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Report claims "major" Apple TV update in the pipeline - Page 4

post #121 of 155
1/13/08 at 2:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jragosta View Post

So the difference between a portable device that's meant to be carried with you all the time and one connected to your big screen TV is insignificant? Amazing.




User can continue to use their existing content - on the DVD player that they already have connected to their TV. There's little (or no) benefit to ripping the videos to the Apple TV - unless you're just too lazy to get off the couch to change a disk.

I stand by my belief that its a minor difference. From a users perspective the ablity to utilize one's existing content trumps the neat interface and other features of the ATV. Do you think the iPod would be as successful today as it is if iTunes didn't allow you to rip cds so easily? I can't find the link but I remember seeing an article at ars where 70% of the content on iPods was ripped from existing cds.

What's the must have feature to get people to buy an ATV? Most people don't have much content they want or need to get from their Mac to their HDTV. Lackluster sales of the ATV support this belief. Increasing the storage on the ATV isn't going to change things much either.
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post #122 of 155
1/13/08 at 2:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpamSandwich View Post

AppleTV is ahead of it's time in terms of market, but behind in terms of functionality. Take a gander at the competition and try to convince me that ATV is the best solution out there. Not a chance.

Agreed.
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post #123 of 155
1/13/08 at 2:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by backtomac View Post

I stand by my belief that its a minor difference. From a users perspective the ablity to utilize one's existing content trumps the neat interface and other features of the ATV. Do you think the iPod would be as successful today as it is if iTunes didn't allow you to rip cds so easily? I can't find the link but I remember seeing an article at ars where 70% of the content on iPods was ripped from existing cds.

What's the must have feature to get people to buy an ATV? Most people don't have much content they want or need to get from their Mac to their HDTV. Lackluster sales of the ATV support this belief. Increasing the storage on the ATV isn't going to change things much either.

Then let us rip DVDs via iTunes (legally not allowable) or legally copy content like Tivo.
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post #124 of 155
1/13/08 at 3:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by teckstud View Post

Then let us rip DVDs via iTunes (legally not allowable) or legally copy content like Tivo.

Then write your congressman and get him to create and pass a Video Home Recording Act to explicitly allow the home copying of DVDs. Just like the Audio Home Recording Act permits the copying of CDs. This is a legal debate not a technical one.
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post #125 of 155
1/13/08 at 3:34pm
The point about not being able to rip right through iTunes is a good one. If Apple really wants the aTV successor to be a success in exactly the way the first one *wasn't* then they'll have to make some concessions on this one. If that means a really large standard drive for storing ripped content and a simple process to rip DVD content into iTunes then so be it. If it's just a point of sale terminal and display device for purchased content then it's a failure. I like the iPod because it means *fast* access to my entire library of music. There is no way I could dig through all my CDs to find the one I'm itching to listen to in the time I can navigate to it on my iPod. Make video this easy *especially my current content* and I'll order the first day. I'll even consider the iTMS offerings for future content.

For those of you with immaculate bandwidth and the desire to clutter your lives with more devices, rather then simplifying (which I thought Apple was trying to do ala iPod) then I wish you well. They'll probably sell another 100 or even 150 of them. If it's not being completely revamped then why bother doing it at Macworld?
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post #126 of 155
1/13/08 at 4:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpamSandwich View Post

Not only that, it needs to be backwards compatible with non-HD televisions. Most people have not gone digital. Apple really screwed the pooch on their market research.

Yep. I'm sure that granny is going to want to buy an AppleTV to download content for her 18" black and white Sylvania set.

AppleTV will work with most TVs purchased in the past 5 years or so - which has to cover the vast majority of people who would buy an Apple TV.
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post #127 of 155
1/13/08 at 5:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aquatic View Post

If it could record TV I'd buy one. Oh well.

You're missing it. Recording TV will be a non-issue when you can get your TV shows through an iTunes subscription. Why record when you can stream and watch?

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post #128 of 155
1/13/08 at 5:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ascii View Post

They should rename it the iTunes TV to help people understand what it is. "Apple TV" is a big mystery and people are too busy these days to find out what it does.

Clever.

They may just do that when they get the subscription TV show model setup.

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post #129 of 155
1/13/08 at 5:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bancho View Post

A DVD drive is a simple cheap addition to the device that lets me get rid of a larger, less functional device. I do "get it". "It" just doesn't appeal to me without that functionality. I'm sure Steve would like me to simplify my collection of electronic devices and that simple addition would go a long way toward helping achieve that.

