New Mac Mini and Plex

[Yaazify]

Just get a regular HDMI to MD cable. Supports 1080p and 5.1

[automatedhomeuk]

@Yaazify No audio out of that generations MDP so had to do it that way. Newer models can do it fine now though.

[TheMacSpeaker]

Im playing all films of a WD Mac Studio 1tb using firewire 800

[TheMacSpeaker]

i have the late 2009 mac mini 2.26 ghz and 4gb of ram and when i [play 1080p or 720 films off Plex it lags however when using Boxee or VLC its perfect and in VLC the quality is slightly better please help\

[ixyzyxi]

@TheMacSpeaker I had the same problem with my brand new 'budget model' macbook pro. Go to Preferences -> Video's

Then switch h.264 speed boost to high.

This fixed the problems in my case.

[solobackpacking]

Now only if more then half the video plugins worked.

[GICTechTV]

help please

is a 300n wireles good for full had movies streaming ? ? ?

and another question is it possible if i set up a linux or win server and store there all my movies for plex on mac mini ?

[xlnetwork]

Haha... that's funny. At 1:11 you plug the optical cable in and the A/V reciever get's a signal, but the Mac Mini is't connected to a powersource.The wonders of editing ;-)

[lofasztaseggedbe]

SEND ME A MAC MINI to hungary pls

[Splicer261]

that's a beautiful setup, did not expect the projector to show up, a twist even m night shymalan would be proud of!

really like that remote..will look it up!

[automatedhomeuk]

@Splicer261 - lol, thanks :)

[ChappazNUFC]

where can i get one of them HD leads from ?

[DonutsandSoda]

That is awesome...

[AleSobreviveDSG]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW......

[MrHumerousify]

you have a nice living room.

[braincasualties]

Awesome! :)

I've just got a brand new MAC mini, a mini display port to HDMI adapter and a HDMI cable... but I'm still unable to watch 1080p images on my Samsung LA32B530 (1080p capable)... 720p resolution works, but 1080i and 1080p show everything pixelated and some strange "white borders" around texts :(

any ideas? ...thanks in advance!!! :D

[Eggyrocks1]

@braincasualties Take it back and request a new one (just released yesterday); they'll do it without fuss and without charge. The new one has a HDMI port.

[braincasualties]

@Eggyrocks1 Thanks for the advice! :) Spanish Apple Store has been updated today, showing up the new MAC mini... smaller, higher graphics performance, no need for an AC adapter... HDMI! ... I'm seriously thinking about it! THANX!

[MrJorgeyou]

were is the card slot



[BESTMCBREATHING]

sometimes a 50inch plasma just inst enough, hahahaha

[thedirtydeltas]

I have a mac its a Laptop,I like it its portable and runs everything music software etc etc but if I was going towards home system(non portable) I know I'd be better off with a PC for power ,speed and value for money, and then I'd just run OSX on it anyway so nothing lost.

[Sissco]

Is nobody surprised it is like really big on the wall at the end? What did you use for that?

[nyzwerewolf]

really cool bud! Thinking of getting one. Whats the model number of that keyboard you are using? Do you have to install any third party drivers for the keyboard to function? Is it IR or Wireless/Bluetooth keyboard?

[automatedhomeuk]

@nyzwerewolf logitech dinovo mini, BT

[linba12345678]

@nyzwerewolf I wonder this company just want to clean their storage, the worng price is only a medium, as the price should be that low, I wonder the price is no problem, but people expect the price should be high for this brand, so when they saw the price such low then they think can gain extra advantage, As we all know this company has a very high skill on the selling, so I don't believe it was a mistake.

[geebones]

what format are your tv shows

[freeeeeemusic]

In the File Section of Aries-Films you can download everything you need to create your videos and go even further. Just google for Aries-Films

[geebones]

how can you get external hard drive to read and write on windows and mac that see all films and work

[G1NZOU]

It may be a good HD streamer but it doesn,t have Blu-ray.

I have my self built PC connected to a 32" Bravia, does everything this does and more, like playing hard copy Blu-rays and Crysis in 1080p.

[Stupendoussteve]

@G1NZOU If it's playing Crysis in 1080p I doubt it is as quiet and fits within this form factor.

[G1NZOU]

@Stupendoussteve Heh heh, nope. Full size tower, brushed black aluminium.

