Question About Time Capsule as Media Server

Hi,
I am debating purchasing the 1TB Time Capsule. I would put all of my media and photos on the drive and use it as a Media Server. However, I'd like to verify what this thing can and cannot do before I purchase it. If anybody can comment on if TC can accomplish these tasks, I would appreciate it.
1) Will I be able to stream the TC content to my Apple TV?
2) I have a Macbook that goes with me when I travel. If I got the TC, no media content would live on my Macbook, but I'd like to access the content on the TC from the road. If I have a Mobile Me account, will I be able to access the media content on the TC from my Macbook?
3) I have a server that hosts my website, and my current router has Port Forwarding. Can you configure port forwarding with the TC?
4) I understand you can attach a USB drive to the TC. I'd like to hang a drive off of the TC to back it up. I thought I read you can do this, but has anybody found an automated way to do this? Are there any backup programs (Deja Vu or Backup) that can use the TC as a source and a TC USB drive as a target?
I appreciate any assistance with my questions.
Thanks
Chicago29

I have my TC set up as a wireless media server. I have over 800 movies and a huge music library. I Stream to my computer and to my apple TV via Itunes on my imac
Pros- since I have almost all apple stuff, IMAC, Apple TV. The installation and streaming is flawless and very easy.
COns- The TC is extremely slow to write to. So getting stuff on it takes forever even if you use a LAN cable. Once it is on -no problems.
Since the TC is so slow itunes will sometimes show things as not being there when it does a quick scan or not playable. This is remedied by just restarting itunes once the TC harddrive is up to speed.
Price- You can get a wireless router and a 1TB external for $150 and have a faster machine that does the same thing without all the speed problems.
I was a little MAC crazy when the TC came out and bought it before the reviews were out. IN hindsight I would have just bought a wireless router and an external and saved myself the money. But I have it and it works. Kindof like a mule.

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NAS capabilities of the Time Capsule as media server after Snow Leopard

Why does Apple have to prevent the Time Capsule being used as a media server? I accept that it was never sold as such but pre-Snow Leopard it worked fine and was the ONLY reason I bought it in the first place.
I don't like Time machine. I have my own back-up procedures in place to take care of that. What I DO like is being able to have all my media in one place in my house instead of scattered across four machines. I also like that I could back up all the TC content onto another external connected to the USB socket on the TC.
It all worked well, gave me the security of knowing my media was being backed up daily and also freed up a lot of space on my other Macs.
With the advent of Snow Leopard Apple has rendered my music server as good as useless, prevented my ability to make scheduled back-ups and is forcing me to reconfigure my system with a proper NAS so I don't risk losing over 40,000 music files and 1000s of original photographs should the hard drive in the Time Capsule fail.
This will cost me well in excess of £500 and a lot of my time. Then I will have a redundant 1TB Time Capsule and another redundant 1TB external hard drive.
Why does Apple see the need to disable this functionality? If it doesn't support it how does it know it needs to prevent it? What is the issue here? All Apple seems to do is upset a lot of people who have made an investment in Apple equipment only to have the primary reason they bought it killed off.
Am I wrong here? Have I made some kind of configuration error that means my TC just disappears from my desktop and my iTunes stops playing?
Cheers
Rich
Message was edited by: rustyintegrale

