That was great. What about the EyeTV Hybrid for local live programming? Also, would love to see you do one of these vids based on how you create the Instance and Extralife Radio podcasts.
Scott. Is there a reason you don’t use the Netflix on the 360. I think it’s much better integrated than running the browser. With the next iteration of the 360 NXE in the fall you can browser and watch straight from the 360 w/o queueing up. Also if you use an application like Connect360 (www.nullriver.com) or Rivet (http://cynicalpeak.com/rivet/) that will allow your Xbox 360 to play back any media on your MacMini (any iTunes, movies, music, iphoto, etc…). Since the xbox plays DVDs as well you can now move your MacMini to behind the TV like your PS3 and use only your xbox to control and play everything.
I would think this would eliminate your switch between xbox and MacMini. Also you can use the xbox controller or a Logitech Harmony remote for 80% of your tv/movie/picture/music, and Netflix. The only time the Mac displayed is when one of the kids needs to do homework or you want to watch hulu. You can setup a Logitech Harmony remote to have 1 button to switch the TV over to the input that the Mac Mini is on. I would think that this would actually be a little easier as you would be using one device more like say 85% of the time using the xbox and only 15% using the Mini. Whereas now i assume you use more like 60% Mac Mini and 40% Xbox (gaming).
Hulu would be the only caveat that i see here. It won’t run in the xbox, but you can still switch back for hulu. Acutually you could leave the hulu app up all the time, and just switch the components back and forth and easily go between 360 and Hulu (Mini). then when you want to turn off the TV, your Logitech remote is programed to turn off all devices when you hit OFF and the 360 and TV go off. You can also just turn off the 360 and the Westinghouse will sleep.
Maybe this is nothing new to you, but i’ve been setting this up recently and thought i’d pass on what knowledge i’ve gained.
Oooh I need to get a mac mini purely for that. Noticed you didn’t show off Boxee that much. Do you use that for stuff too? I use that for everything, hulu and netflix.
It is 40 bucks a licence, but it comes with a free trial for you to test. It can be picked up from both the xbox or the playstation. It has CBS and other channels so you’ll be able to watch Michael Jackson’s funeral as well
It’s pretty good, I have it installed in a windows home server next to the xbox and it works very well. It is much better than having to use the mouse and keyboard and you can use the xbox remote (or a tv+xbox integrated one)
@Rover: Was thinking the same thing… conveniently not mentioned… But I honestly don’t mind. I’ve downloaded every DVD I own. Clicking a file is easier than inserting a disc.
I think this is nice and great… just Hulu only fully works in the US. I think they haven’t even properly integrated Canada yet. It’s pathetic.
Scott have you ever considered Plex? That’s what I have on the Mac Mini now. It runs Hulu as well as the DVD player, and the inferface is fantastic. All controlled with the Apple Remote. And it plays damn near every video format out there.
hey scott, one question, how do you hook up your mac mini to the hdtv? anyways great vid. p.s. you should probably get a wireless mouse and keyboard for the mac mini.
I would love to do this! If a service like Hulu ever becomes available up here in Canada, I’ll be right on getting a similar setup – I rarely watch anything that wouldn’t be available through a Hulu type system. Really neat to see how you’ve got it working!
I use an appletv haxored in my living room with XBMC or Boxee connect to my imac in my bedroom with a few TB’s or content on there. XBMC and Boxee make it easy to watch whatever I want over the network. I also using hellanzb, hellavcr and such for downloading said content.
I think the one thing your missing is some bunny ears to catch the free content thats in the air and that is in HD. I’m ghetto and use an Powered FM Antenna (coax connector connected to the back of the TV) and get just about all the channels in my area. I’m in Los Angeles and we have a crapton of HD over the air but you living in salt lake or whereever you live can use http://www.antennaweb.org to find local listings and what antenna you need to make it happen.
