Mac Mini :: Faster Media Streamer For TV
Jan 1, 2011
I just got a new 2010 mini to use for some web development, as well as a media streamer for my TV. I want to be able to stream standard and HD mkv/h.264 video from either the internal HD, external HD, or my server. Obviously, the internal HD should work well. My question is, would it be faster to stream from an external HD or my server? The server and mini are wired into the network via Gbit ethernet, and the external would be USB (or it could be FW800 if that would make a difference).
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Oct 30, 2010
My main computer is a MPB17 with 256gb SSD and 750gb HD in an optibay. I have huge media libraries and like to have ready access to all my photos and videos. I have a Gen 1 Air that I use at home for mail and surfing and I have been using my iPad for mail and web when out. I have a max spec 11" Air arriving this week. It weighs the same as my iPad with Vaja case so I'm going to take it everywhere and leave the iPad for a reader in bed. Now I'm starting to think I might leave the 17" in my office and sync the 11" Air up and use if when I'm out. Problem is I want a fast, light USB drive to hold my media. Ideally with USB and FW so I can sync it fast with the MBPro.
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Jan 8, 2008
I have a Mini Media center that I installed Front Row onto. When I updated to 10.4.11 I found that Front Row was broken and I finally figured out how to get it going again. I'm posting this simply for the spreading of knowledge. What you'll need:
Enabler [URL]
Front Row 1.3.0 [URL]
Front Row 1.3.1 [URL]
Pacifist [URL]
Installing: Put Front Row 1.3 package on desktop. (don't open) Open Enabler and Install Front Row. Enable Front Row (if you get an error you probably already have it enabled). <Restart> Use Pacifist to open FrontRow 1.3.1 package. Find Front Row App (System>Library>Core Services) Install the app and Replace when prompted.
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Jun 23, 2010
"software" RAID 0 on the Mac Mini server, take a look at this, while this isn't a comprehensive test or complete Apples to Apples (no pun intended) comparison you do get an idea of the speed of RAID 0 vs a respected SSD like the X25.Test Environment:
1)Intel SSD 160gb X25-M G2 installed on my Late 2009 i7 iMac with 8gb ram.2)2x Stock Hitachi 7200rpm 500gb drives in RAID 0 on Mid 2010 Mac Mini Server 2.66ghz 4gb ram.Both computers were running client 10.6.4 with all the latest patches/updates
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Dec 5, 2009
I've tried searching but this is somewhat of an unusual comparison. I've got an older Dual 2.0 PowerMac G5 w/ 3GB RAM, upgraded 1TB WD HDD. I use PS4, LightRoom, iWeb, iPhoto, iDVD, and it is also dual monitor out to a projector in my home theater. Upgrading to a new MacPro would be ideal but I can't spend $2300+ right now.
How do you think the new 2.66 mini w/ 4GB RAM compares to this old G5? I think the new mini can do dual monitor output. Other than that the mini would seem to suit my needs for faster CPU.
Can anyone give an opinion and/or point me to where I can read about this type of comparison?
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May 27, 2010
I'm looking to centralize the media storage in our home and would love some feedback on which Mac Mini would best suit my needs, which are pretty modest. The goal is a machine that will:House all our media (iTunes, movies/tv) for streaming to two MBPs & one TV
Be the central location for Time Machine backups on all 3 computers
Run Air Video Server live conversion for streaming media to iPad
Run Plex for viewing media on attached HDTV
Ability to simultaneously stream media to TV in one room while live encoding HD source material for playback on iPad
Regardless of which Mini I end up with, my plan is to remove the Superdrive and install two 500GB Momentus XT hybrid hard drives (Raid 0?) with Time Machine backups for all the computers on external FW800 drives that I have. That said, will an early '09 Mini with the 2.0 C2D have enough horsepower, or do I need a current gen model?
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Apr 7, 2009
I just got a new 2010 mini to use for some web development, as well as a media streamer for my tv. I want to be able to stream standard and HD mkv/h.264 video from either the internal HD, external HD, or my server.
