External HD connected to my AirPort Extreme...Can it be shared by iPads and iPhones, or only by a full computer?

Question

The question pretty much states it...My vision when I chose and purchased this router was to make use of an existing hard drive by connecting it USB creating a network drive.  So far, the only use I am really getting from it is the daily Time Capsule backup.  Though it DOES function as a network drive from my MacBook, my dream was to utilize it for storing my movie collection and be able to watch them from an iPad or iPhone.  What it looks like, after having the drive connected and active for a while now, is that only the computer will ever be able to access it.  Am I correct that this my only option, or is there some voodoo that will also allow use of the drive from the more mobile devices as well?  Also, if I had instead purchased the AirPort Time Capsule with built-in HD, would it have been more suited to my intent of creating a "movie hub"?  Thanks.

Answer 1

You can share files with iOS devices by using filebrowser or other file app.
To play movies on the iOS device though you would need a player that is outside of itunes.. because itunes will not play from the router.. it has no media extensions.. neither does the TC which merely adds an internal disk but is otherwise identical.
So look up how to play movies with a player on the iOS.. there is several available I am sure.
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/apple/3512138/how-put-films-on-ipad/
BUT itunes depends on a computer running in the network.. so storing the itunes library on the AE is useless.. and will slow the network down no end. It is much better to put files where they can be accessed.. ie directly on the computer.