I have put serious thought into doing this but what would I do with my Tivo box? I think the contract doesn’t expire until 2010, and what would I do to catch NBA games that air only on cable/ satellite?
Not to be a downer or anything, but the title of the post should possibly be “How I watch TV without cable or satellite TV.” As a more extreme example, my wife knows someone who swears she “never watches television,” when in fact she spends at least half of every day watching DVDs of television series (Lost, etc.).
How do I live without cable or satellite TV? Lots and lots of books, plus the internet. (Else, how would I be able to read ExtraLife three times a week?) I won’t tell you that you should quit watching TV cold turkey, but I just wanted to point out the title is something of a misnomer.
Are the streams always without hiccups and other buffering-issues ? I’m using a Squeezebox for internet-radio and even though my connection is pretty decent (25 Mbit/s downstream) there are times the audio-stream stutters.
I’d never imagined that streaming a video would be that easy.
/me wishes Mac-minis were that cheap as 400$ would equate to 200 Euro, but the cheapest I could find was 400 Euro.
This may be a dumb question, but if you hook a Mac Mini up to a tv with the included DVI cable, will audio play through the TV’s speakers? Or what cable/adapter would you need to get to do that?
So, umm, Stupid question, What are you using for internet DSL, Cable or other? And what are yer speeds and general price?(dont blast your funds in public if you want, i understand) But after seeing this I think that could be a pretty good deal. I’m paying about 90 a month…just to watch sports basically…and I could probably do that at a pub instead.
You should consider getting a small antennae to hook up to your TV. Since the digital switch the number of channels one can receive (in HD no less), for free, is simply astonishing. This would pretty much solve your live tv problem since most major sporting events are still broadcast on the major networks (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, etc.) My parents live just outside of Pittsburgh and get roughly 30 channels.
Otherwise that is a sweet setup, I basically used my PS3 in place of your mac mini until they blocked hulu on it.
Sweet setup! I used to have HD over-the-air, but since I moved to a more wooded area two years ago, there’s literally zero reception; checked again after the “big switch” in June, and still nada. Yay for progress. Tried cable for three whole months, but the local cable company packaged all the “good” channels into their intermediate pack, so it was like $60/mo. after their $20/mo. trial to have 89 channels I didn’t want to get ~15 that I did.
Currently, I use TVersity ( http://tversity.com ) + Xbox 360 (Jasper model, so it’s quiet, with direct Instant Netflix, of course) to stream content either directly from my PC’s HDD or from online streaming services like Hulu, YouTube, Joost, etc. Online-based streaming is in the Pro version only, which is a one-time $30 fee on an amazingly loose “honor system” (like when Radiohead released that album for “free”). The Hulu option oddly only shows the first 15 items in my queue, but overall I’m just happy it works in general.
TVersity basically takes over the job of the built-in PC-to-360 network stream and does a much better job of it. In fact, I’m still trying to find what I CAN’T stream. I’ve thrown nearly a dozen different file formats at it, and if the 360 can’t play it natively already, TVersity streams it on-the-fly (there’s a minimal pre-buffer wait, ~10 seconds depending on the file, but beyond that, I’ve had zero lag for HDD-based content). So far, as long as the proper codec is installed on my computer it will play on the 360 (.mkv files didn’t work at first, installed a recommended codec pack and all was well).
Now if can just install some computer AI to download/add-to-queue FOR me . . .
has loads of plugins so you can watch BBC and C4 (uk channels, but if i can watch hulu with a vpn, im sure you can do the same the other way)
I found vlc to be great apart from when your playing 1080p HD mkv files and it stutters to death. Plex plays everything great, you can add network drives and even you itunes library, and it’s free.
“Every movie in that black max drive are dvd rips from disks I own.” Yeah, that’s why the FXG release group (etc) is in some of the file names. Even if you own the DVD, you gotta rip it yourself for it to be considered a valid back-up otherwise it falls under piracy and would likely be pretty good evidence. But even making your own back-up is done by circumventing copy protection so whatever right.
you seriously might want to pull this vid and edit out the bit with the movies list. for a dude with a decent amount of people viewing your stuff and a family man you just showed a little too much of your hand.
