Apple TV and external drive on my MBP

[mcvaughan]

I am thinking about getting an Apple TV to add to my array of Apple products. I currently have all my music, movies and TV shows on an external USB hard drive, connected to my MacBook Pro. Will I have any problems accessing the content with the Apple TV?

Thanks.

 

[Jestered]

I am thinking about getting an Apple TV to add to my array of Apple products. I currently have all my music, movies and TV shows on an external USB hard drive, connected to my MacBook Pro. Will I have any problems accessing the content with the Apple TV?

Thanks.

No you won't have any problems. I have all my music and movies on an external drive connected wirelessly through my airport extreme and I can access them through the ATV without any problems.

 

[Cave Man]

How large of library do you have on that drive? Your best option will be to sync as many files as you can, thus the 160 gig ATV is probably the way you want to go. This puts all your files (up to the ATV's HD limit) on the ATV. This way, when you take your laptop or have it shut down or sleeping, you'll still be able to watch your content directly from the ATV's HD. If you stream, you must keep your laptop on and connected to your USB drive.

 

[mcvaughan]

How large of library do you have on that drive? Your best option will be to sync as many files as you can, thus the 160 gig ATV is probably the way you want to go. This puts all your files (up to the ATV's HD limit) on the ATV. This way, when you take your laptop or have it shut down or sleeping, you'll still be able to watch your content directly from the ATV's HD. If you stream, you must keep your laptop on and connected to your USB drive.

I didn't figure it'd be a problem, but I wanted to make sure before I made a purchase.

I've only just started HandBraking my DVDs, but I would guess it's currently around 20GB. I have probably 60-70 DVDs that I will be ripping, not including any content I purchase off iTunes. It's not a problem to leave my laptop powered on and connected, but it might be good to keep a good number of them on the ATV to keep my network utilization at minimum.

Thanks guys.

 

[d.f]

really...???

No you won't have any problems. I have all my music and movies on an external drive connected wirelessly through my airport extreme and I can access them through the ATV without any problems.

can you tell me more..?

i've read around here that the new airport extreme offers average transfer rates as a wireless HD interface. admittedly i don't know what transfer rates you need for the ATV to play music / movies.

i will buy one in a shot if this is correct.

 

[mcvaughan]

Well, I picked up a 160 on Friday, and the wife and I are loving it. Watched The Departed last night from my ripped DVD and it looked fantastic on my Sharp Aquos. I have a few photos and movies synced and the rest reside on my external drive.

Thanks for the help guys, and look forward to participating in the discussions here.

 

[Cave Man]

Well, I picked up a 160 on Friday, and the wife and I are loving it. Watched The Departed last night from my ripped DVD and it looked fantastic on my Sharp Aquos. I have a few photos and movies synced and the rest reside on my external drive.

Welcome aboard. I just added videos #801 (Starship Troopers) and #802 (Forbidden Planet) to my iTunes library. Now if I can only find the time to watch them...