Apple TV as music source

[tako_tsubo]

I am not really sure what the advantages are also of using the ATV ...when used mainly as a music source. Its video advantages are evident but for music alone? it is a benny more than the SB3 which does have a digital out...both can "read" the itunes library easily, although the SB3 does not need itunes on. SB3 is small enough to transport also and hook up by ethernet to a laptop and then to speakers. I guess it comes down to the video content that you have the potential to use/stream to your TV...and the hard drive. Can one use an external DAC with the ATV?
I was toying with just using an airport express and a DAC to stream music to outside speakers....

[Skylab]

Originally Posted by itsborken

Skylab, I'm holding you personally responsible for reminding me I need to get this ATV upgrade done. Has curiosity gotten you to try hooking this up as a source for amp -> headphones?

I have not done this yet, just ATV> Rotel RSP 1066> Sunfire Signature > B&W N800.

Originally Posted by jtevol1

Not to rain on your parade, but what does the AppleTV do (as a music server) that the Squeezebox doesn't already do? I have a Squeezebox, and I have access to all my music (streams it wirelessly from my hard drive[s]) without the need of a TV...

They key is that the ATV actually BOTH streams from the PC AND holds 160gb of content on it's own. So I now have 140GB of lossless music that "lives" in my main stereo, PLUS the ability to stream it from the PC if I want. And all this for $399.

And then there's the fact that I can download and watch TV shows and movies if I feel like it!

[Skylab]

Originally Posted by tako_tsubo

I am not really sure what the advantages are also of using the ATV ...when used mainly as a music source. Its video advantages are evident but for music alone? it is a benny more than the SB3 which does have a digital out...both can "read" the itunes library easily, although the SB3 does not need itunes on. SB3 is small enough to transport also and hook up by ethernet to a laptop and then to speakers. I guess it comes down to the video content that you have the potential to use/stream to your TV...and the hard drive. Can one use an external DAC with the ATV?
I was toying with just using an airport express and a DAC to stream music to outside speakers....

The hard drive is a HUGE advantage, for me.

And yes, of course you can connect the ATV to an external DAC - without that I would never have bought one!

[blessingx]

Skylab have you been following...

http://www.awkwardtv.org/
http://www.appletvhacks.net/

[itsborken]

Originally Posted by tako_tsubo

.I was toying with just using an airport express and a DAC to stream music to outside speakers....

Interesting idea. I've bypassed outdoor speakers as I didn't want them electrically connected to my SP and risk some backfeed/short/whatever blowing it out.

Just curious with the Squeezebox--what is your visual interface to pick the songs/albums you want streamed? I'm not seeing powering up the TV momentarily a big drawback; its in the same room, the remote is handy, etc. please clearify.

[jtevol1]

The biggest disadvantage, to me at least, about the Apple TV for music is that it does not play FLAC files. It's nice, though, that it has a built-in hard drive.

[tako_tsubo]

this is interesting...especially with added plugins (ala slimserver plugins) and a refurb unit at $250 (smaller HD)...some people have found frustration in the SB3 interface with wireless routers...apple probably has this down! Are there problems with cordless phones? If I get a call while streaming...all music stops...ok for important calls, but I don't get many of those...

I had a lightening storm pass through close one time and it blew the amp for the external speakers only...speakers were strangely ok (Niles and Onix). the HT thankfully remained untouched.
the SB3 visual interface is very similar to itunes/ipod and can be increased and decreased in font size. I go to Browse and press down and go thru options of album/ artist /genre...etc press to left or right to other "options".
When not in use gives you the day and time of day.

[itsborken]

Originally Posted by jtevol1

The biggest disadvantage, to me at least, about the Apple TV for music is that it does not play FLAC files.

I think I've read somewhere that someone has loaded Linux on it so FLAC isn't technically unavailable (if not actually available today).

I'm not going to dump iTunes and reload my CD collection as I don't perceive any significant benefit of FLAC vs Apple lossless (tried it long ago). If your catalog is already FLAC, I know exactly where you are coming from and can see how Squeezebox would be your solution.

Since it has indirectly come up, does anyone know of a utility that converts FLAC to ALAC bidirectionally?

[Skylab]

Originally Posted by itsborken

I think I've read somewhere that someone has loaded Linux on it so FLAC isn't technically unavailable (if not actually available today).

I'm not going to dump iTunes and reload my CD collection as I don't perceive any significant benefit of FLAC vs Apple lossless (tried it long ago). If your catalog is already FLAC, I know exactly where you are coming from and can see how Squeezebox would be your solution.

Since it has indirectly come up, does anyone know of a utility that converts FLAC to ALAC bidirectionally?

dBPoweramp will do that.

[itsborken]

Originally Posted by Skylab

dBPoweramp will do that.

You are a fountain of wisdom. I sure am glad I stumbled across this site while searching for DYI projects. Thanks!