Mini + Wii remote + Frontrow (maybe)

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Level 1

55 points

Mini + Wii remote + Frontrow (maybe)

Scenario: I have a G4 mini (with no Frontrow pre-installed) and I don't own a Wii (yet)

Questions: If I purchase a Wii remote don't I need the motion sensor bar? I've read that installing Frontrow on your own requires an Apple remote? Or any bluetooth would do? So if I get the Wii remote working first then install Frontrow that would work fine?

Expert input appreciated.

1 GHz eMac w/Superdrive, Mac OS X (10.4.8), 768MB RAM; LaCie d2 DVD-RW

Posted on Oct 29, 2007 1:29 PM

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Answer 1

PPMo

Level 2

235 points

Oct 29, 2007 2:18 PM in response to moyboy

What exactly are you trying to accomplish here? Are you hoping to use a Wii remote to control Front Row?

The Apple remote does not use bluetooth, it is an infrared remote.

What is the motion sensor bar for? If you get a Wii, shouldn't that come with everything you need to control the Wii with the remote?

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Answer 2

moyboy Author

Level 1

55 points

Oct 29, 2007 2:29 PM in response to PPMo

I'm trying to have general wireless control of the Mini. And if I can get it to work on Frontrow, that's even better. Like I said I don't yet own a Wii so no sensor bar.

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Answer 3

Oct 31, 2007 7:15 AM in response to moyboy

moyboy,

You can get just the Wii Remote and use Remote Buddy software (link to demo can be obtained from the Apple Downloads page). I have done so and found it to work but I am having other, unrelated issues with my iMac. Your Mini will need Bluetooth as that is how the Wii Remote operates. Check out: http://www.iospirit.com/ for info on Remote Buddy. Good luck.

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Answer 4

moyboy Author

Level 1

55 points

Oct 31, 2007 12:23 PM in response to Meme Infected

infected,

Thanks for the info and fortunately my Mini does have BT builtin. So if I'm just using BT instead of the Wii sensor bar, would I still be able to point it around the screen and have my marquee follow, or I'll have to use the d-pad to navigate?

Just trying to get all my facts straight b4 proceeding.

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Answer 5

Oct 31, 2007 4:22 PM in response to moyboy

If it is possible to add the position-sensing feature to your Mini, I should think that you must use the Wii sensor bar which, I think, means you would have to use the Wii itself. I don't know if any of that is possible. i can say that the control provided by the Wiimote buttons is very nice. BTW, I read a review of the Remote Buddy that suggested that users would be well off using a Mac mini/wii/Remote Buddy setup. Don't remember the reasoning, but it sounded good at the time! I believe I found the link on the RB company page. When and if you get things where you want them, please post back with details of your setup--I'm very interested in doing something similar.

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Answer 6

moyboy Author

Level 1

55 points

Oct 31, 2007 8:42 PM in response to Meme Infected

I've been watching clips on youtube regarding this setup. I can't be 100% sure, since most of them are blurry and choppy, but I do believe people are using the wiimote without the sensor bar and can still simply point and click without using the d-pad. I'm gonna try to borrow one from my nephew and see if that's the case.

BTW I've already hooked up my Mini to my Samsung 50" DLP and am currently using the Adesso wireless mini trackball keyboard, computing in true couch-potato fashion. It's a one-piece solution that's WAY more responsive than the MS wireless desktop 3000, which I've returned after acquiring the Adesso. Highly recommanded.

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Answer 7

Oct 31, 2007 9:29 PM in response to moyboy

Yes, I've seen some of the youtube stuff--looks doable. Also, I've tried another bit of software called DarwiinRemote and it does allow the Wiimote to act roughly on my iMac G5 as it would on the Wii. It is fairly 'spastic' but I've only worked with it a short time. Therefore, it is possible to use the Wiimote through Bluetooth to control the activity on a Mac. No sensor bar is needed.

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