Mac mini for component capture at DVinfo.net

Trevor Allin · July 29th, 2006, 03:54 AM

Hi

I have posted this in the tapeless area as well. Hope that's ok!

I was wondering if it was possible to fit a component capture card inside a Mac Mini and use an external hard drive. (with a lossless codec perhaps)

I think the offical answer from Apple would be no. But is it possible?

I think the Mac mini can work from battery so it could be portable.

Thanks

Trevor

Drew Curran · July 29th, 2006, 07:24 AM

Trevor

The mac mini is packed very tight with components, and there are no free PCI slots for adding cards like a Kona etc. You can only add ram.

The only mac with free PCI slots is the PowerMac G5

There may be external conponent capture boxes out there.

Andrew

Trevor Allin · July 29th, 2006, 11:44 AM

Hi Drew

Thanks for this. In terms of space, would it work if I dumped the dvd drive etc? Don't know how to get over the 'no pci slot' issue though.

Do you know of any ecternal boxes that might hold such a component capture card?

Thanks

Trevor

Drew Curran · July 29th, 2006, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevor Allin

Hi Drew

Thanks for this. In terms of space, would it work if I dumped the dvd drive etc? Don't know how to get over the 'no pci slot' issue though.

Trevor

Trevor
Unfortunately a PCI slot can not be added to the logic board.

Andrew

Jonathan Nelson · July 29th, 2006, 01:51 PM

Check out what these guys did with mac mini's:

http://www.21stcentury3d.com/press/pr-060117-3dvx3.html

I have actually researched this a while back and came to the conclusion that it would be a pain in the ass to use one of these mac minis. Granted, I am not the brightest crayon in the box. I would love it if someone created a diy on how to use one of the mac minis as a dte.

Its a great idea though, because the mac mini is so cheap. Please tell us if you ever do figure it out.

Jamon Lewis · July 29th, 2006, 02:07 PM

Hey guys (this is my first post by the way so bare with me!) i wanted to piggy back on the gentleman's question well kinda... my question is about how to actually use a capture card or really a converter.

more specifically with a a/d coverter would u (obviously i guess) run it thru and capture tto the computer live?

What capture preset options would u use in FCP,coming from component out 10 bit raw into the converter, into FCP?

the last question in this line would be (this may be an obvious one too :( i would have to record to tape also so there would be a time code correct?

Thanks

July 29th, 2006, 03:54 AM	#1
Trevor Allin Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 152	Mac mini for component capture Hi I have posted this in the tapeless area as well. Hope that's ok! I was wondering if it was possible to fit a component capture card inside a Mac Mini and use an external hard drive. (with a lossless codec perhaps) I think the offical answer from Apple would be no. But is it possible? I think the Mac mini can work from battery so it could be portable. Thanks Trevor

July 29th, 2006, 07:24 AM	#2
Drew Curran Major Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: N. Ireland Posts: 370	Trevor The mac mini is packed very tight with components, and there are no free PCI slots for adding cards like a Kona etc. You can only add ram. The only mac with free PCI slots is the PowerMac G5 There may be external conponent capture boxes out there. Andrew

July 29th, 2006, 11:44 AM	#3
Trevor Allin Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 152	Hi Drew Thanks for this. In terms of space, would it work if I dumped the dvd drive etc? Don't know how to get over the 'no pci slot' issue though. Do you know of any ecternal boxes that might hold such a component capture card? Thanks Trevor

July 29th, 2006, 01:51 PM	#5
Jonathan Nelson Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kingman Arizona Posts: 298	Check out what these guys did with mac mini's: http://www.21stcentury3d.com/press/pr-060117-3dvx3.html I have actually researched this a while back and came to the conclusion that it would be a pain in the ass to use one of these mac minis. Granted, I am not the brightest crayon in the box. I would love it if someone created a diy on how to use one of the mac minis as a dte. Its a great idea though, because the mac mini is so cheap. Please tell us if you ever do figure it out.

July 29th, 2006, 02:07 PM	#6
Jamon Lewis Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NY NY USA Posts: 95	Hey guys (this is my first post by the way so bare with me!) i wanted to piggy back on the gentleman's question well kinda... my question is about how to actually use a capture card or really a converter. more specifically with a a/d coverter would u (obviously i guess) run it thru and capture tto the computer live? What capture preset options would u use in FCP,coming from component out 10 bit raw into the converter, into FCP? the last question in this line would be (this may be an obvious one too :( i would have to record to tape also so there would be a time code correct? Thanks