Mac Mini as a Media Center
By mr. Obsession in Applications, EyeTV, Free OTA HDTV, HDHomeRun, HDTV, Hardware, Mac Mini
As a brief introduction to what this site is all about, I wanted to detail exactly how my Intel Mac Mini acts as a media hub to demonstrate what YOUR Mini can do for you!
Plugged into my 32″ HDTV, I use the Mini to:
* Watch, pause, rewind, and record live HDTV programming for free via EyeTV and my HD Homerun.
* Play HD movies, DVDs, and TV shows from my 1TB media library via Plex.
* Stream HD/SD movie and TV shows from websites like Hulu.com via Safari.
* Stream audio from any computer on my home network via iTunes.
* Listen to live Sirius satellite radio via StarPlayr.
* Play physical DVDs & CDs via the Mini’s built-in optical drive.
* Play my favorite Nintendo games with NEStopia.
All controlled wirelessly via my iPhone and Remote Buddy
Imagine all of the bulky components you can avoid by consolidating down to just the Mini! Explore the site for extensive reviews of everything I used to create and maintain this system.
Hi Mr. Obsession.
Thanks for your site - it is very helpful! I have a question - wondering if you have any knowledge of Apple TV. I am trying to determine the differences between the ATV and Mac mini approach. I do understand that mini enables DVR functionality with eyeTV. But are there any limitations on the mini side that ATV has as strengths? Any info you can provide will be appreciated! I tried to contact you via your contact page but it seems to be broken (using IE7 browser).
thanks.
jbl1120 | Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Hi!
Keep in mind when reading the following: I have never owned or extensively tested out an Apple TV.
That said, the only advantages I can see that the ATV has over a Mini are:
1. Lower price
2. Easier interface
On every other point, the Mini is simply superior. In particular, it allows you access to TONS of OS X programs that the ATV cannot run. And the inverse is simply not true - the ATV doesn’t offer a single advantage outside of price to a user such as myself.
I frankly don’t even consider them competitors. Hope that helped!
mr. O | Dec 19, 2008 | Reply