I've accumulated a good sized library of ccontent and I don't even want to consider the time and effort of ripping it all. The device you're suggesting asks too much of me and delivers too little.

Why do you assume that because people already have devices littered about their TV that they actually *want* to add to that clutter?

Bingo, bingo bingo! I think about Apple TV exactly like this.

I too will never consider buying an Apple TV until it has a DVD slot. I have too many DVD's to be even interested.

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post #130 of 155
1/13/08 at 5:36pm
Quote:
I can't put a DVD in my computer and have iTunes "rip" it onto my hard-drive/library. The process needs to be THAT easy for the product to be accepted like the iPod. But Apple can't do that without being sued, so the solution is to put an optical drive in the aTV.

True to some degree. But DVD ripping software has been around for a long time and has gotten a lot better over the years. The software much of the time is free and the interfaces has become very easy to use easy to use. Handbreak has presets for the device you want to play the movie on. It doesn't get much easier than that.

I agree digitizing and importing a large DVD collection is a lot of work. But you cannot act like its not an option when it clearly is. As opposed to when DVD was first introduced you had no choice but to purchase your entire collection over again.

Apple's idea really is for the consumer to not deal with DVD at all. The solution is for Apple to open ATV to several digital downloading services. So that ATV has access to a wider variety of content.

Quote:
You know this isn't true. CDs are directly ripped within iTunes. No such option exists for ATV.

Because it doesn't exist in iTunes means it doesn't exist period?

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post #131 of 155
1/13/08 at 5:58pm
Quote:
User can continue to use their existing content - on the DVD player that they already have connected to their TV. There's little (or no) benefit to ripping the videos to the Apple TV - unless you're just too lazy to get off the couch to change a disk.

There is a benefit. It allows instant access to any video in your collection. But its sort of an individual choice whether that is worth the effort or not.

Quote:
If Apple really wants the aTV successor to be a success in exactly the way the first one *wasn't* then they'll have to make some concessions on this one.

I think you are just being stubborn on this one. DVR, VOD, PPV, and internet downloading don't involve physical DVD and they are all faster growing revenue markets than the DVD market. The DVD market has actually reached its peak and is flattening out.

What they all have that ATV has not had is access to a wide variety of content.

Quote:
I too will never consider buying an Apple TV until it has a DVD slot. I have too man DVD's to be even interested.

If you are really that invested in your DVD collection then a DVD player is what you need. ATV, cable box, Sling Box, and Tivo are all about moving past physical media. If what you need is a physical media box none of these will ever suite that need.

I have a relatively modest DVD collection and have mostly been renting DVD's for the past few years. Over the past year I've used my cable DVR and VOD just as much as I've used the DVD player. Once their is enough digital content I can pretty easily see using the DVD player very little.
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post #132 of 155
1/13/08 at 6:03pm
Steve Jobs has stated that the Apple TV (ATV) is the "DVD for the Internet" and while I see value in adding an optical drive I don't see enough to warrant the additional engineering complexity (the ATV already runs hot and has a HDD. Adding "another" moving part isn't a good idea IMO)

We all have DVDs that we want to view but I doubt that even 10% care about reducing clutter so much so long as they have enough ports for all of their AV gear.

The ATV is about leveraging iTunes content from the Internet and from local Macs and PCs on the network. It's not designed to be your swiss army "everything in one box". Your clutter management is your issue..not Apple's.

As Tenobell has stated you "can" get your DVD content ripped and playable on the ATV but Apple cannot do this because it's still illegal. The sweat equity goes to those who expend the effort.

Frankly I don't want to pay extra so that some guy/gal can eliminate their DVD player. I'm fine with my current DVD playback device. The ATV to me just augments your current setup. I know longer keep a VHS player in my AV stack so clutter reduction happens over time regardless. I'd much rather get rid of my cable box than worry about DVD/ATV integration.
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post #133 of 155
1/13/08 at 6:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TenoBell View Post

Because it doesn't exist in iTunes means it doesn't exist period?


