MAC Mini as HTPC

Sherardp
Sherardp Posts: 8,038
edited December 2010 in The Clubhouse
What do you guys think about using a MAC Mini as HTPC? I'm not a Mac guru by far, but got a chance to see one 1st hand connected via HDMI to a 46" flat screen LCD in the store. The image looked fantastic. To the MAC gurus, what additional software would I need to get this playing media files on the 126" screen. I would use this in my HT, surf web, facebook, Itunes, etc? Any info would be appreciated. Price is around $658.00 here so I'm just trying to get some ideas before buying. Thanks.
Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

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Comments

  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited December 2010
    If it was the quality of the image that attracted you, that has nothing to do with the fact it came from a mac mini.

    for 658 you can build a much nicer HTPC.
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  • DanAckerman
    DanAckerman Posts: 70
    edited December 2010
    Software. Plex and/or VLC.

    Hardware. Toslink to Optical Mini cable to get the best sound.

    They do work well. Low profile and virtually no operating noise.
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  • bigaudiofanatic
    bigaudiofanatic Posts: 4,415
    edited December 2010
    I like the idea, I just use a apple tv for my music but for more than that I like the idea of a mac.
    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
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited December 2010
    cokewithvanilla wrote: »
    If it was the quality of the image that attracted you, that has nothing to do with the fact it came from a mac mini.

    for 658 you can build a much nicer HTPC.

    As mentioned after you posted, I definitely like the small form factor. It's roughly the size of the older Apple TV, no noise, etc. I know for the price I could build something however I like the idea of a Mac Mini in the theater. If I do decide to get it, I'll post.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited December 2010
    Built an HTPC went with Windows 7 Home 32 bit OS due to Windows Media Center. I don't feel any other OS can compare to that software.

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,190
    edited December 2010
    The mac mini makes a killer media server. You will be very happy with it. Now they come with HDMI out so it makes life even easier.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • Polkitup2
    Polkitup2 Posts: 1,622
    edited December 2010
    Anyone know if the Mac mini runs quiet? I am currently using an HP laptop for a media server and although not loud, the constant Fan noise is annoying.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,190
    edited December 2010
    Polkitup2 wrote: »
    Anyone know if the Mac mini runs quiet? I am currently using an HP laptop for a media server and although not loud, the constant Fan noise is annoying.

    Mac mini's barely make a sound.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • debussyj
    debussyj Posts: 198
    edited December 2010
    I've been using and upgrading various Mac minis for years as media servers. I love them. They are small, quiet and powerful little media servers. My husband really likes it as it allows him to watch various college football games that may not be televised on a given afternoon!
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  • Polkitup2
    Polkitup2 Posts: 1,622
    edited December 2010
    I am disappointed that J River media center doesn't have a version that runs natively on a MAC. I really like JRMC.
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  • DanAckerman
    DanAckerman Posts: 70
    edited December 2010
    Check out Plex. There are several options but it's the primary one I use. I think it will probably do everything that you would want to do.

    http://www.plexapp.com/
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited December 2010
    I am trying to figure out whether a mac mini would be cheaper than building a good windows based set-up for an HTPC myself. Any new thoughts?
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
    Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited December 2010
    praedet wrote: »
    I am trying to figure out whether a mac mini would be cheaper than building a good windows based set-up for an HTPC myself. Any new thoughts?

    Mac Mini is very nice though I have not purchased yet either. It runs very quiet which is what I like about it. You can use it for almost anything also. If you Google it, you should find some good reviews out there on this subject as well.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited December 2010
    Lasareath wrote: »
    I'm getting one of these and it's only $200

    http://wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=570

    I thought about one of these and went with the new Apple TV instead. I like the Airplay feature of the Apple TV and Ipad. I can send video from the Ipad straight to Apple TV with no cables. The WD does seem interesting though.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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