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Media Centre

  • 31-08-2007 4:56pm
    #1
    zzzzzzzz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,431 ✭✭✭


    Ok, so I'm looking to change my media centre set up and would appreciate your opinions...

    At the moment:

    I'm using a macbook pro to download content from itunes, uknova, etc.

    I have a 500GB Lacie NAS disk wired to my eircom wireless router. I was just about to buy an extra 1.5TB hard drive, to connect to this because it's nearly full. This contains my iTunes library, consisting of Music, Films & TV Shows.

    I have an apple tv to get content from my itunes library to my TV.

    I have NTL's basic package(14 channels or whatever) + Sky Sports. This is via MMDS because my estate isn't cabled (yet?)

    For DVDs: I am in the process of ripping my dvd collection and storing it in my iTunes library. To watch DVDs, I have a PS2 hooked up to the TV.

    I have no TV recording capabilities at present.

    What I want:

    I would like to be able to do everything in one box. I.e. Watch TV, Record TV, (pause/rewind TV), watch dvds, download content from itunes/uknova, watch dvds, rip dvds, rip cds, listen to cds, listen/watch content on my hard drive. I don't want my macbook pro tied up downloading content/ripping dvds any more. Also, I would like to be able to log in and schedule programs for recording via the interweb. At a stretch... I'd like to be able to ftp in to my system and download content remotely so I can view things on my laptop when I'm not at home (this isn't a necessity at all, I just heard you can do that with the dreambox)

    A possible setup:

    I was thinking about replacing the Apple TV with a Mac Mini. This will allow me to rip dvds, download via itunes or wherever.

    I would get an elgato turbo 264 to allow me to rip dvds/convert avi files to mp4 without tieing up system resources.

    One of elgato's eyeTV products. Possibly the 310, but i'm not sure. This will allow me to record, pause, rewind and most importantly view tv.

    Ideally I would like to have the NTL service feeding directly in to the eyeTV connected to the Mac Mini but that may not work.

    Questions:

    1) What channels would I get in Dublin that are "Free-to-air". i.e., if i was to cancel my subscription to NTL and bought an eyeTV box, what channels would I get? What do I plug into the box to get these channels? Aerial? Satellite dish? just plug it in where the ntl cable (mmds) goes?

    2) Can I connect my NTL box to an eyeTV box? or can I put my NTL card into an eyeTV box?

    3) I have a HD TV with multiple SCART connections and multiple HDMI connections. What is the best way to connect the Mac Mini to the TV? I would be hoping to add dolby 5.1 to the system at some stage.

    4) Does anyone on the list have a setup that does all of the things I want, and work well?


Comments

  • #2
    mathias
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,174 ✭✭✭mathias


    Most of the details on how to do everything you want to do is here , a very good guide ,

    http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/25/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-media-center/

    However , because your sticking with Apple gear , the " one box " thing is pretty much out ,

    The mac mini only has stereo out , so you need an adaptor to get digital audio out to your AV reciever for 5.1

    The video is simple , just DVI to HDMI on your TV ( DVI and HDMI are pin for pin compatible , no audio though )

    You cant install a TV tuner in a mac mini , so you need an Eye TV etc. This will work with any TV supplier available here , digital or analog , though there may be some limitations on functionality and EPG's.

    So , to sum up , its all entirely possible , but you'll have a motley collection of assorted boxes and adaptors ,

    If you look through the posts on here , you'll find most people stick with the PC for a HTPC or media center setup , the reason being , because of the open architecture , a " one box " solution is entirely possible , holding as much storage and all the devices you need , in a quiet case thats designed to look like your home entertainment equipment and not a piece of office hardware.

    If you go with a mac pro on the other hand , you could probably build a one box solution , but youd be looking at over 3000 euro , most systems on here average between 600 to 1500 euro.

    My own system has 2TB storage ( 4 x 500 GB ) digital and analog dual tuners , high quality digital sound card 7.1 output into a sony reciever , DVD recorder , etc. The whole lot is inside one Zalman HD160 case , and it all cost about 1200 euro. It does everything you mention above.
    Might be worth considering such an option.


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