Hi. I apologize for the newbie question. Just want to get the opinion of the experts on this forum. I have a powerbook, a PS3 and an XBox 360 and a Samsung HD TV. I also have in iPhone4. I want to add to this system the ability to play my iTunes media (mostly music, but video would be nice too) but also leave it capacity flexible for the next. Is apple TV the solution I'm looking for? I would also like to add a speaker system (the space that my TV in is rather small). Any recommendations?
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What system is right for me?
- Thread starter honkskillet
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A new Apple TV (ATV2) will let you play your iTunes media, either from your PowerBook, or from your iPhone 4.
Just remember that the ATV2 has no onboard storage, so your laptop will have to be on, or you will have to use AirPlay to stream from your phone.
As for capacity flexible, not entirely sure what you mean. If you mean you want to future-proof yourself somewhat, the ATV2 may or may not work. We don't know what Apple's plans are for it. It may do just what it does now, and nothing more, or they may expand it's capabilities. No one knows.
A Mac Mini is far more flexible, but far more expensive!
Just remember that the ATV2 has no onboard storage, so your laptop will have to be on, or you will have to use AirPlay to stream from your phone.
As for capacity flexible, not entirely sure what you mean. If you mean you want to future-proof yourself somewhat, the ATV2 may or may not work. We don't know what Apple's plans are for it. It may do just what it does now, and nothing more, or they may expand it's capabilities. No one knows.
A Mac Mini is far more flexible, but far more expensive!
MacMini
what's up honkskillet?
Everyone's a NooB at some point...the key is sharing the knowledge and passing it on. That's the best part of the Mac community
When you say "add to your system", do you mean buy another computer? If so, I'd recommend a MacMini as a HTPC. Your PowerBook is a little long in the tooth, and at some point it's age will show when streaming and encoding content. You won't need an ATV2 if the Mini is your HTPC, since you'll be able to access the music and movies. If you do add the ATV2, connect it to your TV and stream to it from the Mini. Check out our blog at www.tvonthecheap.com for some tips.
As for audio, seriously consider getting an AV receiver or even a HTIB. If you go with a receiver, I highly recommend Hsu Research's Ventriloquist speaker system. If not, any HTIB will provide adequate sound.
Hopes this helps!
what's up honkskillet?
Everyone's a NooB at some point...the key is sharing the knowledge and passing it on. That's the best part of the Mac community
When you say "add to your system", do you mean buy another computer? If so, I'd recommend a MacMini as a HTPC. Your PowerBook is a little long in the tooth, and at some point it's age will show when streaming and encoding content. You won't need an ATV2 if the Mini is your HTPC, since you'll be able to access the music and movies. If you do add the ATV2, connect it to your TV and stream to it from the Mini. Check out our blog at www.tvonthecheap.com for some tips.
As for audio, seriously consider getting an AV receiver or even a HTIB. If you go with a receiver, I highly recommend Hsu Research's Ventriloquist speaker system. If not, any HTIB will provide adequate sound.
Hopes this helps!