Yes, I'm aware of handbrake and use it myself. I doubt the average user is aware of it though.
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post #134 of 155
1/13/08 at 6:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hmurchison View Post

Steve Jobs has stated that the Apple TV (ATV) is the "DVD for the Internet" and while I see value in adding an optical drive I don't see enough to warrant the additional engineering complexity (the ATV already runs hot and has a HDD. Adding "another" moving part isn't a good idea IMO)

We all have DVDs that we want to view but I doubt that even 10% care about reducing clutter so much so long as they have enough ports for all of their AV gear.

The ATV is about leveraging iTunes content from the Internet and from local Macs and PCs on the network. It's not designed to be your swiss army "everything in one box". Your clutter management is your issue..not Apple's.

As Tenobell has stated you "can" get your DVD content ripped and playable on the ATV but Apple cannot do this because it's still illegal. The sweat equity goes to those who expend the effort.

Frankly I don't want to pay extra so that some guy/gal can eliminate their DVD player. I'm fine with my current DVD playback device. The ATV to me just augments your current setup. I know longer keep a VHS player in my AV stack so clutter reduction happens over time regardless. I'd much rather get rid of my cable box than worry about DVD/ATV integration.


Well, what can/should Apple do to improve sales of the ATV?

Doesn't look like the current recipe works.
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post #135 of 155
1/13/08 at 6:24pm
Honestly, I haven't seen anything suggested by those advocating against features like an optical drive, or other functions that would really differentiate a revamped aTV from the current one. Maybe more content? Movie rentals? That's it?

Well, the aTV must not be the device I was looking for and I look forward to seeing how well it sells. The iPod and iTunes integrated my content really well with new content available online. The thing seems to give me the finger and say "my way or the highway, bitch".

I guess, that being the case, I'd take the highway.

Do you really think that Steve & co. looked at the aTV and said:

Steve: "what's wrong with the aTV?"
Nameless Apple Minion: "Maybe it lacks key features that keep potential buyers from biting."
Steve: "Nah, we just need more stuff to sell to play on it."

After spending $XXX it better do a heck of a lot out of the box. If, after spending that , I'm faced with $X.99 to rent a movie, I'd be pissed.
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post #136 of 155
1/13/08 at 6:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by backtomac View Post

Well, what can/should Apple do to improve sales of the ATV?

Doesn't look like the current recipe works.

1. High Definition
2. Offer Rentals
3. Distributed movies for homes with multiple ATV.
4. Internet Browsing/ .Mac support
5. Lower Price

In typical fashion too many computer enthusiasts want to go upmarket (Add a Terabyte drive, add Blu-ray etc) but items become mass market and reach critical mass when you hit $199 and $99 price points.

I look for the next ATV major update to leverage the improved filesharing and video features of Leopard. I look for the next hardware refresh to be cheaper to manufacture yet more functional. Perhaps there's some truth to Apple utilizing Intel's Slilverthorne or Canmore technology.

I didn't figure the original ATV would sell like gangbusters. It's priced at the same price as a base Xbox 360. $299 is a tough pricepoint to sell electronics to the masses unless they get a lot of enjoyment from that device.

You gotta figure that consumers also realize they have to take the plunge into HDTV sooner or later. Also let's not forget that HD camcorders are HOT. If Apple's smart they'll somehow tie in iLife to the ATV making it drop dead easy to view or listen to your own content on the Big Screen.
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post #137 of 155
1/13/08 at 6:41pm
Quote:
Well, what can/should Apple do to improve sales of the ATV? Doesn't look like the current recipe works.

Content, content, content. ATV currently does not have access to a wide variety of content. Nearly every other digital delivery service has far more video content than iTunes. Inspite of this however iTunes is still the top video downloading service.

Quote:
Maybe more content? Movie rentals? That's it?

Essentially yes. I think people's loyalty is more to content and convenience than their loyalty is to any particular delivery medium.

Once people are able to push a button and instantaneously receive the same amount of digital content that is currently available on DVD. Physical media sales will plummet.

Movie studios and television networks know this. That is why they are careful about giving the digital download market to Apple the way the record industry did.
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post #138 of 155
1/13/08 at 6:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hmurchison View Post

1. High Definition
2. Offer Rentals
3. Distributed movies for homes with multiple ATV.
4. Internet Browsing/ .Mac support
5. Lower Price

In typical fashion too many computer enthusiasts want to go upmarket (Add a Terabyte drive, add Blu-ray etc) but items become mass market and reach critical mass when you hit $199 and $99 price points.

I look for the next ATV major update to leverage the improved filesharing and video features of Leopard. I look for the next hardware refresh to be cheaper to manufacture yet more functional. Perhaps there's some truth to Apple utilizing Intel's Slilverthorne or Canmore technology.

