Hi, I have a Samsung LN52A650. I would like to get a HTPC to augment my main entertainment area.

I currently have a PS3 which handles the Blu-Ray needs. But would like a computer to do a quick email, or google search. Also I have a massive AVI library and would like to view them.

I want to use a Mac Mini or TV because every computer in my house is made by Apple. I have been toying around with the remote app for the iPhone, and it has worked amazingly well on both my First Gen iPhone and my 3G. I figure I can get an iPod Touch to use as a generic remote for the computer.

My major need is 1080p. I understand some say that you cannot notice the difference, but Once you see 1080p in 120hz, it doesn't compare to 720p in 120hz.

thanks.

With AVI library and email and google search requirements you should choose the Mac Mini. I personally just switched from using the Mini like this to an ATV becuase ATV just works easier in this service, but does not offer the breadth of functions the Mini does. For me simplification was better than more services, and my library will all be converted to ATV compliant video from Video_TS. I cannot really see much difference on my XBR between a good MP4 and Video_TS.

Oh, one more thing.

The reason I have the email and Web requirements is due to the fact that this particular media setup is in a studio apartment. I own another place, but this one is my place to crash after a party or when things get to noisy at home, and things like that. Since the reception on my phone is such **** there i kinda need some where to do simple work.

I have been reading up on the hacks for the TV, but was unsure about if it gave the ability for the user to web browse, basic word processing, and email.

Oh, one more thing.

The reason I have the email and Web requirements is due to the fact that this particular media setup is in a studio apartment. I own another place, but this one is my place to crash after a party or when things get to noisy at home, and things like that. Since the reception on my phone is such **** there i kinda need some where to do simple work.

I have been reading up on the hacks for the TV, but was unsure about if it gave the ability for the user to web browse, basic word processing, and email.

Just watched for my first movie "Rental" tonight via ATV. I was actually pretty impressed and no hicups whatsoever. Watched Rambo in HD, and the HD looked just as good as my DirecTV HD feed, was watching it on a SXRD XBR2 and now I am thinking of getting another ATV for my main 92" HT system.

Yeah I watched my first rental on Saturday, Cloverfield in HD. Movie was ready to watch in less than 2 minutes and no problems watching it at all. Cloverfield is probably not best movie to judge HD by, but it looked good.

For the op's requirements the mini for now. I will say the ATV has been the cheapest and
best bang for the buck eq in my system, still amazed at the picture quality and sound.

I used to use a Macbook for my HTPC. A few months back I switched to Apple TV and can't be happier.

I've found that having a huge amount of movies, whether mp4 or TS_Video, and using an actual computer to serve them up was cost prohibitive. You can rent a LOT of movies for the price you pay in having a Mac Mini and TB's of storage. This is especially true if like me you had over 2TB of movies and needed over 2TB of available storage available for backup.

Long story short... I dumped my huge library and keep about 1TB of stuff available to stream on the Apple TV and then rent something if I want it.

If you need the ability to do some basic surfing and email then you can get ATV Flash which also adds the ability to play TS_Vid files. http://www.applecorellc.com/product_info.php?products_id=27

AVI files can also be converted using VisualHub with excellent quality. It's fast enough that I guarantee you can convert faster than you can watch them. Or you can actually watch AVI files on the ATV using ATV Flash, but I prefer to convert them so I can tag them using Metax and keep everything nice and pretty.

IMO things are getting cheap enough, whether via iTunes or Netflix streaming and Roku (soon XBOX360), that there really isn't this "need" to have these enormous video libraries that cost thousands of dollars to store and backup.

As far as quality... It's getting better every day. As network speeds continue to improve we're going to eventually see a day when every movie is available to stream in HD at the click of a button. It's time to start thinking outside of the box...

Can the TV use a web browser after its hacked? Thats my main concern... even if it cant do word processing I can at least use Google docs.

Yes you can use a browser with ATVFlash. It also allows you to use a USB keyboard I believe.

Yes you can use a browser with ATVFlash. It also allows you to use a USB keyboard I believe.

