if I plug a hard drive into my router's USB port, can I play the videos on the hard drive with ATV4?

[Taisiya]

if I plug a hard drive into my router's USB port, can I play the videos on the hard drive with ATV4?

 

[Inutopia]

Probably.

 

[rolsskk]

if I plug a hard drive into my router's USB port, can I play the videos on the hard drive with ATV4?

Maybe. Depends on the format of them and the like. There also might be an ATV app that'll let you watch any of the files.

 

[thatguy73]

Maybe. Depends on the format of them and the like. There also might be an ATV app that'll let you watch any of the files.

Maybe if you set your iTunes library on the networked drive.

 

[kch50428]

If your computer running iTunes can see the drive and make use of it - yes... directly? No.

 

[Inutopia]

infuze

 

[benjitek]

Plex

 

[Hermes Monster]

I do this exact thing, but I use a Airport Time Capsule, so it will depend on your router as to whether it will work or not.

Try the Infuse app, it's fantastic. Doing it this way means you can bypass your Mac and iTunes library.

 

[jdag]

The short answer is: YES.

The long answer is: You cannot do it directly without some "intermediary help". Either:

1) A server program running on a computer that accesses the external hard drive. 2 primary server programs are iTunes and Plex. You would install iTunes and/or Plex on your computer, point those programs to the external hard drive, and then playback via the AppleTV 4. If using iTunes, you'd play via the ATV4s Computers app. If using Plex, you'd play via the ATV4's Plex app (you'd have to 1st install from the App store).

OR

2) A program such as Infuse that can access any hard drive on the network directly. Infuse is an app you can install from the App store. There are other programs like Infuse, I just can't recall their names off hand.

 

[chrisadams]

I have a DLNA NAS that VLC can see and stream locally from just fine. If the USB port on your router supports DLNA then there are several options to access content on that device.

 

[mic j]

I currently use Infuse to play movies on a HDD connected to an AEBS. Although router dependent, your scenario is easily doable. I recommend Infuse over Plex and VLC. I have tried both. Plex is good if you want to stream to different devices (iPad, iPhone, and want to stream while not local). VLC for the aTV4 is a mess right now, especial from an audio standpoint.

Infuse plays most anything without needing a server, like Plex) running on a Mac or PC. They also have great HD audio support. It's $10 (I think) for the Pro version which gives the DTS and HD audio support. But well worth the price. If you don't need remote streaming, Infuse is the way to go, IMHO.

 

[zorinlynx]

Does InFuse work well for seeking in videos? I tried several "Play videos on the network" apps that were around when ATV4 came out and all of them had problems seeking.

 

[phrehdd]

I'll just mention another side to this. Assuming you can "see" the USB drive attached to your router, you may find that when not in use the drive goes to sleep. You will need to test and if so, find a way of having the drive awake on line before attempting to play a file off of it. There are several ways to accomplish this and best I leave this to those here who use ATV and have their own experiences to share with you.

 

[von franklin]

depends on what kind of router you have

 

[phrehdd]

depends on what kind of router you have

Exactly, thus one should check on the router being used for its advantages and disadvantages and how to engage the challenges if any.

 

[Hermes Monster]

Does InFuse work well for seeking in videos? I tried several "Play videos on the network" apps that were around when ATV4 came out and all of them had problems seeking.

obviously I know what seeking is, but for those who don't, can you clarify? Then I can hopefully answer your question