Sync vs Stream

[Trimmer2]

I'm very confused. It looks like I have to choose between syncing my Apple TV with iTunes OR stream from my iTunes. Why can't I do both??

I'd like to sync my music and stream my photos, movies, TV etc...

If I try to do one, then I can't do the other... what's up with that or is there a way to do both?

 

[basesloaded190]

you can choose custom sync. then you are able to sync what you want as far as movies and tv shows and music, and then stream the rest of your itunes content. I was confused at first too but it works like a charm now.

 

[Trimmer2]

you can choose custom sync. then you are able to sync what you want as far as movies and tv shows and music, and then stream the rest of your itunes content. I was confused at first too but it works like a charm now.

I haven't been able to figure that out.

For example, if I choose to sync my Apple TV to my iTunes (take MANY hours to do) I can't stream to it. If I try to add a "Shared Library" it offers a code to type in to iTunes. I'm already connected via Sync though!

If I set up to stream and try to sync it also asks to input a code and threatens to erase information that is synced.

To me, this is one or the other as opposed to some of each.

 

[ntrigue]

You want to use Sync. In iTunes you would choose Custom Sync and you can choose to Sync only recent Podcasts, Photos, Movies everything else will be streamed...

 

[Trimmer2]

You want to use Sync. In iTunes you would choose Custom Sync and you can choose to Sync only recent Podcasts, Photos, Movies everything else will be streamed...

I get the concept but, in reality it doesn't seem to work for me.

When I go to Apple TV after it's been synced to iTunes and try to "Add Share iTunes Library" in "Settings - Computers" it gives me another code to enter in iTunes. It says "To steam iTunes content to your ATV, open iTunes and select ATV from the Devices list" Well, I do that and it only gives me my synced information with my custom sync box checked and etc...(remember, it's already synced)

I still want to access/stream some photos and other items that I do not want synced. When I try to access those items via streaming, ATV doesn't even show an option to access shared anything. It's only "My Music" or "My Photos" or "My Movies". Nothing shared via streaming.

 

[Alrescha]

I get the concept but, in reality it doesn't seem to work for me.

Stop looking at the streaming options. You're using Sync, not Stream.

Get iTunes Synced with your ATV, use the check boxes to sync whatever you really want stored on your ATV. On the Summary page make sure you have 'Custom Sync' checked and make sure that 'Show only the synced items on my Apple TV is *not* checked'.

Hit the Sync button. Wait.

Go to your TV room and check your Apple TV. You don't have to do anything else. All your stuff should show up under 'My Music', 'My Movies', etc.

A.

 

[Trimmer2]

Stop looking at the streaming options. You're using Sync, not Stream.

Get iTunes Synced with your ATV, use the check boxes to sync whatever you really want stored on your ATV. On the Summary page make sure you have 'Custom Sync' checked and make sure that 'Show only the synced items on my Apple TV is *not* checked'.

Hit the Sync button. Wait.

Go to your TV room and check your Apple TV. You don't have to do anything else. All your stuff should show up under 'My Music', 'My Movies', etc.

A.

Thank you. I thought it was an either / or situation.

What are the advantages and/or limitations of each? Quality? Taxed Network? ....?

 

[basesloaded190]

Thank you. I thought it was an either / or situation.

What are the advantages and/or limitations of each? Quality? Taxed Network? ....?

the only real advantage to syncing everything would that it would be all on your apple tv and you wouldn't have to have your computer and itunes on, and i think ff and rewind is better when its synced. i just have my music synced and the rest of my videos are streamed and i have never had a problem with that.

 

[Alrescha]

Taxed Network? ....?

This, mostly.

The quality should be exactly the same, as the same data is being displayed in each case. If you are streaming, your network will have to be able to deliver the data in realtime, and other devices on the network may have to put up with some slowness.

You can probably stream effectively with 802.11g if there isn't anything else going on, and with 802.11n and wired Ethernet under almost all circumstances.

If you Sync content, your computer and iTunes don't have to be turned on. When you're streaming, all of this is coming from iTunes, so that computer needs to be on and iTunes started. I have a Mac Mini which is always on, and iTunes is always running - why not?

A.

 

[gkarris]

discussed here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/479438/

 

[Nimiety]

Sync your photos and music so you can have the screensaver and slideshow music, and stream the rest. I watch 720p tv shows and movies and other than a 2 second delay at the beginning, I never see any lag.

 

[RRutter]

If you want to save space on your HD, than either do a custom sync (pick the Movies/TV Shows you want to sync) or do streaming. If you do streaming, which is what I do, than you should have the computer that you are streaming the movies off of onto to the Apple TV near the Apple TV so that there is absolutely no lagging or anything.