Mac Mini as a basic HTPC?

I have always like the idea of being able to sit on my couch and browse the Internet on my 65" display.
I have toyed around with the idea of buying an HTPC. However, I own a very expensive Tivo (that I love), and an Oppo Blu-ray player that excels
in loading and playback.
There is no need for me to buy a full HTPC that will record TV shows or play back Blu-rays. Just don't need it.
However, I could certainly use a device that would allow me to surf the Internet, check my email and download/use applications (including office products) and share/play videos across my network.
Since I am a Mac user, I figured that perhaps, a Mac Mini would be the perfect product.
From my understanding, it has an HDMI output for audio and video.
With a wireless keyboard and magic trackpad, I could surf the Internet, work on Office applications and play videos.
Just wondering what you guys think of going this route.
One last question...
On a plasma display, where Image Retention is always a concern, do you think this is a bad idea since the operating system would have static images on screen for long periods of time.

I believe what I have might be similar to what you want to set up. I use an Led 1080p projector and a home theater receiver which connect via HDMI switcher, an AppleTV, an Android Smart TV, a Digital TV Box, and my HTPC - Mac Mini. One problem I am having and which you might consider is when I switch to the Mac Mini, then back the other devices, the Mac Mini won't connect to screen sharing on my MacBook Pro.
So it seems deploying something such as a terminal command to stop the Mac Mini from auto-detect monitor in order to have the hDMI cable stay plugged in the Mac Mini, creating an on-demand monitor.

Similar Messages

Considering buying the entry-level Mac Mini 2.5GHz as HTPC

I'm considering buying the entry-level Mac Mini 2.5GHz to hook up to a 42" LG HDTV Model LS5700. Does anyone know if the picture will appear really blurry with this set up? I will also use this as my main device for storing music, photos, etc. I mainly use my iPad or work laptop for internet browsing and I have a 'vintage' Macbook Pro as backup.

I have been using an entry level 2011 Mac mini (using hdmi) with a Sony 60", Sony 46", and LG 23" (I think it is). All perfectly clear with no issues. The Mac Mini is a great home theatre machine. The enrty level is all you need for that - - except, I upgraded to 8GB memory.

Mac mini Core Duo as HTPC...please post links.

Pretty self explanatory.
Thanks in advance,
SX

My apologies for not being clear, I guess. I simply wanted people to post links that expand on this issue, as well as any other relevant info.
-If you use your mini as a Home Theatre PC (HTPC), then please discuss which components you have.
-If you have articles about using the mini as a HTPC, then please post any links.
-If you are an audio/visual expert that can write a few words of advice for a novice like me, then please post your thoughts.
-Ya feel me now?
: )

Server Package for Mac Mini

I am looking to purchase a Mac Mini maybe a 2009 model. I know that the 2009 models support Mavericks. Instead of buying an actual Mac Mini server with OS server software, I thought of buying a Mac Mini "desktop" model and buying the Server Package. I would be using the Mac Mini "server" for basic features and functions. I am not going to do email or chat or any heavy duty typical office server stuff. I just want to get to know the Mavericks server side of life.
Can I purchase the Server Package from Apple?

I was looking at the OS X Server which is 10.9.5 + compatible at the App store. Unfortunately, I was reading some bad reviews on this software. Different users expressing there opinion on issues with this version. I am little relunctant on buying this software at $19.99. I don't know if previous server software is more stable than this version.
Does Apple still offer any OS X Server versions besides latest version which is 10.9.5? I know I can check Ebay to purchase software.

Mac mini (Mid 2010) HDMI & DTS-HD

Hello to everyone,
I'm using Mac mini (Early 2009) as HTPC.
With Mac OS X 10.6.4 and Plex, I watch MKV with DTS.
I have connected my mac with my Harman/Kardon.
My problem is when I want to play Blu-Ray (iso files).
I boot Win 7 (Boot Camp), and I use as a player the ArcSoft TotalMedia Theatre 3 Platinum.
So I get the Audio from SPDIF and I have a DTS signal.
Because of the limitation of the SPDIF it is not possible to get the DTS-HD, the SPDIF dose not support bitstream.
Does the new Mac mini (Mid 2010) pass the DTS-HD throu the HDMI?
thanks.

