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.

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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 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.

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.

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.

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

Mac Mini HTPC on the cheap

My one last grand parent is finally getting a TV in the next few months and I'd like to buy him a Mac Mini for it so he can watch his beloved films.
I'm looking for advice on the software that's best. Bearing in mind he is an OAP, and currently has a windows 95 machine, we're not talking the most tech-savvie of people.
Ideally something like a remote controlled media centre that doesn't require a keyboard or mouse at all would be best. I can install LogMeIn in case I desperately need to sort something out.
I'm currently thinking XBMC or Plex, and then to set up the computer with a script so that when a disc is inserted, it is ripped to a folder using Mac DVD Ripper Pro, then ejected.
Has anyone else got a better solution?

Personally, I prefer XBMC. The movie/video scrapers and management
for it will atleast catalog a movie if it is not found in the data bases. With
PLEX, which I find very annoying, when trying to add a movie, if it is
not in the database, it is simply not accessible at all. This is very
annoying when trying to use it for home movies as it does not work.
Also, with XBMC, you can access the DVDs directly under their file
option, so with an external DVD player, there will be no need to rip,
which by the way is illegal in most countries in the free world. In
PLEX, you need to jump through hoops to get them to play.
Another option to consider, is finding and buying a 2010 Mini that
can still run Snow Leopard and therefore will have Front Row. This
could be setup to run at boot and can easily access DVDs and
media imported to iTunes. The 2010 Mini and Front Row will work
with the the Apple Remote and as a bonus has an internal DVD
drive.

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 Home Theatre PC + Lion = Big Bag of Hurt

I have a mac mini (2010) connected via HDMI to a switcher and on to either a TV or projector. The TV happens to be on a wall 90° to the projector screen. The audio is also wired via toslink/optical cable to the AV amplifier. The main speakers are aligned with the projection setup so its nice to have the TV sound come from the TV directly sometimes, even though the quality is dreadful compared to the main speakers (as opposed to rich sound coming from only the left side).
Running under Snow Leopard was fine - just switch the audio out from the HDMI to the Optical out at will (as one would expect through the sound output control panel).
Unfortunately I thought it would be cool to update to Lion to have a trackpad rather than the mouse on the coffee table. Bad idea!
Under 10.7.1 it all seemed to be working OK. Sound from main speakers, picture over HDMI on TV or projector. Sweet. Then I tried to change to the TV's speakers via the control panel. Nothing works. Click on either "optical out" or "Panasonic HDMI" and nothing changes, the audio keeps coming through the amplifier to the main speakers. Oh, well, the TV's sound was crap anyway, I could live with this at a push.
Update to 10.7.3. Whoops. Now the sound only comes out through the HDMI cable to the television. Permanently. Again, choosing either option in the control panel has no effect. Apple seems to have hardwired it this way and those options are an illusion. Now, I want to watch a movie - ZERO sound! The projector has no speaker, but apple is sending the audio there along the hdmi and I have no way of routing it to the Toslink cable anymore. Total train smash!! Silent movies - whoo hoo. Fail.
Annoyingly, this isn't a limitation of the hardware at all (it worked perfectly as expected in Snow Leopard) - its obviously a conscious decision. Or no one at apple bothers to test their stuff properly any more. All suggestions summarised - get new hardware - either new AV amplifier which accepts hdmi or extra cables to feed audio back from the TV to the amp!!?? Jeez. It used to work perfectly already without that.
Oh well, restoring to Snow Leopard as I type. Will have to find another use for that magic trackpad I stupidly bought on Monday. So if you have a Mac Mini Home Theatre PC and you need the options on routing video and audio separately, stay away from Lion!

You didn't need Lion in the first place for the track pad:
System Requirements
Bluetooth-enabled Mac computer
Two AA batteries (included)
OS X Snow Leopard v10.6.4 or later
I was using one with my 2010 Mini before Lion in my
HTPC setup.

Mac mini HDMI 1080p SUCCESS with Panasonic 50" TH-50PZ81B

I recently purchased a Panasonic TH-50PZ81B. This is a UK model with a built-in satellite ("Freesat") receiver, and displays full 1080p and uses a 1920 x 1080 native panel. I used to connect my Mac mini HTPC to a Sony 42" plasma by VGA, and the Panasonic has a VGA input which displays 1,368 x 768 out of the box - no SwitchResX. It's decent. But, I wanted the "full" 1080p so bought the Belkin DVI-HDMI cable. Like a lot of people I got the choice of either the big black bars all around, or enabling "overscan" in Displays which would fill the screen, but, well, overscan! I spent all morning playing with SwitchResX and it just wasn't working (and the instructions at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=751713 bothered me in that it seems to suggest you need to increase the resolution so it wouldn't be 1:1 pixel mapping). I tried to look at the service menu but it wasn't obvious what to do so I left it alone, and there is no manual picture adjustment like there was on my old Sony. Urgh.
But, by chance I noticed in the TV's Menu -> Settings menu on page 2 there is an option for Picture Overscan, which was turned on. I turned if off, and just like that got full 1080p 1:1 pixel mapping.
So, that's Mac mini with overscan ON. Use the great (weird) advice from Adam Nash to enable the Display menu bar item as seen here:
http://blog.adamnash.com/2008/01/24/yes-you-can-get-1080p-out-of-a-mac-mini/
It works - you have two identical-looking outputs but your TV will tell you one is 1080i and the other is 1080p.
On the TV settings go Menu -> Settings -> Picture Overscan and make sure it's OFF. Done!
I don't know if other Panasonic screens are similar but I can tell from the frustration on other posts - which I shared, believe me - that there are a lot of people with this issue wondering why SwitchResX is so non-intuitive etc. so I am hoping that for all those people who know how to use Google, this will show up in their searches.