It's hidden on the floor though and I built it with a Zalman flower CPU heat sink, really quiet.

The loudest thing is the GC and that's only when it's going full throttle playing Crisis.

Mac minis are cool, really small and much better than most equivalent small form factor PCs. I'd get one for my folks if I wasn't a self builder. Instead, I'll probably build a G4 Cube sized PC with a Core 2 Quad.

[geebones]

@G1NZOU let see it in action then

[G1NZOU]

@geebones Crysis? Just let me get my camera.

[tooh0001]

Hi I was wondering what the specs are of the Mini :) nice vid btw

[xqSoccer]

@tooh0001 There are different specs for different model. You can custimize to make it your own. But this is the cheapest one you can get starting at $599.99.

2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

2GB memory

160GB hard drive1

8x double-layer SuperDrive

NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics

Mac OS X Snow Leopard

[tooh0001]

Hi, nice vid. I am thinking of buying a Mac mini and was wondering if it plays 1080p videos easily? Without any problems

thx in advance

[MW2mostwanted]

i like mac mini, but it is overpriced,

[artevolve]

Which model pioneer plasma are u hooked up to?

Thanks

[Johnnytotal]

Thanks :D

[ryzom125]

@spartan

this isn't 1988 anymore, macs right click.

[spartan1081990]

at least I can right click

[5botball]

@spartan1081990 Good for you

[FFvs13noctis]

cant i juss use vga for like with the computer im using rite now [plz help

[mrappleking96]

@FFvs13noctis

yes

[FFvs13noctis]

ok thank u im soo buying this!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mrappleking96]

its one of my favorite computers its small and very powerful! go with either the 600 or 800 dollar one. or if your willing to pay a little more and get more i would get the mac mini with snow leopard server because it comes with a os that is 500 dollars plus it comes with 1tb of hard drive plus it is more like the 800 dollar model!

[FFvs13noctis]

wow imight juss get this one but i only got 500$ rite now so i gotta save up more for one thx tho!!!!!!!!

[mrappleking96]

@FFvs13noctis

also the server can be controlled from across the country and only 1000 dollars!

[wombat581]

yea but you winn need a DVI to VGA adaptor

[MrPcProblems]

@FFvs13noctis you can buy a vga to mini port adapter from apple which will work with the mac mini i finks its about £21

[gelman912]

lol i have same tv

[vincent37lam]

whats the dvi for?

[xsjad0man]

is this machine any good for photoshop editing im really in to my photography and my laptop just isent cutting it.

[Eggyrocks1]

It has the power you would need; it wouldn't crash or freeze, but I think you would be better with an iMac or a MacBook Pro (or the normal MacBook).

[TIMPA921209]

can you rip dvds whit plex? or most you have multiplex to do that?

[rtappmeyer]

Awesome home theatre set up!

[automatedhomeuk]

Thanks rtappmeyer.

[Smackyourself11]

Can You do everything you do on a regular mac on this

[macandpctips111]

@Smackyourself11 Yes you can

[Blomman1992]

I'm thinking of buying this version of Mac Mini:

Apple Mac Mini

Core 2 Duo 2.53GHz, 4GB, 320GB, GeForce 9400M, SuperDrive

Will I be able to stream Blu-Ray videos from it by my PS3 and onto my LG LCD 1080p screen?

I also want to be able to plug the computer straight into the TV with good picture.

Please tell me if this is possible :)

[Eggyrocks1]

You'll get a good picture; the Mac Mini is designed to output picture and video (because no monitor is supplied). I'm not sure about the streaming, but I'm sure there would be a way to do it.

[PLxFTW]

would i still be able to use the new keyboard and magic mouse with the mini?

[eatthemoon13]

@PLxFTW I dont have one. but yes,cause when u click to buy it from apple it asks if u want the board and the magic mouse for the extra doe/

[nickster521]

Great setup

[channo786]

1) In terms of Picture Quality how much do you loose out on connecting DVI to HDMI?

I'm going o be playing .mkv files some 720p and 1080p files, is it grainy picture using the DVI to HDMI?

2) In Order to get Best Performace out of Mac Mini as media player, What Codec's and Audio codec's would you advice installing before hand?

Look forward to everyones suggestions.

[automatedhomeuk]

1. Nothing lost - its digital - just a change of plug type from DVI to HDMI.

2. All necessary codec's are already included in Plex, nothing more to do :)

[channo786]

Thank your for quick reply:)

I'l looking to buying A/V Receiver soon most probably the Onkyo TX-SR807 Amp.

