Using Mac Mini in my home theater set up...please help...

I am looking to purchase a mac mini to incorporate it into my home theater. I recently purchased Apple TV, but after doing research...i'm begining to think a mac mini just has several more options (a few $100 more...understood).
A few questions...
1 - What specs do i need on my mac mini? Which model..and how much memory?
2 - Would love to eliminate dvd collection & rip all movies onto an external HD. Anyone know the best program to use to keep the DVD quality (file size is irrelevant to me -- 1TB of drive space)
3 - is EyeTV the way to go to use the mac as a DVR?
4 - Would i have HD content and surround sound?
Thanks.
iMac Mac OS X (10.4.8)

I've been using a Mini (first a PPC and now and Intel) for this same purpose for over a year now. As a result, the AppleTV didn't really impress me. The AppleTV seems like a good idea if you have a large household with a lot of computers and you want to "stream" all these computers' content to one location. But the Mini can do all that plus it can act as a DVD player, a DVR, and a stand-alone computer in your living room when you can't get off the couch. I highly recommend it.
As for specs, if you can afford the highest end Mini that they're selling right now, I'd go down that road. When I upgraded from the PPC to the Intel Mini, the better performance was noticeable. Particularly since all my media files are stored on an external drive.
I just started ripping some of my DVDs. HandBreak works wonders (and it's free!)
With FrontRow and an optical audio cable hooked up to my receiver, I'm able to get 5.1 stereo surround sound. The mini is hooked up to a Samsung LCD HD TV. Looks/sounds amazing.
I've been considering getting EyeTV as well and ditching TiVo. (But my wife is terribly attached to TiVo, so we'll see who wins that one!) Let us know how it works.
Oh, one more plus is that I installed Windows on the Mini via BootCamp. So I have a PC in my house if I need it.
Hope that helps.

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Hi,
I own an unused 2009 Mac Mini and some 800G of music (in Apple Lossless format). I was thinking of upgrading Mac Mini's internal HD to 1TB, download my Music into the Mac Mini and wire it to one of our 2 Hi-Fi sound systems.
As we also own a SONOS system, the music could then be played wirelessly into different locations within our house, including another Hi-Fi sound system.
The other pieces of hardware we own are :
- One 2010 Mac Book Pro w. Mountain Lion (350 G / 8 G of RAM)
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I am asking here in order to validate :
Q1 - Is that this is a workable architecture, or I am mistaken in this design ?
Q1.1 - Would it be more efficient to put the music library on an extarnal drive lwired to the Router and access it from all devices ?
Q1.2 - Will access from the other devices will be best acheived by granting read/write privileges to the users on the Mac Pro on the Mac Mini (so Mac Pro Itune can point directly to the remote library), or by sharing the music library via music sharing ?
Q2 - would I need a special server OS on the Mac Mini ?
Here is a schema.
Many thanks for your input.

iTunes: How to move your music to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527
do not confuse moving your whole folder and library with moving just media files as in
iTunes for Mac: Moving your iTunes Media folder - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1449
Quick answer if you let iTunes manage your music: Copy the whole iTunes folder and all its subfolders and files intact to the other drive. Start iTunes with the option key held down and guide it to the new location of the library.
If your whole iTunes folder + library files is already on the external, simply start the other computer's iTunes with the option key held down after the drive has mounted.

Mac Mini not detecting display....please help

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Will that reset the display options?
David.Austin.Allen wrote:
This is common if in trying new resolutions you hit upon one that is not compatible with your TV.
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Dah•veed

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Good catch. I would never have though of that since I eagerly anticipate each chance I get for a clean install.
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So this a general request for people to give me their 2 cents about using the Mac Mini in a Home Theater setup.
I've been thinking about adding a computer to my HT for some time. Since I'll be redoing the setup in the near future, this seemed like a good time to revisit this subject.
I've been considering the following options:
1) Mac Mini
2) Apple TV
3) Custom built Window Media Center or Vista computer.
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Bryan
MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.9)

