2008-12-01, 08:32
Hi all, I used to run xbmc on an early generation xbox which at some point died and never got replaced. Since then I've tried a multitude of possible replacements that have all disappointed me in one way or another.
A few weeks ago I downloaded xbmc for the mac, threw it on a spare 2.x GHz macbook I had and fired it all up. I have to say I was immediately impressed and excited at how well it ran from the outset even though my config wasn't ideal.
I have a gigabit copper network and a fairly large (12TB) video library that xbmc seems to behave very nicely with.
Now, I'm happy this is the way that I want to go (rather than a Windows MCE or similar) but there's a few things I'd need to sort first. How have other people solved the following:
1. I'm currently running video out via the mini-DVI to composite (ugh) adapter and want to use my HDMI inputs on my Yamaha receiver. Is the apple Mini DVI->DVI adapter plus a 3rd party cable the only option? They don't seem to offer mini-DVI to HDMI solution. Does anyone else?
2. Audio is via the standard stereo output. My receiver can accept various digital inputs so I'm wondering if there's a better solution there?
3. Need to be able to make 3rd party remotes work, happy to go buy one. I'm hearing that the Harmony remotes pretty much work out of the can because they emulate the Apple remote. Any insights or recommendations there?
4. Is it possible to integrate live television and PVR features through another product or extension? This is not a high priority but would be nice to know it's possible or "coming soon".
5. Any other tips/hints in general?
Thanks!
A few weeks ago I downloaded xbmc for the mac, threw it on a spare 2.x GHz macbook I had and fired it all up. I have to say I was immediately impressed and excited at how well it ran from the outset even though my config wasn't ideal.
I have a gigabit copper network and a fairly large (12TB) video library that xbmc seems to behave very nicely with.
Now, I'm happy this is the way that I want to go (rather than a Windows MCE or similar) but there's a few things I'd need to sort first. How have other people solved the following:
1. I'm currently running video out via the mini-DVI to composite (ugh) adapter and want to use my HDMI inputs on my Yamaha receiver. Is the apple Mini DVI->DVI adapter plus a 3rd party cable the only option? They don't seem to offer mini-DVI to HDMI solution. Does anyone else?
2. Audio is via the standard stereo output. My receiver can accept various digital inputs so I'm wondering if there's a better solution there?
3. Need to be able to make 3rd party remotes work, happy to go buy one. I'm hearing that the Harmony remotes pretty much work out of the can because they emulate the Apple remote. Any insights or recommendations there?
4. Is it possible to integrate live television and PVR features through another product or extension? This is not a high priority but would be nice to know it's possible or "coming soon".
5. Any other tips/hints in general?
Thanks!