Apple TV 3.0 software update to support iTunes LP, Extras

[AppleInsider]

Apple has updated the iTunes Store Terms and Conditions to reference a forthcoming 3.0 software update for the Apple TV, which will allow viewing of iTunes LP and iTunes Extras content.

The new paragraph under the "iTUNES LP AND iTUNES EXTRAS" section references an update to Apple's set-top box hobby: "iTunes LP and iTunes Extras Products are usable only on computers with iTunes 9 or higher and Apple TV with software version 3.0 or higher."

The new iTunes LP format, which debuted in September, is designed to encourage sales of full-length albums. The new format comes with additional content such as photos, videos and other bonus material. The iTunes LP format was joined by iTunes Extras, which delivers bonus materials for movies, much like are traditionally found on DVDs.

The TuneKit JavaScript framework on which both are based uses open Web standards like HTML and CSS. AppleInsider originally reported in September that the new format appeared to have Apple TV written all over it.

TuneKit content is designed for a 1280 by 720 pixel resolution, which is too large to play on the 13-inch MacBook Pro without entering full-screen mode. But it does exactly fit the HDTV output resolution of Apple TV, and could even scale down to a 480p display.



In addition, the TuneKit format includes references in its HTML meta tags to "hdtv-fullscreen" and "hdtv-cursor-off."

The last major update to the Apple TV was when the "Take Two" 2.0 firmware was released at Macworld Expo in January 2008. The next major update is expected to incorporate features of Snow Leopard, including QuickTime X and its HTTP Live Streaming protocol.



This summer, analyst Gene Munster with Piper Jaffray reiterated his belief that a new Apple TV with iTunes TV show subscriptions and potential DVR capabilities would eventually arrive from the hardware maker. He said the timing of a new hardware debut would likely be impacted by the negotiations Apple would need to conduct in order to have the rights to offer a subscription model. Munster said he believes a new Apple TV or updated Apple TV software will arrive within the next year.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[DKWalsh4]

I'm definitely in the market for an Apple TV, I'm excited to see when\if they roll out an updated model. For my own sake, I hope Gene is right this time.

[digitalclips]

Originally Posted by DKWalsh4

I'm definitely in the market for an Apple TV, I'm excited to see when\if they roll out an updated model. For my own sake, I hope Gene is right this time.

We've had one since day one and used it most weekends for either watching a rented HD movie or streaming home made HD movies, slide shows or simply iTunes playlists for parties. I don't know how I lived without it. I just hope my original ATV can deal with the new updates. BTW we never bother downloading anything to it, I just stream anything from Mac Pro via Airport Extreme, 802.11n made the download method obsolete and so too worries about the HD capacity in an ATV. My only issue and it is not ATV's fault, is I get a fair amount of PAL material and the frame rate issue is a pain. I am messing around with FCPro 3 now to see if there is an easy way to convert and keep audio in sync. Any suggestions appreciated.

[justflie]

Originally Posted by DKWalsh4

I'm definitely in the market for an Apple TV, I'm excited to see when\if they roll out an updated model. For my own sake, I hope Gene is right this time.

I, too, am interested. I need to wait and see (once I set up my new network) if the PS3 can call to my Mac Pro to wake it for media through that new wake on wireless lan. I'm guessing not. If that's the case, I would definitely be in the market for an ATV with the decision being much easier with a hardware update to accompany 3.0.

[walshbj]

DVR would be nice but I don't see it happening.

I'm more than satisfied with my EyeTV as a DVR. Records clear QAM. Streams to my iPhone or another Mac. Very simple interface and easy to remove commercials. Great product.

[DKWalsh4]

Originally Posted by walshbj

DVR would be nice but I don't see it happening.

I'm more than satisfied with my EyeTV as a DVR. Records clear QAM. Streams to my iPhone or another Mac. Very simple interface and easy to remove commercials. Great product.

Yea I'm more interested in the possible subscription TV model. I don't watch much TV but the shows I do watch I'm not usually around at the time they're on. It would be nice to be able to watch whatever show I wanted, when I wanted. (Without having to get expensive cable with a DVR service.)

Oh, and the shows would have to be HD, since now that I've gone HD I don't see myself going back.

