Apple TV & Movies

[Danny133]

I use Plex as my media server .. I have a Mac Mini downstairs which never turns off and the Plex server runs on it.

I then have the Plex Home Theater Client on the same machine for viewing the files, I also have Plex on my iPhone for Music & Xbox One. I have a Roku box in one bedroom which acts as a Plex client also.

However, for all 'home' access media. Can I just copy all of video files into iTunes and use iTunes home sharing? If I do this will they be accessible to say an Apple TV?

If yes id rather buy Apple TVs for the bedrooms as it means I can also Airplay to them .. Roku is great but I like the Apple Ecosystem plus the interface is nicer .. Just not sure if it works! - Also if I copy all my movies to iTunes does it just copy a mirror rather than the entire file? I have 2TB of videos, I don't particularly want 4!

 

[C.J]

What format are the videos in? They will need to be mp4/m4v for iTunes to see them.

I have just under 4TB of movies. They are on a media PC in the garage that streams via homeplugs to 3 x Apple TVs in the house.

If the movies you have are in mkv or similar, you could convert them (well, re-pack them) using something like Handbrake or MKv2MP4. I use the latter as it takes 20mins per movie.

iTunes doesn't copy the movies, it will just create a library of your content.

 

[Tom]

https://miapple.me/openplex-app-installs-manages-plexconnect-mac-os-x/

 

[Danny133]

There all MKV

 

[Danny133]

https://miapple.me/openplex-app-installs-manages-plexconnect-mac-os-x/

not entirely sure what that's meant to do?

 

[Tom]

Its an installer for open plex, which replaces a channel on your apple TV and allows plex access without airplay.
I find it easier just to use the iOS Plex app.

 

[Danny133]

Sorry .. I vaguely get the gist now .. is Plex Connect the done thing on ATV? - And it hijacks an App on the Mac doesn't it rather than the ATV? And I can choose which App to HiJack?

 

[Tom]

Hijacks an "app" on the ATV
You can choose WSJ/Trailers/iMovie Theater
Plex is a far more elegant solution than using home sharing. Do you absolutely need airplay?

 

[Danny133]

Not absolutely but it would be nice .. for the £50 a ROKU costs, the extra £30 for an ATV which will allow me to Airplay aswell would be nice

 

[Tom]

yeah i guess. i have all of them and i tend to use the ATV more then the chromecast.
When the 360 gets plex i'll use that too.

 

[Simon_16v]

I'm pretty sure that it is just a case of importing them into iTunes, although I prefer PlexConnect as I've plex on a Roku etc.

 

[Danny133]

Plex for Xbox is pretty crap imo. The interface on the one looks average. Bit like roku. You just can't beat PHT!

 

[C.J]

https://miapple.me/openplex-app-installs-manages-plexconnect-mac-os-x/

Thanks!
I use my Apple TV3 at least 3 times a week for streaming from a PC in the garage.
Last night I installed Plex Connect and streamed MKVs and AVIs across. Brilliant.

Also, the Plex interface on ATV is far nicer/easier to use than the standard ATV app. A real breeze.