Apple TV X MacMini

[MacRitz]

With money out of the question, does a MacMini cover all ATV functionality with advantages? Just a nb question...

 

[zedsdead]

With money out of the question, does a MacMini cover all ATV functionality with advantages? Just a nb question...

The Mini cannot download HD movie rentals, nor is the interface for the iTunes Store built right into Frontrow (which Apple likes to keep crippled for some reason).

No HDMI/Component for the Mini.

The Apple TV is also a streaming device, meaning it feeds from your main computer. Having a Mini as the device means you need to maintain two separate libraries.

It's really a matter of preference, but I really think the Apple TV is perfect for what it is supposed to do (outside of the buggy firmware lately). It could use some major feature enhancements, and hopefully Apple will deliver those some time during the next year.

Before you buy either, wait until after next Tuesday to see what happens. Both are due for a hardware upgrade. I personally don't expect either to be updated until January at Macworld. There have been longstanding speculation that the two product lines should merge, but there is just as much opposition to the merger. It is going to be very interesting to see what Apple does with both products. I personally do not want them merged, I just want the Apple TV expanded with a DVR. Also, maybe iTunes 8 will help all the management issues and such.

 

[mpshay]

I went the mini route vice ATV for the added flexability it offers. It does lack HDMI but it has DVI and digital audio out (you have to run 2 cables vice one, nut you end up with the same signal quality). I would not be surprised if you can download HD rentals soon. Also if you want DVR functionality, it can be added to the mini now with something like the eyetv. IMO apple will not add a dvr to the ATV. They would rather you purchased copies TV episodes from the iTunes store.

I have two minis as HTPCs and love the way they work

 

[darkcurse]

Well if you manage to install Tiger on the mini, or if you can find one with Tiger installed, then you'll be able to get the aTV version of FrontRow and probably be able to download HD content (not sure on that one though)

 

[MacRitz]

Well if you manage to install Tiger on the mini, or if you can find one with Tiger installed, then you'll be able to get the aTV version of FrontRow and probably be able to download HD content (not sure on that one though)

All Macs come with FrontRow now, right?
I have a MBA and MBP15 both with FrontRow and here's my plan:
I have 400+ dvd in my book shelf and I'm a kind of guy who likes to watch some scenes over and over again.
I also have a Hi-fi system for music. (B&W speakers and Classé Amps)
I just wanted to digitalize my DVD collection to save space and have a clean visual on the wall. Of course I want to search my titles using APT or FrontRow.

With a MacMini and a wireless keyborad and mouse, I'll have a computer with 47"lcd screen and hi-fi sound system. Sounds more interesting, however I wanted to make sure MacMini is able to deliver 1080p quality if I have digital movies at that resolution.

Does the Mini's videoboard supports that resolution? (1920x13xx)

Apple should deliver a "complete" solution for god sake, a macmini with blu-ray combo and FrontRow to Rent / buy HD movies. (an iTunes that plays DVDs also) come on! I'm Apple's big fan, but they raised my expectations a little higher than they products.

 

[Cave Man]

All Macs come with FrontRow now, right?

Yes.

I also have a Hi-fi system for music. (B&W speakers and Classé Amps)

Does it have optical input? Does it support Dolby Digital, DTS, or Dolby Pro Logic? Digital audio is a piece of cake with an ATV, and sometimes a pain in the backside on Macs.

I wanted to make sure MacMini is able to deliver 1080p quality if I have digital movies at that resolution. Does the Mini's videoboard supports that resolution? (1920x13xx)

The Mini can do 1080p just fine provided you have the right software. Quicktime isn't the greatest piece of work; XBMC and Plex are much better. I can play Blu-Ray rips on my 2 gHz Mini and they are all 1080p at high bit rates.

 

[Cave Man]

... and probably be able to download HD content (not sure on that one though)

Probably not. I'm pretty certain there's a hardware check involved to make sure it's a genuine ATV.