Another newbie q. Streaming without a computer

[yycwrangler]

Hi Folks

Looking to glean some info from you experienced folks. I have two MacBook pros. I want to be able to setup a wifi system or NAS, depending on the cost. I will put a usb 3, hard drive connected to a router and any downloads from either MacBook will be saved on that hard drive. This will include movies, music pics etc.

So my question is. Is it possible to stream movies to a tv via an appletv, rook etc without having a computer connected to the system. Don't want to have to always pull out the MacBook and mirror to watch a show. Would much rather find an entertainment box that would allow show me the files on the hard drive and then be able to select one of these which would stream to the tv. Previously we had an iMac which served as the linking point to the router and eventually an Apple TV.

So router suggestions and entertainment box that would allow streaming of movies without a computer hooked up to the system.

Also I would consider an ethernet from the router to the entertainment box, then a cdmi to the tv..Would that be easier..

Thanks in advance
Cheers
Al

 

[thiggins]

A lot depends on the format your movies are in and whether you are willing to run a media server like Plex or buy a NAS that supports transcoding.

Roku is my go-to for streaming, but I don't watch local files; all web streams. But it has a Plex app that would work with a Plex server.

 

[sfx2000]

Pi3 and a powered USB drive can make for a nice little Plex server... (ATV4 has a plex app in the app store)

Nice little how-to here...

https://www.element14.com/community...werful-plex-media-server-using-raspberry-pi-3