I decided to post in the display forum because it was fine outputing via DVI-HDMI to a 1368*768 TV, and also fine via D-sub to the Full HD TV (although at 1368*768, but that's the limitation of the TV)
But thanks for your advice. I'll post there as well

Ethernet adapter not working with new Mac Mini after NetRestore.

I'm currently working with an issue regarding Mini 4,1s and their difference from the main driver set in 10.6.4. I'm in an educational environment and attempting to effectively netrestore a hard drive image that was built on a Mini 3,1 with all possible updates made to the OS (10.6.4).
The new minis have no problem netbooting, and downloading the disc image from the server *over ethernet*. In fact, they do it in a very rapid fashion. The issue is that once the machines boot up, they no longer have ethernet capabilities. In fact, the ethernet device does not even appear in system profiler at all. After reading quite a lot about this problem, it appears that there is a difference in the driver set on the special "Mid-2010 Mini 4,1" update and the driver set found in a normal 10.6.4 install.
I have attempted various permutations of installing the Mid-2010 update, but most of them include having an existing 10.6.4 install that was not built on the Mini, and attempting to install the update over the install, or replacing the driver in suspect itself. The issue persists.
Is there something I'm missing, and is this a common problem?
tl;dr: non mac mini 10.6.4 installation copied on mac mini 4,1, and ethernet drivers don't work.

Thanks for your suggestion, I cloned my 1.83GHZ Mac Mini's main drive with Carbon Copy Cloner and restored it onto a new 2.4GHZ Mac Mini. Since the new Mac was replacing the older one's mother ship role in my HTPC setup, this method would ensure the easiest transition. Everything works fine, except that ethernet wont work, it did before, but doesn't now. I already tried several confirmed-working-by-me cables and no luck.
I tried your step and understand the logic behind them, but as soon as I replaced my files with the ones you suggested from my 2.4GHZ Mac Install Disc, the system reports some conflicts. I repaired permissions after and before this happens (tried twice, once after successfully restoring via Tim Machine) and still it occurred. After reboot Ethernet was still dead and so was WiFi. Luckily I was able to get everything back to normal by replacing the entire Extensions folder with the one prior to the changes. Restoring the two files alone would not do it.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks.

Mac Mini fan on high, UI frozen. Had to shut it off. Any way to tell what the problem was when I boot it back up?

I leave my Mac Mini on constantly as a HTPC. I came home after being at work all day to find the fan on high and the lock screen incredibly sluggish. I have no idea how long it was like that, it's never done anything like it before. I couldn't login because it was too slow, I had to force it to shut off. Is there any way to see what it could've been when I boot it up, such as log files or something like that? I was hoping to get in to see top or the activity monitor but as I said earlier, I wasn't able to log in.

I had TeamViewer 9 installed. The Preferences window that contained the Uninstall button would not open so I just moved the .app to the trash. Last night I:
Installed TeamViewer 10 as it was the latest version, I figured I had that one previously
Uninstalled it using the preferences pane
Realized from the /private/var/db/receipts (I think) entries that I had TV9 installed previously, not 10
Installed TeamViewer 9
Tried to uninstall TV9, found the broken preferences pane and remembered why I just deleted it in the first place
Upgraded it to TV10
Uninstalled it using the preferences pane
I'll check on it tonight, but I think it's okay. I want to do a grep -r -i "teamviewer" / when I get back to see if anything is left behind.

Mac Mini/Lion Server/Airport Extreme Won't Sleep...?