Completed my testing.. My mission was to watch a non ripped blu ray on my mac using a USB external blu ray player, Sony/NEC JV edition.
:confused:
*Short Version - There appears no way to play a blu ray on a mac unless you rip it.* Period ... but I tried really.
*Detailed Version*
Did some testing today, on a new 4gb mac mini w/ snow leopard and a USB External mac friendly 'labeled' external sony/nec blu ray player. I use the mac mini as a media extender connected to my 52" plasma and back to my 'PC Config'
The 'PC config' is cat5 connected via GIGe from the mac mini back to a Apple Extreme that acts as a network hub connecting to my NAS, (2x2tb raid) & PC (Windows 7 on Quad core 8gb ram 20TB HD (5x 2TB internal and 5 x 2TB external) NAS and ADSL2+ Internet (got all that).
Here are my results; no surprises.
Litmus Test : On a windows 7 PC it lets you play a blu ray disc on it (go figure) or dvd/cd of course.
Test 2 On the Mac it plays a dvd only
Test 3 On the Mac running window 7 in parallels it plays a dvd only
Test 4 On the Mac running windows 7 in boot camp it plays a dvd only
Test 5 On the Mac networked to a PC with the blu ray drive shared it plays a dvd only
Test 6 On the Mac networked to a PC with the blu ray drive shared it plays a dvd only in Parallels 5 and Windows 7
Test 7 On the Mac networked to a PC with the blu ray drive shared it plays a dvd only in boot camp running Windows 7
Software used for windows 7 (pc and in MAC vm) VLC, and Cyberlink Power DVD 10. The mac will run an MKV file (ripped blu ray no problem), too mcuh trouble, I just want to play a blu ray.
Hope to avoid buying another blu ray player.

Request for advice - problem networking mac mini without airport express

Hi - grateful for any help on this one.
I've just upgraded from an original (May '05) mac mini to a new 20" G5 (intel dual core) which I've set up on a wireless (airport express) network. The new machine and network are working fine but I've been trying to set up the old mac mini in a different room as a second machine for work and have been having problems.
The mac mini is the basic version without airport/bluetooth. After some mix up at the Apple Store over retro fitting an airport express the genius I spoke to recommended getting a D-link USB wireless adapter. I bought a D-link DWL-122 installed it (and after a crash course in the difference between WPA and WEP) got it running okay on the network. Unfortunately the D-link driver software appeared to wipe out the Spotlight index and stopped my HP printer being recognised. A couple of bulletin boards I googled suggested this was a common problem but I haven't been able to find any with a solution. In the end I had to wipe the hard drive and re-install from scratch to get the printer and spotlight working again.
So I have two questions: is there a way to make the D-link work (the d-link website has no faqs, update drivers or other info about Mac bugs) or, if not, then what should I buy instead to access my wireless network reliably? Would I be better getting something that plugged straight into the mac mini's ethernet port? If so, what? And grateful for any recommendations about which products and their software are most reliable.
Any advice gratefully received.
Thank you!
Chris

Hi,
You should of been able to use the Airport Express to solve the issue you are having. The Airport Express (small white brick shaped) is designed to work as a stand alone router or as a wireless extension to an existing wireless network.
So the setup would be from the mini as follows:
Mac Mini ---> Airport Express (AirPort Express Extends wireless connectivity) ---> Wireless Router (Airport Extreme, etc) ----> Cable/DSL Modem.
Hope that helps.

Mac-Mini HTPC Video-Out Problems (Component to DVI)

I recently decided to go with a Mac-Mini as the central-brain of my HTPC configuration, and I was immediately halted in the process of getting things working by my inability to properly output video from the Mac-Mini such that it's even visible on my 50" Plasma TV (Panasonic TH-50PHW3).
Neither of my A/V Receivers (Denon AVR-3805 & Denon AVR-2805) have HDMI inputs, but both of them have component video inputs for HD content, so I purchased the DVI-to-Component cable linked below to use for outputting video from my Mac-Mini to the Denon:
http://sewelldirect.com/DVI-to-Component-Adapter-Cable-6ft.asp
Needless to say, nothing I've tried has been effective in my Mac-Mini being displayed on my Plasma TV??
Any thoughts?

From other threads I see that others have tried and failed at this. The adapter cables don't work with the Mini (or other Macs as far as I know). Apparently you need a "transcoder" box. It will apparently take the DVI port's RGB signals and convert them to Y-Pb-Pr component signals.
The transcoders can also cost a couple hundred bucs. Check out some of the discussions at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=824143
Here is a relatively cheap one that seems to work: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=63079 2&CatId=1430
Other option is to go with a S-Video adapter http://store.apple.com/us/product/M9267G/A but you will loose resolution.l
Message was edited by: Saul in PA

Mac Mini HTPC Output options?

