OK, so you will have read I have a Mac Mini.

I bought it with one purpose in mind, to put it to task as the hub of my entertainment system in the lounge.

Like many people, I had (yes had) a range of components connected to my Denon 3805 amplifier – such a fantastic bit of kit, even if it is a few years old now – components such as Sky+ Box, DVD Player, Mini Disc (once upon a time) XBOX 360, Wii, AppleTv. It was my goal, with the exception of the Wii and XBOX to reduce it all down to the Mac Mini, but at the same time still be able to enjoy DVDs, Movies and Audio in glorious 5.1 Dolby Digital (or DTS) sound.

I used to have the Mac Mini 1.4Ghz G4 (below) and it was woefully slow at playing the higher resolution videos, so this upgrade is so much more capable and really has the chance to achieve these things.

I have a 720p Panasonic 7th Gen plasma @ 42″ so for now needed to be able to play 720p with no issues, but as soon as the money tree has started shedding it’s fruit I will be upgrading.

In case you’re interested, it’s likely to be the 50″ Panasonic NeoPDP V10 model, I’d like the 58″ but even though the room is a nice size I think it would be a little *too* obscene!

So…the Mac Mini…

The tasks at hand are: -

  • Save some money and unsubscribe from Sky+ and for that a suitable replacement is needed for some broadcast TV
  • Remove the DVD Player
  • Remove the AppleTV – I want that in the kitchen for AirTunes and watching the occasional video
  • All audio should be multichannel where available

But also…

  • Play my centrally stored music collection
  • Automatically download my favourite shows via BitTorrent
  • Be easily controllable and not require a host of remotes or gadgets. One (or two) would be OK.
  • Act as a speaker box for mutli-room sound for parties etc.

I think I’ll start at the first point…replacing Sky…coming next…

PL

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