I've been for the longest time thinking about getting a mini for a htpc but have a friend who has a ps3 he downloads movies to and loves it. any thoughts on using a ps3 for a htpc. i already have a computer that i could use for everyday stuff. any input would be greatly appreciated.
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mac mini vs ps3
- Thread starter jerryskid
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...a PS3 will "game" better than a mini if you can get it to do what you want with the streaming TV
You can't compare gaming console and computer... PS3 is great for gaming and Blu-Ray movies but it isn't a computer. Its browser is sooooooooo slow and you can't use it as a computer.
If you want to play games go for PS3 but if you need a computer go for Mac
If you want to play games go for PS3 but if you need a computer go for Mac
Check out Orb - free media syncing/streaming service. Run everything on your computer (media that is) to your PS3. Of course if you want it to find itunes movies you have to be a bit more "creative".
The mini will play more varied formats natively (MKV files for example, which you'll have to convert before playing on the PS3) but you get the advantage of a Blu-Ray player with the PS3 (presuming you're outputting to a HD source of course?). I currently use my PC to stream HD movies to the PS3, but of course if you're going to do that you need a PC or Mac and suitable software as well. I think you need to decide which you'll get the most out of.
Just a little note for something to think about..
The Mac Mini is $600 (baseline), you still need to add a monitor, mouse and keyboard- you'll end up spending $800 or maybe $900 on being able to use the mac mini. So in a sense, the Mini is going to cost you more than the PS3.
Just something to think about.
The Mac Mini is $600 (baseline), you still need to add a monitor, mouse and keyboard- you'll end up spending $800 or maybe $900 on being able to use the mac mini. So in a sense, the Mini is going to cost you more than the PS3.
Just something to think about.
PS3s have built in displays now, do they? He'd need a display for the PS3 as well, and if it's, say, 5 years old or less, the Mac should run on it.
You can use it as a computer. The PS3 allows the install (legally) of PPC based linux distributions like PPC Ubuntu or YDL (YellowDogLinux). All you need is a mouse and a keyboard.
and time ! linux on a PS3 is like running it on an 800MHz pentium 4 according to benchmarks. that would SUCK
Definitely get the Mac mini, A PS3 is just a video game. Of course the browser isnt going to be as good. The Blue-Ray player is good, if you want or need it.
The Mac Mini can do a lot of things.
The Mac Mini can do a lot of things.
Definitely get the Mac mini, A PS3 is just a video game. Of course the browser isnt going to be as good. The Blue-Ray player is good, if you want or need it.
The Mac Mini can do a lot of things.
Except play HD current gen video games and Blu-Ray movies. I have macs on my TV and I gotta tell you, my PS3 gets a lot more use.
Since you indicated that you want one for HTPC purposes then you need to decide on what exactly do you want to play.
Blu Ray discs
DVD discs
media files
music
PS3 plays blu ray discs, dvd discs and does it very well. When it comes to files you have some very clear limitations. Files local to the PS3 can have size limitations and if you stream movies, PS3 definitely wont play m2ts files that are VC-1 encoded.
Mac Mini with software such as Plex can play a larger variety of files including the m2ts vc-1 files whether they are local or streamed in. The draw back is no blu ray unless you buy an external one and archive your movies to a drive. Much of the archiving process requires Windows and at least softwares such as - AnyDVD HD ($), TSMuxer (free), Eac3to (free).
I own a PS3, and archive my files onto a NAS and stream. My VC-1 encoded blu ray discs while archived, I have to resort to the original discs. I don't buy into converting them as they lose quality. The PS3 playing discs can however play the various HD audio if hooked up to a reciever. Plex as example may handle only DTS and Dolby 5.1 etc.
I'll eventually get either a Mac Mini 2.26 and add ram and a faster drive. As pointed out it can start adding up in cost. The alternative is building a speedy little htpc and using XMBC with Linux which can exploit the GPU.
I recommend you take a look at both the XMBC forums and the Plex forums.
As well, PowerDVD and all that stuff is a real PITA for playback.
Good luck
- Phrehdd