Just looking for some advice on mac mini screen.

 

Basically use my mac mini as a server/network drive (use mac book pro and iPads for general use) - in our old house it was in the front room attached to the 47inch main TV but in the new house we have a study so wasn't going the same route, hence i need a screen for the mac mini for the study - just wondering if i get a TV or a dedicated monitor for it. Obviously a TV gives more options if my set up changes (could use it in kitchen or kids room) hence i'm thinking more along these lines but not sure about resolutions etc as gather monitor would be best suited (although it doesn't matter too much as it only for maintenance as such and also I can access the mac mini remotely from the macbook)?

 

I'm also not sure what size - i guess something 17 to 19 inch would be more than big enough for these needs.

 

The other thing that would be handy, would be if it was possible to 'send' the image/sound to the main (panasonic smart) TV, mainly for as this has the soundbar/subwoofer for music - but i'm not sure if any device or app for this exists.

 

Any advice would be appreciated before i get 'pc world'ed !

 

 

 

 

So for the "send image/audio" to main TV you probably want an AppleTV, you can cast the screen or just the audio to it.  Also if you have everything in iTunes you can just view stuff off the MacMini with the AppleTV directly.

 

If you get the new AppleTV "with apps" or whatever name apple call it there are a number of apps which will play files directly off a fileshare (cifs/smb etc) without messing about with iTunes.  This is how we do it in our house with Nas4Free serving out files and the AppleTV simply playing them on the TV.  We've tried OneVideo, NasTify and VideoExplorer but only really had success with OneVideo although I'm not overly keen on the UI it seems to play almost anything.

 

Monitor wise, iirc the HDMI port on the MacMini supports both HD 720 and 1080 so a small TV would probably be the best bet if you're looking for admin+options.

Thanks Gullyg, i'll take a look at the apple TV, it doesn't seem too costly.

 

Think you're right re the TV, its not going to be used much other than admin / iTunes updating / downloading photos to backup.

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

I've had Plex running on my Mac Mini for the last 6 years, and use that to stream to TV/iPad/Phone/AppleTV etc. around the house.

 

When I got the new TV it wouldn't take a separate DVI input and analog audio (no HDMI, as my Mini is ancient) so I ended up not hooking it up to a monitor. Now I just Remote Desktop to it from my phone if I need to see the screen.

 

The new TV is an Android smart TV so runs the Plex client natively, Plex apps on the iOS devices and an AppleTV with Plex in the bedroom means I only access the Mini directly to check for updates so really don't miss having it attached to anything.

Could suggest getting a TV with integrated smart functions and dvd player, to add to your man's den. LOL

I've had Plex running on my Mac Mini for the last 6 years, and use that to stream to TV/iPad/Phone/AppleTV etc. around the house.

 

When I got the new TV it wouldn't take a separate DVI input and analog audio (no HDMI, as my Mini is ancient) so I ended up not hooking it up to a monitor. Now I just Remote Desktop to it from my phone if I need to see the screen.

 

The new TV is an Android smart TV so runs the Plex client natively, Plex apps on the iOS devices and an AppleTV with Plex in the bedroom means I only access the Mini directly to check for updates so really don't miss having it attached to anything.

 

Interesting, thanks - i'd heard of plex before but not really paid much attention - will need to see if my panasonic will take it i guess.

 

Could suggest getting a TV with integrated smart functions and dvd player, to add to your man's den. LOL

 

 

Ha, ha not really mans den as SWMBO will also be using it and the rug rats are having an 'artwork/homework' table - my escape will be the garage (gym) which will have an old 42inch LCD tv though ;-)