Obviously, the internal HD should work well...my question is, would it be faster to stream from an external HD or my server? The server and mini are wired into the network via Gbit ethernet, and the external would be USB (or it could be FW800 if that would make a difference).I'm going to use Plex as the front-end.
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Sep 6, 2010
I'm considering getting the base Mini and using it as a media hub to replace my AppleTV. I've hacked my AppleTV to run Netflix, Boxee, etc., but playback in Firefox can be slow. The only issue is the lack of Blu-Ray in the mini which would mean getting a Blu-Ray drive and cracking the mini open. Seems like a lot of work but it could replace my Sony Blu-Ray DVD player leaving only my Denon receiver, Cable box and Mac Mini.
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Mar 26, 2012
We just bought a mac mini with 2.5 GHz to act as our media server. We wanted to be able to stream, which it handles nicely. But now our desktop has fallen to disrepair and I am tempted to take the 2.5 Ghz mac mini as our desktop and buy a cheaper mac mini for our server. Will this work?
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Mar 29, 2009
I'm considering using a Mac Mini as a media centre computer and supporting it with a eyetv dongle. Does anyone have an opinion on it's ability to do so. eg. Noise, speed, Graphics power? If it's not going to cut it, is there an alternative? I'm not keen on the Apple TV given it's limitations out of the box.
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Sep 21, 2010
Just wondering how many of you guys here have been using the new Mac Mini as a Media Centre mac, and what your general opinions of it are? I'm fairly sure there is HDMI, but is the media playback up to par, and how easy is it to use from the couch?
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Jul 31, 2009
I've just bought a mac mini to run as a media centre. I want to connect it to my 40 inch LCD Samsung TV. I've tried all the preset resolutions and sizes but none of them seem to properly fit the TV, I loose about 2 inches on the top bottom and both sides. Any ideas how to get the Mac Mini to use all of the screen but keeping the resolution at 1080p (which the TV supports).
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Sep 8, 2010
Parallels is expected to announce as early as Thursday the sixth major upgrade to its Windows virtualization software for Mac OS X, delivering a significant performance boost over its predecessor, as well as 80 other new features.
The new Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac has been shown on average to run 40 percent faster than last year's edition, according to people familiar with the matter. Those same people said that the upgrade -- expected to retail for the same $79.99 price as its predecessor -- will also feature Windows boot times that are roughly two times faster than version 3.1 of its primary competitor: VMWare Fusion.
VMware and Parallels have gone head to head in the virtualization market since 2008, when the Fusion product was first introduced. Parallels has existed since 2006, and both products retail for an identical prices. In a recent study, Parallels 5 was already found to be 30 percent faster on average than VMware Fusion 3.
Parallels 6 is also expected to showcase tighter integration with its users' natural environment, adopting support for the Mac OS X's keyboard shortcuts, Spotlight search engine, and Expose windows management features. Similarly, the upgrade will offer the option to automatically apply a Mac's parental controls to their corresponding Windows applications, according to those familiar with the product.
Another major focus for Parallels is said to be gaming. Version 6.0 will reportedly deliver up to two-fold performance improvements while adding support for Dolby 5.1 surround sound and better handling of 3G environments.
Parallels 6 will sport compatibility with an enhanced Parallels Mobile application that will offer users the option of remotely accessing their virtual machines on an iPad, as well as an iPhone or iPod touch.
Parallels Transporter, previously a standalone application that allowed users to migrate a virtual PC image to the Mac, will come built into the new release as well.
Earlier this week, Parallels Desktop 6 was spotted on the shelves of a Fry's Electronics store in California. The product has not yet been formally announced.[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]
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Aug 7, 2009
My father owns one of the original G5s, so its power pc not intel. Today while browsing an excel spreadsheet he says part of the screen turned black, then the monitor shut off, then the monitor came back on but not video. Mean while the fans started spinning out of control. Now when he tries to turn it on, he gets power, but all that happens is the fans spinning faster and faster and faster until he turns it off. No video or anything. Just speeding fans. He fears the CPUs died since they control the fans. Any suggestions? He also says the fans were spinning unusually fast these last few days.
