MacMini as a Media center-questions

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MacMini as a Media center-questions

I am going to be getting a core solo Mini to be the centerpiece of my entertainment center and using Remote Desktop from my PB if I need to. I will also be getting an external HD to store all the torr... iTunes Music store downloads. For video, I am going into a non-HD sony Wega with a VGA to component adapter. I am currently looking for a good 5.1 audio system with a digital/optical input and NO dvd player included. There are a few out there (Yamaha's YHT-860, Onkyo's HT-S670, and Sony's HT-DDW900 are in my budget), but I was wanting to see if anyone out there has tried something similar or had a recommendation.
Also, I would really like any tips or tricks for getting this all right the first time. Any extra software you recommened? Any particular hard drives? Cables? Remotes? Reference websites?

PowerBook G4, 1.67 gHz, 1GB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.7)

PowerBook G4, 1.67 gHz, 1GB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.2)

Posted on Aug 25, 2006 8:43 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 29, 2006 9:32 PM in response to Brian_Rowland

ok...

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Answer 2

Sep 29, 2006 9:44 PM in response to Brian_Rowland

I just bought a Mac Mini Solo for my media center. It's cool! I have it hooked via VGA to my Samsung Plasma using the provided DVI to VGA connector - audio through a Yamaha Surround Sound system just using the mini headphone plug. I bought a cheap Wal-Mart wireless keyboard and mouse for $30 and it works great! The screen is clear and bright - just sometimes hard to see small writing from 10 or more feet away, but thats a given. I bought Media Central from Equinux, which gives you more options than front row. I'm really happy with it - BUT... BUT... I noticed problems connecting to my PowerPC machines using Personal File sharing - and what I have been reading here is its a friggin Intel thing - typical. But as far as a Mini Solo - seems quick enough for Frontrow audio, movies etc. Hard drive space is at a premium seeing I have over 2000 songs in iTunes and around 4500 pictures in iPhoto, plus kids iMovies. But I'll probably strip out Garageband, iDVD and stuff - I use that on the G5.

Definately get a Mini type external HD setup.

Good Luck!

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