Apple Invites Developers to Begin Submitting tvOS Apps for Review

[Crzyrio]

I still don't get what Plex exactly is. All I want to do is streaming my .mkv / .iso files from my NAS to the AppleTV (like I do it right now with a cheap WD TV Media Player.
I understand that it is not possible with Apple TV (without an App). So is this what Plex is all about?
Thanks

Plex will require a computer running, it will take stuff from your NAS transcode it to the format you require and stream it to your device, what ever it may be.

I just recently set up my server with a 2012 Mac Mini, and I am truly surprised how well everything just works. Stoked for the release of their app.

 

[distemp]

So with that 200 MB thing...does that mean that only 200 MB are saved on the Apple TV by each app? Why would I get a 64GB model if that's the case?

 

[snowmoon]

Touch ID?

If it's anything like other touch id devices you still need to enter the full password every time it boots.

 

[scenicX]

apps may be a maximum of 200 MB in the main app bundle with up to 20 GB of content to be downloaded on-demand as users need it.

So is the new cap 20gb, or is this a typo?

 

[Jeremy1026]

Time to wrap up my game now I suppose. Good thing I am pretty darn close to having it launch ready.

So the real question is if there will be in-app purchases so kids don't charge up credit cards again. #freemium

In app purchases are available to developers

 

[Jeremy1026]

So is the new cap 20gb, or is this a typo?

20gb of external assets. 200mb is the max initial bundle size. These limits are for tvOS only.

 

[Crzyrio]

So with that 200 MB thing...does that mean that only 200 MB are saved on the Apple TV by each app? Why would I get a 64GB model if that's the case?

200MB is the install of the app, it can download additional content while you are using it.

 

[Ray2]

I haven't used Plex in years, but does Plex still require a computer to be running with the Plex server? I have a hard drive attached to my Airport Extreme. Can I use Plex from that? I have been using Infuse to AirPlay to my current TV.

As above as well as the fact it needs to be running. Plex does not support wake on lan (yes really). Best to put the player and server on the same box. But for multiple players, like I have, its a walk across the house every time someone wants to watch Plex or, don't let the server sleep, what I do. Which means with 14 gig of Thunderbolt connected externals in multibay enclosures, I get to listen to disks spinning and fans running all the time. Externals don't sleep with Thunderbolt.

 

[Carlanga]

wish the aTV3 had support for the new OS. Won't update to the aTV4

 

[Carlanga]

If it's anything like other touch id devices you still need to enter the full password every time it boots.

unless you unplug or the power goes out an aTV is always on standby.

 

[jlormsby]

It will be interesting to see if Amazon is filing for its app. They removed Apple TV and Chromecast from their store for not supporting Amazon platforms, however the question remained whether Amazon even bothered filing a request to be on Apple's platform.

This will actually be the determining factor for me whether I buy a new AppleTV or a Roku.

Already have a couple Gen 3's but want access to my Amazon Prime video (since I'm paying for it).

Although the new aTV has a couple of great new features, they are not compelling enough on their own for me to buy a new one AND buy a Roku so I can get Amazon Prime.

I'll wait a few weeks to see if someone comes out with an Amazon app before I make my decision.

 

[noidpr]

Plex is all i need!!!

 

[jlormsby]

Plex will require a computer running,

That is not entirely true. Synology NAS's can run as a Plex server without the need for an additional computer.

Have not done this myself but there is a section on the Synology site about doing this.

Would assume other NAS drives might be able to do this too.

 

[jlormsby]

Sound so great! its nice to se how AppleTV can replace small media centers and Nintendo's consol in graphic!

The first app's i hope there will be there is PLEX or Synology NAS's application like DS Video and more... hope all orther NAS manufacture coming fast up to AppleTV for media content streaming!

Yea, since Synology has been great about coming out with there DS Video app for iOS, I expect they will come out with one for tvOS too.

Would mean we would not have to airplay from an iOS device like we do now to get video to an existing aTV.

 

[Crzyrio]

That is not entirely true. Synology NAS's can run as a Plex server without the need for an additional computer.

Have not done this myself but there is a section on the Synology site about doing this.

Would assume other NAS drives might be able to do this too.

No doubt NAS can run Plex but it is VERY limited, unless you buy some of the more expensive ones 1k+ with decent processors.

I tried using Plex on my DS212 and it was capable of just streaming and no trans-coding.