I have the new Mac Mini for use as the primary HTPC. The configuration is a bit specific and Im trying to decide on output options. I have a main-viewing LCD, between two additional smaller LCD's in portrait (so three total monitors). I would like to be able to view content on the main LCD in the highest possible resolution using the HDMI, but additionally I would like to extend content onto the side LCD's. I've considered the Atlona USB to HDMI converters for both sides, but is there any way to extend higher resolution to the side monitors using the mini display port? Id prefer the content on the side monitors not be mirrored... that is the kicker. So straight splitter is out.

Well, you could drive two of the displays with the two built-in display connections and possibly the third with a USB video display adapter. But realize that the performance of the USB device may not be as strong as the built-in video.
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/VIDU2DVIA/

Current Gen Mac Mini as a HTPC

In my current setup I'm using a 2010 Mac Mini C2D with 4GB as my HTPC, hosting my iTunes library plus my Movies and TV shows which are stored on a Drobo. The mini is connected to my Samsung TV by DVI to HDMI and by ethernet to my Airport Extereme. I use Plex to manage and stream my video to my iOS devices. I use airplay to play my iTunes library through my Airport express speaker systems (two sets) and it all works flawlessly, controlled via my iPhone or iPad.
When it comes to upgrading my mini I'm wondering if the latest models will work as well. I'm not bothered that I'll be losing the DVD player too much.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
VP

Vestan Pance wrote:
My Drobo is connected to my Mini by Firewire but if I were to upgrade the Mini I would only be able to connect to the Drobo using USB 2.0., as the new mini is Thunderbird or USB 3.0. Connecting to my library via USB 2.0 will work but it might struggle with 1080p video for example.
FWIW, look again at the new Mini specs, it does have a Firewire800 port.

Mac mini as HTPC

Hi all, I have a macmini '09 2.26 and I'd like to use it as an HTPC.
Do you have any suggestions for software, connections... anything would be helpful.
Thankyou, bye!

You might find this article helpful:
http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/21/tuaw-guide-setting-up-the-ultimate-mac-mini-home- theater/
Regards.

Which Mac mini for home server, Aperture & HTPC

Hi,
I'm buying a Mac mini for:
- home / small business server
- Occasional HTPC usage (will be hooked to my TV via HDMI)
- Occasional Aperture / iPhoto usage (minimal iMovie)
Which one is most suitable for this?
I was planing to go for Server version (with bumped up RAM to 8GB), but now I read about video card and I'm not 100% anymore.
I will NOT use it for 3D - gaming or similar tasks!
Thak you all for help!
Vasja

I went for the non-server dual core i7 with AMD GPU and am very happy with it. Do quite a bit of Aperture work and it never misses a beat (so far). I'm not a fan of integrated Intel graphics and wouldn't trust it for HTPC duties.
I'm not sure how many/much of the 'server' functionality you're going to be using as it sounds more like file transfer and other tasks that could be accomplished through normal Lion.
Unless I'm missing something I assume the two hard drives in the Mini Server are just as much of a pain to replace as the one in the non-server Mini so I didn't see the point of having a two hard disc Mini.
For your requirements I would definitely look at how much of the server functionality you really need to utilise, and if the answer is 'not much' I'd recommend the i5 or i7 non-server Mini with AMD GPU and some sort of NAS, plus a sensible offsite backup plan for your data.

Basic question: Is flat-screen TV + HDMI same as giant monitor on Mac Mini?

This must be an extremely basic question, though I don't see an answer in the Mac Mini FAQs or some initial searches here, so:
I just got a 40" flat-screen TV (1080). If I also get a Mac Mini with HDMI, and if I can avoid the miscellaneous display troubles that I see in posts here, will that TV act the same as a giant computer monitor? Or will it in some way remain inferior (in appearance, performance, etc.) to a dedicated computer monitor? (If so, how and why?)
Thanks much! I'm really curious about this.

Jev, when a DVI adaptor is connected from a computer to a HDMI port, the LCD steps down to emit a DVI signal and correspondingly when a MDP adaptor is connected to a HDMI port, the LCD steps down to emit a HDMI signal.
I have an EX55 Bravia connected MDP to HDMI from a 2009 Mini. The resolution and screen real-estate are perfect but not before I set Cinema at Scenes and Graphics at Video on the LCD and checked Font Smoothing at System Preferences. I can’t remember the font size I capped. The EX emits a HDMI signal. Cinema is great but Graphics are a tad sharp.
On the same floor I run a V40 Bravia connected DVI to HDMI from a 2008 Mini. Graphics is wonderful just like a large monitor without tweaking either the LCD or Mini. Here the V40 emits a DVI signal. Understandably Cinema is not as sharp but Graphics is great.
In essence your TV does not require a DVI input to emit a DVI signal.
Keep us posted.

