sburrell
28-06-2010, 18:37
Hi,
I've just been in touch with Apple Customer Services to confirm something, and though I'd post the results here.
Apple released a new Mac Mini (http://www.apple.com/macmini/) this month, and added a much requested feature: an HDMI port. This puts it in a position to be an excellent and versatile home entertainment centre.
One of the problems I have with my current iMac is that, as it only has one digital output (optical), it's only possible to use one DAC. However, I've just confirmed with the Apple Customer Services that the new Mac Minis can serve 8-channel audio over HDMI, and _independently_ serve digital audio over the optical audio output: the individual outputs are switchable in software.
So, you can (apparently) tell DVD Player to use the HDMI port to serve A/V to a receiver, and have iTunes send all its stereo output to a dedicated audiophile DAC - like the Beresford. Neat!
Personally, I like the look of the new Mac Mini Server, with 1TB of storage in lieu of an optical drive (should you need one, you can use the one supplied for the MacBook Air, which draws all power over USB and is available for only £38 from CeX (http://www.cex.co.uk/); or just share one over the LAN from a nearby PC or Mac), and Snow Leopard Server bundled.
Anyway, just thought I'd share. The form factor is incredible, as is the power efficiency.
Hope everyone's enjoying the World Cup - poor England and Mexico!!!
I've just been in touch with Apple Customer Services to confirm something, and though I'd post the results here.
Apple released a new Mac Mini (http://www.apple.com/macmini/) this month, and added a much requested feature: an HDMI port. This puts it in a position to be an excellent and versatile home entertainment centre.
One of the problems I have with my current iMac is that, as it only has one digital output (optical), it's only possible to use one DAC. However, I've just confirmed with the Apple Customer Services that the new Mac Minis can serve 8-channel audio over HDMI, and _independently_ serve digital audio over the optical audio output: the individual outputs are switchable in software.
So, you can (apparently) tell DVD Player to use the HDMI port to serve A/V to a receiver, and have iTunes send all its stereo output to a dedicated audiophile DAC - like the Beresford. Neat!
Personally, I like the look of the new Mac Mini Server, with 1TB of storage in lieu of an optical drive (should you need one, you can use the one supplied for the MacBook Air, which draws all power over USB and is available for only £38 from CeX (http://www.cex.co.uk/); or just share one over the LAN from a nearby PC or Mac), and Snow Leopard Server bundled.
Anyway, just thought I'd share. The form factor is incredible, as is the power efficiency.
Hope everyone's enjoying the World Cup - poor England and Mexico!!!