Mac Mini Media Server - Part 2: Advanced Setup
Expanding Video Codec Support on Your Mac Mini
In the initial segment of this series, we explored the fundamental steps for connecting and configuring your Mac Mini to serve as the central hub for your home entertainment system. This subsequent article was originally intended to delve into the specifics of storing media files on a remote NFS share. However, feedback from readers prompted a shift in focus.
A comment on the first article highlighted the lack of discussion regarding alternative video codecs. Therefore, instead of proceeding with iptables rules and Apple alias configurations, we will now examine third-party codecs to broaden your Mac Mini’s media capabilities.
Limitations of QuickTime’s Native Support
By default, QuickTime – the engine powering FrontRow’s movie playback – supports a limited range of video formats. While a comprehensive list isn’t necessary here, the most prevalent formats include H.264 and MPEG-4. However, many video files are still encoded using DivX or Xvid. Furthermore, older files encoded in WMV may also require attention.
Re-encoding all these files to H.264 using a tool like FFmpegX is an option. But a more convenient solution would be to directly play a wider variety of video files within FrontRow. This is where third-party codecs become essential.
Perian: A Universal Codec Solution
The simplest approach is to install Perian, a codec described by its developers as a “Swiss Army knife” for video formats. With Perian installed, you should be able to play files encoded in DivX/AC3, FLV, VBR/MP3, and even WMV.
Perian is an open-source project and can be downloaded from its official website. A complete list of supported encodings is available on their support page.
Installation is straightforward: download the DMG file, mount it, and drag the "Perian.component" LEGO brick file to the "QuickTime" alias. Log out and then log back in to complete the installation. (If you encounter difficulties, the included README file within the DMG provides detailed instructions.)
Perian offers the convenience of “just working” out of the box. However, it may provide somewhat lower quality compared to using codecs directly from the source. Some users have reported issues with motion appearing distorted in interlaced files. Therefore, quality-conscious users may prefer the direct codec approach.
(If you’ve installed Perian and decide against using it, remove the "Perian.component" file from /Library/QuickTime to avoid conflicts with other codecs.)
Installing Third-Party Codecs Individually
While H.264 is gaining prominence due to its superior quality and compression, many files remain encoded in the proprietary DivX format. To enable QuickTime (and thus, FrontRow) to play DivX files, download the free DivX codec from the official website.
This installation process is more involved, requiring you to navigate through an installer, accept a license agreement, and install a System Preferences add-on. After completion, a restart is necessary. You will receive a trial version of the pro codec, limiting encoding capabilities after six months, but the decoder will continue to function indefinitely.
Xvid Support in QuickTime
Adding Xvid support to QuickTime is generally easier than DivX. Download the Xvid DMG from the official source. Mount the DMG and open /Library/QuickTime. Drag the Xvid_Codec_....component file (the LEGO brick icon) into this folder. Log out and log back in to activate Xvid playback in FrontRow.
WMV Playback with Flip4Mac
WMV support can be challenging, but manageable. The WMV codec is proprietary, but "Flip4Mac" provides an implementation for QuickTime. Download it from the official website. Run the installer and restart your system after completion. Like DivX, Flip4Mac installs a System Preference pane, though its utility is limited. Once installed, you should be able to play WMV files in QuickTime and FrontRow.
Addressing AC3 Audio Streams
Some video files, particularly those encoded with Xvid, utilize AC3 audio streams. While attempting to recreate sound effects manually can be amusing, it’s far more enjoyable to hear the original soundtrack.
The AC3 codec for QuickTime is available for download and must be installed similarly to Xvid – by dragging the .component file to /Library/QuickTime and logging out and back in. However, be aware of potential side effects. Installing the AC3 codec may disable H.264 support in QuickTime. This is a significant drawback for those who prioritize the higher quality of H.264 encoded videos. If AC3 support isn’t essential, it’s best to omit this codec.
Conclusion
The information presented here should empower you to enhance the video playback capabilities of your Mac Mini and improve your FrontRow experience. In the next installment, we will finally address the configuration of NFS shares and explore iptables hacks.