Only issue is that ATV Flash does not work with ATV version 2.1.

I was ready to buy the TV today. I even went to the cube here in the city. And then I realized that I would NEED to have an alternate Mac in the apartment because the TV works as a slave to the designated Mac. This sucks because I was trying to eliminate the clutter in that apartment.

Any one know of a way to use the TV as a stand alone?

...looks like its a mac mini for me...

I was ready to buy the TV today. I even went to the cube here in the city. And then I realized that I would NEED to have an alternate Mac in the apartment because the TV works as a slave to the designated Mac. This sucks because I was trying to eliminate the clutter in that apartment.

Any one know of a way to use the TV as a stand alone?

...looks like its a mac mini for me...

Tha ATV syncs like an iPod and then you can shutdown the source Mac and all material you have synced would be available. Does not have to be a Mac either, can be any PC running iTunes to sync content.

Tha ATV syncs like an iPod and then you can shutdown the source Mac and all material you have synced would be available. Does not have to be a Mac either, can be any PC running iTunes to sync content.

So I only need to bring over a computer just to sync?

Sounds like you're looking for a full blown computer more than the ATV.

So I only need to bring over a computer just to sync?

No need for the computer to be near the ATV. The sync occurs over the network, wireless (ATV has built in WiFi) or wired.

although know that if you rely on Sync your playable content while not connected will be contained on the the ATV hard disk...

Sounds like you're looking for a full blown computer more than the ATV.

Huh??

Why not just install Mythbuntu (http://code.google.com/p/atv-bootloader/wiki/InstallMythBuntu) on the ATV. You could add a usb or ethernet based tuner and turn it into a PVR as well...

Huh??

Why not just install Mythbuntu (http://code.google.com/p/atv-bootloader/wiki/InstallMythBuntu) on the ATV. You could add a usb or ethernet based tuner and turn it into a PVR as well...

Because you're jumping through a lot of hoops, hacking devices which voids warranty, and you're always at Apple's mercy (or other developers) with regards to the next firmware update breaking everything all over again.

For limited needs, I can see using one of the many hack tools available, but after a certain point, you're hacking an ATV in a attempt to turn it into a Mini, all to save a couple hundred bucks? Just get the mini in the first place, and then it's more expandable, more flexible, has more ports, has a full GUI, and you don't have to worry about voiding your warranty by installing software, because that's what you're supposed to do. No worries about syncing, it's easy to add disk space without needing a hack to do it, you name it.

Personally, I'm happy with the basic stock feature set of ATV 2.1. I can see the reason some may want to mess with things, but if you want a solution that just works and don't want to have to worry about hacking the next version, and the one after that, and what happens when Apple comes out with new hardware, will the old ATV hardware still be supported with future hacks? And how are your linux skills (esp relevant to the OP, not necessarily you)? None of this is an issue with a Mini.

Because you're jumping through a lot of hoops, hacking devices which voids warranty

That's a popular misconception. I never opened the ATV. If I want to, I can restore the software to factory condition using a backup on a thumbdrive.

and you're always at Apple's mercy (or other developers) with regards to the next firmware update breaking everything all over again.

Not sure what you mean by "next firmware update". As far as software updates, I've been quite happy with Ubuntu/Mythbuntu.

you're hacking an ATV in a attempt to turn it into a Mini, all to save a couple hundred bucks?

No, by loading software, I'm unlocking the potential of the hardware to turn it into, let's see, what would you call it... oh, yeah, a "full blown computer".

I have both an OSX 10.4 mini HTPC and an ATV running Mythbuntu. Sure, I use the mini to run iTunes, iMovie, iPhoto, handbrake, and a host of other OSX apps, as well as running the MythTV frontend. But as far as the OP's needs, AVI library plus light email & web browsing, based on my experience, the Mythbuntu ATV fits the bill, at half the price.

That's a popular misconception. I never opened the ATV. If I want to, I can restore the software to factory condition using a backup on a thumbdrive.



Not sure what you mean by "next firmware update". As far as software updates, I've been quite happy with Ubuntu/Mythbuntu.



