How to set up a Mac mini as a music server for home theater system without keyboard or mouse?

"How to set up a Mac mini as a music server for home theater system without keyboard or mouse?: [...]I have a keyboard and trackpad that I could attach for setup, but would like to access the Mini entirely with the home theater remote (or with an iPhone if this is necessary). Is this do-able?"

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Accessing Music from Mac mini as a Server:

You might be able to do so through File Sharing. Look for some videos on YouTube, if you need to set this up.

1. Go Here: Use Mac mini as a Server - Apple Support
2. As it Reads: File Server: Uses File Sharing to allow users to store and share folders and files on Mac mini. See Set up file sharing on Mac.

You could access the library using iTunes if you have an Apple TV connected to your set up. Or, may be able to use dedicated software such as Plex. You could AirPlay music to the TV as well but that would interface through the Mac. Might be some other options as well. I have an Apple TV box connected to an HDMI port that I use to stream my content from my Mac.

I use an AppleTV for that. Despite the implications of its name you can use it strictly for AirPlay audio if you wish. You can use its remote, but using the Apple TV Remote in the iPhone's Control Center (or an Apple Watch) is an even better idea.

Use your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch as a remote for Apple TV - Apple Support

No keyboard, no trackpad. Simple.

I came her looking for the same thing, though I may be able to answer your questions based on what I am doing rn. I have an older Mac Mini that I use as a "iTunes" music server. It is embedded in a console stereo system and I access it in two ways: 1) I use the "iTunes Remote" App on my iPhone / iPad, and 2) I use Screen Sharing on my MBP to remote into the Mini to manage the computer, fix song names, etc. You can configure the computer to auto-load ITunes when it boots and not look for, or load, other apps that aren't needed. You will need to configure Home Sharing in "iTunes", now "Music" on newer Macs. I have multiple Airplay devices around the house connected to various home theatre / amps, etc. It is a very powerful music server with great distribution controls (much better than Sonos (in my opinion, yes, I've worked with that quite a bit and the sound is not as good as what I am accustomed to). If at all possible you should have your Mac Mini and any of the Airplay devices connected via Ethernet cable. They all have WiFi connectivity but most home network WiFi systems won't handle all of the throughput if you have a number of Airplay devices and other computers, IOT devices, etc. running at the same time.

The CDs will remain hosted on your Mini. Specifically, in its Music Library. As you wrote that will be the most tedious part.

I don't have anywhere near several thousand CDs, but my Music Library has about 1000 albums for a total of only 14 GB. CDs don't take much space.

rayson wrote:

How many cds would the AppleTV hold (128gb)?

zero. It’s a streaming box. The memory onboard is to store apps, cache files, etc. it does not store content.