Apple TV 3 - a truely disappointing device :-((

AppleTV works great here. Performs just as the specifications and requirements indicated.

If I get any mkv videos I just repackage them to m4v format and they play.

I wouldn't hold your breath for those features, the Apple TV with all those additions would simply make it a WD or Xbox, people enjoy the Apple TV because it's not like those products.

What software package (Mac/Windows) do you use to repackage your .mkv content to .m4v?

Also, are you able to play ALL content from your local machine, as long as it is iTunes compatible, even if it wasn't purchased via the Apple Store?

To add to the inquiries presented earlier, a free utility such as Handbrake will convert your files to a compatible M4V format all for the cost of $0.00. They offer attractive financing.

If you want to offer a complaint that is unique to Apple TV, stick to the lack of a USB port for dynamic media playback (as opposed to Western Digital).

If you're that put off, they'll probably take it back and you can try something else.

I personally think it's a wonderful little device, myself.

Devryoctane, I'll check out Handbrake. I think the AppleTV is very cool, I've just been hesitant to buy one since I wasn't sure if I could get all my existing content to play on it.

If all I need to do is convert my videos to .m4v with handbrake and feed through iTunes I'm a happy camper.

Thanks!

I was introduced to Handbrake a month ago and was thrilled. I think you'll be satisfied as well. It opens a new world of opportunities for your AppleTV, etc.

It's freeware and beta, so sometimes when you first try to open it, it'll crash. This happens on multiple machines, so I think it's just the way it is.

In any event, though, it's super easy. It includes presets for the various iOS devices, and allows you to pick subtitles, portions of the original footage, specific audio tracks, and perform deinterlacing and other processing. It also uses all available CPU cores (so on an i7 which in my case has 8 cores - 4 physical, 4 logical with hyperthreading), so it can really cook on the speed.

I use Handbake if the file needs to be converted. Most mkv or avi files just need to be repackaged into mp4 (m4v) and I use mp4tools.

I load all content into iTunes and can play on the AppleTV from iTunes. Content inlcudes movies and TV shows from Apple Store, digital copies provided from purchased DVD/Blueray, and others. My iTunes library is on an external HD on my iMac.

This is why I got a Boxee Box instead of an Apple TV. I have no desire to load every ephemeral video file I want to watch into iTunes, or to format-convert it.

The Boxee Box mounts a directory off my Mac Pro and plays the files found there over the network. I had problems with AFP that improved when I switched to SMB. NFS is also an option.

I really wanted to like the Roku units, but they have some stick up their butts regarding DivX / xvid and refuse to play those files, which is a non-starter.

As the others have said, Handbrake is great and should do most of what you need.

Just one tip, I always set it to the best quality profile, called 'Regular/High Profile' for use with AppleTV. I have always found with this setting I get good quality from various sources.

🙂

I just end up using the Software called Vuze. It converts all my files, puts them right into iTunes for me. Then i just boot up the apple tv and away i go.

Hallo- do not waste time with converting :-)

I use the MPlayer, enable Airplay, andalso mkv is visible. I know, itis not exactly what you meant for streaming.

It is just way i am doing that.

I do not use the streaming, because it would mean to have a mediaserver with movies and music running 24/7. Or is my view not complete?

Ronald

If you can play it on your mac, just turn on AirPlay mirroring and what you see on your mac's screen will be on your TV screen. No need to convert anything!!!! No need for a browser for the same reason. If you need a keyboard or a mouse when on your sofa, get the bluetooth versions of each and there you go. Or get an app called remote HD and control any application on your mac from your iphone or ipad as if they were an amazing remote for your computer. You can also use airoplay mirroring from your ipad or iphone directly, and skip the computer alltogether depending on what it is you want to watch or see....

just use the airplay mirropring feature and whatch whatever you watch on your mac on your tv

just use airplay mirroring and watch whatever is on your mac screen on your tv screen. Use a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, or remotehd.app to control the mac from your iphone or ipad.....

you can also also use airplaymiorroring directly from the iphone or ipad