No, by loading software, I'm unlocking the potential of the hardware to turn it into, let's see, what would you call it... oh, yeah, a "full blown computer".

I have both an OSX 10.4 mini HTPC and an ATV running Mythbuntu. Sure, I use the mini to run iTunes, iMovie, iPhoto, handbrake, and a host of other OSX apps, as well as running the MythTV frontend. But as far as the OP's needs, AVI library plus light email & web browsing, based on my experience, the Mythbuntu ATV fits the bill, at half the price.


I am all for hacking, but really???

This is more than downloading a file to a USB flash drive and plugging into the Apple TV to get working. Easiest solution for most is buy a Mac Mini, install Perian and he is good to go.

Easiest solution for most is buy a Mac Mini, install Perian and he is good to go.

No argument there. But the OP didn't ask for which one was "easy". He wanted to know which hardware platform would best suit his needs. I have both and use both, each addressing different needs, so I offered my opinion.

However, loading Mythbuntu isn't really that difficult. It's following the same steps many have already followed through a fairly well documented and complete set of instructions at the atv-bootloader website. If you're used to using the Terminal on the Mac, it's quite painless.

No argument there. But the OP didn't ask for which one was "easy". He wanted to know which hardware platform would best suit his needs. I have both and use both, each addressing different needs, so I offered my opinion.

However, loading Mythbuntu isn't really that difficult. It's following the same steps many have already followed through a fairly well documented and complete set of instructions at the atv-bootloader website. If you're used to using the Terminal on the Mac, it's quite painless.

If you're a terminal junkie or linux guru, you have a point.

For the rest of us, however, whether or not the needed skills are there, I don't know that it's a safe assumption that people want to take on tasks that are going to involve regular use of the command line. I can do it, but I'd rather not have to put that much work into it. I like to tinker, but not on my a/v software. That, I want to just work.

I have no issue hacking the TV. I hacked a neighbors it wasnt that hard because the instructions were clear.

From whats been said a Mac Mini seems like the better choice.

I can always port over the TV OS to the Mac Mini or use XBMC.

I have no issue hacking the TV. I hacked a neighbors it wasnt that hard because the instructions were clear.

From whats been said a Mac Mini seems like the better choice.

I can always port over the TV OS to the Mac Mini or use XBMC.

How far can an ATV be hacked? (with no/very-few HW mods).. ie can it be turned into a Mini Jr? (bluetooth, full OS, web browsing) It won't have the
playback oomph perhaps, but still curious how far one can take it... if you have a NAS for all the media, then the 40G drive would be more than enough for the OS install... maybe you lose some of the Apple Store function, but I care not for that...

thanks,
Mike

How far can an ATV be hacked? (with no/very-few HW mods).. ie can it be turned into a Mini Jr? (bluetooth, full OS, web browsing) It won't have the
playback oomph perhaps, but still curious how far one can take it... if you have a NAS for all the media, then the 40G drive would be more than enough for the OS install... maybe you lose some of the Apple Store function, but I care not for that...

thanks,
Mike

From what I understand, you can take it pretty far, but as you point out, you WILL hit a wall at some point if you're comparing to a full mini - there's no optical drive, the processor is a LOT weaker, not as much memory, fewer i/o ports, etc.

From what I understand, you can take it pretty far, but as you point out, you WILL hit a wall at some point if you're comparing to a full mini - there's no optical drive, the processor is a LOT weaker, not as much memory, fewer i/o ports, etc.

My killing point is that I cannot put Leopard on it. Tiger yes but no Leopard...

I am wondering if apple will release a new TV or a new MacMini at the next keynote since neither has seen a substantial update in a while.

On a secondary note... Will the Mac Mini 2.0Ghz be able to play 1080p content?

I have a 4TB Raid setup so storage isn't an issue.

No, from what I understand from Elan's blog the current mac mini h/w will not support 1080p =(. They are working on it, but I think it's going to require a h/w refresh to pull it off.

My killing point is that I cannot put Leopard on it. Tiger yes but no Leopard...