Okay, I've actually posted about this issue before but was simply told that 'Apple do not support the Time capsule as a media server', but this is my experience...
I have a modem/router supplied by my ISP that distributes wireless at 'g' standard - fine for our iPhones, but all our Macs are modern Intel models capable of using the 'n' standard.
So I bought the Time Capsule for two reasons - one to give us that faster wireless service and two to act as a media server by consolidating all the music, video and photo files we had in duplicate and triplicate across the four machines in our household.
The TC was connected to the router via gigabit ethernet and then via ethernet to my 3.06 iMac from where everything is managed. Wireless 'n' standard access at 5GHz was provided to our laptops and as expected every machine could 'see' the TC on the network.
I then moved all our media files onto the TC with no problem and added a 1TB external drive to the TC via the USB port. I then discovered that Chronosync installed on my iMac could see the TC and the TC Back-UP drive so I used that to copy everything over and set up a schedule to ensure that regular copies of new files were made.
I then added both the TC and the TC Back-Up to my login items so they would automatically mount on the desktop upon start-up. Restarting the machine proved this worked fine so I proceeded to point all the Macs' iTunes libraries to the new location on the TC and set them NOT to copy the files over when adding to library.
This all worked fine and all the Macs could access and play iTunes, surf the internet etc. except in the distant corners of the house. To help coverage I bought four new Airport Expresses with 'n' capability and set each one to extend the wireless network created by the TC.
Then I added an Apple TV and linked that to the TC network too. This again was managed via iTunes on the iMac and set to automatically synch new recordings made via my EyeTV.
This whole set-up has worked flawlessly for over a year and until I installed Snow Leopard.
When I first restarted after installation on my iMac I really noticed nothing. The TC mounted as usual and when I started iTunes my Apple TV began to automatically synch. Everything seemed to be operating normally. However when I double clicked the TC icon to access my files I got a warning message saying 'The alias “TIME CAPSULE” can’t be opened because the original item can’t be found.' I was given the choice to delete or fix the alias or just go Okay. When I chose 'fix' a new Finder window opened where the TC was clearly visible in the left column and it said I was connected. But in the next column both the TC and the TC Back-Up were greyed out.
I then dragged the TC to the Trash on my iMac and I could hear it spin up and then it finally moved.
I then opened a new Finder window, selected the TC and it came up with a preview calling it a 'Sharepoint' and no longer like a normal hard disk.
Meanwhile I realised that because iTunes was no longer 'seeing' the TC it had defaulted to the Music folder in my Home folder and was now busy deleting all my Apple TV stuff because it couldn't find the originals.
This has been going on for several weeks now and I am increasingly frustrated by trying to find a workaround. Meanwhile Chronosync no longer makes scheduled back-ups because the drives don't mount on start-up - well they do as aliases but that's no good if they're not linked to the originals!
What bothers me is that all this stuff worked like a dream under Leopard - indeed many others have similarly used Time Capsule as a media server and must no doubt be seeing similar issues to my own.
If I can't continue using the TC this way then Apple have essentially removed the very functionality I bought it for and thus rendered it useless.
Of course if there is a glaring configuration error or even an adjustment post-Snow Leopard that needs to be made then please tell me. However the original reply to my older post of 'Apple do not support the Time capsule as a media server' does not leave me with much confidence in getting this resolved any time soon.
I have everything crossed however...
Cheers
rich
Message was edited by: rustyintegrale

Partitioned Time Capsule as Media Server for HTPC

I recently made the big switch to Apple - purchasing a Mac Mini, Imac and Time Capsule - and wish to use the Time Capsule to back-up the Imac (in office) via Time Machine and serve media to the Imac and Mac Mini (HTPC). The reason I want to do it this way is because I want to use Front Row to play media via the Mac Mini. I initially had the Mac Mini linked to Itunes media on the IMac (where I currently store all of my music) using Home Share, but every time the Imac went into sleep mode, I would lose access to the media.
I have successfully partitioned the Time Capsule into two virtual drives - one for Time Machine back-ups and one for media to be accessed by the imac and mac mini (no easy feat). I copied all of my media from the Imac to the proper Time Capsule partition. Additionally, I was able to "point" itunes on each computer to the itunes file on the Time Capsule.
The problem is, when one computer is pointed to the Time Capsule, I lose the connection on the other and it diverts back to the old location of the media files. My questions:
1. Is it possible to do what I am trying to do?
2. Is there a better way of creating a permanent connection to Itunes between two computers so that I don't lose the connection when they "sleep"? (I tried using the function where the computers would wake on network access, but it didn't seem to work.
Thanks for you help!

