[oldmp3]

My Apple TV is connected to my receiver via optical toslink for audio and via component for video.  I only need 2 channel audio.  My question:

If I connected the Apple TV to the receiver only via HDMI does this provide a "better" audio signal or interface in any way?  I've read about jitter on S/PDIF interfaces.   In very brief listening I can't tell a difference.

Thanks.

[Crimson]

Mine is hooked up the same way (component video and optical audio) as I'm out of HDMI ports. I'd think you wouldn't hear a difference if both were going to the same dac (the receiver in your case).

[chrisby]

This allows opportunity to revisit an earlier (and probably embarrassingly ignorant)  question -  for those folks considering an ATV as an alternative to AEX for wireless streaming of audio only (i.e for a system with no TV or monitor screen connected) , what are the current choices for remote control?

Second (even more embarrassing?) question,  how many ATV's can be operated simultaneously from the same computer to allow independent streaming of multiple program materials  (i.e. separate audio only & video, or multiple audio streams) 

[Crimson]

This allows opportunity to revisit an earlier (and probably embarrassingly ignorant)  question -  for those folks considering an ATV as an alternative to AEX for wireless streaming of audio only (i.e for a system with no TV or monitor screen connected) , what are the current choices for remote control?

Second (even more embarrassing?) question,  how many ATV's can be operated simultaneously from the same computer to allow independent streaming of multiple program materials  (i.e. separate audio only & video, or multiple audio streams)

1. There is currently only one way to control the content on a headless ATV: an iPhone/iPod Touch. Content on the ATV is sync'd with a local computer similar to the way you sync an iPod, but that local computer cannot control the ATV (although the library on the local computer can be streamed to an ATV just like an AEx).

2. Apple's basic routing philosophy as it pertains to remote control is one source (or library) to multiple destinations. They do not support matrix routing or zoning (i.e. source A to destination Y and source B to destination Z via a single remote controller). In other words, you can access multiple ATVs or local computer libraries but only one at a time. Once a library is selected, you can select multiple destinations.

[chrisby]

thanx,  that's what I needed to know