Server/HTPC solution

[whoathere]

Here’s my situation.* I’m moving into my new home this weekend and I am looking for the best solution to a home theater/server setup.* My wife and I have a small photography/design business that is kind of growing, so my first goal is to setup a server where we can easily back up files, and share files on the server so we can be working on the same versions, and not having multiple copies of the same files floating around.* This is especially significant as far as the photos go.* We want a place for raw files, any edits, then another place for finished files.* A similar process will be used for design, such as concept, working files, and finished products.
*
I was thinking of going with a Mac Mini, or Mini server to handle this, probably the cheaper option.* Currently, we have an iMac and a new MBP, and have been using a 1TB shared drive over the network via an airport extreme, as well as 1TB FW800 drives daisy chained to the iMac.
*
I’m also looking to cure the HTPC itch I’ve had for a while now.* I’m normally streaming Netflix and such through my xbox 360, but the 360 isn’t going in the living room, so I need a new solution.* Apple TV2 sounds like a good plan, or another Mac Mini would work as well.* So long as I can do similar tasks with both, such as XBMC and live channels, streaming music/videos/photos/etc.* If the mini can act the same as the jailbroken ATV2, then I would probably opt for it.* Due to the capabilities of the mini in case the ATV3 gets jailbroken and I upgrade to that. *The mac mini would still have a use in some regard in the house. I also need something that will work well with the server solution as well.*

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Lance-AR]

Also look into GoodSync*

 

[Ifti]

Have you considered a NAS for your file sharing and backups etc?

 

[philipma1957]

a nas is a decent workaround. my thumbnail shows the diskstation in finder that is my nas and all my pc's/macs use it.

 

[tbobmccoy]

My mini is my HTPC.

It's awesome. I have my text enlarged and mouse cursor huge so I effectively get it to a 10 ft. UI standard. I use Plex, which works great (except Netflix right now...) for serving up pretty much all my media to all my PCs, iDevices, as well as the Roku in my bedroom. It's always on, and it's glorious.

I highly recommend the Mac mini HTPC solution; I'll never go back.

 

[Bunyak]

My mini is my HTPC.

It's awesome. I have my text enlarged and mouse cursor huge so I effectively get it to a 10 ft. UI standard. I use Plex, which works great (except Netflix right now...) for serving up pretty much all my media to all my PCs, iDevices, as well as the Roku in my bedroom. It's always on, and it's glorious.

I highly recommend the Mac mini HTPC solution; I'll never go back.

Did you increase the size of the system font? If so, which method did you use?

 

[tbobmccoy]

Did you increase the size of the system font? If so, which method did you use?

I do it on an app by app basis; I have Safari assigned to one space and just have the font changed in there. It works pretty well for every website I really need it to (HBO Go already is pretty decent with it's full screen graphics). Honestly, with Plex, I hardly need to be outside of Plex in the first place. HBO GO is one of the few exceptions... but If I'm outside of Plex, i'm probably doing some tweaking of the system and get closer (5' or so from my 46"er)