Apple TV and storage

ferrarofilms said:

Before I purchase it I need answers to some questions:
1-Can an external hard drive be used with in conjunction it?
2-If so, does it need to be connected to it by USB or can it be connected to the computer.
Thanks in advance

Click to expand...

Are you going to hack it? If so, yes. You have a choice.

1. Plug an external right into it.
2. Access an external somewhere on your network.

No hack? NO

ferrarofilms said:

Before I purchase it I need answers to some questions:
1-Can an external hard drive be used with in conjunction it?
2-If so, does it need to be connected to it by USB or can it be connected to the computer.
Thanks in advance

Click to expand...

Yes, you need a so-called Patchstick to hack your ATV. You can then use an external uSB drive either additionally to the internal drive or you can use it instead of the internal drive (to sync with iTunes)

Yes, you can keep all your files on a USB drive which is connected to your computer, either directly or via an AirPort Extreme/Time Capsule. These files then stream to the TV via iTunes running on the computer, so for it to work, the computer must be on, but you don't need to hack the TV to do it this way, it's how it's supposed to work.

The next question should be 'what kind of files?' if they are not iTunes supported then you will need to hack it.

Chris Rogers said:

The next question should be 'what kind of files?' if they are not iTunes supported then you will need to hack it.

Click to expand...

Or, of course, convert the files. This is a good point, as the OP should be aware that the TV is fairly specific about the file types and resolutions that are supported (without hacking). See the 'Video formats supported' section here.

Regarding the external HD, I can cast another vote for using the external hooked up to your computer. Without hacking, your content can be stored wherever you want, as long it's included in your iTunes library (you should know that the contents of your iTunes library do not have to be consolidated, meaning they don't have to be stored all in one place), and can be read and streamed fast enough to support the necessary data rate for viewing. My entire iTunes library is on an external HD connected to my computer, and it works great.