Possible to use ATV for music with iPhone remote with TV screen off

[kurt770]

Hey,
I was thinking about buying an Apple TV. Is it possible for me to use the iPhone remote application with the Apple TV and be able to completely control/select music without having to have my TV on. I'm not sure if its possible because I've seen images of the remote app, and when you turn on the Apple TV, you first have to use gestures to select music on the Apple TV and then the music controls come up on the iPhone. In other words, can I turn on my Apple TV and navigate/control music entirely from my iPhone without using the TV at all? My iPhone is jailbroken and I don't mind hacking an Apple TV, so if there are some alternative solutions that require this I'm open.

Thanks!!

 

[gr8tfly]

It't totally possible. I use my system that way all the time - mostly to save wear & tear, & power on the plasma. You'll need the ATV displayed on TV to setup the remote app. After you get that setup, you can pop into the iPhone Remote, startup a playlist, and go on to something else. You'll have full control, including volume (if you like), album art, etc.

edit: I have a Logitech Harmony remote and setup a "Music" "activity" for this scenario. It turns on the amp and selects the proper fiber-optic switch. Also, if the TV's on, it'll turn it off. I can then use the Harmony for ATV functions along with the iPhone. For instance, if I just want to replay or skip a track, I don't have to interrupt what I'm doing on the iPhone to start the Remote app. It's also my main volume control, since it controls the amplifier.

 

[smurfjammer]

You don't even need to select the Apple TV on the Remote App, just select the iTunes library on your computer with the Remote App and stream the music through to the Apple TV.

 

[gr8tfly]

You don't even need to select the Apple TV on the Remote App, just select the iTunes library on your computer with the Remote App and stream the music through to the Apple TV.

Yes, but then you need your Mac in the loop. There are times where I don't have the Mac open and awake. Since I have my entire music library synced with the ATV, I don't need to worry about what the Mac's doing.

There are some occasions where I do use the AirTunes feature. For instance, when I'm working on updating track info or editing playlists; or just when I'm on the Mac and it's easier to go to iTunes, than grab the iPhone.

 

[kurt770]

Wow I didn't realize I would also be able to control it through the computer. I'm glad that the ATV will be able to work exactly as I want it to with music and I'm also excited for being able to play my videos/podcasts too.

Thanks for the info!!

 

[gr8tfly]

Wow I didn't realize I would also be able to control it through the computer. I'm glad that the ATV will be able to work exactly as I want it to with music and I'm also excited for being able to play my videos/podcasts too.

Thanks for the info!!

Well, in this context, you're not really controlling the ATV, you're only streaming from the library stored on your Mac. But, in any event - enjoy!