi video simply took my breath away. The Mini rocks!

[grills]

So can the apple remote be made to control anything besides iTunes?

I use it for all my boxee/plex/front row needs. Nothing could be simpler!

[grills]

the initial setup is cumbersome, and can be frustrating enough to make you feel like pulling you hair out, but it only took me a couple of days and a few posts on the extremely helpful and kind PLEX forum to get it all rolling, and after that initial steep learning curve it was fantastic and easy to keep going and expanding with

personally, i think it's genius, but you have to be willing to invest some time understanding its ins and outs

Maybe you went off in the wrong direction to start with. Configuring Plex was a breeze for me and required me to do nothing that I couldn't do with my FrontRow remote. The only annoyance was that I had to install each application separately. Maybe there is a way to install all apps in one shot. But even this annoyance included, it took me all of five mins to have Plex configured.

[Chris Rogers]

configuring plex took me no time at all. it's far superior to boxee

[Furi Kuri]

My mini worked great with my 42 inch sony, that is, until 10.5.7. For some reason there's about 1/2 an inch on each side that just goes off the screen. It wasn't like that until the update.

[Chris Rogers]

My mini worked great with my 42 inch sony, that is, until 10.5.7. For some reason there's about 1/2 an inch on each side that just goes off the screen. It wasn't like that until the update.

weird, mine was like that before and after

[ntrigue]

I have used my Mini on a Sharp 37" LCD as well as a Panasonic 50" plasma with ideal resolution in both cases. I've always loved OSX's ability to 'talk' to the monitor. My Sharp can be adjusted to other resolutions but looks great on dot-by-dot.

[brentsg]

My mini worked great with my 42 inch sony, that is, until 10.5.7. For some reason there's about 1/2 an inch on each side that just goes off the screen. It wasn't like that until the update.

You probably aren't running the proper resolution now. There's a significant bug with HDMI in 10.5.7. Search around a bit.

[OrganMusic]

Could I access eyeTV recordings from within Plex?

Good question I've been thinking I should look into that. I'll see if I can give it a try today.

[grills]

You probably aren't running the proper resolution now. There's a significant bug with HDMI in 10.5.7. Search around a bit.

Any updates on this? I've held off updating my Mini to 10.5.7. Is it safe to update now?

[reliason]

OK, I was an early adopter, sue me. :)

My 42" toshiba does not have HDMI and I am looking into building a Mac Mini based HTPC.

Can anyone give me suggestions or guidance on how to hook up mac Mini to Component video? (not composite, Component).

Or to S-video (which will be lower quality, I understand).

[TuckBodi]

OK, I was an early adopter, sue me. :)

My 42" toshiba does not have HDMI and I am looking into building a Mac Mini based HTPC.

Can anyone give me suggestions or guidance on how to hook up mac Mini to Component video? (not composite, Component).

Or to S-video (which will be lower quality, I understand).

Do you have DVI or VGA? I had to use VGA as the HDMI on my Sammy overscan was screwed up. Works great.

[reliason]

Do you have DVI or VGA? I had to use VGA as the HDMI on my Sammy overscan was screwed up. Works great.

Nope. Choices are Component, S-Video, Composite.:eek:

I have not bought my Mac Mini yet. Should I go with the ATV instead? (weaker device IMO, but has component jacks).

But man I would like to use it with my Netflix subscription.

[TuckBodi]

Nope. Choices are Component, S-Video, Composite.:eek:

I have not bought my Mac Mini yet. Should I go with the ATV instead? (weaker device IMO, but has component jacks).

But man I would like to use it with my Netflix subscription.

If you can afford the mini then go with that. I have both and I mainly use the mini now as my HTPC with XBMC & Aeon Auriga as my interface.

You could also try this adaptor and see if it works. Also, 123macmini.com is a great resource.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041901&p_id=2398&seq=1&format=2

[geoffreak]

My Mac Mini is running 10.5.7 and connected to an AV switch via HDMI with only one problem: I periodically have to disconnect and reconnect the Mini from the AV switch in order to get video to display. After a bit of research, I determined that the Mini (and any computer with DVI) will not automatically reconnect to a display if routed though a switch. The only way to avoid this is to get a device which can remember the EDID of your display and trick the Mini into thinking that it is always connected to the display and output the video always. I just ordered a device which does this and will come back with my findings.

[grills]

Any updates on this? I've held off updating my Mini to 10.5.7. Is it safe to update now?



bump.

[mattwolfmatt]

bump.

We don't do that here. Read the rules.

