Apple TV with Mac Mini question

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Level 1

29 points

Apple TV with Mac Mini question

I'm looking into getting an older Mac mini to use as a server for my 4th generation Apple TV when I'm gone, along with my laptop. I understand that El Captain can be installed in a Mac Mini that is early 2009 or earlier, but since I won't be using it as a computer I'm not to concern with that! I was wondering if anyone new how old of a Mac Mini I could get and still have the Apple TV be able to see the Mac mini as a server with my media in the iTunes library. I wasn't sure if this type of connection would ever be lost, but wanted to make sure before I purchase. I'm assuming the Mac Min needs to have at least an Intel processor.

Thanks in advance!!

Posted on Feb 11, 2016 1:21 PM

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Answer 1

Protodd

Level 4

2,092 points

Feb 11, 2016 1:53 PM in response to Medickep

This article will help...

the the computer you selected cannot support AirPlay natively. But you could look at 3rd party apps like Air Parrot But success can vary...

Use AirPlay to display video from your Mac on an HDTV - Apple Support

Minimum requirements if your Mac and Apple TV are on the same network:

Apple TV (2nd generation or later) with the latest Apple TV software
For mirroring your display or extending your desktop, any of the following Mac computers with OS X Mountain Lion v10.8 or later:

Minimum requirements for peer-to-peer AirPlay, which lets visitors quickly and easily connect their Mac or iOS device to your Apple TV without gaining passwords and connecting to the Wi-Fi network:

Apple TV (3rd generation rev A, model A1469 or later) with the latest Apple TV software
A Mac (2012 or later) with OS X Yosemite v10.10 or later

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Answer 2

Feb 11, 2016 6:04 PM in response to Medickep

To be clear, you are just talking about using HomeShare and just leaving your Mini on running iTunes right?

If so, I think your answer is here:

Use Home Sharing to share iTunes content with other devices - Apple Support

And here:

http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

And here...

Apple - Support - Technical Specifications

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Answer 3

Protodd

Level 4

2,092 points

Feb 11, 2016 4:18 PM in response to Vinceassociate

Good clarification. In re-reading the OP I see it's not looking at AirPlay... 😊

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Answer 4

Medickep Author

Level 1

29 points

Feb 11, 2016 5:28 PM in response to Vinceassociate

Well, want I want to do is have the Apple TV be able to recognize the iTunes library on the device. I think it's possible as long as the device is Intel based and 64 bit, I just wanted to make sure and now potentially how long it will work. But.....since writing the original post my brother in law is sending my sister with his to give me when she visits next so I really cant beat the price of free!

most literature covers requirements for OS but not for device to recognize libraries. My guess is it's not an issue as long as the above is included!

i Never care about air play as this will be a network server with a drobo attached!

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Answer 5

Feb 11, 2016 6:04 PM in response to Medickep

Not sure what you mean by "recognize the iTunes library"?

To setup your mini as a HomeShare server you need iTunes running on it. That is explained in the first link.

You will need to copy your current iTunes library to the mini. This would work by having the latest version of iTunes running on it.

The second link I gave shows the system requirements for iTunes. Note if high def video is involved, the processor and memory requirements are more stringent.

The last link shows the specs of the various models of mini's so you can see which ones meet your minimum requirements...

I would check the specs of your free mini before you get started.

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Answer 6

Medickep Author

Level 1

29 points

Feb 11, 2016 5:49 PM in response to Vinceassociate

I May have used the wrong terminology. I will check out the links when my kiddos go to bed, but essentially the files are already in my drobo and the Mac mini (before I got a free one) seemed like the cheapest device to have on all day so the Apple TV could be pointed towards it. iTunes doesn't require the files to be on a particular device just have a pathway to them!

im sure home share would work, but I was going to stream them using the "computer" portion of the Apple TV. Make sense?

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