Adding my second ATV2 - 2 questions

[jmcrutch]

Going to pick up another ATV2 today for a second TV in the house. This one will be located very close to my router - I've always assumed that hardwiring the ATV2 via ethernet to the router would yield better performance than wireless (G), however sometime ago on here I read a thread that suggested that the ATV2 was faster over the wireless? Color me confused.

Secondly, if I rent a movie or TV show through iTunes on one of my ATV2s, will it be available for viewing on the second ATV2? Or must I use iTunes on my computer and homesharing to view on both? I've only purchased shows through iTunes on the computer; never rented, whereas I've rented plenty on the actual ATV2. If I rent on the computer, I guess homesharing will work from any device for the rental period. Comments welcome re: whether it will work directly via the ATV2s instead of using the computer.

Thanks!

 

[KeithJenner]

I can't help with the first part of your question, other than to say that I've never had any problem with wireless on my Apple TV's, so can't personally see any need to use wires.

With regard to movie rentals, they work very well with multiple ATV's. Not only is the movie available on all ATV's, it even remembers your location, so if you start watching on one and then move to a different room to finish watching it, it will offer the option of resuming from where you left off, much like what happens with content on your network.

 

[jmcrutch]

thanks for that answer - that's very helpful.

 

[davidoloan]

Going to pick up another ATV2 today for a second TV in the house. This one will be located very close to my router - I've always assumed that hardwiring the ATV2 via ethernet to the router would yield better performance than wireless (G), however sometime ago on here I read a thread that suggested that the ATV2 was faster over the wireless? Color me confused.

Apple TV2 homesharing is vastly better when connected via Ethernet. With Ethernet you can flick between different movies instantly, or fast forward 3 chapters and expect it to play immediately.

Without a cable when you select one movie it will buffer before you can play it and if you want to look at 3 or 4 movies before selecting one it is much slower. Without a cable when you go forward a few chapters it will buffer again before you can play which is frustrating.

For movie rentals directly to the Apple TV2 or watching podcasts etc the difference between between wireless or wired is very small. Wired is slightly more stable.

I would run an ethernet cable to both of them even if it is a hassle as it dramatically improves homesharing. Thats my experience anyway.

 

[blevins321]

If it's very close to the router, plugging it in will allow for better overall network performance. Wireless routers only have so much bandwidth that they can handle, and having it connected over ethernet will reduce the overall wireless consumption.

 

[scott911]

agreed - go wired whenever possible.

it's a solid, passwordless connection. Easy set-up - and as others have mentioned, so much faster than wireless.

that said - people who live in apartments, etc : Don't loose sleep over the wireless - it's obviously working, and is pretty convenient.

fyi - 50 foot cat6 cable cost 5 or 6 buck at monoprice. lots of colors.

 

[taylorharris50]

movie rentals

renting from apple is a ripoff. 24 hour viewing window only on 1 device is too short.

 

[jmcrutch]

renting from apple is a ripoff. 24 hour viewing window only on 1 device is too short.

This is the same rental period that any provider offers - whether it be Apple, DirecTV, Comcast, or whoever. The movie studios decided this. Yes, you can rent a disc for longer, or you can buy it in digital form, but if you want to rent, the 24 hour period is a fact of life. I only rent one when I know I have time to finish it. It sure is convenient.

Not saying I agree with the timeframe, but it's not Apple's fault. Personally, I'd be happy if they gave me 7 days to watch it after starting the movie. Heck, I'd probably be ok with 3 days.

It won't matter soon enough because Apple will get a better streaming deal from the studios to offer as competition with Netflix, IMO.