New Mac Mini as HTPC Windows 7 or OS X

[thesheleys]

I will be getting a new Mac Mini on Tuesday and want to use it just for the purpose of recording TV Shows from my HDHomeRun and converting them to iTunes format for my AppleTV's. I am looking on thoughts of which will be better...

1. Windows 7 Media Center

2. OS X with EyeTV

I already have all the licenses for either way so any thoughts either way would be great.

Thanks!

 

[justperry]

My choice would be the OS X way, overall a better experience, there are Apps similar to the Windows software, like XBMC, MediaCentral, plex and Boxee aside from eyeTV.

Just a question, how are you going to input the signal from TV to the Mini, I have a Mini Myself, would like to know how you do this.

 

[thesheleys]

I will be using a HDHomeRun that is on my network. I currently have it setup to record on an iMac with EyeTV and so far it works well.

 

[justperry]

I will be using a HDHomeRun that is on my network. I currently have it setup to record on an iMac with EyeTV and so far it works well.

But, what eyeTV, I want to know the hardware, are you using a HDTV USB stick or a converter which converts/inputs the TV signal into the Mini.

 

[thesheleys]

But, what eyeTV, I want to know the hardware, are you using a HDTV USB stick or a converter which converts/inputs the TV signal into the Mini.

I am not using any EyeTV Hardware. I am using an HDHomeRun, http://www.silicondust.com/products/hdhomerun/atsc/, with the EyeTV Software.

 

[justperry]

I am not using any EyeTV Hardware. I am using an HDHomeRun, http://www.silicondust.com/products/hdhomerun/atsc/, with the EyeTV Software.

Ah, I see, I thought it was a channel or provider, seems to be quite good hardware, there are other brands which charge an arm and a leg for a small USB HDTV dongle.

 

[thesheleys]

Another thought would be XBMC Frodo with the built in PVR. Anybody get that working on OS X?

 

[brendu]

If you are looking at windows, I feel like windows 8 is a much better choice for a HTPC. I tried it out and the live tile start screen and full screen apps are very nice.

I prefer osx to windows but for a HTPC I really like the look and feel of windows 8.