I didn't really know where to post this, so here it is in General.
Since many of us, I would assume, have their two-channel audio and their HT in the same room, there is obviously a display of some kind. The Mac mini has the ability to connect to a TV, so why is that hasn't been discussed as a solution to navigate Itunes or work on that spreadsheet while listening to music? Why use a separate notebook computer or Ipod Touch when you already have the ability to connect to your television?
Since the Mini has built-in Buetooth, you would only need a BT compatible keyboard and mouse. Or you could use the supplied Mini remote to navigate Itunes.
Just a thought.
Aaron H.
Posts: 13
I use a DVI-to-HDMI cable to
I use a DVI-to-HDMI cable to connect to my LCD display
from a Mac Mini, for 2-channel. I use another Mac to control the Mini for the times
I want to use iTunes UI, rather than just Front Row via Apple remote control.
( Go > Network > [ Select computer ] > Share Screen ).
Also ... recent rumors claim that iPhone 2.0
software, available July 11, will include Apple built-in support that will
allow using the iPhone as a WiFi remote-control for iTunes -- so no
'monitor' will be necessary, strictly speaking ... iPhone will suffice
as a portable iTunes 'monitor' and remote control. 'Signal' software has worked
well for this to-date, but if rumors are true, built-in support is only a few days away.
Posts: 2054
Hi Aaron - The topic of
Hi Aaron - The topic of using a television as an external display for navigation rarely comes up and I have my guesses why this is, but I don't know for sure. Personally I lock TVs out of my listening room :-)
As you suggest many people have their HT in the same room as their two channel system and could probably use your suggestion. Maybe these people just aren't speaking up.
Chris C.
Founder
Computer Audiophile
Posts: 14
...connected to television
I also wonder why it doesn't come up more often -- computer audio is all about convergence, and I for one want to hear my Sherlock Holmes VOB files (and Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator etc...) with the same clarity I hear my music, and through the same interface. A skinny display on the wall does nothing to interfere here.
Your comment on locking TVs out of the listening room made me smile a little Chris -- made me recall Ivor Tiefenbrun (founder of Linn) back in the day -- he wouldn't allow people wearing digital watches into his listening room because he maintained that he could hear the resonance of the tiny speaker within and it ruined his listening pleasure!
Plus ca change, plus ca la meme chose :-)
N.B. Am I ever looking forward to that iPhone and presumably iPod Touch interface to iTunes...
Posts: 13
iPhone/iPod Touch remote
FWIW, here's the rumor ...
"Apple to Offer iTunes Remote Control App for iPhone and iPod Touch
June 26, 2008" ...
http://tinyurl.com/5tefuv
Posts: 8
Chris, Sounds like you have
Chris, Sounds like you have two dedicated rooms. With many of us, space dictates compromise. Since I had to incorporate two-channel and HT in the same room, the first thing I looked for was a really good pre-amp with a HT pass-thru so I could use my two-channel amp and main speakers with my 5.1 HT processor.
I hired Rives Audio to help with the acoustic design of the room and they came up with some really neat ideas. One of my concerns was how a big plasma TV screen would affect imaging and the sound-stage. They designed a special lightweight acoustical panel that I place in front of the TV during serious listening sessions. Wow! I think it sounds better than just an equipment rack with no TV. But, it is lightweight enough so I can just move it out of the way if I need to view iTunes or do whatever. A lot easier than getting up every 20 minutes to flip some vinyl.
Boy, that was a roundabout way to get back to hooking up a Mac mini to a TV. There are many discussions on the internet about connecting a mini to a TV. As I move forward with the music server and start experimenting with this, I'll post my experiences with the TV hook-up. The main reason I am considering directly to the TV is I am reluctant to spend money on a notebook computer or an iPod Touch just to navigate iTunes. That money would be better spent towards a really good DAC like a Minerva or whatever else comes along in the near future.
Thanks,
Aaron H.
Posts: 2054
Hey davidp - I love the
Hey davidp - I love the reference! I never thought about digital watches before, but i may have to post a sign at the entrance to my listening room :-) I keep TVs out of the room to free me from distractions more than anything. I can work with the acoustic issues it would create. My laptop is enough of a distraction as it is. I can't wait to put a headless Mac Pro in here and stick with my iPod Touch and the new iTunes control app. I believe it will be released Friday with iPhone 2.0 software, iTunes 7.7 and the 3G iPhone.
Chris C.
Founder
Computer Audiophile
Posts: 2054
Hey Aaron - It sounds like
Hey Aaron - It sounds like you understand the biggest contributors to good sound. Number one being the acoustics of the room! It's very cool you hired Rives Audio. So many people overlook room acoustics and try to improve sound with more expensive components. Acoustical treatments need a better publicist!
Chris C.
Founder
Computer Audiophile
Posts: 13
OK, I admit it ... I have a
OK, I admit it ... I have a dedicated LCD for two-channel/iTunes.
What could be better?
Posts: 14
acoustical treatments?
Glad you liked the watch reference Chris!
Well, in the context of acoustical room treatments (and at risk of repeating content from a previous post: http://www.computeraudiophile.com/node/334), the TACT digital audio (PWM) amps also have real-time room correction as an option in the more pricey models. When these suckers are a little more affordable (and can be fed WAVs via USB / Firewire [or from a mac controlled by a Touch]) I am so in there...
Are they up for sending you one?
cheers,
Dave
Posts: 2054
I'm still working on it. I
I'm still working on it. I need to get in touch with the right person. So far no luck.
Chris C.
Founder
Computer Audiophile