-does mac mini have a tv output? -is it possible to record video off my tv? -im a able to stream mp3's and videos from another pc(win xp)? and if i could would it show it in the library in iTunes or would it have to be on the hard drive of the mac? can mac play xvid codec films?
Mac mini does NOT have a tv output, but you can get adapters. What do you consider tv output? The mini does have a DVI port on that, you could get the Apple adapter. You can use the DVI to Video display for that. Seen here: http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail~dpno~285975.asp That will give you the S-Video output, and gives you the option of composite video. Now, if you're looking for HDMI for your tv. All you need is a DVI to HDMI adapter, they are not hard to find. http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail~dpno~443631.asp this is a new thing. freaking great.. http://elgato.com/index.php?file=products_eyetvhybridna&PHPSESSID=d3686524b5419b3d50f6cbe1fc41a524 if you have them on a network, you should be able to pull those up. You can put them in the Mac HDD. You can do iTunes sharing. It will show up as playlists.
Hey man, not sure if you got all of your Q's answered, but about the playing of different file types on your mac try VLC. Just google it and you can get it. Free player that plays almost anything including iso's for dvd's. This player is great. Oh, also available for windows based machines as well. Happy watching!