chop158

I am streaming real time, with no noticeable hiccups. My setup is FreeAgent Desk >>> (FireWire) >>> iMac >>> (USB) >>> AirPort Extreme ~~~wireless~~~ AppleTV >>> (HDMI) >>> Integra receiver. Based on nothing but my observations, it appears that the ATV buffers the stream to avoid any transmission issues. I am streaming movies from my hard drive as well, and the buffer takes much longer to load with a movie.

I just stumbled across this site today -- all wonderful information. So here's my question: I am getting ready to finally re-assemble a home theater in my house. It will be a "mid-level" system (B&W 602/601/CC6 speakers, Integra or Rotel receiver (haven't picked the exact model yet), AudioQuest cabling, etc.). I am trying to figure out an affordable way to implement a music server, and wonder whether the AppleTV could be the ticket. I already own a newer iMac and an Airport Extreme. Could the following be a workable setup: External hard drive >>> Airport Extreme ~~~ wireless ~~~ AppleTV >>> HDMI cable >>> Receiver Controls would be iMac >>> iTunes >>> iPod Touch A few questions: 1. Would this work? 2. Any reason to use optical vs. HDMI for the connection from AppleTV to the receiver? 3. Any reason to use an external DAC instead of the DAC in the receiver? 4. I'm intrigued at the idea of high-quality downloads (e.g., Linn, HDTracks) of 24/96 and better material. Can the AppleTV output this resolution? The information I've found seems to indicate that it is limited to 16/44.1, but it seems less than authoritative. If this is true, is there another similarly-priced music server that will output the higher resolution material? Thanks in advance for your thoughts. This site is great. Cheers, Dave