Does a piece of GEAR like this exist??

[cbraver]

I think an Apple TV is the way to go. PS3 is also great, but, the interface isn't as nice as the Apple TV imo. I'm probably going to pickup an Apple TV pretty soon. I know it isn't like the old jukeboxes, but your asking it to do some modern things.

If you want a physical jukebox, you could search around for an old one and fabricate a small LCD into it. Then connect the LCD to your HDMI capable receiver and play it through your speakers. Kind of an out there idea, but, thought I would say it anyways in case you were up for a project.

As far as rack mounting, both Apple TVs and PS3s can be rack mounted. You just buy a shelf and then order a faceplate for it. They cut them so it fits flush and they look great. Middle Atlantic just has them cut, I think they already have most stuff programmed because the turn around for the faceplates I ordered was fast. If they don't have a faceplate for what you want, you can just send them the dimensions.

www.middleatlantic.com

Oh, if you do go the Apple TV route, consider getting a 1U fan insert for above it. They run very hot. PS3 is no problem in my experience.

 

[adwilk]

Alright, I played around with an appletv and i'm already pretty familiar with the ps3...

Personally... I might have to go with both. I still like the PS3 for the BluRay player and media stuff. IE, download a tv show and stream it or load on portable hdd. It also plays all my music in a setting i like. Perhaps because i'm very comfortable with the PS3 setup.

HOWEVER, the apple tv is pretty sweet. The interface is great... i like the remote... the ability to rent movies is a nice feature. any music file that plays in itunes works... I dont like the size limitations. I dont like that it doesnt seem to be upgradable/updateable. In some ways it feels like a ploy to get you to spend money with your itunes account which i'm sure is true.. but it does have A LOT of useful and practical features.

Both pieces of hardware would be great additions to any multimedia setup. I still dont see myself not having a pc hooked up with them though.

 

[Warpdrv]

How about an old xbox (for less then $100.00), modded with a software mod for free running xbox media center....

I still have 2 of these, 1 in each system for streaming movies and music from my 2 terabyte hd and my computer....

they work great... and best of all they are cheap.

 

[peezykl]

jukebox of your dreams

I am the sales Manager for GameCabinetsInc.com Please check out our intellitunes Jukebox and feel free to contact me with any questions.I believe we have exactly what you are looking for.Thanks and hope to do business with you soon.Paul