Hello I'm after suggestions for a cheap and simple solution to network/stream movies in the home from IMAC VLC to Apple TV4. Something that doesn't require having to send files to cloud, ideally just want a good reliable drive 1-2TB that will have a network address and doesn't run into buffer issues on VLC….
Thank you in advance.
that's great but I'm after a simple network hard drive that would work within this system
plex allows you to stream using your wifi from your hardrives connected to your mac to whatever device you want to watch it on.
This is exactly what you want. Forget vlc, use Plex. You can use local HDs, USB HDs or a NAS with Plex.
I'm not sure if I am reading right, but you're after a NAS solution that will house all your media files that can stream to devices like your iMac and Apple TV separately and not stream directly from the iMac to Apple TV?
from a hard drive connected at my iMac to stream to 2 x apple tv's in the house….. but not stream to the iMac, just be connected to it?
Have you tried Airplay?
Just mirror the desktop to the Apple TV while you're playing the video on the iMac.
Also you have to send the audio through to the Apple TV via VLC. In the VLC app on the iMac, on the Menu bar at the top just go to Audio -> Audio Device -> and Select your Apple TV.
Cheapest way I can think of that doesn't cost anything. Not elegant but it works
Download Air Video HD.
You install a server on your iMac that points to your hard drive. The accompanying app on your phone connects to that server, recognises all your video files which you can then stream to your Apple TV. It is a lot more reliable than VLC.
Appreciate the software workarounds, but I don't want the files on my iMac….just wanted a robust NAS storage with a network address? or perhaps I'm barking up the wrong tree
^ This
I use a Synology NAS and it acts as a media server for my tablets, phones and TVs. Acts as a file server for my computers. Not cheap, depending on your budget as you also have to buy hard drive(s) for it. A word of warning, it can be challenge if you don't know what you're doing.
You could also try attaching the external hard drive to the back of the router via USB and turn it into a media server if the router supports it. Not a robust option and there's so few routers that can do it. Its more for file sharing. Have a check.
Cheers!
Just install a Linux NAS on a spare old laptop/desktop and you should be set!
Plex media server.
https://www.plex.tv/downloads/
i believe plex is on the latest apple tv.
https://www.plex.tv/apps/streaming-devices/apple-tv/