I'm using a Mac Mini for the exact same use, and I had exact the same choices (I could build a nice Media Center Vista box for about $900).
Apple TV doesn't have iTunes on its own -- it has to leech of some other computer running iTunes, and I have no other machine "always on" (my music collection lives on a SMB share). Thus, it is out. It also won't play ripped VIDEO_TS folders.
The Mac was cheaper than the Windows box, so therefore I tried it. That, and it's smaller, too. I ended up buying the $599 model, and buying $79 worth of SO-DIMM DDR2 memory from NewEgg.com. Using a single putty knife and a screwdriver, I could easily upgrade the memory, which was totally worth it.
I would recommend you pay for Equinux MediaCenter -- it is a complete solution, whereas trying to run iTunes from a remote doesn't work well, and FrontRow doesn't do VIDEO_TS (nor DivX AVIs, which I have a bunch of from before I started archiving as VIDEO_TS). MediaCenter can play the same iTunes play lists that you can set up in iTunes on the same machine, so no other machine needed.
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Mac Mini for the Home

Hello,
This question has been posted many times all over the internet but the responses are not specific to what I need to know. I have a MBP 2010 that is my main workhorse for everything. I was thinking of adding a Mac Mini to my network to host iTunes so that when I take my MBP away from my network I can still stream media from iTunes. I also do not want to worry about having to remebert to turn on my MBP if I decide to stream from iTunes. Basically, I want a dedicated iTunes server.
The price of a Mac Mini is not cheap and I could build a windows platform to handle the iTunes service but I do not want to deal with cross platform issues.
I want to know what other things can I do with the Mac Mini besides have it host my iTunes library. I have a drobo fs and was going to hook that up to it for storage.
I have been reading online that I can access shared folders with the Mac Mini so I can still access the drobo from my MBP. I might want to host my own website later and thought that was a cool feature of Server.
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OS X Server does address iOS devices through Profile Manager. I'm not versed on that because I don't use it.
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I purchased the base model ($599) which I feel is inexpensive for a home server. It has the base RAM of 4GB which works perfectly for me since it's not using CPU/Memory resources like my Retina does which is my day-to-day computer.

I want to install Snow Leopard Server on our MacPro (2.66) using Mac Mini Snow Leopard Server disks? I kept getting an error for backwards compatibility. Is this possible or do I need to purchase another copy of Snow Leopard Server?

I want to install Snow Leopard Server on our MacPro(2.66) using Mac Mini Snow Leopard Server disks? I kept getting an error for backwards compatibility. Is this possible or do I need topurchase another copy of Snow Leopard Server?

The OS disks that are shipped with a particular product
are set up so that tey will only install on that product.
It will install on any Mini of that exact vintage, but that
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This is to prevent people from doing exactly what you
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including Server, is only permitted to be run on one
computer at a time. Bottom line, unlike Lion, legally
you cannot install the same copy on multiple
computers unless some "family pack" or site license
is purchased.
Yes, you need to purchase another copy.
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As posted previously:
Reinstall OS X without erasing the drive
Do the following:
1. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
2. If the drive is OK then quit DU and return to the installer. Proceed with reinstalling OS X. Note that the Snow Leopard installer will not erase your drive or disturb your files. After installing a fresh copy of OS X the installer will move your Home folder, third-party applications, support items, and network preferences into the newly installed system.
If installing Leopard the process is similar in some respects. If you wish to begin anew then after selecting the target disk click on the Options button and select the Erase and Install option then click on the OK button. To install over an existing system do the following:
How to Perform an Archive and Install
An Archive and Install will NOT erase your hard drive, but you must have sufficient free space for a second OS X installation which could be from 3-9 GBs depending upon the version of OS X and selected installation options. The free space requirement is over and above normal free space requirements which should be at least 6-10 GBs. Read all the linked references carefully before proceeding.
1. Be sure to use Disk Utility first to repair the disk before performing the Archive and Install.
Repairing the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger, Leopard or Snow Leopard.) After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer. Now restart normally.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
2. Do not proceed with an Archive and Install if DU reports errors it cannot fix. In that case use Disk Warrior and/or TechTool Pro to repair the hard drive. If neither can repair the drive, then you will have to erase the drive and reinstall from scratch.
3. Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When you reach the screen to select a destination drive click once on the destination drive then click on the Option button. Select the Archive and Install option. You have an option to preserve users and network preferences. Only select this option if you are sure you have no corrupted files in your user accounts. Otherwise leave this option unchecked. Click on the OK button and continue with the OS X Installation.
4. Upon completion of the Archive and Install you will have a Previous System Folder in the root directory. You should retain the PSF until you are sure you do not need to manually transfer any items from the PSF to your newly installed system.
5. After moving any items you want to keep from the PSF you should delete it. You can back it up if you prefer, but you must delete it from the hard drive.
6. You can now download a Combo Updater directly from Apple's download site to update your new system to the desired version as well as install any security or other updates. You can also do this using Software Update.

