New mac mini

bigaudiofanatic
bigaudiofanatic Posts: 4,415
edited June 2010 in The Clubhouse
New mac mini just came out. Includes a built in HDMI port. I think I am going to get this rather than the apple tv.

http://www.apple.com/macmini/
HT setup
Panasonic 50" TH-50PZ80U
Denon DBP-1610
Monster HTS 1650
Carver A400X :cool:
MIT Exp 3 Speaker Wire
Kef 104/2
URC MX-780 Remote
Sonos Play 1

Living Room
63 inch Samsung PN63C800YF
Polk Surroundbar 3000
Samsung BD-C7900
Post edited by bigaudiofanatic on

Comments

  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited June 2010
    I saw these. They look really nice i my opinion. I am currently using an older G4 powerbook that ks connected to my AVR. This would definitely be a significant upgrade.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,726
    edited June 2010
    Any reason of these wouldn't make a good HTPC?
  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited June 2010
    I think this will make a great HTPC... In fact, I might switch over to it. The only downside is the lack of expandability, but that's easily solved with all the server/NAS options out there.
  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited June 2010
    This is my thoughts exactly. Is there HTPC software for the mac? I dont see any way to have a capture card for DVR or anything though.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
  • bigaudiofanatic
    bigaudiofanatic Posts: 4,415
    edited June 2010
    The built in Front Row is used to access your photos, internet radio, movies, and music and more as well with your remote. Recording I am sure they make usb video adapters.

    This in fact would make a great HTPC IMO.
    HT setup
    Panasonic 50" TH-50PZ80U
    Denon DBP-1610
    Monster HTS 1650
    Carver A400X :cool:
    MIT Exp 3 Speaker Wire
    Kef 104/2
    URC MX-780 Remote
    Sonos Play 1

    Living Room
    63 inch Samsung PN63C800YF
    Polk Surroundbar 3000
    Samsung BD-C7900
  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited June 2010
    VLC would a preferred option, as it plays basically anything. The only downside is the front-end is pretty lame.

    Trying to figure out how I can work one of these into my budget!
  • bigaudiofanatic
    bigaudiofanatic Posts: 4,415
    edited June 2010
    But that is not a full computer like this is which is a plus.
    HT setup
    Panasonic 50" TH-50PZ80U
    Denon DBP-1610
    Monster HTS 1650
    Carver A400X :cool:
    MIT Exp 3 Speaker Wire
    Kef 104/2
    URC MX-780 Remote
    Sonos Play 1

    Living Room
    63 inch Samsung PN63C800YF
    Polk Surroundbar 3000
    Samsung BD-C7900
  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited June 2010
    'Cute' comes to mind, but for that much dough you're better off building something yourself.

    +1 to VLC, awesome player for just about anything.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
  • maximillian
    maximillian Posts: 2,144
    edited June 2010
    Still don't like it too much. I prefer thin clients and a NAS. I currently have two Xbox/XBMC devices on my network with one NAS. Media is centrally located and the XBMC boxes can access the media simultaneously. The NAS consumes little power. the Xbox boots in only a few seconds, and they play just about anything. Wife and kid friendly too. The only downside is that the Xbox cannot play HD content.

    So for now this is my preferred setup. I am still looking for something better though. Suggestions?

    How quickly does the Mac mini boot?
  • bigaudiofanatic
    bigaudiofanatic Posts: 4,415
    edited June 2010
    They can be on standby and be wake in a matter of 2 seconds. "And be ran like that for over 4 weeks with no problems. It's what I do with my mac laptop" Bootup I would say 30 seconds-45.
    HT setup
    Panasonic 50" TH-50PZ80U
    Denon DBP-1610
    Monster HTS 1650
    Carver A400X :cool:
    MIT Exp 3 Speaker Wire
    Kef 104/2
    URC MX-780 Remote
    Sonos Play 1

    Living Room
    63 inch Samsung PN63C800YF
    Polk Surroundbar 3000
    Samsung BD-C7900
  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited June 2010
    Just my opinion, but for that much money you can do better.

