Windows-based HTPC and Apple TV

[matrix07]

IMO you should run all this in Parallels and use OSX for all other stuff. I still fire up my Win7 box remotely when I want to deal with audio and video manipulations - nothing to beat it IMO for the range of software.

That's what I'm thinking. Being able to use all these softwares in Parallels would be wonderful but I never use virtual app before so I'm a bit hesitated.
Don't really want to use Bootcamp since working in Mac environment would be best, and I don't think Windows in Bootcamp will play nicely with my trackpad.

 

[drsox]

That's what I'm thinking. Being able to use all these softwares in Parallels would be wonderful but I never use virtual app before so I'm a bit hesitated.
Don't really want to use Bootcamp since working in Mac environment would be best, and I don't think Windows in Bootcamp will play nicely with my trackpad.

Don't think Parallels would be a problem as along as the I/O passthrough is configured OK. I don't have a direct connection from my DVD player to my Mac so I can't test that, but I'll see if AnyDVD, CloneDVD work in Parallels and report back. All the other stuff I've used in Parallels has worked OK, but it hasn't been AV related.

UPDATE :

I rigged up a direct DVD-Mac connection and used it in Parallels. I tested AnyDVD, CloneDVD and GoldWave. They all seem to work fine.

 

[matrix07]

UPDATE :

I rigged up a direct DVD-Mac connection and used it in Parallels. I tested AnyDVD, CloneDVD and GoldWave. They all seem to work fine.

Great to hear. Thank you for testing it out. I hope Parallels is not hard to setup. (praying)

 

[drsox]

Great to hear. Thank you for testing it out. I hope Parallels is not hard to setup. (praying)

No, easy. See if you can get a special price on it from someone like MacUpdate.

 

[antonypg]

iHomeServer

I am using a small HP MicroServer, a very nice machine with 4 drive bays, running Windows Home Server 2011. The HP MicroServer was available for around £250 with a £100 HP cashback. The server is hidden away in a cupboard and I use Apple TVs to view the content.

I have also added speakers to the server and use the Apple Remote app on my iPad to play music.

The best software package I found was iHomeServer. It runs iTunes as a background service, and automates the ripping of DVDs and Blu-Rays directly into the iTunes library. It also integrates a DNLA server which allows me to watch my movies on my PS3 and Xbox.