Hello all,
A recent NY Times piece has inspired me attempt what I've long wanted to do but previously lacked the will, patience, and confidence in the tech to attempt: move my home computing/media system to the next level.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/10/technology/personaltech/10basics.html
http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/11/comments/
I'd like to achieve the below goals, and any thoughts on strategy/approach would be most appreciated.
1. Wireless music streaming across my two separate stereo systems
2. Local media server of music
3. Improved access to media content (e.g., internet such as hulu, boxee, etc.) on my TV
4. TimeMachine local backup
5. More storage space (MacBook Air is my only computer and hard drive is almost full)
What additions/change would compliment the below items that I already own?
MAIN HOME THEATRE ROOM
1. PS3 (Blu-ray/DVD player, game system, Netflix/PS Network movie/tv rentals)
2. 50" plasma TV
3. Onkyo TX-SR805 Receiver
4. 5.1 Surround Sound KEF KHT 9000
5. Samsung DTBH260F HDTV Terrestrial Receiver
SEPARATE STEREO/BILLIARDS ENTERTAINING ROOM
1. Yamaha Receiver (about seven years old, works fine)
2. Sony DVD/SACD player (also about seven years old, works fine)
3. About 300 CDs that I would ideally have digitally, losslessly stored on a home media server for simultaneous streaming to my two stereos at the highest possible fidelity
COMPUTING
1. MacBook Air (Rev B, SSD)
2. iPhone 3GS 32GB (Remote app allows for control of AirTunes music streaming)
3. Linksys WRT54GS Router (G, not N)
4. Mozy.com for unlimited offsite data backup
5. ISP - Comcast; Speed -- 21 MBS download / 4 MBS upload
DO NOT CURRENTLY OWN BUT CONSIDERING
1. MacMini to connect to Onkyo Receiver/Plasma TV (provide Internet TV, DVR?, iTunes media server, TimeMachine backup of my MacBook Air?)
1a. Wireless keyboard and wireless mouse for MacMini
2. Airport Express, connected to Secondary stereo for AirTunes streaming
3. Harmony 900. Use RF to control Secondary Stereo and Primary Home Theatre room
4. Logitech Harmony Bluetooth Adapter for Playstation 3 (so that I can use the Harmony 900 to control the PS3 too)
DO NOT OWN, HAVE LOOKED AT AND THESE DON'T SEEM TO MAKE SENSE
1. Time Capsule and Apple TV - seem redundant if I get a MacMini?
2. Wireless N Router -- is N really necessary?
3. MobileMe -- don't need remote access to files at present or real time sync
Thoughts? Missing anything?
Also, can anyone explain to me why Sony and/or MSFT and Nintendo haven't gotten their act together and beefed up their respective game consoles to make attaching a Mini or any other device redundant? It would seem to me that the PS3 in particular has the potential to be the one and only device to attach to your TV.
Thanks
A recent NY Times piece has inspired me attempt what I've long wanted to do but previously lacked the will, patience, and confidence in the tech to attempt: move my home computing/media system to the next level.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/10/technology/personaltech/10basics.html
http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/11/comments/
I'd like to achieve the below goals, and any thoughts on strategy/approach would be most appreciated.
1. Wireless music streaming across my two separate stereo systems
2. Local media server of music
3. Improved access to media content (e.g., internet such as hulu, boxee, etc.) on my TV
4. TimeMachine local backup
5. More storage space (MacBook Air is my only computer and hard drive is almost full)
What additions/change would compliment the below items that I already own?
MAIN HOME THEATRE ROOM
1. PS3 (Blu-ray/DVD player, game system, Netflix/PS Network movie/tv rentals)
2. 50" plasma TV
3. Onkyo TX-SR805 Receiver
4. 5.1 Surround Sound KEF KHT 9000
5. Samsung DTBH260F HDTV Terrestrial Receiver
SEPARATE STEREO/BILLIARDS ENTERTAINING ROOM
1. Yamaha Receiver (about seven years old, works fine)
2. Sony DVD/SACD player (also about seven years old, works fine)
3. About 300 CDs that I would ideally have digitally, losslessly stored on a home media server for simultaneous streaming to my two stereos at the highest possible fidelity
COMPUTING
1. MacBook Air (Rev B, SSD)
2. iPhone 3GS 32GB (Remote app allows for control of AirTunes music streaming)
3. Linksys WRT54GS Router (G, not N)
4. Mozy.com for unlimited offsite data backup
5. ISP - Comcast; Speed -- 21 MBS download / 4 MBS upload
DO NOT CURRENTLY OWN BUT CONSIDERING
1. MacMini to connect to Onkyo Receiver/Plasma TV (provide Internet TV, DVR?, iTunes media server, TimeMachine backup of my MacBook Air?)
1a. Wireless keyboard and wireless mouse for MacMini
2. Airport Express, connected to Secondary stereo for AirTunes streaming
3. Harmony 900. Use RF to control Secondary Stereo and Primary Home Theatre room
4. Logitech Harmony Bluetooth Adapter for Playstation 3 (so that I can use the Harmony 900 to control the PS3 too)
DO NOT OWN, HAVE LOOKED AT AND THESE DON'T SEEM TO MAKE SENSE
1. Time Capsule and Apple TV - seem redundant if I get a MacMini?
2. Wireless N Router -- is N really necessary?
3. MobileMe -- don't need remote access to files at present or real time sync
Thoughts? Missing anything?
Also, can anyone explain to me why Sony and/or MSFT and Nintendo haven't gotten their act together and beefed up their respective game consoles to make attaching a Mini or any other device redundant? It would seem to me that the PS3 in particular has the potential to be the one and only device to attach to your TV.
Thanks