One quick question about apple tv.

[jlyanks85]

I just got mine for Christmas and wondering are you able to view your iTunes content (tv shows, movies) without your computer being on?

Because when I have my computer on with iTunes running, I'm able to view my content on atv, but when it's not on I can't view it and can only do the other stuff apple tv offers.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

As the HDD in your iMac, where the content is stored on, needs to be running, thus the TV can access it, the iMac needs to run too.

 

[jlyanks85]

Ok, that's all I needed to know. Was worried there might be something wrong with my apple tv or computer for a minute.

 

[mchalebk]

The first generation AppleTVs had local storage (40 or 160 GB HD), so content could be stored on them. The new version only has 8 GB of flash memory and is designed to stream everything. So, yes, your computer will need to be on with iTunes running. The exception would be iTunes rentals; these can be viewed without your computer on (because they stream from the internet, not your computer).