Over my head wrote:
I have successfully partitioned the Time Capsule into two virtual drives - one for Time Machine back-ups and one for media to be accessed by the imac and mac mini (no easy feat).
Were you able to do that without physically removing the drive? If so, how?

Need help Using Time Capsule As Media Server

New time capsule owner was wondering if someone could help me set it where i can put all my digital media, Itunes, Dvd-rips on to the TC and use it as a Media Server.
Thanks for your help fellas

You will need to run media server on a PC / Mac and use TC as NAS that stored your media files.

How to use time capsule as media server on samsung tv

My time capsule is connected via lan with my samsung Series7.
The tv has a connectin to the internet via lan.
I want to stream movies from the time capsule directly via lan to the tv.
"All Share" doesn't see my time capsule.
Do I really have to install a server-software on time capsule?
If yes, how?

There is no media server in the TC or available to load in the TC. The TV is probably needing DLNA streaming which Apple will not do.. since they use their own standard.
You have to have a player between the devices.. and not an Apple TV unless it has been JB.. because Apple places too many limitations on it. You cannot JB the latest ATV v3. So look at other products.. eg WDTV live.
Or many others that can play media files stored on the TC to the TV.
Or you need to use iPad or media computer to stream from itunes to the ATV plugged into the TV.. it does get complicated.

Question about Time Capsule

Hello.
I would like to buy a Time capsule 2 T but I have 2 questions.
- Could I do backup with Time machine from 2 diferente computers (Mac Mini and Mac Book Pro) over 1 time capsule?
- Could I share some data from the hard disk of time capsule to internet (by ftp or something like that)?
Thanks in advance.

- Could I share some data from the hard disk of time capsule to internet (by ftp or something like that)?
Thanks in advance.
Not smarter but have studied and done it.
There is no way to use ftp as there is no ftp server or client in the TC.. in fact there is nought but AFP offered to internet. SMB is offered locally as well.. in other words you have Apple files and Windows files.. and that my friend as they say is that. You cannot access SMB over the internet without using vpn which I can explain if you want.
To access AFP over internet you need a Mac.. there is no windows client.
You need the TC to get public IP on the wan side.. in which case you just tick a box for internet access. And put a password on the disk access.
Or if the TC is behind another router, the TC must be bridged and you will need to port forward TCP port 548 to the IP address of the TC.
So yes, possible, not necessarily easy nor highly secure. AFP would be subject to man in the middle type attack. although it is not likely. Judge how secure your info should be.
VPN is the really only right way to do this with reasonable security.
You also then need to mix data and backups on the TC and this has issues.
http://pondini.org/TM/TCQ3.html
The TC is not a NAS.. it is a back up device designed for TM and in particular for wireless connection by laptops to ensure they get backed-up.
There is no inbuilt method of backup of data actually stored on a TC.
You might find there are better NAS devices available that offer external access by secure FTP or HTTPS etc.. that can also do TM backups.. eg Netgear, Synology or QNAP are the main ones.

Question about Time Capsule as primary router

Hi everyone. I'm ready to upgrade my backup drive to take advantage of Leopard's Time Machine. I'm trying to decide between a simple 500 GB firewire drive or spending the extra for the Time Capsule. I have and intel iMac and an older 12 inch powerbook so I understand the advantages of wirelessly backing up my info.
My question is this - in reading reviews, its suggested that I use Time Capsule as the primary router. However, I had AT&T install U-Verse cable and DSL in my house a few months back and it works flawlessly. I'm using the 2Wire AT&T Uverse modem/router as my router. Can I easily make the Time Capsule my primary router without disrupting what is currently a very good network and is it a simple adjustment? Also, if I opt to make Time Capsule part of the network and use my current AT&T router as the primary, will I notice a significant slowdown as some reviews have suggested.
Any help would be appreciated.
thanks
Kory

Depends if you want the fast transfer speed of files. The wireless TC file transfer will be about 8M/sec and ethernet about 15M/sec
Firewire 400 will be about 25M/sec and so will USB2.

