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    Apple TV question

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by ashura, Sep 4, 2008.

  1. ashura

    ashura Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm trying to give a coworker some advice, he wants to use an external monitor for his Macbook and I advised him to use the DVI connection on his Samsung TV instead of getting a new monitor. That got me to thinking about the Apple TV which I've heard acts as a wireless connection between a Mac and a TV for iTunes videos and Youtube. My question is can the Apple TV be used as a true external monitor setup with the desktop and everything? Or is it only for certain things like iTunes, etc.
     
    ashura, Sep 4, 2008
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  2. plazmic

    plazmic Notebook Consultant

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    The AppleTV is essentially a Media Center Extender for Apple Computers. It is not a wireless video bridge (and those do exist) but will only play content in the linked computer's iTunes library. Its almost like a video iPod that hooks up to TV's for playback and can stream if not synced to its hard drive.

    It is possible to install a full version of OS X onto it, or simply enable SSH and have terminal access to it, but its probably easier and wiser to buy a used Mac Mini for a similar price.
     
    plazmic, Sep 4, 2008
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  3. ashura

    ashura Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks for the info, for the purposes of using his TV as a monitor for his Mac, should I recommend/start looking for a wireless video bridge then?
     
    ashura, Sep 5, 2008
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  4. plazmic

    plazmic Notebook Consultant

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    Well, not unless he wants to have the video on the TV with the computer in another physical location. As far as using the TV as a monitor, all the TV needs is an input that the Apple computer has as well (VGA or DVI?)
     
    plazmic, Sep 5, 2008
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