I already have Mac mini at home. So Do I just need to buy two more cables?

1) TosLink Digital optical cable + The Adapter to go in Headphone socket?

Looking to get - MonsterCable Ultra Series THX1000 Fiber Optic Digital Interconnect'. Suggestion Please.

2) Your recommendation for DVI to HDMI cable selection?

Thanks.

[sina92]

how easy is it to read text, is there any distortion, im interested in using my tv as a monitor but Ive heard text might be harder to read

[dizzymabuk]

my school computer labs use this.

[0ptimusmcfatty]

This may sound like a stupid question but, what does the optical cable hook up into on the other end? It looked to me like some sort of home theater station.

Would it be possible to use regular 5.1 Speakers instead? Also, am I right to assume that speakers can be easily purchased that have an optical input?

[automatedhomeuk]

Plugs into optical toslink socket. Can be found on AV amps and 5.1 systems. You dont need this now if you get the new cable I mention below.

[MrWashingtons]

i'm still thinking whether to get an apple tv but the only problem i have with it is that you have to convert all your vids to appletv format unless you hack on it and stream videos from your computer.

if you could give me your opinion would this mac mini be better to get instead of the apple tv?

if so is the mac mini able to play all sorts of video formats?

[gyzmopr]

@MrWashingtons

Plex does play VOB

[charlesHBKWWE]

wat is a mac mini?

[automatedhomeuk]

Apples 'starter' computer

[MrWashingtons]

by the way does PLEX offer those free tv shows??

[jmerrill08]

Do you need to set up a special network when you use an ethernet cable? I'm asking because I currently use Airport. Thanks.

[automatedhomeuk]

Ethernet cable is for wired network. Airport should be fine for all but the highest HiDef stuff

[jmerrill08]

I'm storing some Blu-Ray rips (.mkv) and DVD rips on an external drive currently attached to my main box. I was thinking a wired connection would work better than wireless to get them over to my mini/plex setup. I'm going to try a crossover cable. What do you think?

[automatedhomeuk]

That should work fine I think.

[anel115]

If i buy a mac mini can i just plug in a usb keybourd and mouse or can´t I ??

[automatedhomeuk]

Sure, just plug in any usb keyboard and mouse

[watchforfinger]

does a keyboard come with it

[automatedhomeuk]

No. Apple remote works great with it though

[heartestbeat2]

what is the name of the controller you are using?

[automatedhomeuk]

logitech dinovo mini

[SuperDeonte]

that is so awesome

[InuYashaSapphire]

the only thing i dont like about it its small n it cant be customized like a pc if u want to in the future o.o

[honeycomb1000]

So if i got this "Kanex Mini DisplayPort Adapter, i would be able to plug it to the back of the mac mini and get video and sound? what can it support, will it put it out 1080 and dolby digital sound

[rkane99us]

YES that is right. I went into the apple store to buy a similar cable and they said 100s of people are coming in weekly to do the same

[currtbenton]

i am thinking of getting a MacMini but i don't want to pay lots extra for a display...

soo can i just use my tv as the main display??

please help =D

[infoowetrust]

the video shows that he attached to to his flat screen via HDMI so yes

[kusulas24]

wow!, which is the name dispositive keyboard and mouse remote that are you using?

[kusulas24]

Is spectacular, I hve see the name :P, is the "Logitech dinovo" is amazing =).

[tpdawgs733]

would this be able to connect to a normal windows laptop?

[automatedhomeuk]

You can get a Windows version of XBMC - look at xbmc d0t 0rg

[RetributionCore]

I though that hdmi can use as an video and audio in a cable? why you need the digital audio thingy? (im noob in htpc, sorry)

[automatedhomeuk]

The Mac doesnt have an HDMI, in our video we are converting its DVI port - which has no audio. However - there are a couple of new adapters available now - search for 'Kanex Mini DisplayPort Adapter' and you should find a great new solution that injects audio.

[itzmando]

Oh. wat song is tht for your intro and ending. like the beat.

[automatedhomeuk]

Thanks, its the Automated Home d0t c0m theme ;)

[dude157]

got the same amp as me. Good choice

[RobynHode8]

Stop mumbling.