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Aug 31, 2010
Currently I stream media (videos only at the moment) through my older MBP C2D Laptop using PS3 Media Server. I find the PS3 is loud and annoying so thinking of picking up a new generation Mac Mini to run my Media Serving Needs. My Equipment list is:
Pioneer 5080HD 768p Plasma
Yamaha RX-V3900 AVR
The rest of the equipment does not really matter. Thinking of hokoing it up by HDMI through the AVR to the plasma. Want to run Plex as my media front end. Now I also have an Acer Windows Home Server box kicking around with 1TB drive in it. Is it possible to use that on the network as a type of Media Storage that can be accessed by the Mini through Plex? Should I just use the WHS box as an archive unit? I know I will fill up the mini's HD fairly quickly.
Also I usually watch 720p MKV files through my PS3 so would I be fine doing that on the mini as well using Plex?
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Jul 2, 2009
I have a 2009 2.0 C2D Mac Mini that I upgraded to 4 GB RAM from the standard 1 GB RAM. It does not read CDs/DVDs or any other optical media. When I check the profiler for the SATA connection, I get:
OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5670S:
Model:OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5670S
Revision:2AHF
Native Command Queuing:No
Detachable Drive:No
Power Off:No
Async Notification:Yes
When I check the profiler for disc burning, I get:
OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5670S:
Firmware Revision:2AHF
Interconnect:ATAPI
Burn Support:Yes (Apple Shipping Drive)
Cache:2048 KB
Reads DVD:Yes
CD-Write:-R, -RW
DVD-Write:-R, -R DL, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW
Write Strategies:CD-TAO, CD-SAO, CD-Raw, DVD-DAO
Media:Insert media and refresh to show available burn speeds
It seems the controller is good and is seeing the DVD drive, but it just won't read anything included DVD movies and CDs that I bought off the shelf.
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May 24, 2012
I would like to download talking books from my public library but cannot set up the OneClickdigital media manager software. When I try to download the Mac version the next page goes very briefly to the App Store followed by a a message saying "Cannot complete your rerquest."
Info:
Mac Mini
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Jul 26, 2010
this is my first post in here, I hope I've come to the right place I'm in the market for THE media center and though the Mini is very expensive I think it has a lot of potential. Well, this is what I need is there any way on the earth that I can have a media player application - namely Plex, Boxee, XBMC - to play 2 audio tracks simultaneously when watching a film? Thing is, I really like learning languages but my girlfriend doesn't, and man this seems to be the only way that I can imagine to keep my relationship while enjoying the original language films were shot. May I ask what the major drawbacks of this device are?
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May 3, 2009
I'm thinking of getting a Mac Mini as an HTPC and for holding my iTunes library and AVI's. I currently have an upscaling DVD player that also has a USB socket for DivX stuff and would like access to my iTunes library also. I was thinking of simply adding an AppleTV to the set-up but I've been considering a Mini also. My questions are:
1) If I have a Mini in the living room with all my AVI's and iTunes stuff on it- can I Wake-On LAN it using a Mac laptop, my iMac or an AppleTV in another room to access my library if it's sleeping? If I wanna watch a movie in bed on an AppleTV I don't want to have to nip downstairs to wake my Mini 'cause it's power-saving.
2) Would a Mini work well as an iTunes media server? Not bothered about accessing it from the internet, just want access through wired and wi-fi within the house.
3) Could I control the Mini remotely from the iMac or laptop over the network to save connecting a keyboard/mouse to it? For example if I need to perform a software update or move some files? I can do that over the network with another Mac, right? Sort of remote desktop?
4) Could I control the Mini, purely for playback, from Remote on an iPod Touch?
5) Is there a hack/fix/workaround to add AVI's (DivX and xVid) to Front Row? I understand these wouldn't be playable on the AppleTV.
I've tried searching for individual answers to the above but it's a bit confusing. I'm not sure of the difference between Back To Mac or Apple Remote Desktop. And I'm not sure about the WOL stuff either.