I am wondering if apple will release a new TV or a new MacMini at the next keynote since neither has seen a substantial update in a while.

On a secondary note... Will the Mac Mini 2.0Ghz be able to play 1080p content?

I have a 4TB Raid setup so storage isn't an issue.

Just a guess, but I think the ATV RAM (256MB) is a real limitation as far as handling big fat OS's. The hardware is essentially optimized as an HTPC frontend; small, noiseless, attractive package, and HDTV through 1080i, since that's the current state of the content. In turn, you need software optimized for the hardware - hence linux variants, which can handle the HTPC applications with a small memory footprint.

I recently dropped a T7200 Merom into my mini, and it will _play_ the 1080p trailers from apple's website no problem; however, since I sit more than 6 feet from my TV (http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html), it's a 720p, so I can't say how it _displays_ 1080p.

Just a guess, but I think the ATV RAM (256MB) is a real limitation as far as handling big fat OS's. The hardware is essentially optimized as an HTPC frontend; small, noiseless, attractive package, and HDTV through 1080i, since that's the current state of the content. In turn, you need software optimized for the hardware - hence linux variants, which can handle the HTPC applications with a small memory footprint.

I recently dropped a T7200 Merom into my mini, and it will _play_ the 1080p trailers from apple's website no problem; however, since I sit more than 6 feet from my TV (http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html), it's a 720p, so I can't say how it _displays_ 1080p.

Are the mini's using ZIF sockets for their processors now, or did you actually solder the PCB? I'll ignore for now the fact that the retail price of a T7200 Merom form Newegg is half the price of a brand new mini...

Are the mini's using ZIF sockets for their processors now, or did you actually solder the PCB?

Intel minis have always been ZIF. Upgrading the cpu has been well documented on the web (http://www.macintouch.com/specialreports/minimonster/index.html) for over 2 years - or just search this forum.

I'll ignore for now the fact that the retail price of a T7200 Merom form Newegg is half the price of a brand new mini...

Yes, ignoring prices from Newegg is a good idea. I picked up my 1.66CD mini with superdrive for $320, and the T7200 for $175, both on ebay. By my math, that's a savings of 799-495=$304.

Intel minis have always been ZIF. Upgrading the cpu has been well documented on the web (http://www.macintouch.com/specialreports/minimonster/index.html) for over 2 years - or just search this forum.

Yes, ignoring prices from Newegg is a good idea. I picked up my 1.66CD mini with superdrive for $320, and the T7200 for $175, both on ebay. By my math, that's a savings of 799-495=$304.

Nice score for you! Thanks for the tips. :) I haven't really looked too closely at the take-aparts since the g4 mini's first came out (other than to note RAM upgrade options), and I'm just now starting to look seriously at HTPCs since HDD prices, proc speeds and software are finally making it viable (for the first time, IMO). I never wanted a full-size PC next to my TV, but with Minis, ATVs and monster external drives, things are looking up. :)

Intel minis have always been ZIF. Upgrading the cpu has been well documented on the web (http://www.macintouch.com/specialreports/minimonster/index.html) for over 2 years - or just search this forum.



Yes, ignoring prices from Newegg is a good idea. I picked up my 1.66CD mini with superdrive for $320, and the T7200 for $175, both on ebay. By my math, that's a savings of 799-495=$304.

so the T7200/7400/7600 (all w/socket M) will work in the 1.66 core duo mini? Geeze, they are really fairly priced on ebay... now to decide if I can install it without bricking my mini.

Ok, well... Since I haven't decided yet on which one I will pick. Ill get both for now. Swap em back and forth and if one wins ill keep, and ill sell the other.

I get apple products with ~40% off anyway so i should be able to make my money back.

Ill be getting an TV tomorrow, any particular apps I should put on there?

Ok, well... Since I haven't decided yet on which one I will pick. Ill get both for now. Swap em back and forth and if one wins ill keep, and ill sell the other.

I get apple products with ~40% off anyway so i should be able to make my money back.

