Build a media center with what I have

[motownflip]

I have a mbp 2.4, two ATV's, and a time capsule. I have a 50" Bravia 1080p in the living room, and a 42" Hitachi 780p(I think) plasma in the bedroom. Both TV's have surround sound. I'm hoping that you guys will tell me that I can have a decent setup with what I have. I am thinking about getting a Mini, but I don't want to spend more money right now if I don't have to. Anyone have any ideas on how to make this work? I know I'll probably need another hard drive, but other than that, what do I need? I'm trying to cut out my cable bill, but I have to make sure my setup will work first. Also, my wife is a fan of some Bravo shows and VH-1. Of course, I'm trying to get this as close as possible to the setup that some of you have with the minis. I'm a noob, so don't flame me if some of this doesn't make sense. Please help!

One other question, If I added a Mini, can I control the mini from my mbp?

 

[spice weasel]

You have everything you need. Hook up an ATV to each of your TV sets via HDMI, then stream/sync your media library to them from your MBP. Very easy.

As far as cutting your cable subscription, it's a matter of figuring out what content you want and how to get it for free/cheap. First thing I would do would be to install Boxee on your ATVs. That will get you access to CBS, Hulu, Comedy Central, PBS, CNN, and a few others. You can get lots of podcasts via iTunes, either downloaded to your MBP and sent to your ATV or viewed directly from the ATV. I know there are some VH-1 shows available via podcast. Of course you can buy TV shows and some movies (or rent movies) from iTunes.

If you have your own DVD media library you can encode it for the ATV using HandBrake.

Lastly, you might want to see if you can get reception with an antenna. I live 40 miles away from the broadcast towers and get all the networks in HD just fine with only a small indoor antenna. That will help with any local news or daytime TV you might want to watch, which you can't really get with the Boxee/iTMS/internet streaming route.

 

[gcmexico]

You have everything you need. Hook up an ATV to each of your TV sets via HDMI, then stream/sync your media library to them from your MBP. Very easy.

As far as cutting your cable subscription, it's a matter of figuring out what content you want and how to get it for free/cheap. First thing I would do would be to install Boxee on your ATVs. That will get you access to CBS, Hulu, Comedy Central, PBS, CNN, and a few others. You can get lots of podcasts via iTunes, either downloaded to your MBP and sent to your ATV or viewed directly from the ATV. I know there are some VH-1 shows available via podcast. Of course you can buy TV shows and some movies (or rent movies) from iTunes.

If you have your own DVD media library you can encode it for the ATV using HandBrake.

Lastly, you might want to see if you can get reception with an antenna. I live 40 miles away from the broadcast towers and get all the networks in HD just fine with only a small indoor antenna. That will help with any local news or daytime TV you might want to watch, which you can't really get with the Boxee/iTMS/internet streaming route.

***
this person just gave you the whole answer...well done

 

[motownflip]

thanks for that answer. Here's an issue I have with it though. Both ATV's currenty have boxee, and watching HULU is basically pointless. I get alot of stuttering and it is very unviewable. I love the HULU app, but I have no idea how to fix it.

Also, Spice, do you have the antennae setup directly to your TV? Or do you recommend eyetv?