AppleTV Library on External Drive?

[countryside]

I do not have enough room for all of my iTunes movies to be downloaded on my Mac, but I would like to have them for offline streaming. Is it possible for me to create an AppleTV library that is stored and runs in a APFS external drive connected to my laptop?

 

[Juicy Box]

Is it possible for me to create an AppleTV library that is stored and runs in a APFS external drive connected to my laptop?

Yes, but do you want completely offline viewing?

This will not work using iTunes or whatever Apple app you are using, as it might need the internet to authenticate home sharing.

If you use something like Plex, this isn't a problem, just adjust the settings for offline viewing.

I used to use iTunes and the Computer app on the Apple TV, but switched to Plex a few years ago and haven't regretted it at all.

 

[countryside]

Yes, but do you want completely offline viewing?

This will not work using iTunes or whatever Apple app you are using, as it might need the internet to authenticate home sharing.

If you use something like Plex, this isn't a problem, just adjust the settings for offline viewing.

I used to use iTunes and the Computer app on the Apple TV, but switched to Plex a few years ago and haven't regretted it at all.

Hi. I just installed the Plex software you mentioned. It is so much easier than the Apple TV Library... Thanks for the recommendation. Allows offline viewing and has a nice interface for my videos! Thanks again.

 

[countryside]

Yes, but do you want completely offline viewing?

This will not work using iTunes or whatever Apple app you are using, as it might need the internet to authenticate home sharing.

If you use something like Plex, this isn't a problem, just adjust the settings for offline viewing.

I used to use iTunes and the Computer app on the Apple TV, but switched to Plex a few years ago and haven't regretted it at all.

How did you get iTunes movies to work?

I keep getting this message: "An error occurred trying to play this item. Please enable DRM support in your browser then try again."

 

[Juicy Box]

How did you get iTunes movies to work?

I keep getting this message: "An error occurred trying to play this item. Please enable DRM support in your browser then try again."

I am sorry. Not sure why, but when I read your first post, I assumed you were talking about non-DRM movies.

Re-reading it, It says "iTunes movies", so maybe I was just really tired and missed it.

You cannot play DRM movies, such as ones purchased using iTunes, on Plex. There are some other options though (movies anywhere for example), but none of them will be fully offline options.

The closes offline option would be iTunes. You can move all your iTunes movies on an external drive (having a back up of these movies is a good idea anyways, so save them multiple places) and change your settings in iTunes showing where your files are stored.

This is not a fully offline option though, and only works temporarily offline, as the iTunes server will want to authenticate your account.


BTW, I use Plex for my massive DVD and Blu-ray library, and I used to use iTunes for it until I found Plex. I also own about 100 movies that I purchased via iTunes, but I don't ever watch them and have since replaced most of them with a DVD or Blu-ray, and they are now on my Plex library.

 

[steve62388]

There used to be a really good piece of software called TuneSpan which would do this (available on the App Store).

Unfortunately it hasn't been updated to support the new Apple TV/Music in Catalina and later. Shame, because it was an excellent little utility.