Ill be getting an TV tomorrow, any particular apps I should put on there?

Got a friend that did just that still has both in the rack he says one makes up
for the lacking of the other.

I'm increasingly swayed by that approach, oztech, the aTV is so darn affordable these days--what with the software updates, the HD rentals, its function as an Airtunes remote destination, the new iPhone/Touch remote app for iTunes, etc--the better question is why aren't we all adding one--in addition to whatever Mac(s) we already have employed in home theater tasks around the house?

I'm increasingly swayed by that approach, oztech, the aTV is so darn affordable these days--what with the software updates, the HD rentals, its function as an Airtunes remote destination, the new iPhone/Touch remote app for iTunes, etc--the better question is why aren't we all adding one--in addition to whatever Mac(s) we already have employed in home theater tasks around the house?

I would settle for an ATV if it did a few things

a) had an optical drive so I could play DVDs (or accepted one as a USB extension)
b) allowed me to surf to web content (ie. I don't get Comedy Central with my Dish HD-only pkg, but watch full-length episodes of The Daily Show over the web, free, from TDS website)
c) allowed me to generally surf and look things up and serve as an email client

ie. serve as a device that truly is the convergence of a web device and a media extender.

I don't think any of this is beyond the technical abilities of the Mini.. if they put Safari on the iPhone, they should be able to put it on the ATV.. perhaps no internal BT dongle, but add USB support to the OS for mouse/kbd, and external optical drive.

I would accept that it could do 1080p, maybe only 720p, etc, b/c it would such a convenient device.

Oh, and of course, it would be great if MacMAME worked on it :)

Again, I don't think any of this is beyond what the ATV HW can do... its more the matter of Apple choosing not to support it... they'd rather it be a $$-making portal to the iTunes store.

I don't need to be able to run Photoshop or Word on it.. but all of the above tasks beg to be run on a large HT display.

Oh, and while I'm smoking crack.. DVR would be great too :)

I'm increasingly swayed by that approach, oztech, the aTV is so darn affordable these days--what with the software updates, the HD rentals, its function as an Airtunes remote destination, the new iPhone/Touch remote app for iTunes, etc--the better question is why aren't we all adding one--in addition to whatever Mac(s) we already have employed in home theater tasks around the house?
Well I still integrate my MacBook Pro from time to time but I have thought
about a mini.

I would settle for an ATV if it did a few things

a) had an optical drive so I could play DVDs (or accepted one as a USB extension)
b) allowed me to surf to web content (ie. I don't get Comedy Central with my Dish HD-only pkg, but watch full-length episodes of The Daily Show over the web, free, from TDS website)
c) allowed me to generally surf and look things up and serve as an email client

ie. serve as a device that truly is the convergence of a web device and a media extender.

I don't think any of this is beyond the technical abilities of the Mini.. if they put Safari on the iPhone, they should be able to put it on the ATV.. perhaps no internal BT dongle, but add USB support to the OS for mouse/kbd, and external optical drive.

I would accept that it could do 1080p, maybe only 720p, etc, b/c it would such a convenient device.

Oh, and of course, it would be great if MacMAME worked on it :)

Oh, and while I'm smoking crack.. DVR would be great too :)

You're not smoking crack - with the exception of a built in optical drive and MAME, I'm doing all of those things on mine. It's primary role is as a DVR frontend, where it handles playback of all of my HD (720p/1080i) recordings...

I'm actually planning on experimenting with MAME (via mythgame) this weekend...

Just a guess, but I think the ATV RAM (256MB) is a real limitation as far as handling big fat OS's. The hardware is essentially optimized as an HTPC frontend; small, noiseless, attractive package, and HDTV through 1080i, since that's the current state of the content. In turn, you need software optimized for the hardware - hence linux variants, which can handle the HTPC applications with a small memory footprint.

I recently dropped a T7200 Merom into my mini, and it will _play_ the 1080p trailers from apple's website no problem; however, since I sit more than 6 feet from my TV (http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html), it's a 720p, so I can't say how it _displays_ 1080p.

it will play some 1080p content (short clips), but not 1080p mkv files. The main problem is with the current decoding software, it only uses 1 core. I don't think the new penyrns are compatible with the mac mini.

