Mac Mini "G4" Apple TV Alternative

Using S-Video is inferior to the component video connections on the Apple TV. However, if you were planning to use S-Video with the Apple TV, there wont be a difference. If your using a standard definition TV, component video is out of the question anyway.

As for the audio, since the G4 Mini only provides stereo sound output, that's all your going to get from it. Your surround sound reciever probably has an option for upscaling stereo sound to "virtual" surround sound, but it's not going to be as good as "true" surround sound. I use the upscaling and it's not bad. In most cases its indistinguishable from the real thing.

Given all that, I'd still go with the G4 mini for your entertainment centre. It wont cost you anything since you already own it, and it has a DVD player built in too so you can eliminate clutter. Plus, there's always the option of using it as a computer if you wanted.

I'm using the oldest G4 mac mini (1.25) as media center.
I needed to upgrade to 1GB Ram to make it work.
I'm running eyeTV so that Apple TV is not a alternative for me.
The harddrive is too small, so that I connected to a NAS (GB Ethernet), which can only be addressed by the mini with 100M-Eth.
Therefore there are some short video breaks from time to time.
But I can live with it because the G4 mac mini is very quiet. Every other machine (besides of laptops) are much louder - even the Intel minis.

Too slow for 1080p or 720p HD rips. Perfect for Itunes .h264 rips SD quality.

Dustman said:

If your using a standard definition TV, component video is out of the question anyway.

Click to expand...

tell that to my 32" Sony Wega

You'll need a remote receiver and an Apple Remote, you can get those here:

Article:

http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/21/mira-software-lets-all-macs-use-apple-remote/

Website:

http://twistedmelon.com/mira/

Dustman said:

If your using a standard definition TV, component video is out of the question anyway.

Click to expand...

My Panasonic 32" SDTV has component. That's how we have our ATV connected.

As for the audio, since the G4 Mini only provides stereo sound output, that's all your going to get from it.

Click to expand...

It can do matrix surround sound (e.g., Dolby Pro Logic I and II, and Dolby Surround).

Your surround sound reciever probably has an option for upscaling stereo sound to "virtual" surround sound,

Click to expand...

If he has a receiver capable of decoding the above matrices and the files are encoded in them, then he can get surround sound.

but it's not going to be as good as "true" surround sound.

Click to expand...

I'm not following you. Is there a "false" surround sound?

Cave Man said:

I'm not following you. Is there a "false" surround sound?

Click to expand...

yes, recievers have a "virtual surround sound" mode that takes a stereo or mono signal and makes it a 5.1...

You can buy a external USB or Firewire box (external sound card) that outputs optical / digital sound. Some companies that make them: M-Audio, Griffin, Behringer, Creative, Yamaha...

I have not done research on this for awhile now so no recommendation. M-Audio works fine.

Firewire ones probably cost more than your MacMini G4. USB generally are more affordable. You can get USB with optical output for under $100. (some around $30)

Some examples:
bhphotovideo.com/c/category/12195/Audio_Interfaces_Systems.html

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Edit: although most will work plug-and-play, some specialized sound cards may not work under Leopard.

Also as someone mentioned, G4 might be slow for HD material, but will play most formats fine (via VLC).

I would put NES on it...