Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Mac and Meridian

That sounds either like an application struggling with performance.

Last post from me on this topic, I think this is going round in circles to an extent, and I'm not convinced we're going to be able to agree on the right approach.

Prime difference between the apps you mention that recommend local storage, and my suggestion of a NAS with iTunes Server physically running on it, is that both of your apps are looking to "pull" media from where ever it is stored. I can understand that this might create issues with latency, since the storage you are referring to is "passive".

My alternate recommendation is to consider using the server software running on the NAS to "push" the media to the player. Different situation. It also benefits you by having built in redundancy without the need to have extensive backing up, something I note that Amarra recommend you switch off entirely.

A little request...please do keep posting on this. I am sure I'm not alone in finding your info extremely useful, and even though there are various approaches being discussed, that's a help as it's illuminating to learn about several ways to tackle this subject.

I'm glad George & VK are allowing these MAC discussions to run, as I get the impression that the imminent arrival of the iPad has galvanised many of us to look at seriously integrating Mac and iTunes based systems with our Meridian gear (despite many having alternatives already in place).

It would be really good if we could capture all this excellent iMac/Apple TV/Mac Mini/timecapsule/NAS/iTunes/iPad integration info in the Wiki!

Cheers

George

I hoping that you will take it all with "a grain of salt".

I am only pointing to recommendations from knowledgeable sources.

In the end, its all about personal preference. For example, I have no plans for eliminating Spotlight, Email, Browsers or Time Machine. (or running OS X from an SSD!!!)

The new apple TV interface is even slicker, very nice.




I am running this....

http://www.atvflash.com/product_info.php?products_id=27

So you can run the AppleTV with a 2TB USB drive.




Dom, some interesting stuff, I will look into that server closely.

Bingo Gizze, i was about to add that with atvflash there is literally no limit on the size or number of USB drives you can add to the Apple TV. i have been using one for streaming music and video since they first came out and using airport expresses to extend my network which has meant i havent had any drop out issues over the last year.

i would also add that the ATV allows you to sync your music playing to any of the zones which is a great extra.

i now have 3 ATVs and 4 airport zones (including one outside in a courtyard) and it is an awesome setup. i love moving from the living room to the kitchen to the outside and hearing the same sounds flowing throughout.

I agree - some great info in this thread - thanks to all for sharing.

Cheers
Tom

A useful comparative article on AppleTV vs Mac Mini vs Game Consoles has just appeared...

http://www.emoiz.com/in-depth-apple-tv-3-0-vs-mac-mini-vs-games-consoles

I run an IMAC solely for music
i disable 'crossfade' and 'enhance'
but run' Sound Check' cos i use IVolume which is v reliable(unlike SC)
500Gb is more than enough storage for me in lossless and HD
Front Row is a good remote
Wireless keyboard and mouse and mac graphics on the Kuro is a system difficult to beat for full remote.
Roger

Good overview of the Mac Mini as a Media Center:
http://bit.ly/10okul

I am leaning towards the following solution:

Mac Mini
PS3
external hard drive
Kanex Mini DisplayPort + optical audio -> HDMI converter cable
HD621
iPhone

This solution provides the following features:

true remote control (you can't put the iPad in your pocket)
selectable amount of storage capacity without sacraficing performance
streaming media over the internet (remember when music was free and effortless?)
ease in downloads to playback
user selectable CODECs including 24/96
1080p
BD
7.1 channels
flexibility for software applications

The only drawback that I can see is that 7.1 is available only through PS3. But this is not a big deal, at least for now, because there aren't that many movies in 7.1 and the ones that are avialable will be played through PS3. But it would be good to know how to get 7.1 over Mac Mini for the future.

Another minor technicality is lack of 861v6 in your setup.