[automatedhomeuk]

lol - checky fecker! :)

[CatcherAI]

that is bad ass

[abhas1]

THAT is an awesome keyboard. What's it called?

[thedbzmaster100]

@abhas1 it the logitech dinovo mini

[sean77408]

How'd you get teh Mini diNovo to work with Mac? It says its windows only on their website.

[1992username1992]

what are the minimal recruirements for the mac mini, and do I need dual core for HD movies?

[ooHARDWAREoo]

wots great about plex. doesnt plex use the cpu instead of gpu for movie. i know i play 1080p mkvs in plex on the whitebook x3100. i know you can install ubuntu and run that xmbc media player that uses the gpu to do the 1080p and uses like 5%cpu, i like that remote,that way it has the illuminated ring,might have to look into that lol

[UnlockIPod]

Do you have to buy all those cables? Please answer.

[teerexness]

You can usually do it with 2 cables and one adapter. One Mini DVI to DVI adapter, one DVI to HDMI cable and one 3.5mm (male to male) stereo phono cable.

[teerexness]

The Mini DVI to DVI adapter plugs into the back of the Mac Mini, the DVI end of cable plugs into that adapter and HDMI at the HDTV end. Plain old analog phono cable from the Mac Mini's headphone jack to the HDTV's HDMI with external audio plug input. Sometimes, those are the RCA left and right type on the back of the TV. In that case add one simple stereo female 3.5mm phono to left and right male RCA "Y" adapter to the audio cable's TV end.

[UnlockIPod]

Dude I did not understand a word you texted!

[automatedhomeuk]

Yes, you need to buy the DVI to HDMI cable, the optical cable and the adaptor.

Thanks

M.

[gharryc]

just want to ask what do you prefer just normal computers or macs could you tell me whats better about the macs

[phpmonk]

Nice presentation. And yes, nice voice!

[automatedhomeuk]

Thanks :)

[vezac]

is that built in wifi?

[automatedhomeuk]

It has built in wifi (802.11n) but I'm using wired Ethernet

[jesper89dk]

Fucking PC faggot!

[ufee]

I see.

[ufee]

Nobody in their right mind would trade a modern Mac for a midrange laptop with integrated graphics.

[Khera420]

y do u want a mac mini and wat kind of mac mini i have a mac mini 1.83 ghz core 2 duo proccesor 1 gb of ram and 256 mb of graphics

[sean1256]

This mac mini's are really cool. I just bought a Macbook Pro and I love it so much that I wanna buy my girlfriend and her mom a mac mini.

[monkeyfACE6911123]

You from Northern Ireland? And What about VGA? How would i go about that?

[automatedhomeuk]

Yup, Norn Iron :)

You can get a mini-DVI to VGA adapter for the mini.

[JoelCharron1991]

this or a mac laptop for college

[automatedhomeuk]

Laptop everytime. MacBook will run Plex just the same - works great.

[X5abeerX]

wow thank you

[johnmonk66]

did you say logitech novo? that looks interesting, is that a full function bluetooth keyboard or justa remote?

[automatedhomeuk]

"Logitech DiNovo mini" Full BT keyboard.

Thanks

[ViolentBiscuits]

This looks like a terrible buy. Why would you want something that is only the cpu that cant connect to speakers or a monitor or the internet without buying like twlevve cables and adapters. and a new screen and speakers

[velok]

Not very bright are you?

All I needed to buy was a DVI to HDMI-converter.

A tos-link and a HDMI-cable all self respecting geeks have lying around the house :)

[ViolentBiscuits]

well im not a geek

[velok]

Your loss :-)

But really, seriously: you think a Mac Mini is a bad buy because you need to buy a few cables to hook it up to your tv and speakers?

I have one myself, hooked up to a 46" 1080p plasma and nice surround reciever and it's fantastic! :)

[ViolentBiscuits]

i just think its kinda pointless to but a computer like that and have to buy a bunch of things when i can just get a laptop or a desktop with all of that

[velok]

The point is most people already have a monitor/keyboard/mouse, why bundle that stuff with the computer? This is meant to be the cheapest way to get a Mac.

Plus, the keyboard and mouse you get included from other brands are mostly crap.

Much better to have the choice to buy that stuff if you need it.

But if that's to complicated, the Mac Mini is not for you. For the rest of us it's great :)

[allinfavorsayi]

great video.

i'll be buying my mac mini soon to use as a HT:mac also running Plex.

what was the small white box receiver to the left of the mini in your rack?

