Apple TV v Windows Media Center

[flemishgael]

Hi all, I currently use a Windows 7 PC with an external hard drive as a media server and use a Logitech Squeezebox to access my music library (of around 1 Tb) in the living room and other rooms (with the battery pack I can even take it into the kitchen or to the garage.
I intend to use the Apple TV for something similar and just wondering if I'm mistaken or if it's indeed possible?
I have about 2 Tb of movies and other video content and currently use a media center connected to an HD TV to watch the content but would like to stream and or mirror this content via the Apple TV to an HD TV in the living room.
Is this at all possible? Can I use the Apple TV to connect to the Media Center remotely and stream video content to my HD TV?

 

[balamw]

You either need to Jailbreak the TV or transcode all your video to an iTunes happy format and use iTunes on your server.

B

 

[flemishgael]

You either need to Jailbreak the TV or transcode all your video to an iTunes happy format and use iTunes on your server.

B

Thanks. It's what I thought. I would have to convert the avi content to Mp4 but the wmv content would still be possible to stream.
It's just what I was looking for so many thanks for taking away my doubts.

 

[urkel]

I have about 2 Tb of movies and other video content and currently use a media center connected to an HD TV to watch the content but would like to stream and or mirror this content via the Apple TV to an HD TV in the living room.
Is this at all possible? Can I use the Apple TV to connect to the Media Center remotely and stream video content to my HD TV?

Better off using an XBOX or even a PS3. Both have DLNA support which enables all your windows content to be seen and stream across your network. Apple doesn't support it so instead of a native solution you'd be looking for 3rd party alternatives and jail breaking which aren't very ideal.

On my main TV I have a PS3, Jailbroken AppleTV, Roku, TiVo and Built in LG Apps. PS3 (Stream Windows, BluRay), Jailbroken AppleTV (Web-Only Hulu, AirPlay, iTunes), Roku (Hulu, Amazon), TiVo (cable) and built in LG Apps (Media Link connects to Mini in bedroom for Plex Channels). None of them do everything but each of them excel in one unique area so unfortunately I have to use all of them unless Apple opens up an aTV App Store.

Id prefer an Apple solution but Apple products work best within their own Apple ecosystem so its not ideal if you've got mixed content.

 

[CocoaPuffs]

Better off using an XBOX or even a PS3. Both have DLNA support which enables all your windows content to be seen and stream across your network. Apple doesn't support it so instead of a native solution you'd be looking for 3rd party alternatives and jail breaking which aren't very ideal.

I disagree. First of all, xbox and PS3 costs at least 2 - 3x as much as ATV2.

On my main TV I have a PS3, Jailbroken AppleTV, Roku, TiVo and Built in LG Apps. PS3 (Stream Windows, BluRay), Jailbroken AppleTV (Web-Only Hulu, AirPlay, iTunes), Roku (Hulu, Amazon), TiVo (cable) and built in LG Apps (Media Link connects to Mini in bedroom for Plex Channels). None of them do everything but each of them excel in one unique area so unfortunately I have to use all of them unless Apple opens up an aTV App Store.

Second, I disagree with the above list and that it is redundant to have so many "boxes".

If all you're using Roku for is Hulu and Amazon, then jailbroken ATV2 can replace it. ATV2 obviously cannot do BR, but xbmc or even ATV Flash, both allow you to stream off Windows pc.

Built-in LG apps is part of your TV, so unless you're thinking about buying an LG as well, that isn't something that be duplicated.

Alternative would to be purchase a Mac Mini, run plex and EyeTV, then you can stream whatever you want in another TV through ATV2 alone. Such option would also replace TIVO, which has a monthly recurring cost.

 

[balamw]

Such option would also replace TIVO, which has a monthly recurring cost.

Nothing will touch my TiVo. Nothing.

(Come on Apple, reinvent TV. Will you? Please.).

B

 

[urkel]

I disagree. First of all, xbox and PS3 costs at least 2 - 3x as much as ATV2.



Second, I disagree with the above list and that it is redundant to have so many "boxes".

If all you're using Roku for is Hulu and Amazon, then jailbroken ATV2 can replace it. ATV2 obviously cannot do BR, but xbmc or even ATV Flash, both allow you to stream off Windows pc.

Built-in LG apps is part of your TV, so unless you're thinking about buying an LG as well, that isn't something that be duplicated.

What exactly are you "disagreeing" with? I listed products I own, not a setup I would suggest others emulate.

And as for redundancy, I already said that. The reason for the redundancy is due to the timeline in which I bought them when I needed a single feature that the previously purchased items lacked. Its an ongoing project that has no difinitive solution.

Alternative would to be purchase a Mac Mini, run plex and EyeTV, then you can stream whatever you want in another TV through ATV2 alone. Such option would also replace TIVO, which has a monthly recurring cost.

As much as I love my aTV and Mac Mini, if I were to go back in time and optimize a setup then the most versatile solution then it would be a windows media center running Plex because it has DLNA support, iTunes, all the Plex channels and BluRay support. Of course, I won't do that since I'm trying to move away from Windows, but thats why I have tried and failed with so many individual boxes.