We're a Mac household. Two Macbooks, a MacMini and an iPhone/iTouch each.

We purchased the mini a couple of years ago to replace a shared PC that died. But with our laptops being more powerful and far more portable, it wasn't doing much but collecting dust.

That all changed when we connected it to our living room TV.

Now we have a TV downloading, DVD and MP3 playing, photo viewing, file serving wonder machine, all for free if you have an older computer kicking around. This article will focus on the Intel Mac Mini, but any less than ancient computer will work with some modifications.

Step 1: Give up the Cable, Get the Shows

We've been using a Motorla PVR with Shaw Cable for a few years now. If you're going to have cable at all, a Pee-ver makes it worthwhile, adding digital listing and easy scheduled recording.

That said, if you forgot to record a show, there was nothing to do but hope for a rerun or download it on the computer.

That's where TED (Mac/PC) comes in. TED, or Torrent Episode Downloader, takes the chore of keeping up with all the show times and related torrents to download out of the picture.

First, make sure you have a decent Bitorrent client like Azureus installed.

Next download TED (http://www.ted.nu). Start the app and click "Add Show." You will see a long list of current shows like the image below:

The list contains most popular shows from all the major networks including some on cable channels such as HBO and the Discovery Channel.

Clicking on a specific title brings up two handy selections, Next Show (to air) and Last Show (that aired). The third option lets you make a custom selection all the way back to season 1, episode 1.

The thing to remember about TED is, it's entirely unofficial so don't count on every episode from a show being there, even if it's up on NBC.com. Active episodes are listed in black text, while inactive ones are greyed out.

You'll find that the last 3-4 episodes of a show is almost always available as a torrent. If it's a currently running show, and it's on the main list, you can bet that a download will be there and seeded well.

If you don't find the show you're interested in, don't fret. You can add custom show. I've found that Western shows work best (Canada, UK, USA). Getting some more unofficial stuff like fan-subbed Anime is less predictable.

Overall, TED works pretty well. Since we're on the West Coast, sometimes we have a show downloaded before it goes to air out here. TED simply takes away the pain of keeping track of which shows you are watching and what episode you are on.

It's not quite as complete as cable, but you get what you pay for.

Step 2: Move that Mac Mini to the Living Room

Now that you have the shows on automatic download, you need to connect your Mac/PC to the TV.

If you have a tube TV, you need to check your inputs. You probably have RCA in (good ole Yellow, White and Red), but not VGA (traditional computer monitor connection).

If you have a LCD, Plasma or LED TV, you will have more input options: DVI is probably the best (since Intel Mac Minis have DVI video output), but less common.

VGA is just as good (your Mini may come with a DVI to VGA adaptor already).

Some PC video cards will have Component (slightly less desirable) or S-Video (not Hi-Def) outputs as well.

Ultimately, find out what video inputs your TV has, and what video output you computer has. If both ends have the same type, you don't need an adaptor, just a male to male cable of the matching type.

Otherwise, find out what display output your Mac has and find the corresponding "to Video adapter" on the Apple site. Most of these can be had for less than $20.

Next Up...

• Step 3: Control Your Mac from Your Couch
• Step 4: Get Your Media in Other Rooms
• Step 5: Media Center Resources