Just wanted to get everyone's opinion on this, I'm thinking about buying the Mac Mini server and converting it to a media center for my TV and what not. Just curious if y'all thought it'd be better to use something else or what you guys think. Also, would I be able to hook it up to a surround sound system?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Mac Mini media center
- Thread starter jlreed1
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I was considering replacing my HTPC a few months back when they updated the mini, and I really like the server but unless you have a separate DVD player or blu ray player, Id say just get a maxed out mini (not server) because its nice to have that dvd player especially if you use netflix... if you never watch dvd's or have a separate player then the mini server would be a really badass HTPC capable of handling just about anything you need it to. and if you wanted to download your movies you could hold A TON of them...
I use the HP MediaServer EX495. It may be way overkill for you want, but I have taken my entire DVD and Bluray library and converted it to iTunes format and store everything on my mediaserver and play through a couple different AppleTVs. The server is almost limitless in the amount of storage and has fantastic customer support from HP. I'm up to 4 TB of media (Movies, TV, etc) and that is all mirror backed up and runs smoothly over the network thanks to the C2D processors and 4 gig of RAM pushing stuff through the server.
Why would you get the mini server? Just get the mini.
Here's what I did (works great)
1. Get the latest, bottom of the line mini (you may want to wait a little bit, perhaps there is a refresh coming, I'm not sure)
2. Upgrade to the most possible RAM (4GB for me - 2X2)
3. Get a big external HD, hook it up via firewire 800
4. Throw all your media on the external HD, link it to itunes
5. I'd get a bluetooth keyboard and mouse; very convenient.
6. Enjoy!
Here's what I did (works great)
1. Get the latest, bottom of the line mini (you may want to wait a little bit, perhaps there is a refresh coming, I'm not sure)
2. Upgrade to the most possible RAM (4GB for me - 2X2)
3. Get a big external HD, hook it up via firewire 800
4. Throw all your media on the external HD, link it to itunes
5. I'd get a bluetooth keyboard and mouse; very convenient.
6. Enjoy!
+1. I have the exact same setup, works great. Only addition I would make is to get Air Mouse app for your iPhone.
If you must have OSX Server do what I did and buy a standard Mini and throw OSX Server on it. I have the top-of-the-line Mini (with DVDRW) running OSX Server. I run Plex and EyeTV with it and store all data on a NAS box (4x1.5TB drives currently running WHS, thinking of switching to FreeNAS). It works flawlessly and provides a centralized location for my other Macs to network with. I love it! I wouldn't buy the Mini Server as having that drive makes the Mini more htpc-ish.
Yeah, get a Mac-Mini, simply awesome!
I wouldn't bother with the Mac-Mini Server but not because it doesn't have the DVD or BlueRay drive, because you simply don't need the server version.
I've never put a single disc in my Mac-Mini. Who wants to bother with crappy media these days, you won't catch me buying a single Blue Ray disc either, I've wasted far to much money on ever changing media circus over the years, I will never go down that road again!
Put Plex on to manage all your digitally stored media, iTunes Music, Pictures, TV Shows, Movies, Hulu, Netflix etc etc.
Add the Aeon skin to go with it and it will show up any other system out there!
If your the kinda person that doesn't have an issue with sharing someone else's tv show recordings, marry up Plex with SpearNZB and you can effectively season pass all your favourite shows, downloading them instead of recording in real-time and going down the messy tuner route etc!
You then have a complete automated system for your TV with amazing synopsis and artwork to boot oh and no commercials since its already removed from the nzb.
I wouldn't bother with the Mac-Mini Server but not because it doesn't have the DVD or BlueRay drive, because you simply don't need the server version.
I've never put a single disc in my Mac-Mini. Who wants to bother with crappy media these days, you won't catch me buying a single Blue Ray disc either, I've wasted far to much money on ever changing media circus over the years, I will never go down that road again!
Put Plex on to manage all your digitally stored media, iTunes Music, Pictures, TV Shows, Movies, Hulu, Netflix etc etc.
Add the Aeon skin to go with it and it will show up any other system out there!
If your the kinda person that doesn't have an issue with sharing someone else's tv show recordings, marry up Plex with SpearNZB and you can effectively season pass all your favourite shows, downloading them instead of recording in real-time and going down the messy tuner route etc!
You then have a complete automated system for your TV with amazing synopsis and artwork to boot oh and no commercials since its already removed from the nzb.
Anyone have comments on Plex vs the latest Boxee?
Also, the TouchMouse app from Logitech (Software for Mac + iPhone companion app, both free) are working superbly for me for controlling the Mini from the couch.
Also, the TouchMouse app from Logitech (Software for Mac + iPhone companion app, both free) are working superbly for me for controlling the Mini from the couch.
I used an AppleTV version of Boxee last year but I didn't like the interface.
I know Boxee is another port of XBMC like Plex, but the UI is the most important thing for me, (closely followed by features of-course), and I think Plex with Aeon Skin is unbeatable at the moment.
I'm sure there will be plenty of people who prefer Boxee too, but I think this is personal thing, one where the individual has to make the decision!
Edit:
I notice there's was a new beta interface on youtube (a few months old) which looks better than the last one I used, so I guess the Boxee poeple agreed with me too
I might give it a second look at some point.
I know Boxee is another port of XBMC like Plex, but the UI is the most important thing for me, (closely followed by features of-course), and I think Plex with Aeon Skin is unbeatable at the moment.
I'm sure there will be plenty of people who prefer Boxee too, but I think this is personal thing, one where the individual has to make the decision!
Edit:
I notice there's was a new beta interface on youtube (a few months old) which looks better than the last one I used, so I guess the Boxee poeple agreed with me too
I might give it a second look at some point.
+1 for Plex!
Not only is the GUI of Plex much nicer and much more customisable than Boxees GUI, Plex has a better usability, too. Playing and editing content is absolutely straight forward (once you know about the C key) whereas managing the media with Boxee is kind of laborious.
But that's just my $0.2.
Not only is the GUI of Plex much nicer and much more customisable than Boxees GUI, Plex has a better usability, too. Playing and editing content is absolutely straight forward (once you know about the C key
) whereas managing the media with Boxee is kind of laborious.But that's just my $0.2.
