No. This program focuses on the 2010 Mac mini because the built-in HDMI connection, graphics processor, and slim form-factor make it ideal for a media center. Previous generation Mac mini's would have mixed success displaying video correctly on TVs, but the 2010 Mac minis have better adjustment settings to ensure success with TV connections.

You can do this yourself. It is our experience that most people do not have the time or inclination to play with all of the different options out there so we wanted to offer a solution that does the set up and fine tunes the configuration for you. If you are interested in trying it first yourself, you can learn more about the different aspects here.

No. Memory is a user installable component and the rest of the service relates to software installation and settings configurations.

Each hardware component has its own warranty so please check the individual components listing for more information. OWC warrants the labor on any OWC installed component, like memory, for 90 days.

We have set up a cloned partition on the OWC Mercury Elite-AL Qx2 that includes all of the original settings. Should something happen with the Mac mini's internal hard drive or the settings, you can restore from the Qx2's partition. Please note that anything added to your mini's internal hard drive after it was set up will be lost. As long as all media was written to the Qx2, none of that content should be affected. Please feel free to contact technical support in the event this occurs for more information.

Please make sure to backup or transfer your existing data files AS THIS SERVICE WILL ERASE ALL EXISTING DATA ON THE HARD DRIVE. Please note that OWC takes data security very seriously. For an additional fee ($100), OWC offers you a "No Hassle" Data Migration Service. We will keep data intact and migrate your iTunes and movie folder contents to the proper location on the Qx2.

Shipping choices will greatly affect when you receive your upgraded Mac mini, however the actual configuration will be completed within 48 weekday business hours.

Because your media is important and not easily or quickly replaceable, we have selected the OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro Qx2 preset to RAID 5 mode for this program. This means that if any drive in the Qx2 fails, your data is still safe and accessible.

All of the information about these upgrades can be found at eshop.macsales.com/shop/turnkey/Mac_Mini_Media_Center/AV

Due to the nature of the upgrade and OWC's desire to make sure there are no misunderstandings, you will need to order online. For more information and to order, visit: eshop.macsales.com/shop/turnkey/Mac_Mini_Media_Center/AV

Please note that your card will be charged prior to your Mac mini being received so all items are pulled from stock, allocated for your upgrade, and ready to be installed as soon as your Mac mini arrives. This ensures that your upgrade is performed without delay and back to you as soon as possible.

At this time, only the components listed on the configuration page are included in this program. They have been specifically chosen for their high level of performance and reliability.

No. OWC will only install components that are offered with the Upgrade Program.

Should your upgrade request require the removal of the factory installed memory modules, you will have the option of having the memory returned to you OR you can receive a rebate by allowing OWC to keep the removed, factory memory. Since rebate values change, OWC will wait until we receive your Mac mini unit and then contact you to discuss the current value rates. At that time, you can decide to take the rebate option or have your memory shipped back with your upgraded Mac mini.

For your reference, OWC posts all current rebates here, but please note these are subject to change. Actual amount will be based on the rate we discuss with you.

Yes, but please note additional shipping charges will apply for upgrades shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, or international locations. You can view estimated shipping costs with your checkout cart.

If you cancel your OWC Media Center Solution Upgrade order before any work has begun, but after your credit card is charged, there will be a $25 cancellation fee plus shipping fees if applicable.

This is a custom service. If you would like any upgrade undone, please contact a representative for pricing on parts and labor.

As part of this program we are pre-installing and pre-configuring software. The terms of service for these programs would typically be presented upon software installation or first program launch. In order to maintain adherence to these terms, we require you read and agree to them at the time of purchase since they will not be presented to you once you receive your OWC Media Center Solution. The license agreements and terms of service for the software included in the OWC Media Center Solution can be viewed here.

On the order configuration page you can select the shipping method for getting the Mac mini to OWC. For return shipping of the OWC Media Center Solution to you, select your shipping method on the order cart page.

Because the original manufacturer spent a great deal of time ensuring that they provided the safest shipping box and packaging, you will need to reuse the original product/shipping box and packaging material for your Mac mini. When you place an order for the service, you will be given an order number. Use that number as shown below:

Please address the shipment to:
Other World Computing
ATTN: Media Center Solution (Order #__________)
2650 Bridge Lane
Woodstock, IL 60098

Please make sure to clearly print your return address on the box. REMEMBER: Include your Order # on the ATTN line.
Note: Please send your Mac mini ONLY AFTER placing your order.

You will be contacted within 48 weekday business hours after you placed your order. At that time, please let the OWC representative know you need a box. Replacement boxes are available for a $20 USD charge. This charge includes ground shipping of the box to you anywhere in the 48 contiguous United States. For residents of Alaska or Hawaii, the charge will be the prevailing rate for a 5-pound shipment plus $10 for the replacement box. For international customers, please call us to discuss your options.

