use as apple tv type device

[UNCMo96]

Can you use a mac mini with a remote as an apple TV? I have a macmini set up as a headless file sever and I was wondering if I could just grab a remote and have it turn into an apple TV with a remote so I can watch TV while doing other things in the room where it's located?

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Can you use a mac mini with a remote as an apple TV? I have a macmini set up as a headless file sever and I was wondering if I could just grab a remote and have it turn into an apple TV with a remote so I can watch TV while doing other things in the room where it's located?

In principle, it's possible, but it would require some works, like
1) How do you get the remote control to communicate with the Mac Mini? (It's simpler to use the Magic Mouse and Keyboard)=> Something like a wireless airmouse

2) Apps to watch TV on Mac OS (not the Apps on AppleTV OS)
KODI for Mac OS (there are some settings inside KODI to limits the TV channel to your local area, too)

 

[Boyd01]

I use a 2014 mini as a media server with about 2tb of ripped DVD's and other content. I mainly watch this on my two Apple TV's but also have screen/keyboard/mouse on the Mini so I can watch video in that room. I use Sling in my browser for streaming and iTunes (still running Mojave) for my own content. This works fine, but is certainly not an "Apple TV type device", it's awkward to use because of the mouse and keyboard.

Apple used to have software called Front Row that would be more like what you want, and the Mini used to have an IR port for remote controls, but those days are long gone. IMO, if you are actually looking for an experience like the Apple TV... get an Apple TV! You should be able to get an Apple TV HD very cheaply now, it was recently discontinued but is still compatible with most apps (I have two and no plans to upgrade).