I am at a loss with this one. I have a Mid-2011 Mac Mini running OS X 10.7.4 Server (11E53) connected via gigabit ethernet to an Airport Extreme. This computer will not sleep on its own using the system sleep timer.
If anyone has any ideas that may help, I'm all ears! The Mac Mini should sleep as intended and the Airport Extreme router should wake it if network resources are requested via a Magic Packet. This same Airport Extreme does wake the other computers on the network just fine when they are configured to Wake on Lan (womp 1 in the pmset -g output, below).
The server is configured to offer the following services: file sharing, Time Machine and screen sharing.
The power saver settings on the Mac Mini are configured to sleep in 45 minutes, turn the screen off in 1 minute and wake for network access is enabled. The output of pmset -g is below for reference:
Active Profiles:
AC Power                   -1*
Currently in use:
hibernatemode      0
disksleep          10
womp               1
networkoversleep   0
sleep              45
powerbutton        1
ttyskeepawake      1
hibernatefile      /var/vm/sleepimage
autorestart        1
panicrestart       15
displaysleep       1
If the Mac Mini is manually placed in sleep mode, via the Apple Menu or the button on the Login Screen for example, then it will sleep just fine. While the Mac Mini is sleeping, it will wake properly when the shared resources are accessed via another Mac on the network. For example, if the Macbook Pro tries to begin a Time Machine backup using the Time Machine Server on the Mac Mini, it will wake just fine and the backup will complete with no issues. The Mac Mini will not sleep again using the system sleep timer and must be manually put into sleep mode.
There is one printer (Canon MP560) installed on the Mac Mini, connected via USB, not shared on the network and no print jobs stuck in the print que.
I tried using the PleaseSleep software but that causes problems when the Mac Mini is used via Screen Sharing. When the Mac Mini is controlled remotely via Screen Sharing, PleaseSleep waits about a minute into the session and forces sleep mode, cutting the session short prematurely. This is unacceptable.
Also, there are no assertions that would prevent system idle sleep using the system sleep timer, as seen in the pmset -g assertions output below:
6/20/12 4:51:02 PM EDT
Assertion status system-wide:
   PreventUserIdleDisplaySleep             0
   CPUBoundAssertion                       0
   DisableInflow                           0
   ChargeInhibit                           0
   PreventSystemSleep                      0
   PreventUserIdleSystemSleep              0
   ExternalMedia                           0
   DisableLowPowerBatteryWarnings          0
   EnableIdleSleep                         1
   NoRealPowerSources_debug                0
   UserIsActive                            0
   ApplePushServiceTask                    0
Kernel Assertions: 0x0012
* Kernel Assertion ID = 500
   Created At = 12/31/69 7:02:29 PM EST
   Modified At = 12/31/69 7:00:00 PM EST
   Owner ID = 0xffffff80122f0000
   Level = 0
   Assertions Set = None (4)
* Kernel Assertion ID = 501
   Created At = 12/31/69 7:02:33 PM EST
   Modified At = 6/18/12 10:34:22 PM EDT
   Owner ID = 0xffffff8012302000
   Level = 255
   Assertions Set = None (4)
* Kernel Assertion ID = 502
   Created At = 12/31/69 7:02:57 PM EST
   Modified At = 6/20/12 4:05:41 PM EDT
   Owner ID = 0xffffff801238ee00
   Level = 0
   Assertions Set = None (32)
* Kernel Assertion ID = 503
   Created At = 6/18/12 10:32:27 PM EDT
   Modified At = 12/31/69 7:00:00 PM EST
   Owner ID = 0xffffff8011f22c00
   Level = 255
   Assertions Set = None (8)
* Kernel Assertion ID = 507
   Created At = 6/19/12 10:56:46 PM EDT
   Modified At = 12/31/69 7:00:00 PM EST
   Owner ID = 0xffffff8018b1c400
   Level = 255
   Assertions Set = None (8)

I Have the same issue with pleasesleep.
No ARD Session without sleep ;-)
My stup is a little bit different to yours.
My MacMini act as an HTPC for Plex and it dosent sleep as well.
I guess it has something to to with External USB HDDs or in your case printers or USB Hubs or etc. etc.
I found a AppleScript called Nacrolepsy 2.0
It dosent work probebly right now but I hope It could be a solution in the near future.
Take a look at
http://blog.schreiter.info/narcolepsy-2-0-for-mac-os-x/

I want to use a mac mini as a server supporting storage. Can I pair my macair to it for when I need to perform updates and maintenance ?

I want to use a mac mini as a server supporting storage. I have other devices such as an iMac and iPad that will access information from the server. I do not want to purchase a monitor and keyboard as the unit will sit in a cupboard out of sight. Can I pair my macair to it for when I need to perform updates and maintenance ?

I have a 2010 Mac Mini running Yosemite and Server which I use
as a headless home server.
I have is set up to allow screen sharing and can connect to it and
control it with my iMac, Macbook Pro, iPhone, and a 2011 Mini Server
that I use as an HTPC.
You can check this out for all the Yosemite Server capabilities:
https://help.apple.com/advancedserveradmin/mac/4.0/
I have iTunes Home Sharing set up on it and have my entire iTunes
library on it. I can then use any of my Macs to play Movies or Songs
from it and only keep locally a select subset of that on my individual
devices.
Rather than and update server, I utilize Server's Caching Service. The caching
server will duplicate any update download (system or MacApp Store purchases)
any time a device that is connected to my network down loads one. The update will
then be stored locally and all other devices will download the update from it which
can be faster than from Apple directly. This has the advantage of only having to download
once with limited bandwidth internet connections. There is also an Update Server service
available, but it is some what more involved in setting up. However, it will download
and store all available updates.
There is another thing as well if you do not care for syncing things like Contacts, Calendar, etc.
to iCloud, you can set Server up to sync these items across devices locally.

Mac mini as HTPC

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