Reality check needed on HTPC setup

If you're runnin a HTPC you don't need a NAS, a NAS is by its name network attached storage. You can build that right into your existing PC, what you need to work out is what front end you want, or whether you want a streaming media player.

Investigate Plex and XBMC, see how you go, if you want something more user friendly then look at a streaming media player, Chrome Cast, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, etc to make it TV friendly.

 

If your media library is already in iTunes, I see little reason to use Plex or XMBC, unless you're looking for specific features iTunes doesn't have. Doubly so if you have any iTunes Store DRM-protected content.

I'd say the biggest mistake I made with my HTPC Mac Mini was using the NAS I already had in the house as primary library storage. I should have gotten more local storage on the Mini (attached external HD) and just used the NAS for Time Machine backups. I may need to migrate to that when I have the funds.

 

Everyone has a different spin on what hardware and software makes for a good entertainment set up.

If you use a Mac Mini - you can have BOTH XBMC/PLEX and iTunes.

I think that playing with XBMC first might be a good choice. It has a strange learning curve in that once you start to get it, it goes very quickly. XBMC plays a much larger amount of file types than iTunes/ATV natively. It also creates various front end screens that are fitting of an entertainment center.

Where iTunes is a good fit is for iTunes movie rental/purchase and any other DRM type of items from the iTunes store.

Storage - either directly attached or NAS will work. It really depends on what you are trying to do. If only the Mini is going to use the stored files, then directly attached is a cheaper way to go (direct as in external drives via USB, Firewire, Thunderbolt).

I use a couple of Mac Mini for both regular use and HTPC. I'll say the only caveat to using OSX for an HTPC is that it cannot play HD audio lossless streams such as MASTER DTS etc. It can however play DTS and Dolby+. Unless you have a mid to high end audio system, chances are you wont miss HD audio ability.

In summary - Use both XBMC/PLEX and iTunes. Consider directly attached storage as an option for storage (often far cheaper than NAS).

Last - XBMC and Plex can take advantage of various universal remotes and technically can also use Apple little wimp remote.

 

XBMC (Kodi is actually the new name) is a great program to watch movies off a NAS or computer. The new players that run are Amazon Fire TV or the new Google Nexus Player.