I'm guessing that when you say DVI to component "cables" you mean DVI to component converter boxes - since DVI is a digital signal and component is analog, there has to be some electronics in there somewhere to deal with the complete incompatibility between signals. There are a couple devices around that will convert a DVI signal to component, and some are reportedly even HDCP compliant (which may not be an issue for the Mini). CRT front projector folks have been on the prowl for them for a while now in light of the analog restrictions proposed for HD-DVD and Blu-ray, which is where I've heard about them. In theory, they would be a good solution, but I'm not sure what they cost.

Gonkster:

A bit off topic, but those with projectors lacking digital inputs or HDCP can rest a bit easier for the moment. Sony, and one other studio that escapes me at the moment have said that they will NOT implement the "Image Constraing Token" in their BluRay releases (at least for some time), so there is unlikely to be any down-rezing for quite some time.

I've seen demos of the down-rez images, and depending on the display it may not look as bad as everyone is saying.

Back on topic, if the MiniMac has a DVI-I connector, which it appears to, a simple physical cable adaptor may be used to get an analog RGB signal that monitors and older consumers or projectors might accept, but not a Y/Pr/Pb signal for use with most consumer projectors with analog inputs only.

It's a smart move on their part not to set that token on for their movies, but I don't doubt that analog HD owners will still be anxious about it (and news like this , while pretty remote from current hardware considerations, isn't going to sooth them much).

Since the connector is identified as being DVI and VGA, I assume you are correct about being able to get an analog RGB signal out of it with the right adapter.

I have a the old mac mini for use as a music server serving up a Roku soundbridge. It is very well suited to this, surfing the net,word processing, working with photos. Call Apple and ask about the monitor question. Great little machine. In your case I'd pair it with a wireless keyboard and mouse, and surf from the couch maybe with PIP. Way cool....

From Apple's site:
"Mac mini includes a DVI to VGA adapter, useful for HDTVs with analog VGA input. Some TVs call this “RGB” or “PC” input. You’ll need a VGA cable."

It looks like you are on your own to find a VGA to component converter/adaptor, however...

Thanks, everyone. The one thing I still am not clear on is whether I would need a converter per Gonk, or whether I could use the DVI-VGA adapter and then find a VGA-component adapter, as ATI makes for use with several to its cards. May be more trouble than it is worth and simpler to just go with a dedicated server like the Olive Musica (no OSD with it, though).

It'll come with the DVI-VGA adapter, which should then work with a VGA-component adapter to connect to an HDTV.

Sorry to bring up an old thred. But I was wondering if anyone had any luck with this setup?

I have a Mac mini that I've been using to directly connet to my DILA 1080i projector. I was using the dvi-rgb adapter then going rgb right into the projector.

Today, I took it off of the projector and bought a RGB to component cable. So I have this setup:

MacMini -> DVI to RGB adapter -> RGB to Component -> Input2 on the 990

Obviously, I'm having trouble, thats why I'm here! Shouldnt this work? Am I missing something? What resolution should I be using?

I'm back using my Apple dvi to svideo adapter until I can get this figured out. It looks WAY better going the digital route, so I'd like to get this sorted. Can anyone help?

Also watned to ask, what frequency should I be using? 60Hz? The Apple has MANY display settings and many different frequencies to choose from.

This should work. Be sure you have the 990 configured for the component 2 video and whatever audio you're putting in.

Test by bypassing the 990 and connecting the component video cable directly to the projector. If it doesn't work, it isn't the 990 so it's either the adapter (since you have video up to the adapter) or that input on the projector.

60 Hz is the correct refresh rate.