AirPort Express Base Station OR AppleTV

[mattjohnson]

Hi,

I am looking for a way to stream centrally stored music wirelessly, to a number of different rooms.
The current ATV and the AirPort Express Base Station both have an optical out so question is:

"why would you choose the AirPort Express Base Station instead of ATV?"

when they are the same in price, but the ATV has it's 'TV' functionality.....

I have ATVs (1st and 2nd Gen) so am familiar with their workings, just not the I APEBS..

Cheers
Matt

 

[paulrbeers]

Hi,

"why would you choose the AirPort Express Base Station instead of ATV?"

Because the Airport Express also acts as a router and/or wifi-extender and theoretically has a stronger wifi connection. Also, for those who need it, the Airport express also does Analog audio which the AppleTV 2 and 3 do not have (original one obviously does).

In the end, if you want optical audio (or HDMI) streaming and only want to do streaming (and not extend your network or any of the other network goodies), then go with an AppleTV.

 

[mattjohnson]

thank for the quick reply

So, ??

AppleTV for HDMI connection, 'TV' features and optical audio out

Airport Express for wifi extending PLUS the mini jack out (analog audi) or optical out.

 

[waw74]

airport express also allows a printer to be connected.

and if you don't have a television set at the location, an aTV can be a bit picky, an express is much easier to manage.