iMac/Server/iTunes question

[brn2rnjk1]

We have been using my iMac as our central iTunes server (it feeds our Sonos home stereo system). For size and other reasons, I want to move this function to a standalone unit that isn't used for other computing. I am a newbie, but has anyone set up a server in Mac invironment that isn't just buying another iMac? What do you get?

Sorry for what is going to be an easy question, but not sure what to purchase to us OS and act like an iTunes server?

 

[GGJstudios]

I use a Mac mini for that purpose. It also serves movies and TV shows via Plex, from data stored on multiple drives and computers on my network.

 

[Wavell]

I use a Mac mini for that purpose. It also serves movies and TV shows via Plex, from data stored on multiple drives and computers on my network.

+1

They're really versatile little boxes and they hardly use any power either. Mine's primarily used as an iTunes server - I never really figured out Plex, although it does look gorgeous with some of the available skins.

 

[brn2rnjk1]

+1

They're really versatile little boxes and they hardly use any power either. Mine's primarily used as an iTunes server - I never really figured out Plex, although it does look gorgeous with some of the available skins.

Where I am confused is this. Couldn't I buy a non-Mac External HD and do this? So, I have a LaCie external HD for my Mac and it is bootable. How do you load up Mac stuff like iTunes on a blank non-mac HD,

Sorry for the stupidity of this, but I am having a senior moment.

 

[Bear]

Where I am confused is this. Couldn't I buy a non-Mac External HD and do this? So, I have a LaCie external HD for my Mac and it is bootable. How do you load up Mac stuff like iTunes on a blank non-mac HD,

Sorry for the stupidity of this, but I am having a senior moment.

BUt you would still need your Mac on to access the disk.

If you want a unit that is a iTunes server only, you need a separate computer for it. And a Mini would be the best for that.

 

[jamin100]

What about a headless HP Microserver running Windows Home Server and Itunes.

They are cheap
Really low power
and can be run headless

 

[Wavell]

What about a headless HP Microserver running Windows Home Server and Itunes.

They are cheap
Really low power
and can be run headless

yep.. that could do it too. Although it's not *much* cheaper than a mac mini which is also really low power and can also be run headless.

 

[angle]

Can someone describe their Mac Mini itunes server setup? I've been thinking of doing this but curious about moving files, the streaming process, and general setup (I have an Apple TV2, and TONS of movies / TV / music on external HDD's). Any info is greatly appreciated!

 

[creeman]

If you're looking for a simple iTunes server, you can get almost any Synology NAS. They come with iTunes servers already on them. All you need to do is buy a hard disk, put it in and plug in the NAS. It will then just show up under the shared library section in iTunes.