My 24" iMac has no problem playing 1080p mkv but it's a 2.8ghz, and it's upstairs, my mac mini is downstairs in my living room.

[edit]
I also have the apple tv which i use for HD rentals.

I've also been putting my neck out looking at the mini vs aTV debate.

After building my own Vista/WMC box and using it for 10 months, I am dying to get the freak outta there, what a piece of crap. I am also completely over piss-farting around with things just to get them to work.

I have a new 24" iMac that I use for my work and a 1TB TC that is working nicely. I really want to get the aTV but I need PVR functionality. I don't need to access the web or email in my loungeroom, it's just the PVR thing that's got me scratching my head... EyeTV still the way to go?

Also, I can fully understand why people are starting to ditch their movie archives in favour of renting them via iTunes etc. That's OK for you guys in the US or Europe, but we poor souls here in Australia are still being shafted by our greedy telco's and get given data limits that would probably start a revolution in any other country. So... we download a couple of movies and boom, we've done our data for the month. Not really workable. Sure, you can get large data or unlimited plans but they cost a bundle.

Whatever way I go, and I want to jump in the next month or so, I'm sure it'll be much better than WMC but if I can solve the aTV/PVR situation, I'd be very happy.

Cheers and thanks in advance for your wisdom.

oobie

I need PVR functionality. I don't need to access the web or email in my loungeroom, it's just the PVR thing that's got me scratching my head... EyeTV still the way to go?

Tough for us to answer, oobie, since most of us in this forum aren't in Australia--so we're probably not too familiar with your television/broadcast scene--or with the devices and tuners you have at your disposal.

As far as EyeTV specifically--well, I'm a big fan and have 4 El Gato devices connected to my Macs--but that's with ATSC and QAM. I do have a suggestion--head over to the discussion forum El Gato started, it's much better represented internationally, and look for threads over there from fellow Aussies--that's the best way I can think of to get up to speed on issues that might affect you--since particular hardware and guide data issues are usually very specific and very local.

http://forums.elgato.com/

A warning about the mini--make sure it's capable enough to handle your version of high def. You wouldn't want to buy a mini now that out of the box is under-powered for whatever type of high def you record. That's the case emerging here in the US--lots of recent Intel minis can't handle 1080i ATSC and QAM without dropping frames and/or dropping down to the "next best" level of deinterlacing within EyeTV software.

we poor souls here in Australia are still being shafted by our greedy telco's and get given data limits that would probably start a revolution in any other country

do you not have an a la carte system--where you simply pay more for more data? In the US, it's just a matter of time before our "unlimited" downloads become metered and restricted as well--and we're faced with monthly plans with varying data limits. Some cablecos have already implemented this, and in areas without any meaningful competition (i.e. FiOS not yet available) people are already feeling the pinch.

As far as aTV versus the mini--leaving HD rentals and downloads caps out of the equation--the main consideration for you PVR-wise will be do you want to stay within the formats supported by aTV and iTunes--or not? If you don't mind, after recording, EyeTV could just convert your shows to something aTV acceptable and you'll be good to go. Settle that, then it becomes an issue of--is one tuner enough or will there be times where you'll want to record two shows at the same time?

You mentioned the 24" iMac at work--do you have a Mac at home that you can plug an EyeTV device into?

oobie:

Judging by the comments in this article (http://www.applematters.com/article/is-apple-tv-the-stupidest-apple-product-ever/), I'm inclined to think the EyeTV would work pretty well for you in AussieLand.

If you're on the same network, I'd imagine you can stream the shows from the Mac to the ATV... EyeTV allows that, right? So EyeTV on your Mac and then ATV in the lougeroom should give you everything you need.

Thanks for the thoughts guys. Gee, that article doesn't make the aTV look very attractive.... still I see plenty of people in these forums delighted with them. There's also the willingness to hack the aTV...