You can consult with your attorney mr. deluxe about this, but I seriously wouldn’t risk this being “out there”.
….unless you’re taking a public stand for pirates, in which case you sir “have balls” and I’m with you, just don’t expect me to help with the settlement costs.
Are you kidding people? Nothing bad is going to come about of this. If he had a link on Myextralife for each of those video files that would be different, but seeing a list of file names and making assumptions? That’s dumb. If they make lawsuits these days they’re going after the heavy seeders, not the leachers.
You still can live even without television. Life doesn’t end if you have no cable connection or have satellite television. But having cable network connection is something makes us happy. We can choose many programs we would like to see. Thanks for this great blog!
Het scott… Try plex software. It allows to run A DVD player on my Mac Mini and runs all video formats. Also the interface is quite user friendly. An Apple Remote can control everything.
Scott –
That was great. What about the EyeTV Hybrid for local live programming? Also, would love to see you do one of these vids based on how you create the Instance and Extralife Radio podcasts.
Great stuff,
Andy
Scott.
Is there a reason you don’t use the Netflix on the 360. I think it’s much better integrated than running the browser. With the next iteration of the 360 NXE in the fall you can browser and watch straight from the 360 w/o queueing up. Also if you use an application like Connect360 (www.nullriver.com) or Rivet (http://cynicalpeak.com/rivet/) that will allow your Xbox 360 to play back any media on your MacMini (any iTunes, movies, music, iphoto, etc…). Since the xbox plays DVDs as well you can now move your MacMini to behind the TV like your PS3 and use only your xbox to control and play everything.
I would think this would eliminate your switch between xbox and MacMini. Also you can use the xbox controller or a Logitech Harmony remote for 80% of your tv/movie/picture/music, and Netflix. The only time the Mac displayed is when one of the kids needs to do homework or you want to watch hulu. You can setup a Logitech Harmony remote to have 1 button to switch the TV over to the input that the Mac Mini is on. I would think that this would actually be a little easier as you would be using one device more like say 85% of the time using the xbox and only 15% using the Mini. Whereas now i assume you use more like 60% Mac Mini and 40% Xbox (gaming).
Hulu would be the only caveat that i see here. It won’t run in the xbox, but you can still switch back for hulu. Acutually you could leave the hulu app up all the time, and just switch the components back and forth and easily go between 360 and Hulu (Mini). then when you want to turn off the TV, your Logitech remote is programed to turn off all devices when you hit OFF and the 360 and TV go off. You can also just turn off the 360 and the Westinghouse will sleep.
Maybe this is nothing new to you, but i’ve been setting this up recently and thought i’d pass on what knowledge i’ve gained.
Hey Scotty. All of this will obviously be different for the UK but is this essentially Apple TV or is that something different?
Matt: Oh I know…and we do. But it’s loud as crap.
Oooh I need to get a mac mini purely for that. Noticed you didn’t show off Boxee that much. Do you use that for stuff too? I use that for everything, hulu and netflix.
LOL @ Scott’s hdd full of dl’d movies.
Should change ‘Black Max’ to ‘Illegal downloads’
This app will allow you to view hulu, netflix (without an xbox gold account) and other things. You can also program your own extensions:
http://www.themediamall.com/playon
It is 40 bucks a licence, but it comes with a free trial for you to test. It can be picked up from both the xbox or the playstation.
It has CBS and other channels so you’ll be able to watch Michael Jackson’s funeral as well
It’s pretty good, I have it installed in a windows home server next to the xbox and it works very well. It is much better than having to use the mouse and keyboard and you can use the xbox remote (or a tv+xbox integrated one)
@Rover: Was thinking the same thing… conveniently not mentioned… But I honestly don’t mind. I’ve downloaded every DVD I own. Clicking a file is easier than inserting a disc.
