Login at Kodi Home

wgstarks · 2013-06-27, 03:07

I have been exploring the idea of switching out my C200 Popcorn Hour (YAMJ) with a new Mac Mini (xbmc) but I have seen a few confusing or conflicting post regarding using a Mac Mini as an htpc. My basic setup if I decide to make the switch would be: Drobo NAS>>Cat6>>Mac Mini>>HDMI>>Onkyo TX-NR 609 (AVR)>>HDMI>>Panny 65VT30.

1) Is HD Audio passthru supported? I have seen some posts that say it works and some that say it doesn't. Not a big deal either way, but some of my backup mkv's don't have all of the original audio tracks and might need to be modified.

2) Is 3D support being implemented? The movie and tv industries seem to be moving more and more towards 3D but the faq shows that 3D only works with half SBS and no subs or OSD. Not sure how old that info is though?

3) Is there a Zappitti look alike skin? My wife hates it when I change things. Big Grin

I'm using evZap right now and it would be nice if the overall appearance didn't change much but I don't think eversion works with xbmc?

4) I'm sure there are other things to consider that haven't even occurred to me. Any other suggestions or advice would be welcome.

~~Ned Scott~~ · 2013-06-27, 03:51

1. If you run linux or Windows on the MacMini, yes. Just not under OS X.

2. That info is correct, but more 3D support is coming to XBMC in the future.

3. Not sure what that is.

4. The MacMini can make for a great HTPC, but it's not really the best-bang-for-your-buck. If small and sexy is part of the factor here, then I would recommend investigating this guy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6856102004

or this guy: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product...x?pid=4606

wgstarks · 2013-06-27, 04:16

I've never used windows or Linux so I'd like to stick with an os I know. I'm guessing that the boxes you recommended would also need windows?

~~Ned Scott~~ · 2013-06-27, 04:22

They can run Windows or Linux (which includes OpenELEC (wiki), which is very easy to use and just boots directly into XBMC).

wgstarks · 2013-06-28, 00:57

(2013-06-27, 03:51)Ned Scott Wrote: 4. The MacMini can make for a great HTPC, but it's not really the best-bang-for-your-buck. If small and sexy is part of the factor here, then I would recommend investigating this guy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6856102004

or this guy: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product...x?pid=4606

Would either of these support madvr. I understand that provides the best video quality but is very gpu intensive and does not work well with the 4000HD gpu's currently available with the Mac Mini's. Couldn't find any info about the gpu's installed in these boxes or about bluetooth compatibility for keyboards. Really couldn't find anything but PR for the Gigabyte? Maybe it's not yet being offered retail?