My iMac is in the study at home (I work there). I guess it comes down to which box I want next to the TV in the lounge - a mini or an aTV. My iMac gets used pretty heavily during the day for my work so I'd prefer to run EyeTV on a different machine. I'd rather spend the money on a mini with EyeTV in my study (or wherever) and an aTV in the lounge. Or, I guess I could just use the mini in the lounge and forget the aTV. :rolleyes: Either way, I think I'll need a mini to handle the PVR functions.

I'll have a read of the EyeTV forums. As to whether a mini will struggle with upcoming HDTV here, I found out that HD in Australia will range between 720p and 1080i.

Cheers and thanks,

oobie

Gee, that article doesn't make the aTV look very attractive....

that "article" was drivel and its author is uninformed, oobie, don't give it a moment's thought. The aTV is very well-liked in this forum, because many of us here actually use it, unlike that blogger, who doesn't have much of a clue. It can do A LOT of things very well in the home theater--for a very fair price--it can't do everything, though. There are savvy folks picking up aTVs just for audio and controlling them with Apple's free iTunes remote app on their Touch or iPhone.

For your specific needs, oobie, it seems your course is clear: you'd prefer a Mac out in that lounge space, especially since you don't want to involve your work iMac in recording or transcoding FOR a potential aTV.

I'll have a read of the EyeTV forums. As to whether a mini will struggle with upcoming HDTV here, I found out that HD in Australia will range between 720p and 1080i.

Cheers and thanks,

oobie

The mini has no problem with these, it's the MKV 1080p files that give it heartburn.

The mini has no problem with these

Sure it does, Joe. Here in the US, the C2D mini can't handle 1080i ATSC or QAM from EyeTV at its best deinterlace setting of "progressive" without choking a bit and dropping frames. You have to step down to EyeTV's second best setting, "motion adaptive." (Macbooks since the Oct 2007 revision can handle it, though, which gives some hope to the mini if it ever were to be updated again.)

The aTV is very well-liked in this forum, because many of us here actually use it, unlike that blogger, who doesn't have much of a clue. It can do A LOT of things very well in the home theater--for a very fair price--it can't do everything, though. There are savvy folks picking up aTVs just for audio and controlling them with Apple's free iTunes remote app on their Touch or iPhone.


I'll vouch for that...
Outside of stock video recording, it may be the best overall price/performance leader of any single piece of gear. (and to chefklc's point, I'm an ATV user from day 1, along with mac mini - long time mac user and HT junkie)

ken

Sure it does, Joe. Here in the US, the C2D mini can't handle 1080i ATSC or QAM from EyeTV at its best deinterlace setting of "progressive" without choking a bit and dropping frames. You have to step down to EyeTV's second best setting, "motion adaptive." (Macbooks since the Oct 2007 revision can handle it, though, which gives some hope to the mini if it ever were to be updated again.)

Sorry your right, I was thinking 720p. I hope they update it soon too.

that "article" was drivel and its author is uninformed, oobie, don't give it a moment's thought. The aTV is very well-liked in this forum, because many of us here actually use it, unlike that blogger, who doesn't have much of a clue. It can do A LOT of things very well in the home theater--for a very fair price--it can't do everything, though. There are savvy folks picking up aTVs just for audio and controlling them with Apple's free iTunes remote app on their Touch or iPhone.

For your specific needs, oobie, it seems your course is clear: you'd prefer a Mac out in that lounge space, especially since you don't want to involve your work iMac in recording or transcoding FOR a potential aTV.

I fully agree the article was drivel, as the comments following it made clear. The blogger had never really lived with one before passing judgment!

The interesting bits, however, were all about the Aussie TV scene (no pay TV to worry about, nothing scrambled, etc.). Seems tailor-made for the EyeTV.

I think the idea combination is a Mini + EyeTV for PVR functions and hosting the main data store, coupled with an ATV in the lounge room for ease of use and no-brainer functionality. And things get more interesting if you decide to hack the ATV. I've kept mine stock, since streaming from my main mac seems to meet my needs, rather than needing to attach a drive directly to the ATV.

