It’s been a while, but here is another update on my non-Apple TV.  The set up has remain largely unchanged, though the usage has evolved with changes in the available video sources.

First up, hardware.  The system is currently based on a Mac Mini 1.66 GHz Core Du0 with 2GB RAM, and a 500GB internal HDD– the old Mac Mini G4 became someone else’s audio server.  Anyway, the display is a Dell 2209WA 22″ IPS LCD, and the EyeTV 250 is still hanging on.  Input devices are split between a standard keyboard and mouse, which are used infrequently, an Apple remote, an iPod Touch and an iPad.  I’m still using the Air Mouse Mobile Mouse Pro iPod/iPad app, and have added Apple’s Remote app for controlling iTunes.

The EyeTV doesn’t get used a lot these days.  We don’t have cable or satellite, but instead get most non-locally-stored video from online sources.  The EyeTV is attached to an antenna/areal, but broadcast TV isn’t convenient and the quality leaves a lot to be desired.  The digital broadcast available in our area would be nice, but the EyeTV doesn’t have a digital tuner, and I’m not convinced the available content is worth the cost of a new tuner.  Instead, most of the networks here offer their TV programs as streaming video from their websites.  These streaming videos don’t fit into Front Row, but using a full-screen web browser plus Air Mouse is acceptable for the few TV shows that are watched.

The  audio and video stored locally is in iTunes and is accessible via Front Row.  Stored media include our family videos, music, podcasts and a few movies and TV shows.  Front Row is by far the most convenient way to access the “TV”, and is almost solely controlled with an Apple remote.   My only complaint would be the lack of Front Row support for the Apple Remote app for the iPod/iPad, but it is rare that I’d prefer to use this application instead of the physical remote, though I’d still like to have the option.

Aside from the media functions, the Mac Mini also hosts a virtual Microsoft Home Server running under VMware Fusion.  The Home Server has essentially replaced Trash Server, and has the added benefit of saving energy as the Mac Mini is more efficient than the old P4, and would be running anyway.

I’ve been playing around with an Mac-based TV setup for a few months, and I think I’ve found a good configuration. Here are the major components:

• Apple 12” PowerBook
• Apple Bluetooth keyboard and mouse
• Apple 23” Cinema HD Display
• Elgato eyeTV 250 plus (elgato.com)
• Apple iPod touch, 16GB
• RPA Tech Air Mouse (rpatechnology.com)

Is this less expensive than an Apple TV? Probably not. Is it easier to setup? No. Is it easier to use? Probably not. Still interested? Keep reading…

The eyeTV and the Cinema Display are connected to the PowerBook, the former via USB. With the eyeTV and the associated software one is able to watch TV and use Tivo-like functions such as pause, rewind, skip commercials and scheduled/live program recording. The eyeTV includes a remote to handle most operations, though the lag between a button push on the remote and the action of the screen is annoying. Overall, the Elgado eyeTV is an excellent video capture device and works well for TV viewing and recording. Other attached peripherals include the PowerBook’s built-in DVD player and a VCR. Aside from the Elgado remote, the Air Mouse handles the rest of the input.

Air Mouse is an inexpensive application that allows the iPod touch (or iPhone) to function as a wireless mouse and keyboard for a Mac or Windows system. Air Mouse running on the iPod is far more convenient than the Bluetooth mouse/keyboard combo as the iPod is smaller and does not require a mousing surface. Air Mouse can be configured to use the iPod’s accelerometers for mouse movement or the touchscreen. I prefer the touchscreen as the accelerometer control requires wild arm movements and potential injury to nearby people or animals. The Air Mouse software is a small contribution to the system, but it really does tie everything together and provides convenient and easy input for the Mac.

This setup functions well, and when paired with VisualHub (techspansion.com) one can export captured/saved video to just about any device. I’ve used the eyeTV to capture family videos from VHS and DVD. This captured video was then processed with VisualHub and saved for use on my iPod touch. VisualHub also has presets for real Apple TVs as well as non-Apple video players and other digital formats.  On a side note, VisualHub is no longer available.  I haven’t found anything comperable, but I’ll post an update if I do.

Future improvements could include a larger LCD TV (connected via DVI) or swapping the 12” PowerBook for a Mac Mini to save space and free the 12” PowerBook for other uses. I don’t necessarily suggest building a system like this, but it does work and, save Air Mouse, I had all of the pieces already.