All your tips for using a Mac mini as a TV/projector alternative

[izzy0242mr]

I want to get away from smart TVs (slower, often buggy) and eventually get a Mac mini set up in my home with a ceiling-mounted projector with the Mac using the projector as the screen.

Apple TV isn't an option—it's too locked down for me. Android/Google TV is way more customizable, but the hardware options you get are very limited. I'd love to run Android TV on a Mac but that's likely not possible.

Things I'm wanting to do:
#1 - Use apps like Brave Browser for YouTube and Stremio for movies/TV - all possible on a Mac.
#2 - Set the Mac up with an interface that is easy to navigate using a remote control and not a mouse/keyboard (hard to use those on a couch/with the kids)
#3 - Connect the Mac to some kind of remote that has a built-in keyboard but that also has standard buttons (I've seen a few of these remotes and I assume they still exist with Bluetooth functionality but haven't found too many of them)
#4 - Probably connect the Mac to some external storage with digitized DVDs and home videos saved on it

#2 seems like the trickier one. Is there any kind of accessibility setting where you can navigate macOS using essentially arrow keys? I guess I could live with a handheld remote that has a trackpad built into it or something. But I really just don't want to have to use a full-fledged keyboard/mouse or trackpad for this kind of setup.

Open to any and all tips from folks who have done something like this!

 

[Cave Man]

I suggest you post this in the Home Theater PC forum. Lots of people doing what you want to do. My Mac is connected to an Epson 1080p projector with a 5.1.2 receiver in between. I use the old Apple IR remote with Remote Buddy software but the Siri remote should also work provided you have a supported macOS. Plex is my media server/player.

 

[DaveF]

AppleTV for streaming service movies and TV. You only get lesser quality audio and/or video using computer apps or web interfaces.

If you’re watching from a media server, then get a Zidoo or NVidia Shield to run Plex or Emby, and use you Mini or whatever as the server. But not as the client player unit.

If you really want a web browser on your main TV, then sure, toss a $600 base model mini onto a TV with HDMI and have a Bluetooth combo keyboard-trackpad on the couch.

 

[Corefile]

For #2, that is called the Finder.app and lists all your streaming files. Double click with mouse and boom. No need for a keyboard as you can use the on-screen keyboard. Just plug in a wireless mouse and forget about a remote control.