The best Mac Mini for home theatre....

[orestes1984]

There is still an optical port, doesn't appear that there is any change. A few people have been confused about the adapter necessary and incorrectly stated it isn't available any longer. It is.

http://store.apple.com/us/buy-mac/mac-mini

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You just need a Mini-TOSLINK to TOSLINK adapter, this is a generic adapter which shouldn't cost you more than $2.

 

[AnalyzeThis]

The base model 1.4ghz is fine, the HD5000 GPU is more than enough for 1080p content and then some. The fact that its a low power chip will save you money in the long run and it boosts right up to 2.6ghz when needed. Just get 8GB of RAM.

If you need more storage space just attach an external storage array via USB3, USB3 is faster than any spinning hard drive and the enclosures are cheap.

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OSX does only carry 5.1.
If you install windows on the little thing you'll get the full monty.

LOL, Raspberry Pi can handle all of the above and more for the total of less than $60. Figures...

Use case, but only install lower half, so it is well ventilated, then tape case to the back of your TV with dual sided tape. Over-clock to 1100 MHz in GUI to handle full BD rips. Use USB extension cable to mount Flirc IR sensor so it is accessible for your remote, and connect to USB port on TV for power. You do not even need IR, as rPi supports CEC device control over HDMI, so it is sufficient to get started for $35.

Sorry, If I appear to be rPi fan, just could not help it to see folks wasting money on something so simple. It is time to wake up to reality! Stop converting mac-mini into Apple TV or rPi, LOL.

The best mac-mini for XBMC is Raspberry Pi. Got it?

 

[paulrbeers]

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LOL, Raspberry Pi can handle all of the above and more for the total of less than $60. Figures...

Use case, but only install lower half, so it is well ventilated, then tape case to the back of your TV with dual sided tape. Over-clock to 1100 MHz in GUI to handle full BD rips. Use USB extension cable to mount Flirc IR sensor so it is accessible for your remote, and connect to USB port on TV for power. You do not even need IR, as rPi supports CEC device control over HDMI, so it is sufficient to get started for $35.

Sorry, If I appear to be rPi fan, just could not help it to see folks wasting money on something so simple. It is time to wake up to reality! Stop converting mac-mini into Apple TV or rPi, LOL.

The best mac-mini for XBMC is Raspberry Pi. Got it?

I own 2 rPis and I can say that they are no where near the experience of even an AppleTV and certainly not a Mac Mini. Even moving screens and what not is slower. My wife won't even use them anymore. Yes they can do it, but it's not a great overall experience. Especially when. You compare them to Roku 3s ($80) and AppleTVs ($75 for refurb) that are only a few bucks more.
Oh and they just work out of the box....