[solipsism]

1) Blu-ray not coming to AppleTV. You likely already have a player with your PS3 or Blu-ray appliance so why add another player to the mix. Besides, the AppleTV has a different purpose.

2) Is v3.0 supposed to come soon or is this just a rumor that might come with new HW, too.

3) is it going to not just update some files change the entire OS from being Tiger-based to being Snow Leopard-based?

4) If it’s adding TunesLP support, and we have Touches and iPhones can that be used as remotes with QWERTY keyboards, hopefully they will add regular Safari support. I’d wager no, because they means they’d have to install Flash for desktop-like page viewing and that would mean Netflix and Hulu could eat into their digital downloads revenue. Though I’m not even sure you can play decent flash video on that 1GHz Intel CPU in the current AppleTV.

5) Hopefully seasons of TV Shows and movies from the iTunes Store will use the iTunesLP format to create interactive rich media like we’ve been getting with optical media. That is the one thing I miss from time to time, outside of the occasional movie that I want to see in super high def.

Originally Posted by walshbj

DVR would be nice but I don't see it happening.

Or access to Hulu or Netlfix. All three of these would be great, but they probably interfere with Apple’s sensibilities too much. Then again, this may be the last chance for Apple to grab hold of the living room.



In honour of HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED being banned for 3 days I’ll post for him…

Originally Posted by HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED

No Blu-ray! No deal!

Thanks again, Mr. H.

[Quadra 610]

C'mon, Apple, let's see a hardware update for this thing. You've got absolute gold here, so exploit it.

[buceta]

Yes my ATV is the heart of entertainment in my house. It is the best media player ever devised no question.

The update does nothing for me, however, as everything we own is pirated and we never buy anything from iTunes.

[NeilM]

Originally Posted by buceta

The update does nothing for me, however, as everything we own is pirated and we never buy anything from iTunes.

Ah, so by "own" you actually mean "stole."

[digitalclips]

Originally Posted by solipsism

In honour of HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED being banned for 3 days I’ll post for him…

Hey get with the program will ya!

[christopher126]

Originally Posted by walshbj

DVR would be nice but I don't see it happening.

I'm more than satisfied with my EyeTV as a DVR. Records clear QAM. Streams to my iPhone or another Mac. Very simple interface and easy to remove commercials. Great product.

I too, am very happy with my AppleTV and also use eyetv....but I can't seem to get eyetv to record in anything but 4:3 ratio. Pretty frustrating on my flat screen and do you know if eyetv can record HD channels?

Thanks for the info.

PS. If AppleTV comes out with DVR I will definitely buy one....

[Gazoobee]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

The new paragraph under the "iTUNES LP AND iTUNES EXTRAS" section ...

As an AppleTV owner and someone who buys a *lot* of music almost exclusively in album form this is great news. I find it unfortunate however that only a couple of big popular albums and a lot of boring dinosaur rock stuff has been transitioned to the format.

I'd like to see this become a standard multimedia container for books and other materials and for Apple to somehow ensure that the average person could put their content into the format and sell it through iTunes.

*That* would be transformative.

So far and for the most part, this is just yet another way to push old albums by dead or soon to be dead rock stars of the past, or to get people unnaturally excited about the latest dreck from Britney Spears or Beyonce.

Let's hope it becomes something more than the useless crap that sit's on the "extras" menu of the average DVD.

[christopher126]

I agree with the previous posts...once you have HD it's terribly hard to go back.

Is BluRay that much superior to HD?

AppleTV is a delight to use with photos, music, viewing recorded TV shows (a la eyeTV), and of course, HD movies.

As far as photos, my girlfriend and her daughters are just amazed at AppleTV. We view the photos so much more than when they were just on a computer or way back when in photo albums. (Did I say photo albums, I meant, shoe boxes!)

With just the Ken Burns effect and a little light music behind it's as mesmerizing as having a salt water fish tank or a fireplace on a cold november night. I really recommend it! AppleTV that is, not a saltwater aquarium!

[Rob55]

Originally Posted by christopher126

I agree with the previous posts...once you have HD is terribly hard to go back.

Is BluRay that superior to HD?

Yes, it is. BTW, Blu-ray is HD too. 1080/60p vs. AppleTV's 720/60p.

