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new mac mini

  • 16-06-2008 9:57am
    #1
    bruce wayne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 530 ✭✭✭


    guys...I managed to get my hands on a mac mini. My plan is to connect it up to my Samsung LCD. What is the best way to connect it up? I have a spare HDMI connecton on the TV, and the TV has a pc input as well.

    how have you guys got it connected up, for best picture?


Comments

  • #2
    Dont be at yourself
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,592 ✭✭✭✭Dont be at yourself


    I've currently got mine connected to a 720p via VGA. I'm using it mostly as a media center, but it's fine for browsing etc too.

    I suppose the ideal way would be DVI -> HDMI, but I haven't got around to picking up the cable yet! Just had a look on amazon.co.uk, and they're going ridiculously cheap.


  • #3
    kevteljeur
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,287 ✭✭✭kevteljeur


    DVI to HDMI gives a picture that's painfully sharp, use it home for watching movies on my Philips 33" from my MacBook Pro myself. can't recommend it enough if you have the option. The picture is easily good enough to do work on too. However, depending on your TV, sound can be a problem - the Philips requires digital sound in when using HDMI, and so I need a converter box from one type of digital connector to another, real pain in the arse stuff.

    The connector itself I think I got in Peats - it's a cable with HDMI at one end and DVI at the other. They are basically the same cable with a difference in the connector head...


  • #4
    bruce wayne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 530 ✭✭✭bruce wayne


    thanks lads, I'll try the vga route unitl the dvi > hdmi cable arrives...


  • #5
    Dman001
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,534 ✭✭✭Dman001


    Using a mouse and keyboard is so akward when connecting it to an LCD. How do ye manage?


  • #6
    J-blk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,906 ✭✭✭J-blk


    If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, you could just VNC into the Mini and control it that way after the initial setup - no need for a keyboard and mouse then. You can also use something like Remote Buddy to add any additional functions you need to the Apple Remote though it's still a pain given the lack of buttons on it... Though if you are mostly using the Mini as an HTPC, once setup, you should be able to get away with just the remote anyway.


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  • #7
    Breezer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,230 ✭✭✭Breezer


    Remote Buddy works with loads of remotes - if you're running eyeTV you can use the eyeTV remote, for example. The Apple Wireless Keyboard is great too :)


  • #8
    Dman001
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,534 ✭✭✭Dman001


    That VNC thing sounds good. Do all Bluetooth keyboards work for the mac?


  • #9
    Dont be at yourself
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,592 ✭✭✭✭Dont be at yourself


    I'm using the apple wireless mouse and keyboard, and I don't find them bothersome at all. Both are small and light enough to leave lying on the keyboard when not in use, and can be operated on your lap when you're sitting back.


  • #10
    jpfahy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,039 ✭✭✭jpfahy


    As Michael Caine would say "not a lot of people know this" but the audio out socket on the Mac Mini is 3.5mm stereo and optical. I have an optical cable coming from the Mac Mini under my TV to my 5.1 sound system and the sound is outstanding. Got the cable in Maplins for about 20 euro - get the one with the detachable thingies on the end.


  • #11
    J-blk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,906 ✭✭✭J-blk


    Dman001 wrote: »
    That VNC thing sounds good. Do all Bluetooth keyboards work for the mac?

    I'm using the Apple keyboard too - very nice for an HTPC and easy to have near the couch. Mouse control is more of a problem there (though again, there's an app for the iPhone/iPod Touch that turns them into a trackpad... I need to look it up though).

    I've also used a Logitech Bluetooth Desktop MX keyboard with the Mini - no problems. I assume most BT keyboards should work fine.

    As for the VNC thing, get Chicken of the VNC on your Mini and look up VNSea for the iPhone/iPod Touch...


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  • #12
    Dman001
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,534 ✭✭✭Dman001


    I put VNSea on the iPod and it is very cool but it isn't the easiest thing to controll. It would be more pratical than using a mouse though and it will save me buying one. I'm using a MacBook so battery is my main concern when connecting it to the TV. I dont want to ruin it by keep charging it. Would it be safe to take it out and keep the ac adapter in?


  • #13
    Dont be at yourself
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,592 ✭✭✭✭Dont be at yourself


    As Michael Caine would say "not a lot of people know this" but the audio out socket on the Mac Mini is 3.5mm stereo and optical. I have an optical cable coming from the Mac Mini under my TV to my 5.1 sound system and the sound is outstanding. Got the cable in Maplins for about 20 euro - get the one with the detachable thingies on the end.

    Yeah, that's a great feature. I have mine set up similarly. I think Macbooks also have the same port.


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