| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
desideriascott
Guest
|
 Link Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 10:20 am Post subject: Is a Mac Mini an acceptable home theater pc? |
 |
|
|
Looking to add a home theatre pc to my set-up. I love OSX so I would love to use that in my setup, but understand the limitations (front row really sucks). plus I'm sure it's more expensive than just building a media center pc. is it worth it to spend the extra money just to use OSX?
|
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
whats6x7
Joined: 04 Oct 2006
Posts: 5915
|
| Link Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 11:40 am Post subject: |
|
|
wait for it . . .
_________________
it takes a village, but not just any village—and certainly not the village of Corleone on the outskirts of Palermo, Sicily!
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
whats6x7
Joined: 04 Oct 2006
Posts: 5915
|
| Link Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 11:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
Sorry, couldn't resist.
No, not right now. Most of the heavy duty HTPC apps are still Windows based (PowerDVD, etc). Also, I don't think Mac can do Bluray Yet.
edit - Not running them down. I've got one and love it but I don't think it makes a serious HTPC.
_________________
it takes a village, but not just any village—and certainly not the village of Corleone on the outskirts of Palermo, Sicily!
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10273
|
| Link Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 12:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
If you have a leg missing from the sofa the mac mini is perfect.
_________________
Trust no one. Absolutely no one. Advice of the board.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
lizzyjakers
Joined: 21 May 2010
Posts: 1
|
| Link Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 2:42 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I think it's no. Maybe the next release of the Mac Mini could be acceptable home theater pc anyway.
_________________
seo services
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sparky015
Joined: 12 May 2009
Posts: 1185
Location: Cleveland / Akron, OH
|
| Link Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 3:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| WanMan wrote: | | If you have a leg missing from the sofa the mac mini is perfect. |
Nice! 
I'm not a computer building expert, but I think a cheaper and better HTPC can be had by building and using open source type operating systems. It's been some time since I really investigated it though.
_________________
~Paul
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ecrabb
Forum Moderator
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 15909
Location: Utah
TV/Projector: JVC RS40, Epson 5010
|
| Link Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 4:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Sparky015 wrote: | | I'm not a computer building expert, but I think a cheaper and better HTPC can be had by building and using open source type operating systems. It's been some time since I really investigated it though. |
I'm a Mac guy, but I'd tend to agree with you. However, it all hinges on whether you have the time and inclination to dick around with all that's involved in building a system from scratch and obtaining and installing open source OS and playback components... We're not exactly talking about an evening project... You can spend hours and hours just picking and ordering parts, then weeks (or even months) installing everything and ironing it all out so it works smoothly.
If that's of interest to a guy, then go for it. The advantages are real. But, some aren't willing to put up with the hassle of what a typical HTPC entails on a daily basis, let alone all the stuff you have to do to even get to that point.
What I'm saying is there's a HUGE difference in level-of-effort between building and setting up an open source box versus taking a MacMini out of the box and turning it on.
SC
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sparky015
Joined: 12 May 2009
Posts: 1185
Location: Cleveland / Akron, OH
|
| Link Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 4:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I would agree. It comes down to functionality, or plug and play. If you have the time and inclination, then building is probably the way to go. If you want plug and play but with limitations, something like a Mac-mini or other off-the-shelf type system is probably best for you. Everyone has their vices. You have to decide what is important to you. Building isn't for everyone, as SC pointed out.
_________________
~Paul
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
michael k
Joined: 28 Dec 2008
Posts: 18
Location: sweden
|
| Link Posted: Sun May 23, 2010 10:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
go fore it
but you should buy that model with nvidia grafik so you get hwa in plex
xbmc live works very well wit that model to
microsoft is fore people who wants headache
if you use a iso from xbmcfreak you can play blurays to
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Spanky Ham
Joined: 22 Mar 2006
Posts: 5643
Location: Comedy Central
|
| Link Posted: Sun May 23, 2010 5:13 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Crabb,
I understand what you are saying, but it doesn't have to be a many hours project. Most people who are buying the components are looking for the best price/performance and spend way to long reviewing the options. I know I spent way to long looking at all of my options, but I am into this. In this day, it doesn't take much to power to run a HTPC. So, buying the products should be fairly straight forward. Also, if you go Linux then you are somewhat limited in your hardware options. The software can take some time, though. Even then, one could be up and running fairly quickly.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
Forum FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Photo Albums
Register
Profile
Private Messages
Log in
