Other World Computing, purveyors of all manner of Mac-related accessories, is debuting a new service during this year's Macworld Expo to transform your 2010 Mac mini into a home theater PC. Dubbed the "Media Center Solution," the new service includes up to 12TB RAID storage, an optional Blu-ray drive, Elgato HDTV tuner options, and installation and configuration of several common Mac OS X media center apps.

The service works by shipping any new Mac mini (introduced last June) to OWC's facility in Woodstock, Illinois. There, the RAM is upgraded to 4GB (if necessary), a bundle of open source media center software is installed, a capacious 4, 8, or 12TB RAID is set up for consolidating up to 6,000 hours of DVD-quality video, and one of two Elgato HDTV interfaces is set up and configured. The system is shipped back to you within 48 hours of receipt, configured and ready to go. OWC also includes an Apple remote, since one is no longer included with the Mac mini.

The software bundle includes Plex media center software for organizing and viewing all your media files, including compatible files in your iTunes library. Plex also features a plug-in architecture that lets users stream content from a number of popular online sources, such as Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube. Handbrake and MakeMKV are also included to make backup rips of your DVDs and, with an optional external Blu-ray drive, your Blu-ray discs. OWC told Ars that a $15 iTunes gift card is included to purchase the Plex iOS app which allows remote control of the media center via your iOS device as well as remote viewing options.

All the hardware is available separately, and the included software is all easily downloadable for free online. However, OWC recognized that more people might be interested in using a Mac mini as a HTPC if it were easier to set up. "This service is for users that don't want any hassles; they just want to plug it in and have it work," an OWC spokesperson told Ars.

For instance, hot folders are configured to transcode video files from DVD rips, and other folders are arranged on the OWC RAID to store movies and TV shows. Plex is configured to automatically recognize new files added to those folders for playback. And, handy color-coded aliases to those folders are added to the Mac mini's desktop to make it easier to drag and drop files into the right one.

The service also includes installation and configuration of either an Elgato EyeTV HD for high-def cable or satellite connections, or an Elgato Hybrid for standard-def basic cable or broadcast antenna connections. These allow you to watch or record TV shows for later playback, and integrate with Plex for viewing.

The external Blu-ray drive option is there for those that want it, but we feel that this external solution takes away a bit from the Mac mini's svelte elegance. Unfortunately, OWC told Ars, there aren't Blu-ray drive options in a form factor that will fit into the current Mac mini. We also lamented that the included Mercury Elite-AL Pro Qx2 RAID—while offering rock solid RAID 5 performance and reliability—seemed somewhat obtrusive to add to most A/V cabinets.

OWC showed us a prototype of the next Newer Technology miniStack drive enclosure, which can house either one 3.5" drive or two 2.5" drives. We suggested that a miniStack casing could easily fit a portable Blu-ray drive inside. Pairing one or two of these enclosures with a Mac mini might make for a more aesthetically pleasing hardware combination. "We're definitely exploring all options," an OWC spokesperson said cryptically.

Building a HTPC is something that many of our readers have done, and the options for customization are plenty. But if you're looking for something that's "plug and play" and runs Mac OS X, OWC's Media Center Solution should get you up and watching with minimum effort.

OWC hasn't released pricing for its turnkey solution yet, but the company said it will have more information within a few weeks. The hardware components in a basic 4TB set-up (excluding the Mac mini) sell for a little over $700, though, so expect prices to start in that ballpark.