ATV As a Time Capsule

Is there a way I can use the hard drive on my Apple TV as the Time Machine drive for backing up my MacBook Pro? I talked with a sales rep, and she though there was a way, but I can't find it in any manual. Do I need to partition the drive or just create a new folder on it, if this is possible? And if it is, can I use it as a networked drive?
Thanks,
Stone

No.
Don't even consider it.
The whole point of a backup is that it should be reasonably reliable and easy to use, so even if you could hack the device to work, you would not want to find out the hard way that it was a bad idea and things were hosed.
External USB storage is ridiculously cheap, that would be a far more sensible route or get a Time Capsule if you want network attached device.
The drive in AppleTv is slow, low capacity and in all likelihood consumer grade reliability whereas Time Capsule supposedly has more enterprise grade hardware.
AC

Similar Messages

ATV - Powered By Time Capsule - Controlled By iTouch - Heard Thru AirTunes?

Here's the scenario:
My Apple TV is too small to hold all my media, so I've got a 500gb external sync'd to iTunes to stream it.
At the same time, I have an Airport Express streaming music from iTunes to wireless speakers throughout the house. To control this, I use a webapp for my iPod Touch that lets me decide which speakers should be 'on', their volumes, change tracks, etc.
In a perfect world, someone will tell me how to let Apple TV do all this heavy lifting for me without the need for a PC running or iTunes. Some questions:
1. Will Time Capsule wirelessly sync to Apple TV so that my PC never has to be 'on' to stream my massive media collection?
2. Can Airport Express get its content from Apple TV instead of an instance of iTunes?
3. Can I use the wi-fi connection via the iTouch to control the music on Apple TV or will that only function via an instance of iTunes as well?
Simply put, I want to be out of the iTunes business when it comes to listening to music or watching movies in my home. I want to boot up ATV and use my iTouch to control it and all the wireless audio in my house. Possible?

If you are using the Apple TV to stream the content from your iTunes collection, then you could use a webapp (such as Signal) to control what your iTunes is playing and have the album art from iTunes show on your TV. You just change the source in the Apple TV menu.
You cannot, however, control the Apple TV directly with a webapp, use it as a wireless server to send music to other destinations, or sync to Time Capsule. Apple has not designed the Apple TV to be backed up. The intention is that everything comes from your computer.
You could use an Airport Express to stream music from your computer to another room, and (I think) you could have it streaming through the Airport Express and the Apple TV at the same time, though i haven't tried this. It looks like it should work.

ATV 2 and Time Capsule-Choppy Streaming

So I am using my Time Capsule as my wireless router and as an external hard drive. I am streaming my TV shows/movies (I converted them to mp4 files) from my TC to Apple TV via iTunes and it's awful; choppy like every 10 seconds or so. Not sure why this is happening.
Any suggestions?

Probably the network being too slow. Anything changed recently?
If media is stored on the network there is theoretically more traffic as Itunes feeds AppleTV the movie.
File on computer's drive > iTunes > Network > AppleTV
File on network storage > network > iTunes > network > AppleTV
Try copying one of your movies to iTunes but change preferences to store on the computer drive. You could open a test library using alt/switch key when you open itunes to try this. Does that help? If not must be something else.

AppleTV - Time Capsule - MacBook Pro

I am using Time Capsule as a wireless router. ATV connects to Time Capsule wirelessly with no problem and my MacBook Pro connects wirelessly to Time Capsule with no problem either. Problem is, I cannot see ATV in iTunes devices list in wireless mode. If I connect an ethernet cable between my MacBook and the Time Capsule and leave ATV wireless, everything works perfectly and ATV appears in iTunes devices menu. The moment I go wireless on the MacBook, no ATV in iTunes but Time Capsule still connects to the MacBook and ATV.
Any ideas?

I would bother trying too many. Channel 11 is used by many wifi manufacturers as their default, so it might be worth giving that one a miss, Channel 12 and 13 aren't available in some locations so you might want to avoid those too. But generally any of the networks your tv can see could be set up on any of the channels.
Are you using the TC as your DHCP server or do you have another router.

