Hi Ryan, Dan Keys posted about both the problem and the solution for running a headless Mac Mini with DVD player 3 or 4 years ago. The performance issues don't just arise with Front Row and the DVD player, but also with Safari, iTunes, and the iWork suite when the Mini is run without a monitor. Not only do these applications run slowly, but VoiceOver performance deteriorates.
Here's an old post in the archives that contains links to the exact ($19) product adapters at the Apple Store that you can buy to fix your performance issues: http://www.mail-archive.com/macvisionaries%40googlegroups.com/msg09342.html Note that the adapter you use depends on whether your Mac Mini is the new model, manufactured starting March 2009, with the mini-DVI port, or whether you have an older Mac Mini (pre March 2009) with the DVI port. When in doubt, go to the Apple Support pages (Google them), and type in your computer's serial number. You'll be able to check for compatible devices. If you want to read through some of the explanations why you need this adapter, and why using a regular adapter for a monitor (without an actual monitor attached -- whether it is turned on or not) does not work, see this recent archived post: http://www.mail-archive.com/macvisionaries%40googlegroups.com/msg12080.html HTH Cheers, Esther Scott Howell wrote: > > Ryan, there has been some posts on the appropriate adapter that costs > something like $20 or $30 that you can connect, which normally > converts the output to DVI or something like that. Sorry I' can't > remember all the details. Btw, how do you have the audio connected to > your receiver/surround setup? > > tnx, > On Nov 6, 2009, at 5:04 PM, Ryan Dour wrote: > >> >> Hello, >> >> Has anone else ran into the issue where Front Row and DVD Player both >> really don't like the fact that you may not have a monitor connected >> to the Mac? I've got a just prior generation Mac mini with the >> Invidia >> 9400m and notice that Front Row and DVD Player perform quite >> strangely. DVD Player claims no playback device, but I do have >> speakers attached. Front Row basically won't go past the main menu. >> Also, with VO, it gets quite busy when loading pages, busy busy busy. >> But, hook up a monitor, and the thing is running perfectly. >> >> So, maybe it really needs a monitor all the time. Does anyone know >> how >> to trick a DVI or VGA adaptor into thinking a monitor is actually >> attached? I have a home theater setup that I am sure my sighted >> friends love. I have a Panasonic PTAX-200u projector with a 106 inch >> pull down screen on the wall. WHen sighted friends aren't around, I >> just leave the projector off. However, we've had some great movie >> nights considering how many people all at once can enjoy a 106 >> widescreen experience. Basically the screen is as wide as my couch, >> which makes everyone pretty happy. We use Front Row and a BlueTooth >> keyboard and mouse that hang out on my coffee table. But when the >> projector is off, goodbye use of Front Row. >> >> Tricking the thing I believe is going to be my work-around. I need to >> do this using VGA though, as HDCP probably would get in the way >> with a >> digital source. Hopefully I'm not the only techie out here trying to >> do something like this. >> >> By the way, my reason for having a home theater projector is a bit >> more detailed than I explained already. It does the job for those who >> need visuals, but also is incredibly protable. WHen I may need to >> move >> to another apartment in the future, the projector and screen will >> move >> better than a flat screen TV. I also waste much less electricity with >> my usage pattern, and don't generate a ton of ambient heat. So for >> those thinking about a home theater solution if you're not going to >> get much out of visuals, this works well. Your friends and family >> with >> 20/20 will love it, and you'll be able to have one bulb last a long >> time since you won't need it constantly. >> >> Well, I hope this request and story helps generate interest in the >> topic, but also encourages others to experiment in this way. >> >> Thanks, >> Ryan Dour >> >> >> >>> > > > > --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "MacVisionaries" group. To post to this group, send email to macvisionaries@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