I think the idea combination is a Mini + EyeTV for PVR functions and hosting the main data store, coupled with an ATV in the lounge room for ease of use and no-brainer functionality. And things get more interesting if you decide to hack the ATV. I've kept mine stock, since streaming from my main mac seems to meet my needs, rather than needing to attach a drive directly to the ATV.

with proper backup - that sounds about right to me Kalani...

ken

I have been debating whether to try an ATV or MacMini for my Home Theatre.

I read somewhere that there is a hack called atvFlash that can stream movies. But can it stream the Video_ts files?

I have an external HDD hooked up to my macMini right now. All of my movies are "movie" only rips with no menus. I managed to use Front Row to watch the Video_ts files directly, but there is a problem with Subtitles.

Does anyone know if atvFlash is capable of using the video_ts files that are "movie" only?

I have been debating whether to try an ATV or MacMini for my Home Theatre.

I read somewhere that there is a hack called atvFlash that can stream movies. But can it stream the Video_ts files?

I have an external HDD hooked up to my macMini right now. All of my movies are "movie" only rips with no menus. I managed to use Front Row to watch the Video_ts files directly, but there is a problem with Subtitles.

Does anyone know if atvFlash is capable of using the video_ts files that are "movie" only?

All ATV Flash (http://www.applecorellc.com/product_info.php?products_id=27) is is a collection of hacks that exist elsewhere, free, collected up into one installation package for your convenience (for a fee). The module that plays DVDs, as far as I know, is Nito TV (http://wiki.awkwardtv.org/wiki/NitoTV_Take_2). So that's where to look to see if a particular feature is supported re DVD playback.

any updates or personal experience on the mini or ATV handling 1080p or blue ray movies without clipping? What software did you use to try successfully (or not)?

i want some 1st hand experience here, not 'what i heard'

No first hand experience I'm afraid, since I don't actually have any 1080p content, but the Plex fan base seems to report success with 1080p and the mini:

http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php?showtopic=1112

No first hand experience I'm afraid, since I don't actually have any 1080p content, but the Plex fan base seems to report success with 1080p and the mini:

http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php?showtopic=1112

I've been playing with plex, and it has gotten better, both cores are being used but some 1080p content, still drops frames when the the scene gets to complex (higher bit rate) or the sound skips. The Apple tv has no hope of ever playing 1080p content without a more powerful CPU.

The general consensus for the mini, is 2GB ram, and a c2d 2.0 or higher running Plex with no other tasks running, this seems to get you a little closer to that 1080p holy grail.

I've been playing with plex, and it has gotten better, both cores are being used but some 1080p content, still drops frames when the the scene gets to complex (higher bit rate) or the sound skips. The Apple tv has no hope of ever playing 1080p content without a more powerful CPU.

The general consensus for the mini, is 2GB ram, and a c2d 2.0 or higher running Plex with no other tasks running, this seems to get you a little closer to that 1080p holy grail.

I tried Plex this past weekend on my original Mac Mini CD 1.66ghz machine. It played most of the 1080P MKV files over the network folder quite smoothly. The machine may skip or lag a little when you try to forward or rewind, but the machine will recover in a few seconds. I also tried the latest XBMC release, it did not perform as good as Plex.

CloudZ

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/10/01/boxee_takes_social_networks_web_video_to_apple_tv.html

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/10/01/boxee_takes_social_networks_web_video_to_apple_tv.html

Definitely... I have a boxee invite, and I can't wait to try it when I get home!

I think the idea combination is a Mini + EyeTV for PVR functions and hosting the main data store, coupled with an ATV in the lounge room for ease of use and no-brainer functionality. And things get more interesting if you decide to hack the ATV. I've kept mine stock, since streaming from my main mac seems to meet my needs, rather than needing to attach a drive directly to the ATV.

Thanks Kalani and others that responded. The new HT gear has been shunted back a few months by a new lounge suite... guess who was behind that? :rolleyes:

By the end of 2008, there may be some new capabilities available so hopefully my timing will be good.