Mac Mini as Media Center set up ideas?

[dalv]

I recently purchased my first Mac Mini (2011 with 8 GB) – a major step in the right direction I plan to use it as a Media enter with Plex. My previous Media Center was a PC, but it is going into retirement

As I have no experience with Macs, I need some advice as how to set it up.

What I’d like to be able is to set an automatic download of some TV shows we watch (I just read online it is possible, but I am not sure how). I need to have the shows display the proper meta information (Plex can do that), and be able to control it with iPhone/iPad.

The Mac comes with no keyboard – do I really need one, or can I use an App on the iPhone for the initial set up? Also, do I need to upgrade the iOS? I may be eligible for a free upgrade.

Any ideas about software, apps and set up, etc. will be greatly appreciated!