Digital Photo Frames

I've used ripping software under linux, for my music cd's. Not tried ripping any of my dvd movies. Will they not import into iTunes?

And I haven't got an Apple TV ..... yet.

I think itunes will accept most audio formats.
as for video, it needs to be formatted for the apple tv, the ones i mentioned are great, and for non protected discs quicktime pro does the job....
I don't profess to know all, but I get by with the stuff I've been using just fine.
you have a macbook, so if you've tried using "iTunes" and "Front Row", then you'll find it very familiar using the apple tv.......
plug the hdmi port into your tv. plug the audio outs into your stereo. Itune will ask you to let the device connect.....
press menu on your remote and you should have access to your photos and music and movies (if you deactivated sharing, you may have to turn on sharing in your itunes and iphoto libraries).