Wireless HDMI Extender or Apple TV?

[Ifti]

Anyone have any experience with wireless HDMI extenders?

I have a Mac Mini server with a Drobo 5D connected to my main TV downstairs, which runs Plex, among other things - connected to a TV via HDMI - and connected to my Apple TC via wireless.

I want to move the server and attached devices upstairs and connect directly into my TC via ethernet, but still have a connection to the main TV downstairs for Plex and movies etc.
Main reasons are for better security, and to keep the equipment away from my daughters exploring hands!!

Ive considered a wireless HDMI extender - how good are these? Im not sure if wirelessly streaming 1080p video via the HDMI extender would be smooth enough??

I guess another alliterative is to move all my movies into my iTunes library on the server, and then stream to an Apple TV - although same question - would this be smooth enough for 1080p playback??

In essence, the Mac Mini Server would be connected to my 2013 Apple TC via Ethernet. I then use the 5Ghz AC wireless for my clients (is the Apple TV compatible with wifi AC yet??)

Any other alternatives/suggestions?

 

[Macman45]

I use a slightly different system which works well. My entire media library resides in a Pegasus R4 and is also on a 4TB Seagate USB 3 drive which are both connected to my iMac in the living room. The iMac is connected to my Time Capsule which in turn is connected to two ATV's, one in the lounge, one in my bedroom.

Air Video Server does the rest, allowing me to stream from my IPad, rMBP or iPhone 5S directly to either of my TV's

No drop outs ( which I think you might get with an extender, I've tried these before with limited results ). You'd only really need to buy an ATV or similar product to obtain the same results...Air Video Server isn't very expensive, I think I paid around £2.00 or so...maybe $3 Then you'd be good to go.

 

[Ifti]

Thank you. I'll take a look at Air Media Server!

 

[waw74]

since you're already using plex, take a look at roku.
lots of channels (basically apps) including a native plex app.

you won't have airplay or be able to play anything from the iTunes store (rental or purchase)

also... running plex on your computer and using airplay mirroring to get the image down to the TV is not an option, or at least one you'll be happy with. (the picture will stutter)

running Plex on an iOS device, and using airplay isn't bad, as long as you have a decent wifi coverage, but you won't have 5.1 sound (don't know if you care about that though)

 

[Ifti]

since you're already using plex, take a look at roku.
lots of channels (basically apps) including a native plex app.

you won't have airplay or be able to play anything from the iTunes store (rental or purchase)

also... running plex on your computer and using airplay mirroring to get the image down to the TV is not an option, or at least one you'll be happy with. (the picture will stutter)

running Plex on an iOS device, and using airplay isn't bad, as long as you have a decent wifi coverage, but you won't have 5.1 sound (don't know if you care about that though)

Ah, so the Roku has a native Plex client?
That would be even better.

I did take a look at the Air Media Server but don't want to have to bounce the video off of my iPhone or iPad so a more direct solution would be better. Also trying to avoid having to put all my movies into my iTunes Library as well. If Roku has a Plex client built in that would be ideal.

Does Roku support wifi AC?

 

[waw74]

most of the models support 5GHz, but N only

for the Roku 3...

802.11 dual-band (a/b/g/n compatible) with WEP, WPA, and WPA2 support

 

[ColdCase]

Any other alternatives/suggestions?

If you can run a cable, there are active HDMI cables that run a long way. How would you control the mini from downstairs?

 

[Ifti]

If you can run a cable, there are active HDMI cables that run a long way. How would you control the mini from downstairs?

At the moment the mini runs headless most of the time - although its connected to my main TV, I usually connect to it either via screen sharing from one of my MacBooks, or via the VNC app on my iPhone/iPad.

When I run Plex and view it through the TV I use an Apple remote.

I guess a Roku would probably solve all issues as it too comes with a remote etc.....

I don't want to run any more cables as Im looking to sell this property and move in a year or so, and I'll set the new house up much better. Would rather not pull up the carpet or drill any more holes etc!