AppleTV is a delight to use with photos, music, viewing recorded TV shows (a la eyeTV), and of course, HD movies.

I like my AppleTV for music and photos as well, but it's main purpose is as a music server for my house music system.

As far as photos, my girlfriend and her daughters are just amazed at AppleTV. We view the photos so much more than when they were just on a computer or way back when in photo albums. (Did I say photo albums, I meant, shoe boxes!)

Though I have an AppleTV, I find myself streaming all my content to my PS-3 as it can handle more formats at higher resolutions than the AppleTV.

[walshbj]

Originally Posted by christopher126

...and do you know if eyetv can record HD channels?

I have the 250 Plus and it can record 16:9 stuff. I don't have a digital cable box so I only use it to record clear QAM for my local channels the cable provider sends. I don't know if the resulting recordings are considered truly HD or not but they look great on my 46" HD tv.

That said, football looks a little weird after converting to h.264, definitely noticeable compared to what the EyeTV lays down as its recording.

Can't tell you much more without knowing what your EyeTV is pulling from...

btw- certain 250 Plus units could NOT record clear QAM, then the hardware was updated so it could. same model name though.

[aga]

Originally Posted by digitalclips

…only issue and it is not ATV's fault, is I get a fair amount of PAL material and the frame rate issue is a pain. I am messing around with FCPro 3 now to see if there is an easy way to convert and keep audio in sync. Any suggestions appreciated.

FCPro 3 sounds like a lot of work.

May not work, but try converting files to mp4 using either or both of the following:

HandBrake
VLC

Let me know what your results are.

Good Luck

[daniel84]

Originally Posted by christopher126

do you know if eyetv can record HD channels?

I record BBC HD no problem on Freesat with my EyeTV 310. Love it!

[christopher126]

Originally Posted by Rob55

Though I have an AppleTV, I find myself streaming all my content to my PS-3 as it can handle more formats at higher resolutions than the AppleTV.

Thanks, Rob, for the clarification on the BluRay/HD....now that prices are coming down I'm considering getting a Blu-Ray player to play new releases I can get from my local library.

Don't think I can justify $30 a pop for a disc just yet....except for may Alien, The Thing and latest installments of the James Bond movies with Daniel Craig.

Best!

[buceta]

Originally Posted by christopher126

Thanks, Rob, for the clarification on the BluRay/HD....now that prices are coming down I'm considering getting a Blu-Ray player to play new releases I can get from my local library.

Don't think I can justify $30 a pop for a disc just yet....except for may Alien, The Thing and latest installments of the James Bond movies with Daniel Craig.

Best!

Bluray is pointless given that one can watch a bluray movie for free on an apple TV.

[Rob55]

Originally Posted by christopher126

Don't think I can justify $30 a pop for a disc just yet....except for may Alien, The Thing and latest installments of the James Bond movies with Daniel Craig.

Best!

This is a common misconception. Unless you are buying Blu-ray movies at your local Best Buy or Walmart, you shouldn't be paying $30 per title. I get all my Blu-ray movies from Amazon. I get free shipping and pay $20-$25 on average. I just got Ice Age 3 for $23.50 and that included a DVD and a digital copy in addition to the Blu-ray copy.

[Rob55]

Originally Posted by buceta

Bluray is pointless given that one can watch a bluray movie for free on an apple TV.

Except that one can't watch a Blu-ray movie on an AppleTV. Last time I checked, both iMovie and Compressor insist on outputting 960x540 resolution to my AppleTV. I have had success playing 720/24p files, but the AppleTV will not play (only up-convert to) 1080/60p. It will also not support DolbyTrue HD or DTS-HD Master Audio. And by the way, where are you getting Blu-ray movies fro free (legally)?

[GMHut]

Anyone with an Apple TV use Safari HD?

If so, how easy or hard is it to install? What's your opinion of it? What are it's limitations compared to Safari.

http://www.appletvhacks.net/2008/02/...now-available/

I've been planning to get a mini to use as media hub for HT. My old G5 is getting long in the tooth so I think I'll be needing to put my money into a new 'real' computer to use for taking work home instead of the mini as an addition to HT. I was going to do both, but money is tight. If I can save money and get an Apple TV that can browse the web in the living room instead of a mini, that would suit me.