Contact OWC

Yes, as long as you have placed your upgrade order and communicated at the time of purchase that the Mac mini is shipping directly to OWC. To ensure that your OWC Media Center Solution Upgrade is processed quickly, we will kindly ask you to order the OWC Media Center Solution Upgrade first in order to obtain the OWC Order # to reference on the shipment. Then you can order your Mac mini from Apple and place the following into the shipping address:

Other World Computing
ATTN: Media Center Solution (Order #__________)
2650 Bridge Lane
Woodstock, IL 60098

Any additional items placed in your checkout cart at the time of your order will be shipped with your upgraded Mac mini unit. If you need a particular item not related to your OWC Media Center Solution to ship immediately, please place a separate order for that item.

There may be additional items that impact the weight or number of boxes required. Different carriers have different fee schedules.

No, please remove all accessories before shipping. If you would like your wireless keyboard and mouse paired with the Mac mini during setup, please include them in the shipment. Be aware that you will be charged the additional shipping costs for these items.

It is possible. OWC is located in Illinois and Apple has a physical presence in Illinois so Illinois tax will be charged. If you are exempt from Illinois State Sales Tax please bring that up with your Apple representative.

OWC would prefer to receive only the Mac mini to be upgraded. Should additional components arrive to OWC with your Mac mini, the additional shipping and handling needed to get these components to you will be charged. Please discuss any additional components with the OWC representative that contacts you. OWC is not responsible for any product that arrives that is not required for the OWC Media Center Solution Upgrade Program.

Blu-ray movie audio codecs such as DTS-HD/DTS-MA and TrueHD are not currently supported by the Mac mini hardware. DTS-HD/DTS-MA have embedded standard DTS which can be selected by the MakeMKV backup program. TrueHD and DTS-HD/DTS-MA can also be converted to standard AC3 and DTS formats using HandBrake. You should de-select the DTS-HD/DTS-MA and TrueHD audio files when doing a Blu-ray backup with MakeMKV to ensure proper compatibility with the Mac mini hardware.

In addition to Plex having its own Music section, Plex will automatically link into your iTunes library via the built-in iTunes Music Plugin.

As a built-in feature, Plex automatically links to your iPhoto library via the Picture Plug-ins menu.

The media center will play virtually anything with a few minor exceptions. Blu-ray movie audio codecs such as DTS-HD/DTS-MA and TrueHD are not currently supported by the Mac mini hardware. DTS-HD/DTS-MA have embedded standard DTS which can be selected by the MakeMKV backup program. TrueHD and DTS-HD/DTS-MA can also be converted to standard AC3 and DTS formats using HandBrake.

Plex libraries on local networks will automatically talk to each other and allow for streaming from one to another. For example, if your daughter has Plex installed on her laptop, she could stream content from the Mac mini Media Center to her laptop.

For other devices, any files that work in Plex, will transcode and stream via the Plex iOS application. Even Plex plug-ins will stream from your media center to the iOS app.

No. At this time Plex does not support content restriction.

Yes, the Mac mini hardware currently supports 8 channels of audio (7.1). The media center will simply pass through DTS or AC3 audio containers that contain the 7.1 format. 7.1 AAC and FLAC formats are also supported as long as the surround receiver supports them. DTS-HD and TrueHD formats are NOT supported (see FAQ titled "Are there any codecs or compression schemes that are not supported?").

Both file formats or "containers" are flexible with the different sub-component files (video, audio, subtitle), MKV is simply more flexible. The biggest advantage the MKV container gives is with audio. With MKV, it is possible to have both AC3 passthrough (which MP4 can have) as well as DTS passthrough (which MP4 cannot have) for surround sound.

Space savings is the biggest reason for converting. Another is for device compatibility such as converting a video for use on an iPad. For use on the OWC Media Center Solution, it is recommended to convert using the "High Profile" or "Normal Profile" presets within HandBrake. These presets will maintain a very high level of video quality, but result in a much smaller file size.

MakeMKV had been set to ignore title less that 10 minutes in size. To change this setting, open up the MakeMKV preferences, click on the "Video" tab and change the "Minimum title length" to a lesser amount.

You should de-select anything you do not use such as foreign language subtitles and audio files. For Blu-ray discs, it is suggested that you de-select DTS-HD audio files while keeping the DTS file within it selected. This will ensure optimal audio compatibility and reduce audio-video sync issues.

This usually is a result of smudges on the disc surface or physical damage to the disc such as scratches. Clean the disc of any smudges wiping with a soft cloth from the inside of the disc towards the edge of the disc and try backing up again. Occasionally the MakeMKV program must be updated to support new discs and will prompt you when a new MakeMKV version is available.

For playback in Plex, most people prefer to do a title backup. A title backup allows you to only backup specific titles on the disc such as the main feature and skip backing up the extras. This also provides space savings and convenience for conversion in Handbrake. You may wish to backup the entire disc in order to have a full backup copy that you could burn to a blu-ray disc.