Adding a media server to my setup

I have an evolving media setup and I’m not sure which way to go on the next step. Current setup is:

ReadyNAS Duo 1TB of storage - holds video files, time machine backups, torrent client

Macbook Air - iTunes library - mainly audio, i tend to download iTunes video content in case it gets removed from the store and then move the files to my NAS due to capacity issues on the MBA with lots of HD video

AppleTV - audio via iTunes Match, steam purchased iTunes video content, video streaming (mainly Netflix, NHL and WWE), Airplay

iPad / iPhone - iTunes Match enabled. Watch videos either by sync to iTunes (having first moved video file back to MBA iTunes library) or using 8Player to stream from NAS.

The NAS and AppleTV are connected to a Gigabit switch.

The biggest drawback I find at the moment is playing back video files. One of two things happens at present. Firstly I have the odd situation where I have the HD iTunes files for a video purchased from the iTunes store sat on my NAS (physically right next to the Apple TV) yet to play that video on AppleTV I have to either stream it from the store, load it back onto my MBA and steam it using AirPlay or load it back on my MBA and play it using library sharing. Secondly, but similarly, any video files I download from non-iTunes sources have to be located on my MBA to play via AppleTV either using Airplay or library sharing.

I’m thinking of adding in a Mac Mini at some point, am I right in thinking this will resolve my problems? I could then have ITunes running on the Mini and use library sharing to have it all playing through AppleTV (or indeed connect the Mini direct to the TV). There are some areas of this setup I’m not too sure about and would welcome any advise:

1) What’s the best way to then sync my iPod, which is an old classic, or even my iPhone and iPad. Would I be better keeping the entire media library in iTunes on the Mini and sync from there. I assume it is possible to access the desktop of the Mini from the MBA, or even from my iPad? Alternatively I would need to maintain a second library on my MBA for sync purposes.

2) What’s the best method for ripping DVD’s? I’ve never really bothered with this but it’s something I might consider. Obviously I’d need a DVD drive but is it as simple as ripping a CD? Does it rip chapters (i.e.: episodes) in a similar way to tracks on a CD?

3) I’m likely to need more storage than the Mini will provide. At the moment I can just make use of my existing NAS but that is pretty old now so will need replacing sooner rather than later. Is it better to get another NAS or connect a USB drive (there is unlikely to be more than 1 stream from the Mini at any one time, absolute max 2) to the Mini and use a cloud backup. The main purpose of the NAS, apart from capacity, is a level of redundancy. Is cloud backup now a better option, I have fibre broadband which should be able to cope with that sort of system.

4) Could I do the same thing cheaper with a PC? Although I’m invested in an Apple setup and very happy with it the media box is going to sit there doing not much than serving up media. Is there a significant cost saving going a PC route or any downside to that? Been looking at the HP Pavillion Mini which is half the cost of the Mac Mini.

5) Is there any need to move outside of iTunes? I see lots of posts about Plex and other systems, would I need them? Most of my content is iTunes compatible. I do download some TV shows that aren’t in the correct format, usually mkv, but I just convert them using Smart Convertor and that’s not much of a hassle.

6) Can I backup my MBA to the Mini via Time Machine?

Sorry for the length of the post, was longer than I expected. Would appreciate any opinions or information.