Thanks in advance.

[cmf2]

Originally Posted by buceta

Yes my ATV is the heart of entertainment in my house. It is the best media player ever devised no question.

The update does nothing for me, however, as everything we own is pirated and we never buy anything from iTunes.

This likely isn't the only update in a major point revision. This is simply an iTunes licence that makes reference to future software version for ATV. Maybe there are other things that will be worthwhile to you.

Also, why do some people still flaunt piracy like it is a badge of honor? Anyone can do it now. Maybe it was "cool" when it was the new thing, an people were rebelling. I think we've moved past that point now. It is far more impressive if you actually pay for the stuff you want despite the availability of pirated copies.

[djames42]

Hmm, a 3.0 update really should have more than just this enhanced LP format. The transition from 1.x to 2.0 was major. Adding support for some additional album artwork seems like a minor rev .x upgrade to me.

That being the case, here's hoping there's a lot more coming. TV rental would be (for me) huge. I've said this several times so it's probably getting boring, but my AppleTV was purchased to save me money on a cable TV subscription. I watch very few shows and for the cost of HD cable and a DVR (about $1200/year) I could purchase about 30 season passes. In reality, I watch about five shows at a total cost of less than $200 per year.

I'd pay twice that if I could rent TV shows considering (with very few exceptions) I only watch these shows once.

[mrkoolaid]

Originally Posted by solipsism

Besides, the AppleTV has a different purpose.

What is the purpose of the AppleTV? I am thinking of buying one. Do you think one day it will include the TV itself?

Who is Mr.H?

[wobegon]

I don't think this news is that surprising.

The big question for me was not whether iTunes LPs and Extras were coming to the Apple TV, but rather, how we will navigate them.

Is that new remote control Apple introduced going to be bundled with the Apple TV? Does it have functionality we're not aware of, say, Wii-like pointer functionality?

Is there a different remote that will bring Wii-like pointer functionality?

Are they simply going to bundle in an iPod touch (doubt it)?

I noticed something else today too that may or may not be new or related:
http://img265.yfrog.com/i/inw.png/

(Or click HERE to see an enlarged image.)

Browsing the Apple Online Store from within the iTunes Store (by clicking the link annotated in THIS screenshot).

[Chris_CA]

Originally Posted by 11thIndian

Then you're an idiot.

Hey now! Don't cut down idiots like that!

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by djames42

Hmm, a 3.0 update really should have more than just this enhanced LP format. The transition from 1.x to 2.0 was major. Adding support for some additional album artwork seems like a minor rev .x upgrade to me.

That is a solid assumption. I certainly got wrapped up in the v3.0 headline, but assumed that with iTuneLP a lot of other changes would be coming, too. This does sound like a minor update.

PS: Xbox 360 is in beta testing of Twitter and Facebook. Would Apple just add it without adding legal information about how they are not responsible for the content?

[Jerseymac]

Originally Posted by buceta

Yes my ATV is the heart of entertainment in my house. It is the best media player ever devised no question.

The update does nothing for me, however, as everything we own is pirated and we never buy anything from iTunes.

For Shame! But while were on the subject, does anyone know if it's possible to create iTunes LP type content? Say for something I cooked up on GarageBand?

[techno]

Originally Posted by DKWalsh4

I'm definitely in the market for an Apple TV, I'm excited to see when\if they roll out an updated model. For my own sake, I hope Gene is right this time.

I still believe that the next incarnation of an AppleTV will be integrated with a LG supplied TV. I don't see a future for an independent box as it is.

Plus, I don't listen to Piper Jaffray, unless I plan to buy or sell some AAPL. Because they are always trying to manipulate the stock price with their "insights."

[djames42]

Originally Posted by Jerseymac

For Shame! But while were on the subject, does anyone know if it's possible to create iTunes LP type content? Say for something I cooked up on GarageBand?