[automatedhomeuk]

Thanks. Its a Sonos multiroom audio zone (ZP80)

[doden87]

What are the specs on your mac mini? I'm going to buy one to use as a htpc and for HD playback, and I'm wondering which mac mini configuration i should choose.

[automatedhomeuk]

Its the base model - a 2Ghz with 1Gig RAM.

[rbmedia]

anyone having problems getting menu bar full screen. Overscan seems to not fixes the problem makes it to big

[rbmedia]

I have a CD2 1.83 running DVI -HDMI, Pressing Info on the TV it reads 1920x1080p, going to the mini display pref is show only 1920x1080, Plex show 1920x1080 NTSC. Apple Menu bar as 2 inch of black on right and left side. Someone told me to plug the mac into my A/V receiver hdmi port...

Anyone else have this problem on a 1080p tv

[velok]

I had to change som settings on my Panasonic plasma to get full screen to work properly.

But now it works like a charm :)

[ItzAmazingBrian]

Hey can you tell me what kind of audio adapter that was? Thanks.

[automatedhomeuk]

Try searching ebay for - TosLink 3.5 Jack

[ItzAmazingBrian]

Alright, thanks a lot. Hows your mac mini working out?

[automatedhomeuk]

Going great, tried lots of other stuff but this is the first one that brings me the happiness I had with xbmc but with HD

[anooosy1988]

hey I noticed you were streaming the revision3 podcast from itunes in plex. is it the HD podcast they offer or the stasndard definition one. and can you stream HD itunes podcasts in plex. also whats the plug-in name ....

thnx :)

great video BTW

[rinaa09]

wow IT has optical out :3! didnt know it, has the tos link adapter for my laptop now i have a new use for it ^_^

[automatedhomeuk]

Cool isn't it :)

Thanks.

[Longstuff]

dose your logictek Keyboard work on a MAC?????? i thought it was PC/PS3 only

[automatedhomeuk]

Its not officially supported but does work as you can see in the vid. Loses connection after each reboot requiring pressing the pairing button under battery cover to reconnect. Not an issue when you aren't shutting down - as with media streamer application.

[Sa3o0od]

great review!!

[Longstuff]

nice review

[kulosek123]

hey im getting a new mac mini but you know the connecter to the monitor aint that bit small?

[automatedhomeuk]

There's an adapter in the box to convert the mini DVI to full size

[kulosek123]

ooh lolz thanks

[RiddleboxBoii]

for DVI what does that mean?

Should i get the AGV one?

i got a 15'' Normal flatscreen

[darkolol]

IM getting the mac mini to use as a htpc this sunday. So do you prefer plex over xbmc?

[automatedhomeuk]

Its a personal thing - but yes I prefer Plex. But it owes its existence to the XBMC project. Checkout boxee too.

[dagamelord]

Im gonna have to wait for a while b4 i get my mini, I could buy right now but im saving for some upgrades I will perfrom myself

[kbeeveer46]

Just bought a Mac mini last night along with the DiNovo mini. Where did you get that headphone to optical adapter? I' going to need one for my Yamaha 5.1 surround. Thanks!

[automatedhomeuk]

got it off ebay. search for 3.5 toslink jack

[dagamelord]

how much?

[automatedhomeuk]

£2 from memory,

[SkillipEvolver]

2GHz enough for perfect 1080p mkv?

Forums tend to indicate 3GHz is required...

nice video though, well edited, well presented.

[Atheismrulez]

No, it's not. A 1.6GHz should only use about 80% of the CPU if it has a good Graphics processor. The old mini would choke if you throw a 1080p video at it because of the crappy Intel Integrated graphics, but the new Nvivia 7400M has more video RAM and it's specs are comparable to those of a mid-range dedicated GPU.

[automatedhomeuk]

Mostly yes. It will play most 1080p MKVs you'll encounter fine. Very high bitrate ones will drop frames but everything I've tried so far plays great.

[techmode1234]

could you connect any mouse and keyboard. Or you need special brand for connect.

[automatedhomeuk]

techmode - you should be able to use almost any USB keyboard / mouse. I have an old wireless PC set that work, although needs a key press to identify on startup. The diNovo mini shown also seems to need me to hit the pairing button (under battery cover) each time I restart the mini. But it will rarely be rebooted in its current role.