Apple TV without TV


Hi all,

After a long hiatus I am looking to put a computer based system together. I'm not an Apple guy but the Apple TV with hard disc seems to fit the bill: reasonably good analog output and output to a DAC, has a 160GB hard disc built in, plus it's cheap.

Only hangup is that I've read on Positive Feedback that you can't use it without a TV connected. In the parlour, this will not fly. Not even a small one. I do own an Android phone or I could buy a Harmony remote. Can either of these run an ATV without the TV monitor?
wdrazek
Thanks again for the replies. I like that the ATV has a built-in HD, no streaming required. But would like to avoid going further into the Mac ecosystem. Sadly, no Android app I can find will control it.
The potential downside of the AirPort Express is the Very High output jitter.

Some DACs, like my CA840c do not like that and can lose lock.
Silverarrows -
What issues did you have with yours? I've used mine as my main source and have had zero issues. Well, at least zero issues after the first day or two, but those were learning curve related. I remember after I had everything synched (that initial synch took way too long), I checked a box in iTunes preferences that instantly deleted everything I synched.

In regards to running it without a TV, the other issue is that Internet radio is pretty much not an option. I heard you can save stations to a playlist, but I haven't tried it.

I just wish the ATV had presets for Internet radio and could play Pandora and the like without any extra programs. Then it would be perfect IMO.
Refurbished iPod Touches on Apple's website sell for $150. Just an FYI. They're basically an iPhone minus the phone. They can do a lot more than just be a remote, helping justify the cost a little bit.
Quick question on the standalone ATV - I'm downloading all of my 340 gb lossless files to an ATV with a 350 gb hard drive installed. I notice that it is very hot while turned on.
I plan to use my iphone as a remote-can the iphone put the ATV in standby mode or does it continue running all the time? I'm worried it'll blow.
Thanks and sorry for hijacking!!