Can I stream things from an iPhone to an Apple TV with no additional equipment (i.e. no wireless router)? Will they be able to talk to each-other just like that (like Lion Mac Books apparently can for Air Drop), or do I need to also set up a WiFi network?
Assuming latest versions of all devices and software.
Best Answer
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3737223?start=0&tstart=0
So basically you don't need an internet connection, but both your iPhone and Apple TV will have to be in the same network.
So to answer you're question, yes, you'll have to setup a WiFi (LAN) network. (or ethernet)