AppleTV: Can it use the "CD Drive Discovery" of the Macbook Air?

[SMDrew]

I'm strongly considering getting an AppleTV to replace my ailing DVD-player. So far I've converted a lot of my DVD library using Handbrake, and (as most of you) live in a Mac-house (a simple one, with Macbook + Airport Express, + iPhones for me and my wife).

However, there are two hurdles to overcome:
1. Passing the wife test
2. Passing the "hanging out with the friends" test

The wife test should be simple. She has adopted to the Mac quite readily, and is quite tech-savvy (at least, so long as the UI is forgiving!).

However, the big issue with all of the above is, what if somebody comes over with a DVD that they proclaim we just have to see? Now if I've replaced my DVD player, I'm in a bind. The only method I know of so far is to use Handbrake to copy the DVD (which as we all know is both illegal and time-consuming!).

So what I'm looking for is some confirmation that AppleTV is able to connect to the DVD-drive off my MacBook, and stream the content over wireless. I believe it could (should?) use the same mechanism as the MacBook Air.

I look forward to the answer.

 

[mallbritton]

No, TV isn't able to share a DVD drive from any Mac.

Regards,
Michael

 

[Shoesy]

No, TV isn't able to share a DVD drive from any Mac.

Regards,
Michael

That was a rather hasty dismissal!

Are you planning to use boxee or similar? The built in gui doesnt support dvd remote viewing...

 

[SMDrew]

Shoesy - I'd be open to aftermarket support, so long as it is simple to use. The sort of thing where I can put a disc in the Macbook, and browse to a simple icon and "voila!", movie watching commences.

mallbritton - Don't you think it's odd that the technology is there, but Apple has chosen not to support it? (I certainly do!).

 

[basesloaded190]

True, but apple would much rather have you rent the movie through itunes

 

[mallbritton]

mallbritton - Don't you think it's odd that the technology is there, but Apple has chosen not to support it? (I certainly do!).

In my opinion, yes and no. I'm sure it would be fairly easy for Apple to implement the ability for TV to share a DVD drive of a remote Mac and show the video on your TV. I would be surprised if Apple didn't have this working in the lab, at one point in time.

However for the past few years Apple has been de-emphasizing the physical disc. They would prefer you buy video content from the iTunes Store and share your video online instead of buying or burning physical discs. So in this respect, no, I don't think it is odd at all.

Regards,
Michael