Movies added to TV app on Mac - where they at?

[DogHouseDub]

I'm trying to understand the nuances of the TV app and its function across Mac, iPhone, and TV.

• If I add a movie to the TV app on my Mac, I can view it on my AppleTV
  • Due to a peculiar organizational decision, I can't find the movie in the TV app on AppleTV - I have to go to Computers-->MyComputerName-->Movies
  • Both content and playlists created on the Mac are available here
• When I add the file on the Mac, does it:
  • copy to the cloud?
  • copy to the AppleTV?
  • stream directly from the Mac when requested?

FWIW, I run a Plex server on a NAS for personal content - Works very well. I'm trying to understand how the TV app functions and if there is a role for it in this ecosystem.

thanks all

 

[-Gonzo-]

The TV app just combines all bought, subscription and free content from the various video streaming apps that are available.
Content that you have stored on a hard drive can only be access via the computers app.

 

[niteflyr]

If you're looking for your purchased iTunes(movies/tv) video content, it can be streamed from the Movies app, as well as the TV app under the library tab.

 

[mpainesyd]

With Mojave on a Mac it is the Homesharing function in iTunes that "streams" videos to the Apple TV. In other words, the movie needs to be in the iTunes library on that Mac (the movie file can actually be on an external hard drive rather than filling up the Mac's hard drive). I understand that Catalina has a similar process which is why you need the Computers app on the Apple TV to play a movie from the Mac.

 

[Edd70]

The TV app seems deliberately disorienting. In order to sell content, Apple decided to confuse the user. Not a great long term strategy for Apple TV+ but whatever.

 

[DogHouseDub]

The TV app seems deliberately disorienting. In order to sell content, Apple decided to confuse the user. Not a great long term strategy for Apple TV+ but whatever.

^^^THIS^^^

The lack of continuity between sources is maddening. Having the user place videos into an app called TV on the Mac, and then having it NOT available in an app called TV on the other devices - which have a VERY similar icon to boot - shows a real disconnect between the dev teams.

Makes you wonder if any of the managers actually use an AppleTV at home