BackRow is the piece of software that powers every Apple TV out there — and since Apple TVs are basically slimmed-down Macs, you figure you may simulate one in them. Now, if you’ve got a spare (Intel) Mac in your house, you can now easily convert it to an Apple TV. All you’ve got to do is download the BackRow Installer and follow the instructions — courtesy of CRiMSoN. There’s even a video detailing the work.
Here’s an idea: if you track down a cheap (Intel) Mac mini on eBay, you can possibly get sweeter deal than buying an Apple TV, since you’d be getting both a Mac and an Apple TV for your living room.
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[tags]Apple,Mac,Software,BackRow,AppleTV[/tags]
by Dustin
15 Aug 2007 at 13:15
Is is possible to install this as a separate OS on Parallels?
by Frank
15 Aug 2007 at 17:53
BackRow is more like an app, so it depends on OS X to run — I’d say it’s a no-go. But maybe you can create an extra partition in your HD and install a bare-bones OS X, if that works for you.
by Matty B
29 Aug 2007 at 14:59
I can’t seem to find the apple tv in itunes on my macbook pro. I followed the directions to a “T” minus the 800×600 res part (had to go 1024/768) to no avail …
by Frank
29 Aug 2007 at 17:21
Matty: So far, yours is the only bug that puzzles me. If you’re having problems with the software, I think it’d be best if the developer was contacted — at least so that he knows about it.
by mikael
03 Sep 2007 at 10:02
Does anyone know how/if I can install codecs so I can actually view any of my tv shows/movies? Backrow works great for me but it’s pretty useless if I can only use it for my audio files…
by Frank
03 Sep 2007 at 10:36
If they’re in a format other than those purchased from iTunes, try installing Perian.
by Mikael
03 Sep 2007 at 11:20
I already have Perian installed, both on my Mac Mini and on my Macbook. Have tried streaming from Macbook-Mini and Mini-Mini with no luck. When trying to sync itunes tells me that it cant sync because my apple tv cant play the file…
by Frank
03 Sep 2007 at 14:54
That’s curious… I don’t know what it is that may be happening. Why not try your luck at the InsanelyMac forums?