Comments on: Will the New Apple TV Make the Mac Mini Obselete?

By: aaw

aaw — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:21:54 +0000

Actually AirTunes works with the AppleTV but only as a client so you do need a computer. I wasn't aware of this when I got mine so it was a nice surprise.

Quality of the rented movies is very good. AppleTV is one of the cheapest ways of getting HD movies here in the UK.

I love my ATV.

By: Sean Fitzroy

Sean Fitzroy — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:45:11 +0000

In response to the previous post, the Mac Mini does not have to be "hacked" to play Divx. It requires free software to be installed just like any other Mac. You can install any of the following (or all three):

Perian
The Divx codec (or Divx player if you want it)
VLC which plays Divx movies.

By: Michael LAX

Michael LAX — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:28:53 +0000

The first poster is incorrect: the Mac Mini will not play DivX. Just like the AppleTV, it has to be hacked with Perian to support non-QuickTime codecs. Check out the AwkwardTV wiki and forum.

By: tonyleachsf

tonyleachsf — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:52:37 +0000

No one has yet mentioned AirTunes... I love being able to play music off my mac mini -> stereo in my family room and have that stream over wireless to my kitchen speakers. Can't do that on the ATV.

Once (if) we get a Front Row update to match the Apple TV, I'll maintain my pro-Mini, anti-ATV stance. That is, unless the ATV starts supporting AirTunes as well.

By: Todd

Todd — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:43:19 +0000

Is anybody aware of a project to hack the take 2 software so it can be installed on OS X? Take 2 on a mac mini (with hd rentals) would be ideal.

By: Dave Zatz

Dave Zatz — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 05:24:17 +0000

I have an Xbox 360, therefore I don't need a small Windows PC?

By: Eric Marcoullier

Eric Marcoullier — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:29:31 +0000

For me, the main problem with the AppleTV is that it routes through another computer running iTunes when accessing an MP3 or video file share. This trebles the number of wifi hops and makes streaming music and video fairly difficult. See my illustration here:

http://www.marcoullier.com/blog/2008/02/23/why-the-mac-mini-kicks-the-appletvs-ass/

By: George Frederick Litterst

George Frederick Litterst — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 13:57:04 +0000

I don't yet have an HD TV. However, when I get one, it seems to me that one of the most compelling reasons to go with a MacMini is that I should be able to do iChat and Skype video conferencing and enjoy the luxury of a huge screen.

By: Esteban

Esteban — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 07:05:14 +0000

Agree with Everything. Except I want a keyboard on the Apple TV for when i am searching on you tube, and hopefully pretty soon to all video online.

thanks

By: James Gardiner

James Gardiner — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 06:11:58 +0000

DVI and HDMI are the same VIDEO SIGNAL in the cable and both can do HDCP. HDMI is the domestic reincarnation of DVI which also includes extra features like Audio on the cable as well as video.

HDMI is a little crappy to me, however, as it does not come with screw in or more reliable connections. I find it falls out a lot. Ok for domestic, but not for prosumer of above.

James