HELP: Sync on AppleTV w/o having files on computer HD and In Depth Info

Hey Guys,

First post here, hope you can help me out.

1st off - I am trying to find a way to sync Apple TV w/o needing to have files on Computer HD (External HD is an option) - Here is the problem I am constantly updating my Apple TV with new movies and I have read around and saw that if you do the command drag (running MacBook), you can somehow update these files when external HD is connected... If I sync after that, will I lose my files? (Link to explanation of how to do this will be okay as well)

2nd - I want to make all of my movie files look like the digital downloads - PG, G, PG-13, R, AA etc. on my AppleTV so that it looks like I have them all digital downloads (Information, director, description, etc.) I have fooled around with the info pane (cmd-I in iTunes) and I have tried to update director, genre, artwork, etc. The only thing that has come up properly on the Apple TV is the artwork... Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I am particularily anal about any information on my computer and it's organization . Thanks in advance for the advice.

Regards and glad to be a part of the forum.

ncsimmons03 - Tried it tonight. It corrupted my file and I can't load it to the appleTV nemore. But it was definitely what I was trying to do - even with the ratings and everything - it really got me excited (only to be let down unfortunately)... No big deal though, I'm still searching for an answer.

mstrze - I wish i had the $ to do that. Cause if i could, I would. I just have my macbook and my girlfriend's macbook pro - might have to make the mac mini investment in the near future. When i first got it and played around with it, that is how i pictured my media centre to be set up (itunes, iphone, mac mini, appletv... god it all works so well together - which is one of the best parts about apple products).

I went to the apple retail store today to ask them about another problem that I had with my computer - and I asked the guy after they fixed my battery how to do #2 - He didn't know - said he would email me a response when he took his "study break" that i guess apple employees get... nothing yet... so patiently waiting... I would love if someone actually came out with a program similar to metax that worked...


Still looking for answers for both of the questions pls...

Wow,

This is a really helpful forum... considering this is my first post, I am really impressed with the amount of help that I am receiving. Thanks in advance to everyone. I have tried Vidalin and MetaX now.

Vidalin - No luck - same thing with MetaX - Says that the file has been converted, but nothing changes - at least with Vidalin, I didn't lose the movie (I disregarded the backup your file warning oops!)

Right now I am converting using iFlick - you have to purchase it within 15 days I noticed, but if it works, I am definitely looking to purchase it - because it will solve my problem. Just waiting for the convert will let you guys know in 45 minutes what the outcome is.

Thanks again for all your help - still awaiting answer for question 1. There are some of my movies that are ~1.2 gigs and that takes up a lot more on my MacBook than I would like...

Also, I am using Handbrake to convert - god that program is amazing - and then for DVD conversions, I am using mediafork - another great program, just takes a long time to grab and convert DVDs.

Thanks again for all of your help people.

*Edit: Just used iFlicks - WORKS PERFECTLY - Even tags the movies in iTunes... Oh man, now I have a bit of fooling around to do...

Thx again guys!

bohbot16, would you mind emailing me? davevirro@rogers.com

thanks.