2010 Mac Mini as HTPC: Various questions

[LinMac]

I ordered a 2010 Mac Mini as a HTPC yesterday after seeing them on sale. I had been experimenting with an Acer Nettop, but after seeing the level of performance vs. content I opted for something more powerful that will look nice in my TV cabinet.

The issues I have so far are:

1) What software should I use to organize a local content library and stream content using a standard Harmony remote?

2) I do not own a standard PC monitor having an iMac instead. Is there any reasonable cheap way to use a Macbook Pro or iMac as a monitor (maybe windowed mode) when connected to another computer? Booting an alternative OS such as Linux, FreeBSD is fine.

 

[Tilpots]

1. Plex

Plex for Mac

Experience your media on a visually appealing, easy to use ten foot interface on your Mac connected TV. Your media library has never looked this good.

2. Screen Sharing

With Mac OS X v10.5 and later you can connect to another computer on your network and display that computer’s screen on your computer. While you share the computer’s screen, you can control what happens on that computer, such as opening documents or applications; opening, moving, or closing windows; and even shutting down the computer.

Hope that helps!

 

[ReggaeFire]

In addition to Plex, you can look at XBMC or Boxee.

Plex just did a major update, .9, which to my mind isn't quite there yet (the backend is better than .85, but the skins aren't, and from what the skinners have said I don't think that fixing the .9 bugs for skinning is a top priority for the Plex team).

XBMC is about to drop a new version (10, Dharma) which I haven't used too extensively, but it looks nice. I'm leaning towards using it in place on Plex.

Boxee is has its own interface issues, you either like it or hate it. I'm in the latter camp.

Ultimately they're all fairly similar in functionality, so it just depends on what you like the look of.

 

[bearcatrp]

Anyone know if you can stream plex or boxee to the old or new apple tv?

 

[cbdoc]

I ordered a 2010 Mac Mini as a HTPC yesterday after seeing them on sale. I had been experimenting with an Acer Nettop, but after seeing the level of performance vs. content I opted for something more powerful that will look nice in my TV cabinet.

The issues I have so far are:

1) What software should I use to organize a local content library and stream content using a standard Harmony remote?

2) I do not own a standard PC monitor having an iMac instead. Is there any reasonable cheap way to use a Macbook Pro or iMac as a monitor (maybe windowed mode) when connected to another computer? Booting an alternative OS such as Linux, FreeBSD is fine.

Can also connect to iMac via mini display port. That's probably the best solution for quality/performance.

 

[LinMac]

1) I need to be able to manage a content library that will be local on the machine, shared across the network from an iMac, and occasionally via an attached portable hard drive.

The second requirement is being able to watch streaming video from the internet most specifically MSNBC. I personally don't care about this, but someone who will be using the system definitely does so it is important that I try to make it work.

2) Those solutions won't work. I need to be able to set this up so it can be used if the Mac Mini happens to have a critical kernel panic where it won't respond except to a local display. The displayport option won't work because I have a 22" iMac not a 27" and I would like to be able to setup my Aspire via the same setup. Is there no option for VGA to USB then have the video output in a program?

 

[EvilC5]

I set my mini up while it was hooked to my tv the 1st time, not the most ideal situation, but it got the job done. now I use screen sharing from my MBP or iMac to accomplish everything. the tv that my mini is connected to is the only tv in my house that doesnt have an apple tv hooked to it, and just this past weekend used safari to watch some netflix shows and it was fine, so i would imagine if msnbc is able to go full screen, you shouldnt have an issue there either.

I have not tried plex or XBMC as of yet, but might get around to installing them if I get some time to mess with it.

as for content, I have been just using itunes and transcoded all of my dvd's to the apple tv preset in handbrake and have been very satisfied thusfar.

 

[Tilpots]

1) I need to be able to manage a content library that will be local on the machine, shared across the network from an iMac, and occasionally via an attached portable hard drive.

The second requirement is being able to watch streaming video from the internet most specifically MSNBC. I personally don't care about this, but someone who will be using the system definitely does so it is important that I try to make it work.

2) Those solutions won't work. I need to be able to set this up so it can be used if the Mac Mini happens to have a critical kernel panic where it won't respond except to a local display. The displayport option won't work because I have a 22" iMac not a 27" and I would like to be able to setup my Aspire via the same setup. Is there no option for VGA to USB then have the video output in a program?

1. Again, Plex. You should really take a look. Or you can just direct Safari to MSNBC's site.

2. If your mini has a kernel panic you will see it on the TV to which your Mini is connected if your using it as an HTPC like you stated. A shared monitor will not help you in any way shape or form for this event.

Anyone know if you can stream plex or boxee to the old or new apple tv?

Take a look here. Right now, they're hacking the new ATVs to put Plex on it. Hopefully soon, apple will support apps natively.

 

[lovekeiiy]

I ordered a 2010 Mac Mini as a HTPC ....

2) I do not own a standard PC monitor having an iMac instead. Is there any reasonable cheap way to use a Macbook Pro or iMac as a monitor ...

I'm not following what you're trying to do. If you're using a HTPC, you should be hooking up the mini to your TV. So it's more an issue of what inputs you have on your TV. If it's a newer TV, it may have a PC mode. Heck, the OS may detect the TV perfectly. If not, you can use SwitchResX to make adjustments to fill the TV correctly. I have my mini hooked up to an old Mits 55" RP HDTV. I don't browse the web, but I watch videos on it, so I don't need pixel perfect.