music server

Apr 27 2009

Build a Mac mini Media Server

When Steve unveiled the Mac mini, most people thought they were looking at the most inexpensive Mac Apple had ever turned out. For those of us used to beating the most out of our machines the Mac mini represents a whole new application for the best OS.

This week I’m featuring freeware that will help you in your quest to turn your Mac mini into a home media server.

First, there’s plenty of freeware that will allow your mini to interface with your video recorder of choice.

mu Build a Mac mini Media ServerDreamStream – For your Dreambox

mu Build a Mac mini Media ServerEyeTV Remote and eyetv RPM – For your EyeTV

mu Build a Mac mini Media ServerTiVo Desktop and TiVoFerkey – For your TiVo

mu Build a Mac mini Media ServerDVArchive – For Replay TV

mu Build a Mac mini Media ServerEarphoria

Remotely control iTunes via Rendezvous. Perfect for running a music server from another Mac on the network.

mu Build a Mac mini Media ServerRomeo

Use this Bluetooth app to turn your phone into a remote for your media mini.

mu Build a Mac mini Media ServerQT XList and ClipLinkViewer X

These solutions are different, but both will play a series of QuickTime files in a playlist fashion. Perfect for queuing up video clips.

mu Build a Mac mini Media ServerVLC Media Player

This Open Source media player will play just about anything, and is a must for your media server.

If you’ve read Apple’s documentation on the mini you should know that the mini will interface directly or via adapter with most new TV’s. Have fun!

Brian

mu Build a Mac mini Media ServerDownloads provided by MacUpdate

By admin • Articles, Freeloader Friday Download of the Week • 1 • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Apr 27 2009

mini Holiday Shopping Picks

Your Mac mini is coming up on its first birthday, and I’m confident that your Macintosh has been good all year long. So, whatever your excuse, now is a great time to pick up a gift for that special someone – or something. Below are a few of our favorite mini accessories.

 

73367175 81c70a1e78 t mini Holiday Shopping Picks

Make your mini Mighty! – Mighty Mouse from Apple

If you grabbed an old mouse for your new mini, now is the time to make it up to your machine. Get mighty with multiple buttons and psycho-cool scrolling.

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Be heard! Add an audio input to your mini – iMic from Griffin Technology

You can’t use Skype or Garage Band until you get some hardware to get audio into your mini. This USB audio solution from Griffin Tech provides you with mini jack inputs for your aux out or microphone.

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Mobile Music with AirPort Express – Airport Express from Apple

If you don’t already have one, the AipPort Express can be a useful addition to your mini and your home network. Use to it stream iTunes across your network, using your mini as a wireless music server.

73364583 fe9d2399a8 t mini Holiday Shopping Picks

Keep your mini going through the storm – Uninterrupted Power Supply by Belkin

Watch your back with a continuous power solution. Depending on what peripherals you use, this backup power solution can keep your mini going for hours during a blackout.
73367176 ff6f41ebfe t mini Holiday Shopping Picks

Go flat and save space – LCD Monitor by Samsung

Reward your Mac and your eyes with a flat panel monitor like this Samsung. Using the DVI connector, the signal sent to the monitor is digital and sharp.

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Clear stand has you covered – Acrylic phone stand

Don’t laugh. A clear acrylic phone stand provides the mini with adequate breathing room and protection while providing you a place to store your keyboard. Remember, Apple doesn’t like you stacking things on top of your mini!

73364585 35e484e4f7 t mini Holiday Shopping Picks

Squelch iMac jealousy, get a remote – Wireless Remote by Kensington

The new iMac comes with a remote, but there’s no reason you mini shouldn’t. This palm-sized USB wireless remote will have you clicking from your couch.

73364581 324fa586f2 t mini Holiday Shopping Picks

Bulk up your storage space – External Firewire Drive for the mini by LaCie

The mini is a little short on drive space. Rather than dragging it to your Apple Store or cracking it with a putty knife you can pick up a spacious external drive like this LaCie external drive made to fit under your mini.

Don’t wait too long, the holidays are here and it would be a shame to have that stocking empty! For the team here at MacMerc, we wish you and your Mac the best for the season!

By admin • Articles, Mini Media Mac • 0 • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,