I know it's probably overkill, but I'm retiring an older Mac Mini (i5, 4Gb RAM) from my home studio and was wondering if I could repurpose it as a dedicated STB? I have a 1TB fusion drive in it (aftermarket), so plenty of room for recording.
I have DVBLink on my main server right now, but I'm finding the Apple TV link to it hiccups too much, and I keep reading about how the Dreamlink T1 is fantastic, so I figured I could just repurpose something I already have if possible. :)
I'd rather not replace the Apple TV, since my wife is already used to the Plex and Netflix apps on it, and just have a dedicated STB on another input.
Thanks!
I'd definitely repurpose thr Mac mini and try to make use out of it if I could. Personally though, I'd use it and make a htpc out of it rather than use it for iptv.
Lots of great info over there at /r/htpc on that.
For tv shows/networks use sonarr, and use couch potato for all your movie needs.
You'll get much better quality that way (even true HD and Blu ray if you want). Depending on how many shows you program the software to get thouhh you'll probably blow through that hard drive in very short time.
For tv, as you mentioned you won't get anything even close to the performance of a t1.
It really depends if live sports or the news is important to you, or if it's mostly networked tv you want.
Just my opinion :)