Mac Mini Server stream to other minis in house?

[kevcofett]

I'd like to get a mac mini server to use as a DVR etc. and then put regular mac mini's in each room in the house. I would also use my airport extreme which I already have.

The goal would be to have everything stored on either the server or the airport, and allow me to push any recorded program to any mac mini in the house for viewing. Is this possible with just the purchase of the mini server and a few minis (With my already purchased airport), or would I need other hardware to make it work too?

 

[aristobrat]

You'd need a TV tuner for the Mac that does the recording.

If you get one from Elgato, it should come with the awesome EyeTV software that can convert the recordings and put them into iTunes when done.

Once in iTunes, as long as that minis iTunes is setup for sharing, any other Mac or AppleTV should be able to stream it wirelessly.

If you're planning on recording digital cable or satellite channels, that gets trickier because you need a set-top box. If you're just recording over-the-air or analog (standard def, non-digital) cable channels, that's a lot easier IMO.

Have you thought about using a regular mini w/ an external drive instead of the mini server? And would AppleTVs in the remote rooms work instead of minis? Their UI is easier to use with a remote, IMO.

 

[kevcofett]

@aristobrat

Great points. Sorry, should've mentioned that yes, I'll have cable set top boxes in all rooms too. Good tip on the Apple TV for the other rooms, don't know why I didn't think of that. Will be much less expensive!