Looking at the list of supported NAS, all of the models less than 1k cant do 1080p transcode. And Plex with no transcoding almost defeats the purpose.

I spent $400 on a Mac Mini and it is just so much easier. I now have Sickrage on my Synology automatically downloading shows everyweek and they just show up in Plex . I dont have to worry about making sure they are in the right format or anything.

 

[zhenya]

I still don't get what Plex exactly is. All I want to do is streaming my .mkv / .iso files from my NAS to the AppleTV (like I do it right now with a cheap WD TV Media Player.
I understand that it is not possible with Apple TV (without an App). So is this what Plex is all about?
Thanks

Yes, but unless you want some of the specific features that Plex offers, I would hold out for something from the creators of Air Video HD. I've been using Air Video via Airplay for years and it works fantastically. You install the helper app on your computer where the files you want to view are stored and it takes care of converting any file type to something that can be played by iOS. With a native ATV app you will no longer need an iOS device in the middle.

Plex is likely to be the most important App on the Atv.

For a narrow segment of the geek population, maybe. For the rest of the world Plex is way too buggy and way too complex to make a dent.

 

[laze13]

wish i could get the new  tv, but its not in my budget right now ahhh. Soon enough just a couple more weeks or months to get this so excited.

 

[Aluminum213]

Let's see if they actually allow Vudu this time, or are we going to be forced to stick with iTunes movies

 

[TheWhiteGuardian]

I haven't used Plex in years, but does Plex still require a computer to be running with the Plex server? I have a hard drive attached to my Airport Extreme. Can I use Plex from that? I have been using Infuse to AirPlay to my current TV.

Infuse is great! Firecore are working on an tvOS app right now so it will most likely be here soon and if it´s approved. Also store video files on an external drive connected tom my Time Capsule (Airport).

 

[BeefCake 15]

I am so curious to see with what ideas developers will come up. Will buy the new Apple TV probably anyway, don't have 4K TV and don't plant on buying one in the next 10 or 12 years. Just bought a 1080p HD TV two years ago.

That's quite the planning forecast you got there, I can barely figure out what sandwich to take to work in the next 1-2 days....

 

[BeefCake 15]

I'm using OpenELEC on a Rpi 2 to pull my movies and TV shows from my NAS connected to a router with Tomato Firmware running DLNA as well. The pi even integrates with my LG SimpLink software to allow me to control it through the TV remote.

Energy efficient and handles my library of videos. The downside is there is no NetFlix, Amazon prime etc. which I handle with the PlayStation.

 

[rhett7660]

Crosses fingers that plex app is approved for launch...

You and me both!!! Fingers are crossed!!!!!!!

 

[ZeRoLiMiT]

Lets just hope apple will let plex in!

 

[nebo1ss]

No doubt NAS can run Plex but it is VERY limited, unless you buy some of the more expensive ones 1k+ with decent processors.

I tried using Plex on my DS212 and it was capable of just streaming and no trans-coding.

Looking at the list of supported NAS, all of the models less than 1k cant do 1080p transcode. And Plex with no transcoding almost defeats the purpose.

I spent $400 on a Mac Mini and it is just so much easier. I now have Sickrage on my Synology automatically downloading shows everyweek and they just show up in Plex . I dont have to worry about making sure they are in the right format or anything.

Totally agree, a used mac mini is probably the best place to run the Plex server and you can pick them up quite cheaply. The client can run on just about any device. When i first started using Plex it only ran on a Mac OS X environment. It has gradually been ported to other platforms. An intel NUC also makes a great HTPC server.

My Mac mini sits under the main TV in the living room and runs the client as well and connects to the TV with HDMI. I have other clients on chrome cast, Smart TV's and have a ROKU 4 on order that all run Plex clients connected to the one server.

 

[Crzyrio]

Totally agree, a used mac mini is probably the best place to run the Plex server and you can pick them up quite cheaply. The client can run on just about any device. When i first started using Plex it only ran on a Mac OS X environment. It has gradually been ported to other platforms. An intel NUC also makes a great HTPC server.

My Mac mini sits under the main TV in the living room and runs the client as well and connects to the TV with HDMI. I have other clients on chrome cast, Smart TV's and have a ROKU 4 on order that all run Plex clients connected to the one server.

Yeah, the thing that makes the Mini stand out though is the power usage.

Sleep: >1W
Idle: >5W
Transcoding upto 100% CPU >40W