Transferring music and videos from Time Capsule to ATV??

Can you transfer content from the Time Capsule to the ATV directly? I have many songs and tv shows that I have saved on my Time Capsule so as to not take up space on my Macbook Pro. It seems like a pain to have to bring that content onto my laptop then to the apple TV, then to conserve space, take back off of the laptop. Isn't there a way just to transfer from Time Capsule directly to ATV?
Thank You

No, there isn't.
However! In Itunes, click on itunes on your menu bar, then prefs. Go to advanced and untick 'copy files to itunes music folder'
You'll then be able to add whatever you want to itunes, and thus, your appleTV without any content residing on your macbook pro

Storing video on Time capsule and ATV and not on computer

I would like to build my video library and not store it on my IMAC 24 When I back it up and delete it I also loose it from ATV Then I have to restore to watch it Is there any way around this So much storage on the ATV and Time Capsule Why use the computer memory

I previously had my iTunes library on a network drive but moved to it an external drive connected directly to my iMac because streaming and file downloads were slower on the network drive due to the iTune's content management scheme. The short answer is, it will work regardless of whether or not you keep your library on your Time Capsule, your iMac or an external drive.

My ATV is full, how can I move the contents to my Time Capsule?

My Apple TV is full (although some of its contents appear as other and I cannot see them). I have a MacBookPro and a Time Capsule. I back up my mac everyday, but what I want to do is to erase content from my ATV so I can download more in it. Is it possible to sync the content of the ATV directly to the time capsule? So I can have my library in the time capsule and don't get my mac's hard disk full either?
Thanks!
C.

You could use custom syncing to sync only unwatched videos, that would delete them from the ATV once they've been watched through to the end, but they would remain in the iTunes library. You could also move your iTunes library to your Time Capsule if you want to free up space on your MBP hard drive.
You would need to copy your library folder to the Time Capsule, then change the library location in iTunes preferences. Once you've confirmed everything is working properly, you can delete the files from your MBP. Regardless of where your library is located, it's a good idea to keep your files backed up to DVDs.

Can Time Capsule be used strictly as a wireless network for ATV and TiVo?

I apologize in advance for the lengthy narrative but I feel that it will only help in describing my challenge/problem.
I currently own and have been successfully using an iMac and Apple TV and syncing with my iTunes account. I want to transfer the ATV to my fiancee's house since I'm spending most of my time there. Until we move in officially I'll be keeping my Mac at home. She does not have WiFi and has an old laptop that I'm pretty sure doesn't even support a WiFi radio. We eventually plan on replacing her laptop with a new Mac Book but until that time comes all I want to do is set up a wireless network for the ATV and TiVo service that I also brought over.
So, I bought the Time Capsule with the future in mind. My question, can I set up TC to act as a wireless router for ATV and TiVo only but hardwire her laptop to keep connected to the Internet? Will I need to connect ATV to her iTunes service through her laptop? Or can I access my information using ATV if the WiFi is set up correctly?
I know that until I bring my Mac and we eventually replace her laptop, I bought a very expensive wireless router but there is a method to my madness....I think.
Any suggestions on the hookup process will be greatly appreciated.

atlas138, Welcome to the discussion area!
My question, can I set up TC to act as a wireless router for ATV and TiVo only but hardwire her laptop to keep connected to the Internet?
Certainly.
Will I need to connect ATV to her iTunes service through her laptop? Or can I access my information using ATV if the WiFi is set up correctly?
The network would have the same abilities as any other network. I don't know how the AppleTV connects to iTunes but it wouldn't be any different than if the AppleTV were connected to something else.

Best way to setup ATV with Time Capsule?

I just got an ATV for Christmas and I'm looking for the best way to set it up. I keep all my movies and music on my Time Capsule and have my iTunes reference it on my MacBook. When I first hooked up the ATV it only recognizes my media half the time and takes a rediculous amount of time loading any video. Does anyone have any suggestions on a better way to do this? If I connect a network car from my time capsule to ATv will this speed things up? Any info is appreciated.

