mac people: iMac as entertainment server?
 

I am thinking about getting a desktop PC for home that will be used primarily as an entertainment machine.

The iMac has a mini-DVI output port according to the site. Has anyone used one of these with a decent television display with good results? Also, what kind of extension can be used with that mini DVI port? Apple doesnt list a long mini-dvi cable. Is it just a 1/8in headphone-type connection? Would a well shielded 1/8 headphone extension cable work, in combination with the mini-dvi to DVi adapter apple sells? I have a ceiling mounted 480p cinema projector that does a great job but is about 20-25ft from where I would have the computer setup. I like the higher resolution television shows in the itunes store and would love to set up a way to pipe them to my projector.

Also, Apple lists a USB terrestrial-HDTV tuner for $250. Anyone used this? Does it work well? Does the MAc machine work well as a DVR with it?

I considered the mac mini because I could just ceiling-mount it beside the projector, but I like the idea of having a more powerful machine with a built in display. The hard drives in the minis are pretty small for collecting TV show downloads.

Also, if you know anything about them, how do they compare with Windows Media Center PCs?

Judging from your needs I would say that you need a vagina between your legs or at the bare minimum, a dick in your ass. Blah, Blah, blah. Computer shit. Fuck You, Fag.

Did that answer your question jeffdrafttech?

I'm a Mac person, but I have to say I don't know.

Note to self: Never ask a technical question on the forums, unless you are willing to be verbally ass-raped.

Check this out:

http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/25/h...-media-center/

Why bother trying to build a new computer from scratch if it's possible to do the same without much hassle. Buy an iMac and buy a $10 mini-DVI to DVI adaptor and geta long DVI cable running to your Projector. For the TV Channel stuff you can get an EyeTV box from elgato which works like a charm, and integrates with Front Row and done is your Media Centre with 160 GB Harddrive, Wifi and Bluetooth and a simple interface. For the EyeTV stuff go to : http://elgato.com

you can find the adaptor in the apple store and the DVI cable at CompUSA or similar stores.

Are you doing this, do you have photos?

As luis said, an iMac + the mini dvi to dvi adapter + long dvi cable will do you fine. The mini dvi adapter on the back of the iMac is really only for plugging adapters into to get the right output you want anyways.

Or going back to your original thought of using a mac mini, you could always get one and an external hard drive for storage (there are a few companys out there that make external drives that match the look of the mini), or have another computer act as a file server.

For htpc use, people prefer to go the mac mini route for placement purposes.

Depending on how long you're willing to wait, Apple is coming out with a device called the iTV that will let you wirelessly stream video to a TV, similar to elgato's eyehome.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/12/a...g-box-in-2007/
http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/12/h...itv-prototype/

I didn't mean the elgato eyehome. They have real TV tuners that you can record with. The recorded video can then be viewed in iTunes and therefore also on your ipod and on front row. Don't bother with the eyehome, it's not a tv tuner. There is a usb dongle for terrestrial TV and various boxes for Satellite, Cable or Antenna.

I hope this solves your problem.

I meant the eyehome as a way for getting content from the computer to the tv. It's easier for people to run a length of ethernet (or wireless with a bridge) than it is a dvi cable.