Mac Mini

Hi I'm new here and just had a question... I was thinking about buying a Mac Mini, and was wondering if it can be hooked up to my HDTV. I know you can hook up a PC but don't know if it's the same with Mac's. I have an LG LCD Flat Panel 42LB5D. So, if anyone can help out, it'd be much appreciated. And I'm not sure if this is the correct thread so, sorry in advance...

Should be no problem, since one of the outputs from Macs is DVI - also for iMacs, they have a mini-DVI output option too [Apple's website sells an adapter].

So, with DVI, you would get a DVI-to-HDMI adapter (cheap), like at the MONOPRICE website, and should work correctly. You may have to experiment with computer video cards settings, but I don't think there will be a viewing problem with the MacMini. Maybe Tim Raynor, or some other IT expert might now more here, and comment.

-Love Hendrix! (The Loverboy)
~ DVD/HD-DVD/Blu-ray/KURO Plasma owner ~

Thanks a bunch!

The Mac Mini is a great computer for watching on your TV.
If you are thinking about using it for home theater use then I would seriously think about installing
MS Vista Media Center (through boot camp or Parallels )as it is one of the best kept secrets in home theater today. And with super cheap external hard drives space will never be an issue.

Just get a DVI to HDMI adapter if the TV doesn't have HDMI and plug it into the TV. The Mac will detect the display and configure itself appropriately. I do this all the time in my work with various macs and various HDTVs and I have had no problems.

Also don't bother with Windows. The Mac Mini comes with various things like Front Row and others that are in my opinion much nicer to use for home theatre.

Also I'm assuming you are using this as a computer and not just a home theatre, otherwise the Apple TV is an option.

Chef

Didn't Apple TV bomb? I mean Vista comes free with Windows has larger 3rd party support
and does not cost $300 and does not stream at 5Mbps like Apple TV and its claim to 720p is iffy at best.

I agree that Apple has a great OS and I use iTunes over Media Player for my music but when it comes to Hi Def Movies, PVR, Movie Server (does what the Kaleidescape System does while saving you a ton of money) Vista has it all over Apple hands down.

Quote:
Chef

Didn't Apple TV bomb? I mean Vista comes free with Windows has larger 3rd party support
and does not cost $300 and does not stream at 5Mbps like Apple TV and its claim to 720p is iffy at best.

Your post makes no sense. First off no it didn't bomb. Second Vista is a version of Windows not something that comes with it. Also 3rd party support is vastly growing for Mac, and what does that even have to do with it being used as a media centre? Finally what do you mean it's claim to 720p is iffy? It does 720p. Look I'm not claiming it's as good as a computer in all respects, I was offering it as an option, and depending on it's intended use it may not be the right one.

Still, have you ever used a Mac as a home media centre? You may change your mind about which is better. There is very good media centre software bundled with them and there is also open source programs that do almost every aspect you could want in home theatre.

Quote:
I agree that Apple has a great OS and I use iTunes over Media Player for my music but when it comes to Hi Def Movies, PVR, Movie Server (does what the Kaleidescape System does while saving you a ton of money) Vista has it all over Apple hands down.

Yeah, sure. That's exactly why Vista has failed to take off and so many are downgrading to previous versions because of Vista's problems. Meanwhile Apple's OS is growing like wildfire and taking mouthfuls out of Windows' market share. Macs do all the things you just listed and with the basic OS, not 'Media Center Addition' and they do it better. In my experience people who tout Windows as better have barely even used a Mac and have no idea what they are talking about.

[Post edited by the_dvd_chef on Jan 8, 2008]

Yes, I was intending to use the Mac Mini as a computer, and not as a home theater system... I have and HD-DVD player and a PS3, and I never quite liked saving or downloading movies on my computer. So, I was going to buy a Mac Mini just to have a computer there too. My TV has an extra HDMI input left but it also has an RGB input. Which one is better? To use a DVI/HDMI cable, or simply connect it into the RGB input? Sorry if this is a lame question...

Do you mean a VGA-like connector or YPbPr Component? Either one is analog and DVI/HDMI is superior in quality but also allows communication between the computer and the TV for things like configuration. As I said all you have to do is plug them in and the computer should figure things out for itself.

It's a pin connection type thing, not component. But if DVI/HDMI is better, then I'll use that instead. Thanks much!