Accessing TV media library on AppleTV without MacBookPro running

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Level 1

8 points

Accessing TV media library on AppleTV without MacBookPro running

I have an M1 MacBook Pro and an Apple TV 4K. Over the years my TV media library has outgrown any internal drive. Therefore, it resides on an external drive, which is connected to the MBP. That setup works well but when my MBP is not sitting on the desk, it is not connected to the external drive.

For years, I have questioned why Apple doesn't allow to connect an external drive to it and make it available over the LAN.

What is the best way to access my TV media library without a computer connected to the external drive?

Posted on Aug 5, 2023 8:39 AM

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Answer 1

Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,746 points

Aug 6, 2023 1:08 AM in response to Dr_O

Apple Home Sharing requires that the Mac (or PC) with the library database is on and available on the network, regardless of where the files are. Apple TV connects to a library on a networked computer, and the computer locates the wanted media file.

There are some third party solutions for Apple TV that can access a NAS directly over the network, without Mac or PC: VLC, Plex, Infuse, and probably others.

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Answer 2

Dr_O Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 6, 2023 5:05 AM in response to Urquhart1244

Thank you. That means, Apple still wants to sell a MacMini just for that purpose.

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Accessing TV media library on AppleTV without MacBookPro running

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