Question about Time Capsule and Spotlight

I have a simple question about using Time Capsule and Spotlight. Is everything that goes on to Time Capsule indexed into Spotlight? It would appear so but when I search for something (that is still on my hard drive and also backed up to Spotlight) only the local copy appears. Would it be that it finds the closest copy and if that were not there it would point to the Time Capsule copy? Thanks in advance for clarifying this for me.

The automatic setup in the airport utility has changed something.
Is the line down to the TC from the express dotted.. in other words is wireless??
Funny stuff happens.
Please post the screenshots of the 3 pages from the airport utility setup for both airport express and TC..
Make sure wireless is set to off in the express.
Both should be set to dhcp on the internet tab and both set to off bridge mode on the network tab.
So for example the bridge on the network tab.
The summary page can also be a help.
There is a half summary page when you click the item in the airport utility.
There is also a fully summary page, when you hold option key and double click the TC icon for example.

External HDD (via USB) to Time Capsule as Media Server?

I bought a 3TB Seagate Backup Plus i will like to link to my 3TB Time Capsule as a media Server... anything I must do in particular?

Make sure it is Mac formatted.. HFS+
Other than that.. expect low slow speeds.. when the computer can find the TC at all.

Time Capsule as Media Server

Hi guys,
I bought a Time Capsule a month ago and now I wanted to access the data stored on it with my Philips TV (40PFL9705K/02). Unfortunately it does not allow it to me until I install an Media Server. Now I wanted to ask you if someone has already solved this issue?
Thanks for your help,
Andreas

too bad.
it's exactly the info i was seeking as well. - why dosn't apple provide solutions for people with mulitple macs ? it's much more common in my surrounding than multiple people sharing one mac (as supportet by os x)

Few questions about Time Capsule

I'm getting a Time Capsule soon & have a few questions:
Could I use my old router (Netgear WNR854T Gigabit) somewhere else in the house to boost the wireless signal?
(My house is very long. The office (where the router is located) is at one end of the house & with my current N router & the signal doesn’t quite reach the other end of the house). If so are there instructions somewhere on setting this up?
Could I run the first Time Machine backup connected via ethernet then once the full backup is complete switch to backing up via AirPort?
If I attach a USB drive could I use Time Machine to backup to the USB drive & leave the storage on board the Time Capsule for other purposes, or can it only backup via Time Machine to the Time Capsule’s default storage?
If I use Time Machine to backup to Time Capsule’s default storage is it possible to partition the disk so that there’s a fixed amount of space allocated to the Time Machine backup. If not is it possible to specify in the settings how much space allocated to the Time Machine backup?
I take it I could set the Time Capsule at N speed & my iPhone will still connect at the G speed right?

Some issues I can answer:
You cannot use your Netgear to extend the Range. Another Airport would be necessary and it still will be a critical theme. Instructions are easily to locate in the Help of of the AirPort Utility.
Yep, you can run the first BackUp via Ethernet.
I cannot surely answer your questions concerning TimeMachine as I dont use it, eventhough I like my TimeCapsule.
11n supports different modi. There is a 11n modus which will allow your iPhone to
connect, while other modi just allow only 11n devices.
In general:
Dont expect to much from 11n. Its better than 11g but not that much. I just made tests and ended up, prefering a 100Mbit DLAN connection which was way faster and more reliable than 300Mbit via 11n-only 5Ghz.
'Hope I could help a little bit.