Mac Pro using Mac Mini as Print Server

Hi all,
Mac Pro is wired to my network, Mac Mini is Airport connected.
I'd like to use Mac Mini as a Print Server without keyboard and mouse. I've installed OSXvnc-server on Mac Mini and Chicken of the VNC (CVNC) Client on Mac Pro.
Mac Pro's keyboard is azerty as was Mac Mini, it's impossible to loggin with Chicken of the VNC, password is not accepted, I connect an azerty keyboard to Mac Mini and I can loggin.
Typing on Mac Pro in Mac Mini TextEdit through CVNC give weird keyboard layout, not only azerty qwerty different layout.
In between my two Mac Mini there wasn't any problem using CVNC and the same server but Azerty Qwerty layout.
Is there any other solution to use Mac Mini as a print server ? What about using Desktop remote connection ?
Thanks,
Peloche,
MacPro 2.66, 6GB, 1TB; Mini G4, 1.45, 1GB; iPod 60 GB; 30" & 20" ACD; Apple IIC Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Ah… right! That explains it.
So what model printers are they?
Ned,
Printers are HP Color LaserJet 2550L, HP Photosmart 8250 and Epson EPL-5900L.
I've changed the VNC Client from "Chicken of the VNC" to "VNCThing".
Now I can log in from Mac Pro using its Azerty Keyboard as Qwerty Keyboard.
Once logged in I've set Mac Mini Keyboard to "Extended (or Expanded ?) American" keyboard within System Preferences, with this option Mac Mini see the Mac Pro Keyboard as an Azerty layout...
I've connected two printers through USB2 Hub connected to Mac Mini and the third one direct onto Mac Mini USB port.
Back to Mac Pro "System Preferences Fax & Printers", "+", immediatly the 3 printers have been proposed, I've selected them and tested all: it works perfectly.
Mac Mini is set to "restart after power cut" and is connected for power onto a remoted control power distribution sockets, that means Mac Mini is starting and stopped when printers are powered on and off.
The sole small issue is that I can't find how to display Mac Mini GUI on Mac Pro at a better resolution than 1024 x 768.
Thanks for your time,
Peloche,
MacPro 2.66, 6GB, 1TB; Mini G4, 1.45, 1GB; iPod 60 GB; 30" & 20" ACD; Apple IIC Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Recording Cable TV Shows using Mac Mini

Hi:
does anyone know how to record cable tv shows using Mac Mini?
please discuss the hardware and software issues.
Munir

munirul wrote:
Hi:
does anyone know how to record cable tv shows using Mac Mini?
please discuss the hardware and software issues.
Munir
There are several possible ways, some depend on the type of Cable TV system you have. First I am going to assume you are an American. While Cable TV is available in other countries, for example here in the UK, it ***** so bad in the UK that you are unlikely to be using it here.
Now, with American Cable the first possible method has already been mentioned by others which is to use an analogue connection from your cable box to an Elgato EyeTV 250 (possibly discontinued). This is an analogue tuner for a Mac and will let your Mac record the signal. There is also the more expensive EyeTV 250Plus which includes a chip to do the conversion to MPEG2 and take the load off your Mac. This method will work whether your Cable box is analogue or digital.
If your Cable box uses "Clear QAM" then you could get the HDHomeRun box from Elgato. This not only will provide a direct digital signal with no loss of quality, but will also provide two tuners, and can be shared across your home network. There is also the EyeTV 500 see http://www.elgato.com/index.php?file=products_eyetv500 but this also may have been discontinued.
Finally, if your Cable box has a FireWire connection (and by law they have to give you the option of this) then you can connect the box via FireWire to your Mac and run software on your Mac. Again this will be a direct digital capture with no loss of quality. See the following two pages for information on how to do this.
http://www.ammesset.com/irecord/
http://project-tigershark.com/people/rob/blog/2007/01/14/cable-tv-mac-firewire-h d-pvr/
Note: I am in the UK and have no direct experience of any of the above, and can only gnash my teeth in frustration at how spoilt for choice US TV/Mac users are compared to the pathetic massively DRMed situation here in the UK.

Using Mac Mini in my home theater set up...please help...

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