Is Apple ever going to add AirTunes to the AirPort Extreme and/or Time Capsule?

[devburke]

Why this glaring omission? I mean, they don't really expect everyone that buys an Extreme or TC to spend an extra $100 just for AirTunes, do they?

[gr8tfly]

Probably not, since a/v support what the :apple:tv is all about (it supports AirTunes).

[devburke]

Probably not, since a/v support what the :apple:tv is all about (it supports AirTunes).

But that's an entirely different product. I mean, they offer AirTunes in their lowest-end router, the AirPort Express. I'd buy that on top of an Extreme before throwing down for an ATV. It just doesn't make sense to me that they would have something like that ONLY on the cheapest model.

[rgarjr]

I think the reason they have it only on the express is because its nice and small box.

[Hot Snowboarder]

nope.

[cube]

AirTunes is overrated. It's no good for video.

[OllyW]

AirTunes is overrated. It's no good for video.

It isn't supposed to do video. AirTunes is just a relatively inexpensive solution for wireless multiroom music systems.

[cube]

It isn't supposed to do video. AirTunes is just a relatively inexpensive solution for wireless multiroom music systems.

I see it as a locked audio solution. It is useless to open it with AirFoil for video.

[OllyW]

I see it as a locked audio solution. It is useless to open it with AirFoil for video.

But Apple makes no claims for the AirPort Express to support video (http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/features/airtunes.html). It doesn't even have any video outputs.

[cube]

But Apple makes no claims for the AirPort Express to support video (http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/features/airtunes.html). It doesn't even have any video outputs.

Audio from video. You can only use the AirFoil video player, which is no good for TV tuners and web videos.

[OllyW]

Audio from video. You can only use the AirFoil video player, which is no good for TV tuners and web videos.

I wouldn't imagine the market for listening to the audio track of a video that is playing in a different room is that great. You probably need something more specialised for your needs.

Apple only promote AirTunes as a feature that works with iTunes. It does what it is supposed to do really well and is inexpensive for what it does.

It obviously isn't the right product for you.

[cube]

I wouldn't imagine the market for listening to the audio track of a video that is playing in a different room is that great. You probably need something more specialised for your needs.


There is no dock for the MacBooks. I just want to listen the audio in the same room without having to connect any more wires. A lot of people would also want to do this.

[OllyW]

There is no dock for the MacBooks. I just want to listen the audio in the same room without having to connect any more wires. A lot of people would also want to do this.

I don't think Apple are going to give you what you want. AirTunes has been around for 5 years and still only officially supports audio from iTunes.

You either need third party software or alternative hardware to met your needs. Have you thought about Bluetooth speaker systems?

[cube]

I don't think Apple are going to give you what you want. AirTunes has been around for 5 years and still only officially supports audio from iTunes.

You either need third party software or alternative hardware to met your needs. Have you thought about Bluetooth speaker systems?

I have a hifi system.

If I can work around with the simple AU Lab components through another Mac, I should be able to do it without hassle through my Express without all this encryption/buffering crap.

[aristobrat]

But that's an entirely different product. I mean, they offer AirTunes in their lowest-end router, the AirPort Express. I'd buy that on top of an Extreme before throwing down for an ATV. It just doesn't make sense to me that they would have something like that ONLY on the cheapest model.
I don't think that most people would put a top-end router right next to their AV equipment, esp. when one of the routers features is a 4-port switch.

I wonder how many people have their Internet connection, wired computers, and AV equipment all next to each other?

I'd guess that Apple intended their solution to work like you suggested -- an Extreme running the network, and then Expresses where audio is needed.

[Tilpots]

I'd like to see Airtunes on the Extreme or even the TC as well. Just makes sense to include this. There's gotta be enough room inside to include the DAC and the optical out can't take up that much space...

[rkdiddy]

I don't think that most people would put a top-end router right next to their AV equipment, esp. when one of the routers features is a 4-port switch.

I wonder how many people have their Internet connection, wired computers, and AV equipment all next to each other?

I'd guess that Apple intended their solution to work like you suggested -- an Extreme running the network, and then Expresses where audio is needed.

Maybe I'm the only one. :confused:

My setup:
Bose Lifestyle 35
Yamaha Receiver (powers built in speakers)
DVR

Motorola Cable Modem
Airport Extreme Base Station w/ External 1tb WD HD
Slingbox
Airport Express w/ Air Tunes

I was thinking how I would love if my AEBS had airtunes functionality - then I could use the Express to extend the network somewhere else.

[Wakakanada]

I think the problem with Airport Express is that it does too much and people then think the other products like TC and Airport Extreme should also be as versatile. The idea with the Express was adding a network to your stereo so it can play itunes via wifi. It does this extremely well, having revitalized my 15 year old stereo. It's really a one trick pony that has a few extra tricks, I think. TC and the Extreme don't need Airtunes.

[dave999z]

if they added airtunes to TC then they wouldn't sell any more airport expresses.

for anyone in a studio or one bedroom apt, TC should have an audio jack. it's ridiculous.

[nineohtoo]

^But since it doesn't, I have both an AE and AEBS... plugged into the same surge protector.

It's okay though. It allows me to run G for my iPhone and laptops that can't access N, while my MacBook enjoys the N, on top of getting my iTunes and VLC audio wireless.

But I would pay extra money for web video support, hell even Hulu since that's what I mostly use. Now that many networks host entire seasons online in decent quality, it would be nice to be able to stream that audio to my iPod HiFi.

[ghileman]

just in case anyone from Apple is listening...