Matt Russell’s article called “The Ultimate Mac Mini Media Center” really lists everything you need at the date it was written. Today’s Mac Mini can actually be purchased as a server with two 500 Gig hard drives and no optical drive with Snow Leopard Server software.
He talks about what he did starting two years earlier to turn a Mac Mini (Core Duo 1.66GHz) into a server connected to a Sharp Aquos 1080p LCD Television. He admits to have tried all kinds of products and various setups to come up with “The Ultimate.”
He also admits that he doesn’t have any kind of a DVR included and instead he uses BitTorrent and streaming as a solution.
The article was update last on October 1st.
He even covers adding game controllers. He also suggests heavy use of Google to solve problems. Not everyone will want the same setup he has.
The Hardware he used are:
• Mac Mini with Intel Processor: Core Duo 1.66GHz model (not the Core 2 Duo)
• External Hard Drive
• Wireless Keyboard & Mouse
• Games & Controllers
And makes suggestions on Blu-Ray Video Playback
See the full article here.
My Mac mini – on the other hand – is an integral part of my home entertainment system.
I don’t know about it, but I love my Mac mini and barely used my Apple TV.
Great article! Just one suggestion. You mention using MacTheRipper; A great program in its own right, but dated and hasn’t been updated in years. It has a lot of problems with newer encoding systems (IE: Sony! Grrr…). There is a newer and more powerful variant you should check out called RippIt ; Much easier to use and rips the hard to rip discs.