What's the right answer to get my Mac media to a TV?

[DoFoT9]

I don't like the idea of putting the content on a device that's attached to the PC. I consider the PC device to be an edge device and I want all the media on the core of my network.

I prefer a media server like the HP EX series. It's in a storage area hanging off my router via a Gig-E link. Then everything else (PCs, HTPC, phones, iPad, etc) access the content in that manner. Plus the server sips energy and is always available when I need to access my data.

I'm actually getting better at keeping ALL my data on the server, which has the benefit of making PC swaps, changes, etc easier.

so you are saying that externally attached drives to computers are a bit silly? i guess i agree - but it wont infringe any slow downs or the like to the playback - unless of course for spin up/power cycles etc. the throughput of the devices isnt really effected.

 

[a2applegirl]

I have an iomega firewire 800 drive (2 tb) attached to my mini server and it is fast and quiet. It is on all the time. I never have any issues playing or streaming videos directly from the drive to the tv. I thought about getting a drobo but its expensive and seems like overkill to me. I don't plan on getting rid of the dvd's I am ripping, so if my drive fails, the worst thing that can happen is that I have to rerip the dvds. That would be inconvenient, but not the end of the world, and the iomega drive sits right next to the mac and has the same sleek look and can be out in the open in my living room.

 

[keeper]

how you you control the mini?

Wireless mouse?
harmony remote?
Remote desktop.

Just what is the practical method in daily use to launch programs?

Cheers Phil

 

[DoFoT9]

how you you control the mini?

Wireless mouse?
harmony remote?
Remote desktop.

Just what is the practical method in daily use to launch programs?

Cheers Phil

a wireless keyboard is probably the best scenario - coupled with a remote for playing/volume etc. spotlight works wonders without a mouse

 

[a2applegirl]

how you you control the mini?

Wireless mouse?
harmony remote?
Remote desktop.

Just what is the practical method in daily use to launch programs?

Cheers Phil

I use remote desktop and screen sharing to control the mini most of the time.

 

[eponym]

At first I used the standard Apple Remote with Plex. Then I upgraded to a Harmony (1 remote for all my home theater devices).

But I also make use of Controllr for the iPhone (for Plex as well) and you should have a wireless keyboard/mouse of some sort for managing the Mini unless you always want to remote desktop.

(Note: I don't actually use my kb/mouse very often, but I have them)

 

[kirsch92]

I don't like the idea of putting the content on a device that's attached to the PC. I consider the PC device to be an edge device and I want all the media on the core of my network.

I prefer a media server like the HP EX series.

I was looking at that as well. On the surface it seems silly to buy a server running Windows when I have no PC's in my house (Linux on my laptop).

But I assume the Windows Home server with the Media extender to my XBox would allow for seamless integration with my media, and give me the full media player "look" on my TV. While I like Playback, it essentially gives me folder access, which is not nearly as nice.

Plus, when the Kinetics controller arrives, I believe the media player motion control and voice activation will only work well using the Media Extender.

Anyone using an Xbox with WHS have any input?

On another note - my info that the Western Digital NAS had HFS+ was bogus. Confirmed by tech support. It does have USB support for HFS drives though.

 

[Chris Rogers]

how you you control the mini?

Wireless mouse?
harmony remote?
Remote desktop.

Just what is the practical method in daily use to launch programs?

Cheers Phil

Harmony Remote + Screen Sharing + RowMote App (which also has a virtual keyboard/mouse) + a Dinovo Edge (Mac Edition) keyboard with built in mouse.

I'll admit, that the physical keyboard/mouse don't get used as much.

With that said, I have it so that Plex automatically starts when my Mini turns on (since it is used for a HTPC).