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Apple’s Mac Mini has always had the form factor home theater PC users love—a small footprint, a clean design, and easy storage.
On Tuesday, the Mini got a refresh, adding in new memory, storage and faster graphics performance. It doesn’t, however, have typical HTPC options like built-in DVR (you’ll need third-party software), a tuner, a Blu-ray drive or even HDMI.
So is the Mac Mini a legitimate HTPC option?
Brent Evans at GeekTonic says it would definitely work.
I think the Mac Mini would definitely work as an HTPC - well at least an HTPC extender. It wouldn’t be the cheapest HTPC box you could get, but it looks powerful enough to handle HD HTPC chores and definitely small enough to blend with the livingroom environment.
The company is rumored to be developing networked HDTVs, even though Steve Jobs has called the digital living room “a hobby.”
We know that Apple has been asking users about future enhancements to Apple TV, but I’m a bit surprised that the Mac Mini didn’t receive any HTPC upgrades.
So, we want to know what you think: is the Mac Mini a legitimate HTPC option?
Answer the poll and then let us know why in a comment below.
I dunno Bob, all my HDMI components and interfaces work fine…...making you’re having an issue with operator error. Seriously, or at least more seriously, there is a protocol for getting HDMI and HDCP compliant products to work properly. This is where the potential for operator error comes in.
For all you amateur HDMI fanatics. GET A LIFE! HDMI does not work properly yet. Any one in the business knows this and stays clear of it until all the manufactures get on the same page.
I have been using a Mac mini to drive my projector for over a year and love it. It is small, quiet, and unintrusive. HDMI causes more problems than it solves in a true home theater environment so I am glad that it is not forced on us.
I was ABOUT to jump on the “It OK with software” vote - BUT then I looked at the specs…
No HDMI??? What the heck are they thinking?! So the only digital outputs they include cannot carry lossless audio??
There is NO WAY that this could be used for a proper HTPC setup without HDMI Audio/Video - no matter what software you throw at it.
A real disappointment!! I can’t believ that Apple was TOO CHEAP to pay the license fee for HDMI and include it… sucks!
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I’m building a HTPC. This is a small form factor PC, so this has to come into consideration.
In the next 6 months I will be adding a blu-ray drive to this as well, so take that in <a >banking deals</a> consideration as well.
Here is my current setup:
Sony SXRD 50A2000 (great TV):
- 2 HDMI ports