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Apple delays Apple TV launch till mid-March

post #1 of 136
2/26/07 at 2:27pm
Thread Starter 
Wow. Interesting... big trouble in little AppleTV land?

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post #2 of 136
2/26/07 at 2:35pm
oh man! i was looking forward to hooking it up this weekend !!

come on apple, you announce this thing in september! what's the hold up?
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post #3 of 136
2/26/07 at 2:36pm
Sucks, I have one on order, I must confess. Muhahahahaha
Hard-Core.
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Hard-Core.
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post #4 of 136
2/26/07 at 2:37pm
Plus the fact that the store is still saying shipping February. Which is a lie.
Wierd, I posted that after Kasper's automated slave, abd yet it appears before it . Huh?
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post #5 of 136
2/26/07 at 2:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex London View Post

Plus the fact that the store is still saying shipping February. Which is a lie.
Wierd, I posted that after Kasper's automated slave, abd yet it appears before it . Huh?

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post #6 of 136
2/26/07 at 2:41pm
Maybe its nothing, maybe its something catastrophic. We'll never know what with Apple being such a secretive company. Would it kill them to take the spin off the news and just tell everyone what the hold up is all about? Or maybe they should just quit pre-announcing stuff!
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post #7 of 136
2/26/07 at 2:41pm
Nooooooooooo!

I want NOW. Right Now. Not Tomorrow, Next Week or Next Month.

Oh Steve, why do you tease me so?
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post #8 of 136
2/26/07 at 2:51pm
Good job Apple. Shipping estimates are another consistent feature for the company.
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post #9 of 136
2/26/07 at 2:51pm
Well, I was about to eat crow with Apple not bumping anything on iTunes to 720p but I guess I have a few more days...

Vinea
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post #10 of 136
2/26/07 at 2:56pm
Thread Starter 
Could be they haven't hit goals for AppleTV yet... may need the extra time to get enough orders together...

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post #11 of 136
2/26/07 at 3:05pm
I'm hoping they are adding features that weren't announced earlier.

Honestly, I don't see anything on Apple TV that would make this a compelling purchase.
Since it doesn't even come with a CD/DVD drive and is priced way too high, I just can't justify this purchase.
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post #12 of 136
2/26/07 at 3:09pm
Who didn't see this coming? Doesn't really matter, unless they miss calendar Q1 altogether, in which cast it'll impact their financials a tad.


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post #13 of 136
2/26/07 at 3:25pm
Apple conceded Monday it will be forced to delay the release of its Apple TV wireless media hub until the middle of next month.

"Wrapping up Apple TV is taking a few weeks longer than we projected, and we now expect to begin shipments mid-March," Apple spokeswoman Lynn Fox told Reuters in an email.

The comments arrive in stark contrast to those made by the Cupertino-based company earlier in the month, when it denied reports that it would be unable to meet its self-imposed deadline.

Apple had previously said it would ship the $299 device -- made for streaming digital movies, music and photos from computers running iTunes to high-definition TV sets -- during the month of February.

Customers who had placed early orders for Apple TV through the company's online store were promised shipment by February 28 for delivery by March 5th. Apple had yet to provide updated shipment quotes for those customers as of press time.

Update: Early Apple Store online orders for Apple TV have now been adjusted to reflect shipment by March 20th for delivery by March 23rd.

Apple Store online ship estimate prior to delay.

Apple Store online ship estimate following delay.
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post #14 of 136
2/26/07 at 3:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by grkorsgard View Post

Good job Apple. Shipping estimates are another consistent feature for the company.

Actually recent past history has been very good, in fact many items have shipped early.
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post #15 of 136
2/26/07 at 3:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TBaggins View Post

Who didn't see this coming? Doesn't really matter, unless they miss calendar Q1 altogether, in which cast it'll impact their financials a tad.

Q1 calendar or Q1 fiscal? I think Jan-Mar is Fiscal Q2.

