Rig of the Day: I like TV

". . . and running FrontRow from a hidden Mac mini."

And by hidden you mean dead center underneath the television in plain view, right?

Metrobilly, I did connect the Comcast box the the Mac Mini via FireWire and was able to record High Definition TV. Unfortunately, I haven't found any high-quality intel-native software to schedule these recordings. I may end up waiting for a Series III Tivo.

Halopend, the back of the cabinet is open to the closet, which seems to allow for sufficient ventilation at this point. When summer really hits, I may need to divert a SpacePak duct into the closet for cooling.

Joe, yes the Mac Mini sends its output the the Samsung for viewing of ripped DVDs and High-Definition recordings made with the EyeTV 500 tuner.

And because the post says it is mounted *on* the wall not *in* the wall.

... right, most commenters overlooked the DLP detail, which still requires quite a bit of depth. Hence recessing it into the staircase.

I don't know why it isn't obvious to the others that you need to put it there as "under-the-stairs" was the only deadspace you could recess it into. The only question I have is did you need to have openings on the back so your TV could "breathe" ?

That comcast DVR has firewire 400. Did you connect it to the mini and make a setup with iRecord? Perfect DVR for a Mac!

Jason:
Our home has almost the identical layout - we currently use the space where your DLP is installed, as a mini closet that my daughter uses as her "clubhouse".
Very cool install indeed!!
What I'd like to know, is your HTPC setup between the Samsung and the mini, as my toying with buying another intel core duo, but hooking it up to our Mitsu 55" RPTV..
Congrats on the baby - btw!

I couldn't have put it into any of the other walls without either building an addition on the house (divorce) or having the TV stick into the master bedroom (divorce). It's really not that bad to watch from the couch. If anyone is interested in a similar setup, I'd be happy to put you in touch with the contractor who did the work. He's a great guy and does top-quality work.

yeah, i'd move the couches, and put that thing on the big wall. make the tv the main focus of the room.

just my interior design $.02. ;)

hm i woulda placed the display on the west wall in the diagram

oh well