I think this is nice and great… just Hulu only fully works in the US. I think they haven’t even properly integrated Canada yet. It’s pathetic.
Scott have you ever considered Plex? That’s what I have on the Mac Mini now. It runs Hulu as well as the DVD player, and the inferface is fantastic. All controlled with the Apple Remote. And it plays damn near every video format out there.
http://www.plexapp.com/
-Katie
hey scott, one question, how do you hook up your mac mini to the hdtv? anyways great vid. p.s. you should probably get a wireless mouse and keyboard for the mac mini.
I just went this exact same route about 2 months ago, Mac Mini and my Samsung 40″. Saves me $960 a year, easily covering the upfront cost of the Mini.
I would love to do this! If a service like Hulu ever becomes available up here in Canada, I’ll be right on getting a similar setup – I rarely watch anything that wouldn’t be available through a Hulu type system. Really neat to see how you’ve got it working!
I have not used of had cable for over a year now. Best move ever… thanks to Scott and his advice.
Scott,
I use an appletv haxored in my living room with XBMC or Boxee connect to my imac in my bedroom with a few TB’s or content on there. XBMC and Boxee make it easy to watch whatever I want over the network. I also using hellanzb, hellavcr and such for downloading said content.
I think the one thing your missing is some bunny ears to catch the free content thats in the air and that is in HD. I’m ghetto and use an Powered FM Antenna (coax connector connected to the back of the TV) and get just about all the channels in my area. I’m in Los Angeles and we have a crapton of HD over the air but you living in salt lake or whereever you live can use http://www.antennaweb.org to find local listings and what antenna you need to make it happen.
Great work.
Jason
@jasontucker on twitter
CNN streamed the whole MJ funeral thing from their website. I heard.
I have put serious thought into doing this but what would I do with my Tivo box? I think the contract doesn’t expire until 2010, and what would I do to catch NBA games that air only on cable/ satellite?
Not to be a downer or anything, but the title of the post should possibly be “How I watch TV without cable or satellite TV.” As a more extreme example, my wife knows someone who swears she “never watches television,” when in fact she spends at least half of every day watching DVDs of television series (Lost, etc.).
How do I live without cable or satellite TV? Lots and lots of books, plus the internet. (Else, how would I be able to read ExtraLife three times a week?) I won’t tell you that you should quit watching TV cold turkey, but I just wanted to point out the title is something of a misnomer.
Are the streams always without hiccups and other buffering-issues ?
I’m using a Squeezebox for internet-radio and even though my connection is pretty decent (25 Mbit/s downstream) there are times the audio-stream stutters.
I’d never imagined that streaming a video would be that easy.
/me wishes Mac-minis were that cheap as 400$ would equate to 200 Euro, but the cheapest I could find was 400 Euro.
This may be a dumb question, but if you hook a Mac Mini up to a tv with the included DVI cable, will audio play through the TV’s speakers? Or what cable/adapter would you need to get to do that?
So, umm, Stupid question, What are you using for internet DSL, Cable or other? And what are yer speeds and general price?(dont blast your funds in public if you want, i understand) But after seeing this I think that could be a pretty good deal. I’m paying about 90 a month…just to watch sports basically…and I could probably do that at a pub instead.
Cool setup…but dude…why wouldn’t you watch MJ’s funeral? Harsh =[
You should consider getting a small antennae to hook up to your TV. Since the digital switch the number of channels one can receive (in HD no less), for free, is simply astonishing. This would pretty much solve your live tv problem since most major sporting events are still broadcast on the major networks (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, etc.) My parents live just outside of Pittsburgh and get roughly 30 channels.
Otherwise that is a sweet setup, I basically used my PS3 in place of your mac mini until they blocked hulu on it.
Cable is kinda cheap here and can’t watch hulu here.
So that setup won’t work just as well for me.