Instead of four weeks of sales for this quarter, they'll have two. I don't think this is one of those products that will have high sales initially, it seems to take a while for a new product to gain traction, so it may not make much difference.

I guess we needed an occasional clear reminder why we shouldn't always accept what Apple says.
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post #16 of 136
2/26/07 at 3:35pm
I just checked my order status on apple.com and it has been changed to Ships by March 20. Arrives by March 26. I ordered it just hours after they became available in January.
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post #17 of 136
2/26/07 at 3:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by parky View Post

Actually recent past history has been very good, in fact many items have shipped early.

I don't remember any early shipments lately. Xserve Xeon was a mont late.
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post #18 of 136
2/26/07 at 3:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post

Q1 calendar or Q1 fiscal? I think Jan-Mar is Fiscal Q2.

Instead of four weeks of sales for this quarter, they'll have two. I don't think this is one of those products that will have high sales initially, it seems to take a while for a new product to gain traction, so it may not make much difference.

I guess we needed an occasional clear reminder why we shouldn't always accept what Apple says.

Well, I said calendar Q1, which is Jan-Mar... don't know how I can get more specific than that. \

Sales won't be huge, but there's always an early adopter wave with all things Apple these days. Still small potatoes compared to the rest of their product portfolio.

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post #19 of 136
2/26/07 at 4:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TBaggins View Post

Well, I said calendar Q1, which is Jan-Mar... don't know how I can get more specific than that. \

Here's how: when you are talking about financial matters, you use the fiscal calendar.

Quote:
Originally Posted by TBaggins

Doesn't really matter, unless they miss calendar Q1 altogether, in which case it'll impact their financials a tad.
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post #20 of 136
2/26/07 at 4:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jacob1varghese View Post

Since it doesn't even come with a CD/DVD drive...

I don't understand. Your Mac has a CD/DVD drive and you can stream from the Mac to the TV. I'll bet Apple TV will be released with a new version of iTunes so that you can play video from the Mac's drive on your TV with full control.
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post #21 of 136
2/26/07 at 4:18pm
Calendar year vs. fiscal year, get it? Who cares, anyway? I got the point.
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post #22 of 136
2/26/07 at 4:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chabig View Post

I don't understand. Your Mac has a CD/DVD drive and you can stream from the Mac to the TV. I'll bet Apple TV will be released with a new version of iTunes so that you can play video from the Mac's drive on your TV with full control.

Don't count on it.
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post #23 of 136
2/26/07 at 4:51pm
I just checked my account. The new ship date is: Ships by: Mar 20; Delivers by: Mar 23.

That stinks....
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post #24 of 136
2/26/07 at 5:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckf11 View Post

I just checked my account. The new ship date is: Ships by: Mar 20; Delivers by: Mar 23.

That stinks....

mmm, maybe you'll get Apple TV rev. 2.0. snicker snacker.
:-D * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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:-D * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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post #25 of 136
2/26/07 at 5:34pm
Minimum of 20 days late in shipping. There is noting special about the hardware, or the software really as far as we know. Everything that they are doing with this device (and a lot more) has more or less been done by apple already in existing software and hardware. And what hasn't has been done by a lot smaller companies than Apple successfully for a while now. Sure there might have been some catastrophic bug that has surfaced, or more likely a shortage of some component. I would speculate that this has something to do with either adding more capability to the initial spec based on consumer reaction or more likely working out availability of 720p content for availability on iTMS and probably adding another studio. Sure they could release it without this content, but they will get a much more friendly press/consumer reaction if this content is ready for download the same day.

Another possibly delay is upping bandwidth and storage for the upgrade to 720p content. iTMS seems slow lately so they might need to upgrade.
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post #26 of 136
2/26/07 at 5:37pm
So those of us that have laptops have no use for this product?
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post #27 of 136
2/26/07 at 5:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by iDave View Post

Calendar year vs. fiscal year, get it? Who cares, anyway? I got the point.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=that's+what+I'm+saying

8)

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post #28 of 136
2/26/07 at 5:54pm
I doubt the issue is hardware. The hardware is pretty straight forward. However, contrary to what others have speculated here, I don't believe the software/firmware is the least bit trivial if they are striving for an "Apple-like" user experience (it "just works").

