Who has an Apple TV?

Conanius

Conanius

Conanius

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18 Oct 2002
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As per topic. I'd really like to chat to someone who has an apple TV. Even better if you use a time capsule for storage !

Tried to use the search, but TV is too short so i just get billions of threads !
 
I'm just after better understanding how they work with regards to the internal hard drive.

Is it like for example, my ipod or iphone in that it 'syncs' what I choose, and then streams the rest? How easy was yours to set up? would you recommend them? can you set it to pull the data off the timecapsule or do you need to pull it off another mac?
 
Yes. You can choose to "sync" content to it, as much as the drive will allow OR you can choose to stream all the content from a Mac.

The latter option requires the source Mac to be on for steaming to work :)

Streaming off a Time Capsule will not work because it cannot run iTunes.. it's just a dumb NAS, hence the need for an active Mac.
 
Ok,

so, my plan was...

Mac Mini in the bedroom Wifi Connection to a Time Capsule 2GB for storage of music and films, Apple TV under the tv plugged into the timecapsule ethernet port.

So, will that work, or do I need to store the content on the mac mini aswell ?
 
It won't work. The AppleTV can only stream from a Mac running iTunes.

The only way you could get the AppleTV working would be like this..

  1. Connect Time Capsule to Mac Mini (via gigabit ethernet if you want)
  2. Point the iTunes library of the Mac Mini to a location on the Time Capsule (change location in iTunes preferences)*
  3. Share the Mac Mini iTunes library on the network
  4. Add the "Mac Mini" as a source on the AppleTV

This requires the Mac Mini to be on when you want to use the AppleTV, but it's the only way to stream content off a Time Capsule.

* Drag your iTunes library to the Time Capsule then open iTunes while holding down option key.
* Navigate to the library on Time Capsule and boom. iTunes will work as normal the only difference is your content is not on your computer.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
EVH, really appreciate your reply, thanks for that.

Will the Apple TV be clever enough to take it straight from the Time Capsule when set up this way or will it go through the Mac Mini? Only reason I ask is the Mac Mini is 'only' wireless G, so going off the airport, to the mac, and then back to the airport through a cable to the apple TV doesn't sound too clever and may lead to fun and games streaming video :)
 
I am a recent ATV owner having bought one in early December. I don't have a time capsule though. Tbh I would recommend a mac mini if your funds stretch that far as it has more processing grunt (iirc) - just want one wants for other media players like XBMC/Boxee.

Don't get me wrong, the ATV rocks but it is in dire need of a refresh on the hardware side.
 
Conanius said:
EVH, really appreciate your reply, thanks for that.

Will the Apple TV be clever enough to take it straight from the Time Capsule when set up this way or will it go through the Mac Mini? Only reason I ask is the Mac Mini is 'only' wireless G, so going off the airport, to the mac, and then back to the airport through a cable to the apple TV doesn't sound too clever and may lead to fun and games streaming video :)
Click to expand...

It will have to go through the Mac Mini.

All network data will be shared on your wifi network, so unless you want full HD you will be fine. There won't be a bottleneck between the Time Capsule an the Mac Mini as it'll be connected by Ethernet.

Does the Time Capsule distribute the wifi, or are you simply using it as a storage drive?
 
I havn't bought anything as of yet bar the mac mini.

now, one thing I do have is 4 'spare' 500 gig sata drives... I was tempted to drop them into a 4 port raid box and plug that into the mac mini. will give similar storage space to a time capsule and cost less + be more redundant.

I'm guessing I can set up time machine to non mac stuff aswell?
 
Thanks for all the replys so far guys.

Just a quick one. I've watched an interesting video about ATV Flash on the apple tv, and specifically an application called Sapphire.

It looks really useful for being able to watch content on, but on the video I saw they only talked about being able to watch locally stored content or that on an external usb drive. Is it not possible to configure it to look at an external usb drive that would be connected to my mac mini? so effectively a network share?
 
Right guys !

I have the Mac Mini all setup and working nicely with an Iomega MiniMax 1TB external drive. Lovely !

I've been playing with connect360 to stream stuff to my xbox360 in the lounge as its a damsight cheaper than an apple TV however Ihave hit a problem in that I cant get any of my films to play that I got through the itunes store to play through it. No one anywhere seems to have a solution which is a shame to say the least.

Before I run up to Oxford Street and buy an Apple TV is there any other options to play this protected stuff chaps?
 
Well welcome to DRM vendor lock-in.. You've paid to play the movie via apple's download and technology.. (I like apple but I don't like all the DRM crap - I wait until the DVD comes out at bargin prices then buy it - works on windows, OSX and normal player then).
 
Have you considered a Sumvision MKV ? its a brilliant little player that will stream anything and play ANYTHING, it will directly lift files off your time capsule as well so you dont need the mac to be switched on, as long as you share the folder containing media on time capsule the sumvision will play it, got mine about 2 weeks ago, a couple of minor network issues to resolve but works perfectly now, amazing thing, has wireless, and network built in, HDMI, optical out, everything, all for less than £80
 
Combat squirrel said:
Have you considered a Sumvision MKV ? its a brilliant little player that will stream anything and play ANYTHING, it will directly lift files off your time capsule as well so you dont need the mac to be switched on, as long as you share the folder containing media on time capsule the sumvision will play it, got mine about 2 weeks ago, a couple of minor network issues to resolve but works perfectly now, amazing thing, has wireless, and network built in, HDMI, optical out, everything, all for less than £80
Click to expand...

will it play my itunes store films?
 
This is exactly why I chose to rip all my DVDs and Blu-Rays to .MKV

No messing about with DRM, and they are all instantly playable on the Mac Mini via Plex.
 
EVH said:
This is exactly why I chose to rip all my DVDs and Blu-Rays to .MKV

No messing about with DRM, and they are all instantly playable on the Mac Mini via Plex.
Click to expand...

Yeh this is what I do, I refuse to buy films that will ONLY play on apple hardware, its a great big con and not ethical, I know apple have recently started selling mp3 off itunes DRM free, why not films ? If I was OP id only buy blueray/drm free media from now on, not only will it last longer from one system to another, you can buy amazing players like the sumvision that just 'work'.
 
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