    And leaving it running for over 4 weeks? If I'm stationary for even a year or two anywhere, my computer remains on that entire year.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
  • bigaudiofanatic
    bigaudiofanatic Posts: 4,415
    edited June 2010
    I just restart mine in about 4 weeks i could go much longer. But I love the interface for music movies and all on the mac plus I can stream whatever I have on my laptop to it or my NAS if that is where my music is.
    HT setup
    Panasonic 50" TH-50PZ80U
    Denon DBP-1610
    Monster HTS 1650
    Carver A400X :cool:
    MIT Exp 3 Speaker Wire
    Kef 104/2
    URC MX-780 Remote
    Sonos Play 1

    Living Room
    63 inch Samsung PN63C800YF
    Polk Surroundbar 3000
    Samsung BD-C7900
  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited June 2010
    The money is paying for the form factor. You can certainly do better performance wise, but you're probably not going to fit it in that neat of a package.

    As far as TV tuners, there are a lot of USB TV tuners out there that would be a good option.
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited June 2010
    Nice, but expensive. I already have an HTPC.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited June 2010
    bobman1235 wrote: »
    The money is paying for the form factor. You can certainly do better performance wise, but you're probably not going to fit it in that neat of a package.

    As far as TV tuners, there are a lot of USB TV tuners out there that would be a good option.

    True, more like buying into the name+aesthetics.

    Speaking of USB, does this thing have USB 3.0? :confused: I'll take a look...
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
  • bklynNupe
    bklynNupe Posts: 728
    edited June 2010
    I have the previous generation and I think it's great, I use the mini dvi to hdmi to connect to samsung for the monitor. I didn't buy a keyboard, instead I use my ibook to control the mini wirelessly through my network. I don't really use it for movies, but it's great for my music files.
    D jay software is also a great add on for little money. http://www.djay-software.com/

    emotiva xpa-2
    emotiva xpa-3
    Denon 3312ci
    Rtia9 /csia6 / FXi A6
    Samsung LN46A650
    SVS PB-12-NSD sub

    Audio Research SP-9 MKIII (GNSC mods)
    W4S ST250
    Lsi 9 (mods)
    W4S DAC-2
    Mac Mini
    Audio Aero Prima CD player
    Pro-Ject debut
  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited June 2010
    No it has USB 2.0.

    I am still pretty impressed with this. Not sure If I would want to drop $700 on it but it sure is purdy. LOL
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited June 2010
    Why not just buy a Sony, HP, or Niveus Media HTPC?
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited June 2010
    Googling "Sony HTPC" or "HP HTPC" doesn't show anything obvious, is there a specific product you had in mind?

    And the cheapest Niveus product I saw was the Zone for 1500 bucks....
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
  • ryanjoachim
    ryanjoachim Posts: 2,046
    edited June 2010
    For that much money, i'll just wait until the Boxee is finally out. That'll be a very nice HTPC for a great price, not to mention it's pretty!

    Edit - found some basic info on the BoxeeBox. BoxeeBox pictures
    Just as we'd heard, the asymmetrical streamer will be sold by D-Link for under $200, and it'll support a wide range of formats, including DivX, VC-1, WMV, H.264 MKV, and Flash 10.1. Service support is equally broad, with Pandora, Last.fm, Facebook, Twitter, Picasa, and Flickr all integrated -- and there's obviously Boxee's app platform for additional apps, plugins, and games.

    It'll also include the Tegra2 hardware.
    MrNightly wrote: »
    "Dr Dunn admitted that his research could also be interpreted as evidence that women are shallower than men. He said: "Let's face it - there's evidence to support it."
    mystik610 wrote: »
    Best Buy is for people who don't know any better. Magnolia is for people who don't know any better and have more money to spend.
    My System:


    TV: SAMSUNG UN55B7000 55" 1080p LED HDTV
    HTPC: Chromecast w/ Plex Media Server. Media streamed from Media Server.