I don't care what anyone says - streaming anything approaching high-def video over wireless is asking for trouble. My bet says they are tweaking the heck out fo their software (in iTunes) and firmware (in the AppleTV) to try to handle error conditions reliably without dropouts.

I've been streaming video for a long time. Wired - it is very reliable. Wireless - it is highly problematic. Don't believe the bandwidth specs you see for 802.11g & 802.11n. Those are theoretical values which don't take into account interference.
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post #29 of 136
2/26/07 at 6:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by IndyLions View Post

Wired - it is very reliable. Wireless - it is highly problematic. Don't believe the bandwidth specs you see for 802.11g & 802.11n. Those are theoretical values which don't take into account interference.

Thank you for that fantastic point. I've always thought something like that would be the case. (Got flamed for bringing his up on Ai a while ago..... but your obvious technical background gives it much more credibility).
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post #30 of 136
2/26/07 at 7:26pm
Amazing. Apple TV launch is delayed a couple of weeks.

I'll bet there are a lot of families out there tonight only wishing that their sons and daughters return from Araq would be just as short. Or had government leaders, news media or lawyers as honest as Steve Jobs and Company.
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post #31 of 136
2/26/07 at 7:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TBaggins View Post

Who didn't see this coming? Doesn't really matter, unless they miss calendar Q1 altogether, in which cast it'll impact their financials a tad.


.

The AppleTV will have very little effect on their financials. Its overpriced and under-featured. Past the "I've got to have it because Apple made it!" crowd, there's no current market for this device.
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post #32 of 136
2/26/07 at 7:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chabig View Post

I don't understand. Your Mac has a CD/DVD drive and you can stream from the Mac to the TV. I'll bet Apple TV will be released with a new version of iTunes so that you can play video from the Mac's drive on your TV with full control.

First problem with this device. It requires a mac/pc to actually work (so its not a $300 device, its a $1000 device).

Second problem. You go down to your entertainment center and get a DVD. Go upstairs, pop open the box, turn on your Mac, pop DVD into mac. (Make sure you've got your firewall set up correctly!). Go back downstairs, get comfy on the couch. Grab the remote, hit play. Damn, you put in the extras disk! Get off the couch, climb back up the stairs, pop out the disk, put in other disk, go back down, get comfortable again, hit play, fall asleep in five minutes from all the stair climbing.

If Apple's trying to get into the entertainment center, they should look into replacing the DVD player, not try to force your hand to buying digital stuff on their store.

(And what's the deal with this thing not having an off switch? What reason does it need to run 24/7 for?)
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post #33 of 136
2/26/07 at 8:02pm
I fail to see why this delay was needed given the technology in the Apple Tv. Perhaps Apple needs extra time to finish encoding a bunch of 720p content? I wish!
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post #34 of 136
2/26/07 at 8:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Louzer View Post

First problem with this device. It requires a mac/pc to actually work (so its not a $300 device, its a $1000 device).

Second problem. You go down to your entertainment center and get a DVD. Go upstairs, pop open the box, turn on your Mac, pop DVD into mac. (Make sure you've got your firewall set up correctly!). Go back downstairs, get comfy on the couch. Grab the remote, hit play. Damn, you put in the extras disk! Get off the couch, climb back up the stairs, pop out the disk, put in other disk, go back down, get comfortable again, hit play, fall asleep in five minutes from all the stair climbing.

If Apple's trying to get into the entertainment center, they should look into replacing the DVD player, not try to force your hand to buying digital stuff on their store.
)

I don't think anyone would use this for DVDs... not when you can buy one for $40 and hook it right to the TV. It is for streaming iTunes video, which you control at the Apple TV, not your Mac.
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post #35 of 136
2/26/07 at 8:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Louzer View Post

The AppleTV will have very little effect on their financials. Its overpriced and under-featured. Past the "I've got to have it because Apple made it!" crowd, there's no current market for this device.

