Mac mini

str|ct9

Anyone recommend a monitor for this?

Also, anyone using it as a htpc? I'd be using it as just the server so would need something like roku as a client. Anyone got a similar setup?

rev2.0

str|ct9 wrote: »

Also, anyone using it as a htpc? I'd be using it as just the server so would need something like roku as a client. Anyone got a similar setup?

Use my Mac mini as a media server in our house. It's headless so can't recommend a monitor.

Plex is running on the mac & it serves to the plex app on 2 Samsung smart tv's, 3 apple tv's & ipad/iPhone.

Works a treat.

It has a HDMI out right?

So any HDMI screen would work.

The Samsung S24B300HL has great reviews and I was recently looking into getting myself a dual screen setup and the Samsung's were coming up top of my list for performance and price.

Discostuy

Similar to Rev2.0, I use mine as a media centre with Plex. Couldn't recommend it enough.
Mines hooked up to a Panasonic V20 plasma in the main "home cinema" room.

I leave it on 24/7 and it feeds 2 Apple TVs in other rooms and iPhones.

OU812

^ same as. Main device feeding others.

Just out of interest discostuy, do you have everything converted or use cracked atvs ?

rev2.0

OU812 wrote: »

^ same as. Main device feeding others.

Just out of interest discostuy, do you have everything converted or use cracked atvs ?

In my case, Apple tv's are all jailbroken to run the plex app but everything is automatically converted to mp4 to keep everything tidy.

OU812

Interesting. What are you using to automatically convert ?

rev2.0

OU812 wrote: »

Interesting. What are you using to automatically convert ?

Set up a bunch of hazel rules & have them convert using handbrake CLI.

So my process is:

(1) Download/Rip completes
(2) Hazel copies video to encode folder
(3) Hazel launches Handbrake CLI shell script & converts file
(4) Outputs converted mp4/m4v to plex tv or movie folder, deletes original file after 48 hours
(5) Plex library updates with a growl notification of the latest addition

Discostuy

Only seeing your replies now. Cool system you have there Rev.

I use the ATVs Jailbroken with Plex installed.

Anything I download is usually MKV format.
All my DVDs have been ripped using MakeMKV and I just leave it in MKV.

Everything is then renamed to suit Plex and stored on a NAS hidden away upstairs.

Cork24

Try and stay away from Mac Servers.

if you want a Server try Ubuntu Server or SUSI Server Desktop.


if you just want to Stream Movies to your ATV you can use Plex Server and Jail Break your ATV.

ATV can not Play MKV files. or MPEG even with a Jailbreak.

I and Saving up for a Boxee Box and a D-Link Share Center Hub.

Where i can have all my Movies and Pictures in the Share Center that is Connected to my Router and have to Boxee Box Sync to it without the need of having my Computer on.

Stainless_Steel

rev2.0 wrote: »

Set up a bunch of hazel rules & have them convert using handbrake CLI.

So my process is:

(1) Download/Rip completes
(2) Hazel copies video to encode folder
(3) Hazel launches Handbrake CLI shell script & converts file
(4) Outputs converted mp4/m4v to plex tv or movie folder, deletes original file after 48 hours
(5) Plex library updates with a growl notification of the latest addition

Does the conversion to mp4/m4v result in any quality loss from the original AVI/mkv?

rev2.0

Stainless_Steel wrote: »

Does the conversion to mp4/m4v result in any quality loss from the original AVI/mkv?

Haven't noticed anything although everything I have so far is SD.

You can optimise your conversion settings to suit your needs

OU812

Biggest problem I've found is the length of time it takes to convert from Mkv to mp4. No drop off in appearance