[hugh]

I am interested in possibly running Plex on a Mac Mini in my family room. I was running Boxee on my JB ATV1 which is great for .avi files but when I try to play .mp4 files it chugs.

My idea was to use Front Row but I understand that is gone in Lion so I thought I would install Plex on a mac mini and have it source files from my Windows Home Server 2011.

My question (in addition to "does this make sense") is will the Apple remote control Plex so I can have it operate as a ten foot interface?

 

[hugh]

just remember though, Plex limits you to bitrates of 7k

I'm sorry but you lost me with that.

I have some .mp4 files (created with Hauppauge PVR) with bitrates of 10 mbps. Are you saying that I won't be able to play them through Plex on the Mac Mini?

 

[hugh]

QuickSilver / tikker, thanks for the feedback.

Your positive comments will get me to try out Plex on my kids iMac. If I'm satisfied then I will consider getting the imac mini.

 

[hugh]

Just thought I would update.

I've been running Plex now for about eight months. I've had my issues but overall its been great.

I have the server software running on my Windows Home Server. Clients include iPad, mac mini (yes I bought it), Windows PC's, WDTV Live and PS3.

I don't use the PS3 since the interface is terrible but the rest are excellent.

Works great with .wtv files also so my OTA recordings are dumped into a Recordings library so every device in the house has access to OTA.

 

[hugh]

Just Plex

 

[hugh]

How is the mac Mini with Plex?

Frankly, I am disappointed. When it works, its excellent. The problem I am having (as are other Plex users) occurs when the Mac Mini goes to sleep.

Theoretically when you press the remote button, the Mac Mini should wake up and Plex should be available to you. Unfortunately, it often does not work and the only way to get it working again is to reboot the mac mini.

I have investigated on the Plex forums and the belief is that this is a bug in the code leftover from XBMC days. I found an automated script on the plex forums that was designed to fix the problem, however, while reducing the problem, it has not fixed it.

The other workaround is to prevent your Mac Mini from ever going to sleep which is not something I want to do. All of my computers either shut down or have aggressive sleep plans.

 

[hugh]

Danno100, I understand. The Mac Mini uses 1.5W when sleeping so running the Apple all the time vs. sleeping when not using will likely cost about $10 extra a year. It's not huge sum, however, I like to save every bit of energy that I can for fiscal and environmental reasons.

 

[hugh]

Running Mountain Lion. I believe the problem began in Lion.