[j2048b]

I am new to the idea of a mac mini used as an HTPC,

i guess i am confused as to how this can be done? the mac mini is in fact a mac computer correct? So it would reason to believe that the mini just doubles as the media center then connects to the screen/stereo/ then displays the movie or what ever onto your screen correct?

you can then use the mini as a computer on the screen with a wireless keyboard and mouse as well correct?


so... most people just use plex to display everything on the screen? can you also maneuver within the computer and surf the internet as well if there is a way while watching a movie on your screen?

kind of confused as to what the purpose is of using the mini with these other devices out there:


:apple:tv
western digital hd box
ps3
xbox 360
xbox (original) modded


not looking for a rip fest so to speak, just some answers as to why the mini over the other devices?


thanks

[OrganMusic]

Well some people rip entire movie libraries, some people use it as a DVR.

I mostly like it because of its flexibility on internet videos -- it can play anything I want. I often watch stuff on Hulu and Netflix and other web video. Many of the of the other devices you mention can do some but not all internet video. I also have a PS3 but it's used mostly for games and BluRay.

Plex is a fantastic program for playing all kinds of digital video sources --your own libraries and internet video (it supports Hulu and Netflix and MANY other sources). It's a small job to configure it, but is pretty flexible so you can have it how you want it. The interface is a bit like frontrow and it works with the apple remote.

I also use it to play my iTunes library and internet radio etc on the good stereo.

My wife and I also enjoy doing online crosswords together -- zoomed to fill the whole screen is just the right size for viewing from the couch.

So the main advantage to it is the huge flexibility.

And it can be used as a proper computer too, though I find it a bit awkward to do so in my particular setup.

[j2048b]

Well some people rip entire movie libraries, some people use it as a DVR.

I mostly like it because of its flexibility on internet videos -- it can play anything I want. I often watch stuff on Hulu and Netflix and other web video. Many of the of the other devices you mention can do some but not all internet video. I also have a PS3 but it's used mostly for games and BluRay.

Plex is a fantastic program for playing all kinds of digital video sources --your own libraries and internet video (it supports Hulu and Netflix and MANY other sources). It's a small job to configure it, but is pretty flexible so you can have it how you want it. The interface is a bit like frontrow and it works with the apple remote.

I also use it to play my iTunes library and internet radio etc on the good stereo.

My wife and I also enjoy doing online crosswords together -- zoomed to fill the whole screen is just the right size for viewing from the couch.

So the main advantage to it is the huge flexibility.

And it can be used as a proper computer too, though I find it a bit awkward to do so in my particular setup.


AWESOME REPLY!! I was wondering what the benefits were and you did explain to me a lot of them,

i do just have to note that with vmfussion or parallels and boot-camp that i can use the server playon and do netflix and hulu as well, and i think youtube?, but that means i would have to use that one operating system i have been trying to get rid of for years:D

the mini does seem to be a good replacement for the htpc, i just don't think i would use it as such?

i stream everything to my ps3 using ps3 media server and playon from windows, those 2 both seem to work for just about any video out there, i guess the only thing i would be missing is the online cross word puzzles:p

[ntrigue]

Thanks for that.

My plasma is the Panasonic TH-42PV600H (good tv in its day, and still ok now too really); what model is yours?

It'll work right out of the box with your TV.

[OrganMusic]

i stream everything to my ps3 using ps3 media server and playon from windows, those 2 both seem to work for just about any video out there, i guess the only thing i would be missing is the online cross word puzzles:p

There's always medialink (http://www.nullriver.com/products/medialink)

which I have used.

[j2048b]

There's always medialink (http://www.nullriver.com/products/medialink)

which I have used.

Media link = money ps3 = free, and it has given me no problems whatsoever!! anything and everything has played.

[taparker]

Good question I've been thinking I should look into that. I'll see if I can give it a try today.


I would love to know this as well! I thought maybe just adding the source as the folder that the Eye TV recordings go into? If not, I know that you can make Eye TV one of your apps and its mildly easy to switch between the two.

Also, what do you all use for a remote for Plex and Eye Tv. I know Eye TV comes with a remote, but its kinda junky looking. The Apple remote is supposed to work, but it keeps controlling itunes or Front row, how do I stop this?

I have tried a bunch of iphone apps but would like to get something physical in my hand. I have found it annoying to have to actually look at the remote to see what button I am pushing. Are there any other universal remotes that would work for Plex or Eye TV?

Thanks!!

[OrganMusic]

Are there any other universal remotes that would work for Plex or Eye TV?

Thanks!!

I think the big fancy Logitech one does, but you could get a universal remote with learning ability and teach the apple and eyeTV remotes to it.

[Chris Rogers]

I think the big fancy Logitech one does, but you could get a universal remote with learning ability and teach the apple and eyeTV remotes to it.

Yeah, all of the Harmony ones