Using New 2010 Mini as Apple Media Center

[Wicked1]

I have a really stupid question?

Can I just load up a new 2010 Mini with movies etc and use that to connect to any TV with an HDMI port and use it like a media center or sort of like an Apple TV?

I do not like the fact that the new ATV doesn't have a HDD and if your using WiFi and lose your connect you lose your movie. I think in the future the new ATV would be good when internet speeds are faster and more reliable.

 

[Hellhammer]

Yes, you can. Many people do it and there are several threads about using Mini as HTPC

 

[hfthomp]

I have a really stupid question?

Can I just load up a new 2010 Mini with movies etc and use that to connect to any TV with an HDMI port and use it like a media center or sort of like an Apple TV?

I do not like the fact that the new ATV doesn't have a HDD and if your using WiFi and lose your connect you lose your movie. I think in the future the new ATV would be good when internet speeds are faster and more reliable.

Just an FYI, I've been streaming everything to my current ATV for about 2 years now and have never had an issue with the wireless connection slowing down the movie or dropping connection. Movies start up in about 5 seconds and there is no pauses or stutters.

 

[bartzilla]

I have a really stupid question?

Can I just load up a new 2010 Mini with movies etc and use that to connect to any TV with an HDMI port and use it like a media center or sort of like an Apple TV?

Yes. I do this with one of the older revisions with display port (and an HDMI adapter) and it works fantastically well. I use plex as a media player because I have a wide variety of media to play, but if all your stuff is in itunes then front row looks great too.

Costs more money than aTV or any of the other things I could have done, sure, but I still think its money well spent.

 

[reebzor]

http://www.plexapp.com

you're welcome

 

[darkgroove]

How about this website? http://www.applemediacenter.com

And admins, so help me god, if you think I'm just trying to promote my site, the guy asked for an APPLE MEDIA CENTER.