The Time Capsule still has to talk to the iTunes Host over the network so actually yes the faster gigabit speed still does come into play. So one point to you too.
In my opinion though, the Time Capsule disk sharing feature lacks in speed because the processor in the Time Capsule is slow compared to using a real computer and that's true for almost any NAS device. Also, the Time Capsule is designed to put the hard drive to sleep way more often than on a computer so you often have to wait until the hard drive spins up when you want to use it.
If it is at all possible, use a USB hard drive externally attached directly to your computer for best performance if you need more storage. The NAS solution wasn't fast enough for me either so I switched to hanging a hard drive off my desktop Mac and have been happy ever since. Of course, if you use a laptop this won't be as practical of a solution.
Then again, I just realized you said it takes a "ridiculous" amount of time so that sounds more like a network issue than anything else. If you are fine with how long it takes for your Macbook to stream media attached to your Time Capsule then the Apple TV shouldn't be that much different.
Message was edited by: newagemac

Time Capsule plus ATV

Just a note in case it helps anyone make a decision, I added the Time Capsule to my home network setup and it is like I have put my ATV on steroids. They are not even close to each other, three floors apart, the Time Capsule is even down in a concrete basement but the speed is terrific. I am copying movies from the Mac to the ATV in a quarter of the time before and there is no lag while I wait for anything to load, like the movie trailers or large podcasts. The TC setup was simple and quick, my first Time Machine back up is a couple of days in but at over 200g it will finish soon. I am really please with how the TC has sped up the ATV, though.
Brian.

Yes, Chenks, that is what I meant to say of course. I had a cheapo wireless G router before but the difference using the TC is incredible. It is another great Apple product.
Brian.

DVD collection, ATV?, Time Capsule, Advice what to buy?

Hello all.
I am brand spanking new in here and spent the better part of an evening searching through the forums for help. I did not find much, so I have opted for posting a thread in here. Allot of you seem to like to help, here's your chance..;-)
To start simply; I want to be able to rip all my DVD's to a big HD and stream to my TV. Question?
1. Buy a 1 TB time capsule + ATV and stream to my TV.
2. Buy a 1 TB time capsule and stream via my Itunes / Laptop / Wifi.
3. Third option...your suggestions.
I know the information is limited, but I would like your input before I post follow up questions.
Look forwards to your replies and help.
Thanks Sittingduck2nd

Sittingduck2nd wrote:
Well thank you for all your comments. Lots of information to chew on.
Yes I am aware of all the formats supported. So this has been taken into account.
I know the conversion process is time consuming, but hey that's what the night is for.
I agree you can run the conversions overnight or when you're at work etc, and even though it takes a while to convert files you can't watch more than 1 at the same time, so if you start with things you're liklely to watch soon rather than things you've seen recently...you get the drift..
But I am only trying to find a hardware solution that is the simplest as well as affordable.
So a followup question could be; can I attach a Ex.HD to my ATV and then access it that way via my laptop/Itunes?
Just to clarify - do you have a wired/wireless router or just the laptop and say a USB modem?
AppleTV really needs it's own connection to a router for internet authorisations etc - you might get away with internet connection sharing via the laptop but i've never tried that.
I believe I have to setup my itunes to see that storage location to access it. But again I am not sure.
Yes - you add things to iTunes - the files can either just be referenced in the iTunes library an dlive in a number of locations or they can all be copied into your iTunes library folder depending on iTunes preferences. Best solution for me is an external USB drive connected to my iMac which is the library location and holds a copy of anything I to it - you can mix and match some files referenced some files copied if you like.
I'd urge you to go down the external USB drive route connected to the Vista machine if possible, as although NAS drives work, it's all very hit and miss if your network is slow/flaky because the data path from file location to iTunes to AppleTv across the network is generally slower/more complex. AppleTV cannot use external storage via USB - diagnostic port only.
It might be worth considering the larger AppleTV if mainly running from a laptop so at least a good proportion of stuff is available if the laptop is elsewhere - depends on domestic arrangements really eg who else will use, how often is laptop away from house etc etc
Also - a final note - I wouldn't buy an AppleTV new until at least this time next week - there's expected to be a product launch for new ipods (there's an Apple Event anyway) next Tuesday. I'd be surprised if AppleTV is updated but you never know as it's 18 months old or more now.
If looking for a cheap solution you might want to kee an eye on the Apple refurb store where occasionally AppleTVs can be picked up refurbished for about £135 for the 40GB with a year's warranty.
AC

