Step 3) Connect your Mac Media Center to your TV Here’s a screenshot of the media browser interface: Plex will automatically pull your music library from iTunes too, so there’s practically no setup.
Support for hardware accelerated H.264 video playback on Nvidia 9400M, GT320M, GT330M chipsetsĪs you can see Plex is full featured, and that’s exactly why we’re using it for our Mac Media Center.Works with the Apple Remote, Wireless Keyboard, or Wireless Mouse.Weather updates for whatever regions you specify (it will automatically detect one by default).
Shoutcast stream support and awesome visualizers for music.Subtitle support for foreign language movies.Interface is completely skinable allowing you to change the appearance to another theme that fits your setup, TV, or preferences.Diverse codec support for various video and audio file types.Plug-in video support for Hulu, Netflix, Youtube, MTV, Vimeo, and more.Plays HD video content nearly flawlessly.Automatically download movie, TV show, and album artwork, episode information, IMDB ratings, and more.Easily catalogue, organize, and access all of your media files: movies, music, pictures, etc, directly within Plex.Plex is really great media center software that runs right on top of Mac OS X. Step 2) Download and Install Plex Media Center Software Your cable requirements are going to vary from machine to machine, so determine which output adapter is needed for your Mac. The new 2010 Mac Mini supports direct HDMI output with no additional cables at all, so you’d only need an HDMI cable. For instance, my MacBook Pro 2010 model only needs a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter and a standard HDMI cable, because it supports full HDMI output. Newer Mac’s support full HDMI out with audio and video carried over the same cable, but on many models you’ll still need an adapter. So first things first, get your cable situation squared away. Step 1) Get the proper Video Output Adapters It’s got a beautiful interface, vast media support, and is free to download. Plex – Plex is arguably the best media center software solution and runs right on top of Mac OS X as an application.Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse – these are optional but highly recommended if you want to browse the web and play games on your media center.HDMI cable (and/or other appropriate cables if your Mac doesn’t support direct HDMI out).Mac that supports video/audio output (newer Mac models that support full HDMI highly recommended, the New Mac Mini is perfect).Here’s what you’ll need to setup a media center with your Mac: When you are finished with this article, you will be able to have a complete Mac Media Center hooked up to your TV, creating an awesome home theater, and you’ll be able to control the whole thing wirelessly from your couch. Outside of PCMag, I write fiction, poetry, humor, and essays on culture.For the purpose of this article, we are going to assume you have an HDTV that supports HDMI input, and, preferably a Mac that supports HDMI output with audio (for Mac’s that don’t support direct HDMI output with audio, read on anyway there is a solution for you too). Though I love that I get to write about the tech industry every day, it’s touched by gender, racial, and socioeconomic inequality and I try to bring these topics to light. I put great care into writing gift guides and am always touched by the notes I get from people who’ve used them to choose presents that have been well-received. I’ve had the pleasure of talking tech with Jeff Goldblum, Ang Lee, and other celebrities who have brought a different perspective to it. I strive to explain topics that you might come across in the news but not fully understand, such as NFTs and meme stocks. Or maybe you’ve just seen my Bernie meme. You might have seen me on TV talking about these topics or heard me on your commute home on the radio or a podcast. I’ve been at PCMag since 2011 and have covered the surveillance state, vaccination cards, ghost guns, voting, ISIS, art, fashion, film, design, gender bias, and more. My title is Senior Features Writer, which is a license to write about absolutely anything if I can connect it to technology (I can). How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.