how can I make it work with just an Apple TV, AirPort Express and iPod/iPad/iPhone?

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how can I make it work with just an Apple TV, AirPort Express and iPod/iPad/iPhone?

Hello Apple people, I have a few questions regarding a new "setup" of Apple products that I'm hoping I can get to work between them. In other words, I need to find out if what I'm wanting to do CAN actually be done with this new setup.

Current set up:

iMac mini (old one from 2010 but fully updated to OSX El Capitan)
external HDD as Time Capsule drive and with tons of music not purchased via iTunes store (from my CD collection)
old Airport Express hooked into modem (which received the optical fiber from my ISP)
iPad 3rd Gen
iPhone 6 Plus (work phone)
iPod Classic 5th Gen with almost 30GB of my library and plugged into my car's stereo
iPod Shuffle 4th Gen for gym

What I want my setup to be:

Apple TV
Airport Extreme with external HDD *same from above* (with my whole iTunes music library, videos and photos backup) connected via USB
iPad Pro
iPhone 6 Plus
iPod Classic 5th Gen which I want to keep plugged into my car's stereo
iPod Shuffle 4th Gen for gym

So my questions are these: can I continue to sync my iPod Classic and my iPod Shuffle without a computer (I'm guessing maybe not), and if so, HOW? Will I be able to sync the iPad and the iPhone over wifi without a computer as well? Also, will I be able to play my library straight from the external HDD by using the Apple TV?

I'm guessing/hoping that since the new Apple TV has the Music/iTunes app plus the Photos/iPhoto app, I should be able to connect my iPods to the AirPort and sync them through the app, AND connect the Apple TV straight to the HDD via the AirPort. And maybe also sync the iPad and iPhone over wifi throught the Apple TV apps or something Or maybe I just need to upload everything into iCloud and won't even need the HDD anymore except as a backup. HELP!

Posted on Feb 4, 2016 4:50 PM

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Answer 1

Protodd

Level 4

2,092 points

Feb 4, 2016 5:15 PM in response to RichoMX83

You need the computer -Mac or PC. You can sync the iPhone/iPad wirelessly but only via an iTunes computer, I am not sure about the iPods wifi capability. Not to mention the iTunes software is necessary to manage devices and media. Important note: you should always backup your purchases - just because you buy a book, movie, TV show, song today doesn't necessarily mean that media will be available from the Apple servers for eternity. Studios retain the rights and can, at anytime, sign an exclusive deal with a network, streaming provider etc which would then remove that file from being available on the Apple servers. You need to download and backup any purchases - that would require a computer running the iTunes software. You could buy additional personal iCloud storage for all your media but then again you would need a computer to manage it. Additionally, as it relates to the Apple TV, you cannot connect any drives to it. The USB port is only for restore/service. The Apple TV is a streaming device but for local media it uses homeshare which requires an iTunes computer rather than being connected directly to a storage device. Though there are other apps like plex or infuse but they would require a NAS setup rather than HDD and you would want/need a computer to manage the NAS...

the the one thing you want to eliminate is the one thing that's required for all...

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Answer 2

RichoMX83 Author

Level 1

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Feb 4, 2016 5:22 PM in response to Protodd

Yup, I want to eliminate the computer, since I don't really use it anymore. Even though it's a Mac Mini which takes close to no space inc the wireless keyboard and trackpad, its old and slow (with all the updates) and rarely even turn it on. I use the iPad and iPhone for pretty much everything and the PC at the office (which is not linked to any of my iTunes or Apple stuff) for any real sotware needs. I was hoping the Apple TV 2 would kinda fill in that blank somehow, that and iCloud or my HDD linked to an Airport.

Thanks for your reply Protodd.

I'm still hoping maybe some genius/engineer has come up with a solution for this.

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Answer 3

Protodd

Level 4

2,092 points

Feb 4, 2016 5:35 PM in response to RichoMX83

You won't be able to connect the USB drive to either the airport express or the Apple TV to use as a "network storage device". The USB on the airport express would be used for a printer. The USB on the ATV is only for service. You may find an Apple TV 1 on eBay or something which allows for connected storage but if you also want apps like HBO, HULU, Netflix etc you would want to look at the ATV4. Not to mention the ATV2 only support 720 you wouldnt be able to view any HD media (not sure if that's important to you or not). And like I mentioned, you can certainly use iCloud storage but would need a computer to manage it...

I have a MacBook, connected with a 3tb USB drive and it stays in standby I only use it a few times a month and use my iPad/iPhone - in fact I even manage my MacBook via splashtop on my iPad. I sync my iPad/iPhone wirelessly with music, movies, books all stored on the MacBook and attached USB drive...

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Answer 4

RichoMX83 Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 4, 2016 6:27 PM in response to Protodd

Sorry, I meant the newest Apple TV, didn't realise there had been more than 2 gens. Duh.Sure, I knew the USB on it was only for service and so on. Also that the Airport Express USB is only for printers. Hence was looking into upgrading to an Airport Extreme to connect the HDD.

It looks more and more like I will have to just give up my old iPods and just get a new Mac mini or a MacBook to sort myself out with my HDD and iCloud. And forget the iPad Pro which isn't justifiable any more.

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