Time Capsule with ATV

Hi All,
I have searched the forum but really can't find a definate answer to my question.
I have recently purchased a 160gb ATV (by the way.. i LOVE it), but im finding my 1mac is now getting rather full with all the new movies ive transferred over from my dvd collection.
I would like to purchase a 1tb time capsule but here is my question:
I sync all the movies etc direct tot he ATV (about 100gb at the moment) and would continue to do this. I have two questions:
1. Am i correct in thinking if I transfer my itunes library to the TC, I would no longer need my imac? The ATV will automatically look for the TC for syncs?
2. Can I connect the TC and ATV together with ethernet cable? Would the sync speed increase?
Any help most welcome.
Thanks
Roy

"1. Am i correct in thinking if I transfer my itunes library to the TC, I would no longer need my imac? The ATV will automatically look for the TC for syncs?" I use TC as a storage environment for all my M4V files and use ATV with those files.. I don't rely on this as the sole source of back up. To sync to ATV user must have the FIRST computer to point at ATV with files in the itunes library(does not matter where the files are as long as itunes points to them) and itunes must be open and ATV must point to the computer which "houses" itunes. Once the sync is complete ATV can serve on its own without a computer or itunes power on or open. Hard drive space comes into play because user can have more files than ATV can hold. There streaming plays an important role. So bottom line the ATV was not designed to look at a holder of files to sync. It utilizes the first connected (synced) computer and that itunes library.
"2. Can I connect the TC and ATV together with ethernet cable? Would the sync speed increase?" Yes you can use ethernet to connect to the TC lan port. The previous mentioned scenario comes into play. Since TC is a gigabyte router then user should have Cat6 ethernet connector although the speed is limited real world to about 12M/sec wired and 8 M/sec wireless N. Its not a true NAS but good enough for most of us. I doubt a Cat6 is required because of the speed limitation built into TC. Although a Mac ethernet to TC does get to 33m/sec with Cat6 ethernet.
I tried true NAS its a pain in the butt.

ATV Time capsule frustration

I have an ATV (model MD199B/A) the 720p version, a Time Capsule 2TB and an iMac running Mountain Lion.
Up until recently the whole system ran well, but recently the ATV does not want to play. I can't access content on my iMac, getting a message saying that it can't see the network, but then I go into the setting and the network is there with 4 or 5 bars strength, or it says that Home Sharing is not turned on (it is). Sometimes it cycles around between one of these and another, and sometimes starts loading content but never gets there and hangs. During all this, I get a strong Wifi signal on my phone next to the TV.
I have repeatedly reset the ATV, the modem, the TC, opened and closed iTunes, and pretty much everything from the usual book of advice, all to no avail. Now I am on the verge of removing the ATV and putting in a Roku instead.
Can anyone give some advice on next steps? ATV to a Genius Bar?

As a follow up, I have taken out the 3rd Gen and put back in my first gen ATV with the 160Gig HD, and the content is happily syncing across, so this is clealry a problem firmly belonging to the 3rd Gen plus or minus recent software.

Can I use a time capsule as a itunes server to which my Atv v2 can connect to?

I have currently an Apple tv second generation, which streams video's from my Itunes computer when it's powered on. What I want to accomplish is to have all my library on a NAS somewhere and that my appletv can stream my whole library without any computer turned on. Can the time capsule do this?
Thanks,
filip

No. A Time Capsule has no media serving logic.

Will Time Capsule replace an ATV 1st Gen?

Will the Time Capsule act as a replacemnt for my aging ATV1st Gen? It has a large HD capacity and wireless streaming, so will sync with iTunes and stream content to my Airport Expresses?
Thanks.

No. Time Capsule is a router and back up repository. It will not stream data to your TV.

ATV As a Time Capsule

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