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May 9, 2009
so i've been trying to use my 360 as a htpc to view media from around my network. I've run into some problems with it playing certain media formats as well as it not being able to see certain machines (those not running media center). Does a macmini running xbmc (or some other software) fare better in this regard than the 360? is the mac remote compatible with xbmc?
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Apr 24, 2012
I recently changed the iTunes Media Folder default location to a different area on my drive. I waited a couple minutes and the files did not move. I was unaware you had to go into your settings and also select to consolodate files. Since the files didn't move I reselected my default location and kept trying to go back and forth a couple times. After letting it sit for a couple more minutes I noticed over 200 GB's of files were missing. I looked in each folder I tried to change the default Media Folder location to but they were not in either of them. I have also ran multiple system file recover programs and been unable to find them.
Info:
MacBook
Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.3)
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Jan 17, 2009
If you can stream the Mac as a media server on your PS3 just like how it does on Windows for Windows Media Player....
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Apr 1, 2012
I've been doing some reorganizing lately, including updating my file structure from My Music to My Media, with Music, Books etc within it. I did this using the built-in iTunes option (File->Library->Organize Library->Reorganize files in the folder "iTunes Media"). I have both "Keep iTunes Media folder organized" and "Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library" switched on.
When I performed this reorganization I noticed that the media folder was still called "My Music", not "My Media", though the directories within for Music, Books etc were all there and organized correctly. So I renamed the folder to "My Media" and updated this name in the Advanced Preferences by changing "iTunes Media folder location."
When I now add new items to the library I find they are being added to the directory My Media, and not to the media-specific subdirectory (Music or Books or whatever) even though the entries within iTunes itself appear in the appropriate media subsection.
Info:
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.7)
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Feb 16, 2008
I realise this subject has been done to death on various threads but I've not seen a comparison of like for like. BareFeats state that 8 are better than 4 but don't compare the same amount of RAM in each case, i.e. they don't compare 8GB with 8GB.I would expect that 4x2GB would have less latancy than 8x1GB so on average would be a tiny bit faster. Has anyone seen any test results?(I should say that I'm posting this out of scientific curiosity - from the practical point of view its better to go with 4x2 anyway because it leaves slots free.)
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Dec 3, 2008
I think it will be overall faster (bus speed, ram speed, better video) but my question is this: Is the CPU faster than the old one? I know that they are using a Penryn 45nm version now. Will the new 1.6 be comparable to the older 1.8. Again I am just referring to CPU. The reason I ask this is that Penryn saw a 5-10% boost over Merom for the exact same clock speed I believe.
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Mar 19, 2009
COD4 Benchmarks, courtesy of BareFeats:
2009 Mac Pro with 4870: 60 frames per second
2007 Mac Pro with 4870: 59 frames per second
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Apr 8, 2009
I can afford any computer I want, and will buy the one that I want. No lectures.But what feels faster to use? A MacBook Pro 2.93 with 4GB RAM and the 7200RPM drive, or a Mac Pro 8-core 2.26 with 6GB RAM?
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Sep 3, 2009
Other than being a Cocoa app now and 64-bit support of course, I think Finder got so much faster especially with folders with a lot of content (like Apps folder) because it seems to load icon previews after it loads the file(s); where as (in my exp.)
Leopard seemed to try and load the files and icon previews at the same time then show you the contents, where as in SL I see the file first and then it loads the icon preview.
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Dec 19, 2009
I do NOT play games on my MBP. I only run OSX. Mostly normal tasks, but I do a lot of video encoding with D-Vision, I-Squint and MPEG (Perian) Encoder and I-Movie. Should I ever switch over the the faster GPU? I never have since I bought this (early 2009 MBP)
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Feb 11, 2010
apple will upgrade the uMBP line soon so i can get some new technology. My question is this....how much faster are the new laptops compared to my 1.33Ghz G4? and is it worth waiting for the i5/i7's to come out due to the increase in performance?
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