Convert Snow Leopard server mac-mini to basic Snow Leopard Mac-Mini?

I have recently purchased a Mac Mini with Snow Leopard Server installed. I have decided not to use it as a server and just maximise its capacity by using it just with Snow Leopard. How do I reformat to install basic Snow Leopard software? Thanks

Without an optical drive of its own, a Mini Server model would require the use of an external optical drive capable of supporting OS X installation and booting. This could include another Mac capable of supporting Target Disk Mode and the use of the second computer's optical drive. Or a supported external optical drive.
Another question may arise in the fact you would not be able to use an older OS X install disc older than the version shipped with the computer; the date of the Snow Leopard version's retail install disc would have to be newer than the SN OS X 10.6.x install DVD the machine shipped with in order to use it.
There may be a way to do a Custom installation from the Snow Leopard Server version DVD you have. This would likely be the best bet if possible. Given the higher level tools and processes available to the Server version of OS X Snow Leopard, being able to use that is a better preference overall than Client version.
You may be able to upgrade an internal hard disk drive to a larger capacity unit, or get and use a supported externally enclosed hard disk drive capable of supporting OS X booting and clones; these options could expand the basic use of the computer no matter what version of OS X you have running within it. Later on should you decide to experiment, a second drive for dual booting 10.6. & 10.7 could be a way to go forward.
The accessory use of a more dedicated external optical drive for the Mini Server edition is recommended; as well as the use of an external enclosure for an additional hard disk drive for backup purposes.
Depending on the version of standard retail Snow Leopard install DVD you may have, the ability to perform an Archive and Install should be available to you. Or perhaps a custom installation to nullify some of the more advanced parts of the Server version may be a possibility to investigate. I'd read up on what advantages a Server version of OS X can provide you, before leaving it.
When Lion 10.7 arrives, if your computer is supported, it should be relatively easy to upgrade & install the standard version (vs Server) via an upgrade where you keep user account settings etc from the previous OS.
Anyway hopefully this helps...
Good luck & happy computing!

10.5.8 Update sorts Mac Mini HTPC 10.5.7 display issues

Just a heads up really.
For those using a mac mini as a home theatre pc (or PVR) with a widesrceen TV, the important display resolutions that were missing from the 10.5.7 update appear to have been reinstated in 10.5.8.
In my case I previously had to revert to 10.5.6 because the 1360x768 resolution option was missing from 10.5.7. (Without that resolution option the desktop either did not fill the screen or ran off the edge of the 37' Philips LCD TV). Now that 1360x768 has been reinstated in 10.5.8 the mac mini is running into the TV fine under 10.5.8 and all is well.
The update works for me so if you've also had to revert to 10.5.6 to get the MM-to-TV display working correctly you might want to check out if the 10.5.8 update works for you too.
Cheers...
(ps It's worth making a Time Machine backup before using software update. In case 10.5.8 doesn't give the results you want it's easier to restore from TM than do a whole 10.5.6 reinstall).

Here is the process we used.
1. Run DU and repair permissions
2. Boot from install disk and make a disk image of the volume (just in case)
3. Install the combo 10.5.8v1.1 updater
4. Reboot
5. Install the combo 10.5.8v1.1 updater again due to a permissions database issue.
6. Only now run DU and repair permissions
7. If running mail services search Apple Support Forums for solution to the org.clamav.freshclam error. Note: this shows after you install the latest security update after 10.5.8v1.1
YMMV

Can I run Final Cut Pro X on the most basic Mac Mini?

The Spec sheet: http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/specs/ it says "Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or better." I'm not sure whether what comes with the standard Mac Mini is same / better or worse.
http://store.apple.com/uk-edu/browse/home/shop_mac/family/mac_mini/select.
Thanks,
My 5 y/o Macbook is on it's last legs I think and really need something decent for video editing. I don't do millions but can't even install FCP on my current Mac and even iMovie takes about 3 days to even open on it. (I've upgraded RAM, HD and OS till Lion).

You can find out for yourself by downloading the free 30 day trial.
http://www.apple.com/uk/finalcutpro/trial/
Sorry, I didn't realise at first that you hadn't yet got a Mini.
FCP X should work perfectly on all current Macs.
However, the ideal one would be an iMac if you can stretch to that.
Message was edited by: Ian R. Brown

Mac Mini as a basic HTPC?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for