Appla TV - 2 questions

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Appla TV - 2 questions

I am considering to buy a new apple TV but have 2 questions:
1) Is it possible to connect via the optical port to a receiver and stream music with the iphone app remote without opening your TV?

2) if a physical connection between a mac an a TV is possible, what are the advantage of using an apple TV? (apart using the devices separately)

Posted on Feb 1, 2011 4:59 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Mac on Andy

Level 4

2,098 points

Feb 1, 2011 5:17 AM in response to Julien Touchette

Hi,

In answer to your first question this is absolutely fine and is how I use my Apple TV. If I'm just listening to music, I don't bother switching the TV on, I simply switch on the amplifier and use the Remote app on my iPhone to select and play music through the receiver.

As for the second question, it is simply a matter of choice. Many people do use e.g. a Mac Mini as a media centre connected to the TV screen. I prefer the Apple TV as it is a neater solution, has easy navigation using either the supplied remote or the Remote app on an iPhone/iPad/iPod touch. It is also instant on, so no messing about waiting for a Mac to start up, and no messing around with trying to use a keyboard/mouse in a living room environment. The interface on the Apple TV is also much more pleasant to use than the now very dated looking Front Row on a Mac.

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Answer 2

capaho

Level 4

3,677 points

Feb 1, 2011 6:16 AM in response to Julien Touchette

1) Is it possible to connect via the optical port to a receiver and stream music with the iphone app remote without opening your TV?

Yes.

2) if a physical connection between a mac an a TV is possible, what are the advantage of using an apple TV?

Some video rentals from the iTunes store are available in HD only on the ATV for some insane reason, otherwise it just depends on how old the Mac is. I replaced my ATV1 with a Mac mini on my A/V system in the living room and I see no reason to get an ATV2. The mini can do so much more than the ATV, including Netflix. Aside from the substantial price difference, I don't see how an ATV2 could be better than the mini.

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