FXB
New Member
As time goes by I realize that most of my computing time has been data consumption rather then data production which is allot more resource intensive and requires better components. So I've decided to try and sell my PC I've also decided OS X more user friendly.
here is what I want to do:
1. Use a mac mini that I can use as a HTPC and a computer. I understand that streaming and viewing HD content is not all that resource intensive nor is OS X. I will still use this computer as a computer it will not souly act as a HTPC.
I'm essentially going to make this.
2.I also want to get away from my cable provider and only view television shows online though various services.
Here are my concerns.
1. If I do get a mac mini I would have use external HDD to hold all my media. How can I set Front Row to view the media on those HDD as it natively only sees the folders directly on the mac.
2. If I do use external HDD can I back those up to time capsule on another external drive?
3. The mac mini only offers two audio jacks how would I connect a 5 speaker surround sound system?
4.Ideally I want to be able to view my desktop screen on my tv in my living room and use the TV as an additional display for the mac mini.
5. What could I do so that I can work on the mac mini in my office and have someone else watch a movie from Front Row in the living room?
6. What would be a good software to use to view all my media? I've tried but haven't really liked Front Row and Boxee. Ideally I want lots of file support and the ability start a folder (music,video,photos) as a playlist in loop and I want to be able to start the loop from anywhere in the order.
7. Would streaming from an external HDD affect my video? I would probably stream via FW800.
I will add other concerns to this post as they arise. Thanks for your help.
The setup so far.
I will get the base model mac mini
I will use the Drobo to hold all my media, backup the mini and my media.
To connect my surround system I will get Creative 5.1 sound blaster
For software I will use
Plex for the media center
time machine for backup
time tamer for backup management
here is what I want to do:
1. Use a mac mini that I can use as a HTPC and a computer. I understand that streaming and viewing HD content is not all that resource intensive nor is OS X. I will still use this computer as a computer it will not souly act as a HTPC.
I'm essentially going to make this.
2.I also want to get away from my cable provider and only view television shows online though various services.
Here are my concerns.
1. If I do get a mac mini I would have use external HDD to hold all my media. How can I set Front Row to view the media on those HDD as it natively only sees the folders directly on the mac.
2. If I do use external HDD can I back those up to time capsule on another external drive?
3. The mac mini only offers two audio jacks how would I connect a 5 speaker surround sound system?
4.Ideally I want to be able to view my desktop screen on my tv in my living room and use the TV as an additional display for the mac mini.
5. What could I do so that I can work on the mac mini in my office and have someone else watch a movie from Front Row in the living room?
6. What would be a good software to use to view all my media? I've tried but haven't really liked Front Row and Boxee. Ideally I want lots of file support and the ability start a folder (music,video,photos) as a playlist in loop and I want to be able to start the loop from anywhere in the order.
7. Would streaming from an external HDD affect my video? I would probably stream via FW800.
I will add other concerns to this post as they arise. Thanks for your help.
The setup so far.
I will get the base model mac mini
I will use the Drobo to hold all my media, backup the mini and my media.
To connect my surround system I will get Creative 5.1 sound blaster
For software I will use
Plex for the media center
time machine for backup
time tamer for backup management
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