[G4] Using a Mac as a Media Server

[James Asherman]

On Feb 12, 2010, at 12:53 PM, RICHARD NORTHOUSE wrote:

> ) I am currently loading my 300+ music Cd's from a Pioneer jukebox   
> to the hard drive via iTunes. That seems to be going well -- however  
> after I finish loading these CD's -- what is the best technology to  
> interface my Mac to my surround amplifier?  The amp has the usual  
> set of inputs -- analog RCA jacks [ Red(right audio), White(left  
> audio) and Yellow for video]; S-jacks; digital coax(RCA jack); and  
> optical(special plug).  Am I right in assuming that either digital  
> (coax or optical) input should give better performance than the  
> older analog technology?  But how do I connect the Mac to this  
> amplifier?  Do I need a sound card?  If so which one?


G5 doesn't need a sound card. It already has an optical output.
>
> b) After I get the music interfaced, I would then like to tackle the  
> video. I have similar questions -- How do I get from the Mac to the  
> amplifier. Can I use the Mac for high definition ?  Again, how do I  
> connect the Mac to the HD jacks on an amplifier or TV set?  What  
> interface do I need for this task?

Your display card should have two outputs. The DVI output will deliver  
the HD with a DVI-HDMI cable.

>
> c)  I would also like the Mac to be able to acquire TV signals and  
> distribute them to the amplifier and TV -- back to the high def  
> question!

That one s a little harder.