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Mac mini Wrong Choice?!

brentsg said:
You probably aren't running the proper resolution now. There's a significant bug with HDMI in 10.5.7. Search around a bit.
Click to expand...

Any updates on this? I've held off updating my Mini to 10.5.7. Is it safe to update now?
 
Mac Mini to Component

OK, I was an early adopter, sue me. :)

My 42" toshiba does not have HDMI and I am looking into building a Mac Mini based HTPC.

Can anyone give me suggestions or guidance on how to hook up mac Mini to Component video? (not composite, Component).

Or to S-video (which will be lower quality, I understand).
 
reliason said:
OK, I was an early adopter, sue me. :)

My 42" toshiba does not have HDMI and I am looking into building a Mac Mini based HTPC.

Can anyone give me suggestions or guidance on how to hook up mac Mini to Component video? (not composite, Component).

Or to S-video (which will be lower quality, I understand).
Click to expand...

Do you have DVI or VGA? I had to use VGA as the HDMI on my Sammy overscan was screwed up. Works great.
 
TuckBodi said:
Do you have DVI or VGA? I had to use VGA as the HDMI on my Sammy overscan was screwed up. Works great.
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Nope. Choices are Component, S-Video, Composite.:eek:

I have not bought my Mac Mini yet. Should I go with the ATV instead? (weaker device IMO, but has component jacks).

But man I would like to use it with my Netflix subscription.
 
reliason said:
Nope. Choices are Component, S-Video, Composite.:eek:

I have not bought my Mac Mini yet. Should I go with the ATV instead? (weaker device IMO, but has component jacks).

But man I would like to use it with my Netflix subscription.
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If you can afford the mini then go with that. I have both and I mainly use the mini now as my HTPC with XBMC & Aeon Auriga as my interface.

You could also try this adaptor and see if it works. Also, 123macmini.com is a great resource.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10419&cs_id=1041901&p_id=2398&seq=1&format=2
 
My Mac Mini is running 10.5.7 and connected to an AV switch via HDMI with only one problem: I periodically have to disconnect and reconnect the Mini from the AV switch in order to get video to display. After a bit of research, I determined that the Mini (and any computer with DVI) will not automatically reconnect to a display if routed though a switch. The only way to avoid this is to get a device which can remember the EDID of your display and trick the Mini into thinking that it is always connected to the display and output the video always. I just ordered a device which does this and will come back with my findings.
 
mac mini interested in this!!

I am new to the idea of a mac mini used as an HTPC,

i guess i am confused as to how this can be done? the mac mini is in fact a mac computer correct? So it would reason to believe that the mini just doubles as the media center then connects to the screen/stereo/ then displays the movie or what ever onto your screen correct?

you can then use the mini as a computer on the screen with a wireless keyboard and mouse as well correct?


so... most people just use plex to display everything on the screen? can you also maneuver within the computer and surf the internet as well if there is a way while watching a movie on your screen?

kind of confused as to what the purpose is of using the mini with these other devices out there:


:apple:tv
western digital hd box
ps3
xbox 360
xbox (original) modded


not looking for a rip fest so to speak, just some answers as to why the mini over the other devices?


thanks
 
Well some people rip entire movie libraries, some people use it as a DVR.

I mostly like it because of its flexibility on internet videos -- it can play anything I want. I often watch stuff on Hulu and Netflix and other web video. Many of the of the other devices you mention can do some but not all internet video. I also have a PS3 but it's used mostly for games and BluRay.

Plex is a fantastic program for playing all kinds of digital video sources --your own libraries and internet video (it supports Hulu and Netflix and MANY other sources). It's a small job to configure it, but is pretty flexible so you can have it how you want it. The interface is a bit like frontrow and it works with the apple remote.

I also use it to play my iTunes library and internet radio etc on the good stereo.

My wife and I also enjoy doing online crosswords together -- zoomed to fill the whole screen is just the right size for viewing from the couch.

So the main advantage to it is the huge flexibility.

And it can be used as a proper computer too, though I find it a bit awkward to do so in my particular setup.
 
OrganMusic said:
Well some people rip entire movie libraries, some people use it as a DVR.

I mostly like it because of its flexibility on internet videos -- it can play anything I want. I often watch stuff on Hulu and Netflix and other web video. Many of the of the other devices you mention can do some but not all internet video. I also have a PS3 but it's used mostly for games and BluRay.

Plex is a fantastic program for playing all kinds of digital video sources --your own libraries and internet video (it supports Hulu and Netflix and MANY other sources). It's a small job to configure it, but is pretty flexible so you can have it how you want it. The interface is a bit like frontrow and it works with the apple remote.

I also use it to play my iTunes library and internet radio etc on the good stereo.

My wife and I also enjoy doing online crosswords together -- zoomed to fill the whole screen is just the right size for viewing from the couch.

So the main advantage to it is the huge flexibility.

And it can be used as a proper computer too, though I find it a bit awkward to do so in my particular setup.
Click to expand...


AWESOME REPLY!! I was wondering what the benefits were and you did explain to me a lot of them,

i do just have to note that with vmfussion or parallels and boot-camp that i can use the server playon and do netflix and hulu as well, and i think youtube?, but that means i would have to use that one operating system i have been trying to get rid of for years:D

the mini does seem to be a good replacement for the htpc, i just don't think i would use it as such?

i stream everything to my ps3 using ps3 media server and playon from windows, those 2 both seem to work for just about any video out there, i guess the only thing i would be missing is the online cross word puzzles:p
 
Plex and Eye tv help

OrganMusic said:
Good question I've been thinking I should look into that. I'll see if I can give it a try today.
Click to expand...


I would love to know this as well! I thought maybe just adding the source as the folder that the Eye TV recordings go into? If not, I know that you can make Eye TV one of your apps and its mildly easy to switch between the two.

Also, what do you all use for a remote for Plex and Eye Tv. I know Eye TV comes with a remote, but its kinda junky looking. The Apple remote is supposed to work, but it keeps controlling itunes or Front row, how do I stop this?

I have tried a bunch of iphone apps but would like to get something physical in my hand. I have found it annoying to have to actually look at the remote to see what button I am pushing. Are there any other universal remotes that would work for Plex or Eye TV?

Thanks!!
 
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