Easy Mac Home Media Server, Part II (iTunes, DVR, Boxee, Hulu)

Part II

 

Don't forget to read Part I which covers the overview and hardware.

Each of these programs can be set up by just installing them and adding the link to Front Row so it can be easily accessed with your remote. You do not have to install all of these. Just the programs you want.

iTunes / Front Row

Got your Mac hooked up to your TV? Press "menu" on the Apple Remote (wait a couple seconds for Front Row to open) and *BAM* all of your iTunes media in an easy-to-access remote-friendly menu. Add all your media files into iTunes and you are ready to begin using your Mac as your media hub.

If you are still running Tiger or Leopard you should consider upgrading to Snow Leopard it is especially worth it if you have more than one Mac and you can go for the family pack. Note: If you have issues getting your remote to work in Snow Leopard try using this: http://www.iospirit.com/labs/candelair/


DVR

I have actually no longer subscribe to cable and prefer to stream my shows on-line (See Hulu and Boxee below). But I have picked up a HDTV antenna that I use to pick up all the major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS, and locals like "Peachtree TV") in HD, for free, over the air. But I picked up an Eye TV Hybrid to record and watch shows on my Mac. And I recommend it if you want to a DVR in your Mac.

The Eye TV comes with its own software to do your DVR functions and watch live TV (among many other things including streaming to your iPhone). Once you get it up and running go get the Front Row Plug-in for Eye TV here: http://code.google.com/p/pyetv/. Now you can easily navigate from Front Row to watch recorded shows and live TV.


Boxee

Boxee is a great, almost essential application to have in your entertainment center. It could serve as a replacement to Front Row because it will find all of the media you have stored on your computer and let you access it from your remote. But Boxee's main attraction is its "apps." Most online sources of streaming media have a Boxee app. You can stream Pandora music, watch videos from YouTube, Revision 3, or full movies from Netflix's Watch Instantly feature. All easily controlled from the comfort of your couch.

To install Boxee go to http://www.boxee.tv/ and register and download it. Then install the Front Row plug-in:http://www.holeintheceiling.com/blog/2009/08/28/new-front-row-plugins-for-snow-leopard/


Hulu

Hulu has been available through Boxee but with mixed results since Hulu has actively tried to prevent Boxee from accessing it. So, I recommend installing Hulu Desktop and adding a Front Row link.

If you are not familiar with Hulu, read up. You can use it to legally watch (ad supported) TV shows. Most of my favorites are on there including "The Daily Show", "Colbert Report", "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" among many, many others.