Currently run a Mac Mini HTPC - would ATV be a good addition

[MrMark]

At the moment I have my Mac Mini with a couple of external drives connected to my Samsung LCD. I run all my media through iTunes - about 1.5tb of films and TV. Any non-iTunes compatible files (.avi, .mkv &c.) are added by creating a reference .mov file.

I have a Windows XP box upstairs in the office but I've been using more of the Ma software recently so it leaves me in a bit of a bind when I want to get on with using the Mac as a computer and the Mrs wants to watch NCIS or something.

The little bit of research I've done so far suggests I could move the Mac Mini and drives into the office upstairs, as everything we'd want to watch downstairs is in iTunes, use the ATV via a wireless connection to watch TV and Films.

What would I need to purchase to achieve this? The Mac Mini and the ATV both have Airport so I guess they'd talk to each other just fine.

Would I need to hack the ATV to play the "reference-.mov'd" files?

How's the interface on ATV? I like the look of Front Row - it's nice and clear and smooth and all - but the weirdness with reordering TV series means I never use the thing.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[j2048b]

what weirdness are you reffering to when recording tv shows?

I just got both, and was told that the mini can do more than the apple tv, but if thats the way you want to go you can get a referbed 40 gig for 150 i believe, give it a go and if not satisfied either return it or sale it!


try plex, if you have an intel mini!