Sure - contact Apple and give them the $10,000 licensing fee and you're good-to-go

[Ohcomeon]

I would love to see the new ATV 3.0 have support for broadcasters' catch-up TV services. Probably won't happen though as it would surely affect iTunes sales

[another_steve]

The AppleTV is in need of a significant hardware improvement. It absolutely needs to be able to play 1080p movies. Anything short of this is a failure. Additionally, Apple needs to open up the USB port for local storage. I could care less about iTunes LP. Apple will probably not address these issues and wonder why it's still just a "hobby" for them.

[pats]

Originally Posted by Jerseymac

For Shame! But while were on the subject, does anyone know if it's possible to create iTunes LP type content? Say for something I cooked up on GarageBand?

Try this site

http://ituneslp.net/

[super8sean]

Originally Posted by appleinsider

apple has updated the itunes store terms and conditions to reference a forthcoming 3.0 software update for the apple tv, which will allow viewing of itunes lp and itunes extras content.

The new paragraph under the "itunes lp and itunes extras" section references an update to apple's set-top box hobby: "itunes lp and itunes extras products are usable only on computers with itunes 9 or higher and apple tv with software version 3.0 or higher."

the new itunes lp format, which debuted in september, is designed to encourage sales of full-length albums. The new format comes with additional content such as photos, videos and other bonus material. The itunes lp format was joined by itunes extras, which delivers bonus materials for movies, much like are traditionally found on dvds.

The tunekit javascript framework on which both are based uses open web standards like html and css. Appleinsider originally reported in september that the new format appeared to have apple tv written all over it.

Tunekit content is designed for a 1280 by 720 pixel resolution, which is too large to play on the 13-inch macbook pro without entering full-screen mode. But it does exactly fit the hdtv output resolution of apple tv, and could even scale down to a 480p display.



In addition, the tunekit format includes references in its html meta tags to "hdtv-fullscreen" and "hdtv-cursor-off."

the last major update to the apple tv was when the "take two" 2.0 firmware was released at macworld expo in january 2008. The next major update is expected to incorporate features of snow leopard, including quicktime x and its http live streaming protocol.



This summer, analyst gene munster with piper jaffray reiterated his belief that a new apple tv with itunes tv show subscriptions and potential dvr capabilities would eventually arrive from the hardware maker. He said the timing of a new hardware debut would likely be impacted by the negotiations apple would need to conduct in order to have the rights to offer a subscription model. Munster said he believes a new apple tv or updated apple tv software will arrive within the next year.

[ view this article at appleinsider.com ]

magic mouse just arrived at all apple stores!!!!

[Rob55]

Originally Posted by another_steve

The AppleTV is in need of a significant hardware improvement. It absolutely needs to be able to play 1080p movies. Anything short of this is a failure. Additionally, Apple needs to open up the USB port for local storage. I could care less about iTunes LP. Apple will probably not address these issues and wonder why it's still just a "hobby" for them.

Totally in agreement with you here. Gotta be able to do 1080p and have the use of the USB port for storage expansion. My 160GB unit is almost maxed out as it is. I know I can stream stuff to it, but I like having the ability of being able to use it without any computers running.

[cmf2]

Originally Posted by djames42

Sure - contact Apple and give them the $10,000 licensing fee and you're good-to-go

Oh really?

A simple google search can also show you how to make one now if you don't need to distribute it through the iTunes Store.

Edit: No need for google. pats provided a link.

[cmf2]

Originally Posted by another_steve

The AppleTV is in need of a significant hardware improvement. It absolutely needs to be able to play 1080p movies. Anything short of this is a failure. Additionally, Apple needs to open up the USB port for local storage. I could care less about iTunes LP. Apple will probably not address these issues and wonder why it's still just a "hobby" for them.

A little birdie tells me 1080p ATV in late January, along with the Tablet announcement. Marking the start of Apples assault on the living room in earnest with what will become an annual video event, much like the iPod/iTunes music event in the fall. Or I could be completely wrong as I have absolutely nothing to base this on except for the fact that it seems logical.

[Ohcomeon]

Originally Posted by cmf2

A little birdie tells me 1080p ATV in late January, along with the Tablet announcement. Marking the start of Apples assault on the living room in earnest with what will become an annual video event, much like the iPod/iTunes music event in the fall. Or I could be completely wrong as I have absolutely nothing to base this on except for the fact that it seems logical.

So a little birdie told you nothing then?