... in your opinion ... which I disagree with ... since I have ordered one... so "no" market is (as is often the case) hyperbole...
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post #36 of 136
2/26/07 at 8:50pm
Could this be part of the delay... http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-968...ml?tag=nl.e722
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post #37 of 136
2/26/07 at 9:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Louzer View Post

First problem with this device. It requires a mac/pc to actually work (so its not a $300 device, its a $1000 device).

Do you use this logic in the supermarket, too? "Oh, I need an oven to cook this chicken... so it really costs $506, not $6."

You already have an oven. You don't factor it into every item you use in conjunction with it. Likewise, you already have a computer.

Quote:
Second problem. You go down to your entertainment center and get a DVD. Go upstairs, pop open the box, turn on your Mac, pop DVD into mac. (Make sure you've got your firewall set up correctly!). Go back downstairs, get comfy on the couch. Grab the remote, hit play. Damn, you put in the extras disk! Get off the couch, climb back up the stairs, pop out the disk, put in other disk, go back down, get comfortable again, hit play, fall asleep in five minutes from all the stair climbing.

Why would you use this as a DVD player? What, 80% of American's have a DVD player? Why would you even try to use this as one? Just use your DVD player.

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If Apple's trying to get into the entertainment center, they should look into replacing the DVD player, not try to force your hand to buying digital stuff on their store.

This does replace the DVD player. Why would I go to Walmart when I can have an instant download playing immediately? Physical media is a thing of the past.

What you're asking for is for an option on the Ford Model T to still be drawn by horses.

Also, the Apple TV isn't just for videos from the iTunes store. You can play podcasts, any iPod-ready video, and, if you're willing to transcode, any movie file.

Quote:
(And what's the deal with this thing not having an off switch? What reason does it need to run 24/7 for?)

Does it seriously not have an off switch? What's your source on that?
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post #38 of 136
2/26/07 at 9:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gregmightdothat View Post

This does replace the DVD player. Why would I go to Walmart when I can have an instant download playing immediately? Physical media is a thing of the past.

That's not quite right. How is an iTunes download stored again? On the ethereal drive?

I don't know about you, but I do go places to get supplies such as food, I usually don't go anywhere to buy a DVD by itself. I personally don't see a point in buying $10 for just the movie when there better featured DVDs of big, though old catalog, releases to be had for half that.

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Does it seriously not have an off switch? What's your source on that?

There may be a point there, but that concern may be overblown. None of the diagrams or pictures show an off switch or any kind of button on the box. I don't expect for the thing to be fully on all the time, if they do it right. There are plenty of power management techniques. There can be a supervisor chip that watches the IR receiver and turn on the unit when it sees valid codes, behaving much like current IR controlled devices do.
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post #39 of 136
2/26/07 at 9:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gregmightdothat View Post


Does it seriously not have an off switch? What's your source on that?

It might well not have an on off switch. Does your Airport base station have an on off switch? Does your alarm clock have an on-off swtich? Does your DVD player have a 'real' on off switch? The one on your DVD player doesn't really turn off power to the player. It turns off the lights on the front, and that's about it. The power consumption of the devices is minimal at best when idle.

An on-off switch would not provide significant savings in power to make a difference.
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post #40 of 136
2/27/07 at 1:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bjojade View Post

It might well not have an on off switch. Does your Airport base station have an on off switch? Does your alarm clock have an on-off swtich? Does your DVD player have a 'real' on off switch? The one on your DVD player doesn't really turn off power to the player. It turns off the lights on the front, and that's about it. The power consumption of the devices is minimal at best when idle.

An on-off switch would not provide significant savings in power to make a difference.

It would if DVD players were constantly pumping out HD resolution graphics constantly.

I guess I'm just imagining my XBOX 360 running at full speed all the time, which even when not playing games is a very effective, if noisy, space heater.
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