Looks nice though.
Sweet setup! I used to have HD over-the-air, but since I moved to a more wooded area two years ago, there’s literally zero reception; checked again after the “big switch” in June, and still nada. Yay for progress. Tried cable for three whole months, but the local cable company packaged all the “good” channels into their intermediate pack, so it was like $60/mo. after their $20/mo. trial to have 89 channels I didn’t want to get ~15 that I did.
Currently, I use TVersity ( http://tversity.com ) + Xbox 360 (Jasper model, so it’s quiet, with direct Instant Netflix, of course) to stream content either directly from my PC’s HDD or from online streaming services like Hulu, YouTube, Joost, etc. Online-based streaming is in the Pro version only, which is a one-time $30 fee on an amazingly loose “honor system” (like when Radiohead released that album for “free”). The Hulu option oddly only shows the first 15 items in my queue, but overall I’m just happy it works in general.
TVersity basically takes over the job of the built-in PC-to-360 network stream and does a much better job of it. In fact, I’m still trying to find what I CAN’T stream. I’ve thrown nearly a dozen different file formats at it, and if the 360 can’t play it natively already, TVersity streams it on-the-fly (there’s a minimal pre-buffer wait, ~10 seconds depending on the file, but beyond that, I’ve had zero lag for HDD-based content). So far, as long as the proper codec is installed on my computer it will play on the 360 (.mkv files didn’t work at first, installed a recommended codec pack and all was well).
Now if can just install some computer AI to download/add-to-queue FOR me . . .
Every movie in that black max drive are dvd rips from disks I own.
Haha, isn’t Coraline not out o DVD ’till the 21st?
I also highly recommend Plex
has loads of plugins so you can watch BBC and C4 (uk channels, but if i can watch hulu with a vpn, im sure you can do the same the other way)
I found vlc to be great apart from when your playing 1080p HD mkv files and it stutters to death. Plex plays everything great, you can add network drives and even you itunes library, and it’s free.
Neat gear set up.
“Every movie in that black max drive are dvd rips from disks I own.” Yeah, that’s why the FXG release group (etc) is in some of the file names.
Even if you own the DVD, you gotta rip it yourself for it to be considered a valid back-up otherwise it falls under piracy and would likely be pretty good evidence. But even making your own back-up is done by circumventing copy protection so whatever right.
Is it me, or did you dye your hair Scott? Otherwise great info.
you seriously might want to pull this vid and edit out the bit with the movies list. for a dude with a decent amount of people viewing your stuff and a family man you just showed a little too much of your hand.
You can consult with your attorney mr. deluxe about this, but I seriously wouldn’t risk this being “out there”.
….unless you’re taking a public stand for pirates, in which case you sir “have balls” and I’m with you, just don’t expect me to help with the settlement costs.
That “Black Max”-part bothers me – I would hate to see you get in trouble, but I guess you know what you’re doing.
Who’s to say that stuff is pirated?
It could all be ripped from his own private collection of DVD Media…
Are you kidding people? Nothing bad is going to come about of this. If he had a link on Myextralife for each of those video files that would be different, but seeing a list of file names and making assumptions? That’s dumb. If they make lawsuits these days they’re going after the heavy seeders, not the leachers.
And after he ripped his private collection of DVDs, Scott then chose to include the word “aXXo” in the filenames…?
As I tried to say, I have no idea whether this could become a problem or not; I was just worrying. Please ignore me.
You still can live even without television. Life doesn’t end if you have no cable connection or have satellite television. But having cable network connection is something makes us happy. We can choose many programs we would like to see. Thanks for this great blog!
Het scott…
Try plex software. It allows to run A DVD player on my Mac Mini and runs all video formats. Also the interface is quite user friendly. An Apple Remote can control everything.
How do you replace the emergency brake cable on a 95 Toyota pickup 5 speed if the cable broke in the handle near the ‘S’ shape of the cable?