Question about Time Capsule and Airport Express co-existence

I have a new 3TB ME182LL/A Time Capsule attached to my wired home LAN, in bridge mode. It works fine both as an access point on the upper floors of my home and as a Time Machine device. I also have an Airport Express, whose function in my network is solely to control my whole-house audio system from ITunes. I don't need, want, or use the wireless networking features of the Airport Express. I just have an audio cable running from it to my stereo, and an Ethernet patch cable connects it to my wired LAN. The network mode in the Airport Express is set to "off". Historically, the Airport Express has worked fine in this wired lan mode. However, I unplugged it at some point while having some initial trouble deploying the new Time Capsule and only turned it back on today. After turning it back on I observed something strange. My speedy wireless connection upstairs via the Time Capsule became slow. And when I launched Airport Utility, it drew a network diagram which showed my Time Capsule as a CLIENT of the Airport Express. In other words, the network diagram showed Internet at the top, then a vertical line down the the Airport Express, then the Time Capsule below that. The correct / desired diagram would be the Time Capsule and Airport express as peers. I connected to the Airport Express and verified that network mode was set to "off" but the incorrect network diagram persisted (as did poor wireless performance) until I unplugged the Airport Express. After I did that, the Airport Utility drew the network correctly, although of course it showed a yellow caution sign next to the Airport Express, since it was down. And my wireless speed / reliability returned to normal. What is going on here?

The automatic setup in the airport utility has changed something.
Is the line down to the TC from the express dotted.. in other words is wireless??
Funny stuff happens.
Please post the screenshots of the 3 pages from the airport utility setup for both airport express and TC..
Make sure wireless is set to off in the express.
Both should be set to dhcp on the internet tab and both set to off bridge mode on the network tab.
So for example the bridge on the network tab.
The summary page can also be a help.
There is a half summary page when you click the item in the airport utility.
There is also a fully summary page, when you hold option key and double click the TC icon for example.

Can I use Time Capsule for a server ?

hi,
i was wondering if I can use Time Capsule for a server.
Let's say I have an ubuntu server, and I'm running some websites and web applications on it.
I would install these appications on ubuntu but then store the "file folders" of each website or application (with images, videos, etc.. ) on Airport capsule and leave only the application files on the server.
Is this feasable ?
Thanks
Patrick

Welcome to the discussions!
+Is this feasible ?+
Feasible, yes. Practical, no...unless you are willing to put up with very slow access to files that are on the Time Capsule.
Keep in mind that the Time Capsule was designed primarily for Time Machine backups, not as a media server for quick access to data. You might want to explore other options that would allow much faster access to files when you need them.

I am a novice - I need a simple, plug & go, external hard drive ... Have read various reports about Time Capsule ... Any opinions or alternatives? I am old, & need simple answers please - nothing complicated ... Thanks ...

I am a novice - I need a simple, reliable, plug & go (U.K.) external hard drive (1-3 TB) Have read various reports (good & bad) about Time Capsules - opinions & alternatives please .. I am old, so please keep answers simple - anything containing 'stuff' I won't understand & I'll ignore it .... Thanks in anticipation ...

I consider Time Capsule slow, mainly because it depends upon a wireless network for backing up. I tried it, but went back to the plug and play FW800 wired backup. Since this particular forum is for the MacBook Pro hardware, I'd suggest the following two forums to search for your answer (or ask questions):
Time Machine
Time Capsule
Since you want easy, the external hard drive is about as easy as it gets. Buy. Unpack. Plug into your Mac. Format (if you don't buy a Mac formatted one, which is unnecessary). Go to System Preferences>Time Machine. Choose the disk as the time machine. Turn on.

Can i use my time capsule as ftp server

Hello to everyone,
resently I have read in the net that it is possible to set the time capsule as ftp server and also as a local server.
Can enyone explain me how to do it pracally?
Thank to people hwo will help in advance.

You heard wrong.. there is no ftp server in the TC..
It can do SMB to windows and AFP to apple.. and that my friend is that.
If you load files onto the TC you can access them remotely only via AFP.. google search remote access time capsule.

Question About Time Capsule as Media Server

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