Can Appletv use a NAS server without pc being on?

no it can't connect direct to a NAS.
a "real" itunes instance must be used as the "host" (ie not a virtual itunes server on a NAS).

you can of course sync the content to the appletv so that you don't need the laptop on (just like an ipod).

I think a standalone NAS that can't run an operating system (like the WD Worlbook Essentials) that you are unable to install software on cannot stream without a PC.

When a manufacturer says they have an itunes server - they only mean that the device has been designed to store your media files - not to run the itunes software - which is required by the apple tv.

However - (and I haven't tested this yet - as it's still being shipped) - you may be able to install itunes on the HP EX490 1TB Mediasmart Home Server - as it runs Windows Home Server - in which case - you should be able to stream to the apple TV.

It seems the only requirement to stream to an apple TV is a computer running itunes - and the HP mediasmart server seems like it can fulfill that requirement.

Ted C wrote:
However - (and I haven't tested this yet - as it's still being shipped) - you may be able to install itunes on the HP EX490 1TB Mediasmart Home Server - as it runs Windows Home Server - in which case - you should be able to stream to the apple TV.

that isn't a NAS though to be fair.
it's a pc/server just without a monitor.

While it isn't a NAS - it gives the OP an alternative. The prices should be reasonably similar (if it works).

Can you please clarify this.
Can you sync the music on the NAS to Apple TV? My problem is that I want to store Itunes on a drive other than my PC. I want that drive to be accessible to the Apple TV.
Any help much appreciated.

racey43 wrote:
Can you please clarify this.
Can you sync the music on the NAS to Apple TV? My problem is that I want to store Itunes on a drive other than my PC. I want that drive to be accessible to the Apple TV.
Any help much appreciated.

yes, providing itunes can still see the content.
your content can be stored anywhere as long as itunes is still the host.

OK. Thanks for your help.

Ok - I just installed Itunes on my Windows Home Server system. It seems to have worked (although - there are some fairly complicated instructions on installing 9.0x on Windows home server systems) - http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/09/11/help-key-install-itunes-9-on-windows-home-s erver/

One note if you're trying this - read the comments too - the instructions don't mention you also have to open the mobileme.msi file

So with itunes installed on my Windows Home Server - my next steps will be to set-up sharing - repoint my library on the PC to the Windows Home Server library (so I can still sync ipods and iphones and such), then re-configure the appletv to look at the Windows Home Server.

Things that took me way to long: On Windows Home Server - re-adding the content to iTunes. Wasn't sure if I could export my existing PC itunes playlists to the Windows Home server itunes (so I re-created my playlists).

Success! Itunes is now streaming my content from my Windows Home Server to my Apple TV. Home Sharing was not required.