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Photo AlbumMac Mini Home TheaterAug 28, '06 8:33 AM
for everyone
A couple of months ago I took the plunge and bought a Mac (I'm a linux geek). I purchased one of the new Intel based Mac Mini's that came with a pseudo-remote, Front-Row software (simple remote based DVD, iPhoto, iTunes, iVideo interface) and dolby surround (via miniTOS link). The idea was to hook up the Mac to my home theater system and ditch the remote mp3 player, dvd player and cd player, plus add the ability to browse the web and view/edit photos.

While I am very pleased with the end result, the Mac did not "just work." It took as much hacking and tweaking as one would expect from a windows box in the same scenario ... perhaps a little less than a linux one because of the nice bundled software packages.

My main frustration was getting the Mac to look nice and take advantage of my Panasonic PT50LC14's resolutions. In the end, it would not drive the natively supported 1900x1200i, nor the natively supported 720P. I had to buy and install a total hack: DisplayConfigX. While well written and extremely flexible, this tool is not exactly intuitive unless you have done modeline editing with X before. The resolution I get now 1216x688 ... which causes iVideo to barf on startup. But that's another issue (re: had to hack that too).

My other disappointment with the Mac is its poor network integration and inability to support a variety of USB2 hardware (most notably Sony's line of disk based video cameras which work fine under windows and linux). I had to spend several hours with tech support (they were good) to get iTunes and Front Row to cooperate with my nfs mounted mp3 collection. Again, I had to hack the configuration to get it to work properly, and I still occasionally have issues.

With all the issues, however, I think the advantages put the Mac on top as a multi-media home theater workhorse:

  • DVD player is great, progressive scan output
  • Remote works well and is a joy to use with its six button interface
  • When it works, Front Row iTunes is essentially your iPod display on the TV screen
  • CD player works flawlessly, automagically rips and saves as MP3s
  • HiDef slideshows!
  • Easy to teach my wife to use
  • Easy to teach the in-laws how to use
  • Bluetooth support is superior
  • Supported peripherals are easy to install (SD card reader, firewire connection to video camera)
  • Video editing software is easy to use, has great feature set for its class (sub $99, including free)
  • Dolby Surround is reproduced flawlessly and in-sync, regardless of source


low profile
  
bluetooth keyboard, mouse and remote
  
My desktop
  
front row main screen
  
dvd interface
  
great full screen picture
 1 Comment 
navigating dvd menu with remote
  
chapter skipping/ff rr with remote
  
playing music with Front Row and remote
  
slideshow
  
slideshow with controls
  
multiply explore page
  
iTunes
  
DisplayConfigX
  

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michaelg wrote on Aug 28, '06
Do you have any experience with Xbox 360 as a Windows Media Center extender?

I've been thinking about that and pairing it with Logitech's Harmony remote for Xbox 360. I've heard nothing but great things about the Harmony remotes. But I haven't heard much about the Xbox360 and it's media center features.

Comparing Xbox360 to your bullet-list most are comparable (progressive scan DVD, photos in HD). Of course the Xbox360 is not a "computer" (I know it is under-the-hood but no web-browsing nor other software without some hacks)...but it does have the gaming benefits. It will also allow me access to Rhapsody Unlimited "playsforsure" music which is a priority for me.
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foonasty wrote on Aug 28, '06
No, I didn't really consider the Xbox as a media center for a several reasons: I'm not a big gamer (but I will buy a Wii :-)) and I had bad experiences with my previous Xbox. Granted, this was the original Xbox device, but the DVD combo drive failed and required me to re-purchase my unit. Twice. The other reason I didn't go for an Xbox was the great bundled software offerring for the Mac (primarily Garage band and iVideo HD).

I, too, have a harmony remote. Or I should say "had" one. While it was one of the best universal remotes I ever owned, its price comports a littld too well with its durability. They are cheaply built, the buttons are too soft, the plastic case is easily stresssed ... bottom line, do not expect all your buttons to continue working after a year of normal use. I know the 880 was supposed to address some of these issues, but there is no way to tell yet. At $250 a pop I'll "suffer" along using both my comcast remote and mac remote.
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ratel wrote on Aug 28, '06
Brett, take a look at the Home Theater Master® MX-500, we have had one for almost 5 years now and it still works like new, even after all the abuse my children have heaped upon it.
Comment deleted at the request of the author.
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michaelg wrote on Aug 28, '06, edited on Aug 28, '06
ratel said
Brett, take a look at the Home Theater Master® MX-500, we have had one for almost 5 years now and it still works like new, even after all the abuse my children have heaped upon it.
The MX-500 looks similar to the Marantz RC200 Mark II we've had for about 5 years too. Some of the pixels on the LCD are going..but it is still hanging in there. The problem is that it weighs a ton and even for me it's a little uncomfortable. Related, Charlie keeps going for it and he's going to hurt himself 'cause it's so heavy.

I liked the dedicated xbox buttons on the Logitech (which, of course, would only make sense if I went the xbox route.) That remote is $130...less than the more expensive Harmony options.

I'm not a gamer either which has been my reluctance thus far of picking up a 360 for this purpose. Just like I don't want to pay the video-gaming overhead, I wouldn't want to pay the software/OS overhead for the Mac (for stuff I'd predominantly do at a desktop).

Plus, I'd also to find a good media center solution that includes a remote control like the new Logitech Wirless DJ. Something where I can point-n-click with nice on-TV-screen interface...but also change the tunes from my dining room or deck.
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foonasty wrote on Aug 28, '06
Wow ... never considered this one before becuase it looks a little akward to handle (besides being a linux geek, I'm a remotecentral.com officianado , but with all the functionality and a price of $70 online, it looks like its worth a try. I'll post a review ... thanks for the reco Roan.
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sujewel wrote on Aug 30, '06
Michael, Kurt and I HAD a harmony remote as well - actually, I believe we've had two. I think we used them a total of 4 months and then ditched it immediately. If I recall correctly, it was something about the programming that Kurt did not like. I think there was one device that it wasn't compatible with and we still had to use that remote, which bother me to no end.

We now have a Nevo remote. It's more expensive than the Harmony remote, but well worth it. It controls everything - a PC, receiver, projector, cable box, air conditioner and lighting. I LOVE IT. The only downside I could see is the cost - $600.
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paris8000 wrote on May 22, '07
Nice/Badd ass
audio reply video reply
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