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I do mind having to convert all the avi files but don't know of any other way to make them playable from the Time Capsule. Actually, I'm not sure if the issue is that the Time Capsule doesn't do non MP4 files or that the Cloud Browser app on my iPad won't play them?

The reason I bought the Time Capsule was to access movies on it with my iPad while traveling and out in the middle of nowhere with NO internet. So considering that, does the Mac Mini create its own wireless network without internet like the Time Capsule? If not, then what would be the point for getting a Mac Mini?

Think of it this way, your original system with iPad and Time Capsule will work since Time Capsule is a router, but only with Apple standard files. To play non-Apple standard files you'll need a computer to re-convert them to Apple standard. It doesn't matter what app you're using. If you want to play non-Apple standard, you'll need a computer.
Mac mini is perfect for this task. It's small and quiet and the old model is very cheap. It will be just another device connected to Time Capsule and do all the hard work. In short, your system will be much more flexible since now your iPad will talk to a real computer (instead of dumb one like Time Capsule). You can set Home Sharing on Mac mini iTunes and you will see all your musics and videos on the Apple apps on iPad. No need for browser app at all. If you want to play avi or mkv file you just install, for example, Air Video HD on iPad and Air Video server on the Mac and you're good to go.
 
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Magentawave... I have been wanting to do the same thing. I don't have TC but I I have AirPort Extreme and added a disk drive to it. My question to you is..how do you "stream" without an internet connection. Sorry if it's a dumb question not very tech savvy.
 
I use oplayer HD to play files directly from my time capsule on my iPad. Doesn't matter the file type either, however it doesn't support DTS audio. Player extreme does the same thing but does support DTS audio. However playing over the network seems broken, I think they are working on a fix.
 
Its not a dumb question but you can't stream with the Extreme with no internet connection. My understanding is that only the Airport Time Capsule allows you to stream without internet.

Magentawave... I have been wanting to do the same thing. I don't have TC but I I have AirPort Extreme and added a disk drive to it. My question to you is..how do you "stream" without an internet connection. Sorry if it's a dumb question not very tech savvy.


I couldn't get Player Extreme to work so got my money back. The File Browser app works perfectly though.

I use oplayer HD to play files directly from my time capsule on my iPad. Doesn't matter the file type either, however it doesn't support DTS audio. Player extreme does the same thing but does support DTS audio. However playing over the network seems broken, I think they are working on a fix.
 
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I have done something very similar to what the OP wants to do:

1) I have mobile hotspot in car that shares internet connection with any device in car via wifi.
2) I have $99 airport express to extend wifi network and enable airplay for any device into the aux-in port on my car stereo.
3) sharing movies in the car: two options, the first of which I've already tried (and it worked) and the second which will be my next try to improve the system:
A) attach Seagate NAS drive to LAN port on airport express, then use the Seagate app on phones and tablets to stream movies. Works, but a bit kludgy.
B) get an AirPort Extreme attached by ethernet to airport express, attach an external usb drive (solid state) filled with movies to the extreme. Stream movies using filebrowser type app on phones & tablets.

All of the above happens in my car... No computer is attached.

A couple of notes:
1) all my movies are already in mp4 format
2) I don't know the long term reliability of spinning drives in a vehicle that's bouncing around. Also the constant on/off power cycling. I will likely eventually use SSD drives for the movies.
3) my definition of streaming is simply watching a movie, music, tv show that is not saved directly on the device... Streaming can be via internet, via ethernet, via wifi, etc.
 
I never tried to rent or purchase iTunes movies before but I ripped some movies and put them into iTunes or without iTunes (your choice) I am able to watch movies from Seagate GoFlex Satellite hard drive wifi. It worked very well.
Check this out! :apple:
 
If I understand this correctly, I thought the Airport Extreme had a more powerful wifi router with more ports to plug external devices to compared to the Airport Express. So if thats true, what is the purpose for connecting the Airport Express to your Airport Extreme? Why are two routers needed?

I have done something very similar to what the OP wants to do:

B) get an AirPort Extreme attached by ethernet to airport express, attach an external usb drive (solid state) filled with movies to the extreme. Stream movies using filebrowser type app on phones & tablets.
 
If I understand this correctly, I thought the Airport Extreme had a more powerful wifi router with more ports to plug external devices to compared to the Airport Express. So if thats true, what is the purpose for connecting the Airport Express to your Airport Extreme? Why are two routers needed?

Unfortunately the two routers are each unique in their own way:
1) Airport Express - Has Airplay functionality that is not in Extreme.
2) Airport Extreme - has ability to share USB drive that the Express cannot.

I could go with a non-apple router for the usb connectivity, but then I'd probably have to format the USB drive in FAT or NTFS file system. I'd prefer to have the drive in Apple format.

Also, for the Airport Extreme, I would go with a refurb model off the Apple website for ~$85. This is the N router... last generation.
 
Magenta - I was curious what setting you used to setup tC without internet. I am wanting to watch movies store on hd as well in motor home
 
I don't remember if I got these settings from somewhere on the internet or I called Apple, but these are the settings that enable me to use my iPad 1 with the File Browser app to watch movies that are stored on my Time Capsule with NO internet connection...

1) Open Airport Utility.
2) Base Station tab: Enter name of Time Capsule and password. Check both boxes.
3) Internet tab: Select DHCP.
4) Wireless tab: Select "Create a wireless network. Enter Wireless Network Name (I entered the name I gave my Time Capsule). Check "Remember this password in my keychain." Enter password.
5) Network tab: Select DHCP and NAT. Leave the DHCP Reservations box empty. In my Port Settings box it says: "External SMB on 20445".
6) Disks tab: Check all three boxes. Where it says "Secure Shared Disks" I selected "With device password."

Magenta - I was curious what setting you used to setup tC without internet. I am wanting to watch movies store on hd as well in motor home
 
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So, I finally got everything all setup.

Yeah!

Does anyone know how I can go about watching movies I have purchased from iTunes that are loaded on time capsule
 
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