I didn't figure the original ATV would sell like gangbusters. It's priced at the same price as a base Xbox 360. $299 is a tough pricepoint to sell electronics to the masses unless they get a lot of enjoyment from that device.

You gotta figure that consumers also realize they have to take the plunge into HDTV sooner or later. Also let's not forget that HD camcorders are HOT. If Apple's smart they'll somehow tie in iLife to the ATV making it drop dead easy to view or listen to your own content on the Big Screen.

Your suggestions make sense. However:

1. HD. Bandwidth is a big issue. Not everyone has FIOS and is able to download HD content in a reasonable timeframe. This issue is going to be around for a while too.

2. Offer Rentals. Good idea but last I read Apple is a little short on content.

3. Distributed Movies for homes with multiple ATVs. Hmm. Seems a bit ambitious given the weak sales of the ATV. How many people have multiple ATVs?

4 Internet Browsing and .Mac support. A nice feature. Would help.

5. Lower Price. No brainer if no DVR or optical drive features added.

I think your suggestions would help but at the end of the day the ATV is starved of content. It may also puts the fate of the ATV in the hands of the studios.
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post #139 of 155
1/13/08 at 7:13pm
I believe Apple will offer 2 Apple TV products:

#1: $299

Apple TV with HDTV tuner, ability to control cable / sat boxes.

* Interface for channel navigation and information -- now your TV surfing is an Apple experience, no matter what.
* Possible ability to record like TiVo
* Digital media server / iTunes browser just like it is now. Ability to send email and possibly web browse if desired.
* DVD player. (which costs Apple about $25 to put in)
* Upshot: Same as it is now but with HDTV surfing and DVD built-in.


#2: $499 or $599

Same as above but with Blu-Ray drive.
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post #140 of 155
1/13/08 at 7:36pm
This is a bit out of left field, but I posted this idea on my blog as part of my second look at MacWorld this year:

Apple ships a piece of software for Nintendo's Wii via the WiiWare (Wii Software in Europe) system. This will be FrontRow 2. Possibly branded as iTunes or AppleTWii or something cute like that.

I'll call it AppleTV for Wii here.

AppleTV for Wii will mirror AppleTV in features. However, instead of downloading your content, it will rely solely on streaming. So all the content on your Mac or PC can be watched, listened to our whatevered on your TV via Wii.

This is a big win for Apple as well as The Big N. Nintendo gets to monetise Mario and co on Apple's various platforms and, in exchange, gets software which essentially leapfrogs its Wii ahead of Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PS3 as a media entertainment hub. Which sucks for Microsoft and Sony since that's really their main defense against Nintendo's unstoppable onslaught with Wii.

Apple, meanwhile, gets to sell a slightly cut down version of Apple TV to less HD-oriented customers without having to build any hardware. All they do is charge a one-off software fee, say, 1200 Wii Points (If they even decide to charge) and the iTunes/AppleTV ecosystem becomes backwards compatible with non-HD TVs and draws in new customers to iTunes from those who have Wiis and want to watch movies on their TVs.

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post #141 of 155
1/13/08 at 7:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TenoBell View Post

If you are really that invested in your DVD collection then a DVD player is what you need. If what you need is a physical media box none of these will ever suite that need.

You are missing the point. If Apple TV had a slot-load DVD drive, and iTunes had a decent collection of movies that would only mean I could also use it to play my DVD's, and I could download all my future content. The best of both worlds. If Apple doesn't look at Apple TV this way then they are missing the point too. Adding a slot just makes the device more useful, it doesn't undermine their business model at all. Nobody is going to download a movie they already own anyway.

How Apple will make people choose to download is by offering a better service, just like they did with music.

And by them adding a slot I can have one item under my TV, not two. That's a good thing, not a bad thing.

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post #142 of 155
1/13/08 at 8:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jensonb View Post

...So all the content on your Mac or PC can be watched, listened to our whatevered on your TV...

Then the aTV needs to really add to the type of video formats it can play. I have TONS of video that is playable on my iMac that is NOT playable through an aTV because it wasn't recorded in one of the limited formats that the aTV will play.

how about .avi?... TONS of cameras floating around out there that record video in that format.
how about .wmv?... sure it will require sending some $ to M$, but they are marketing the device to Windows users as well... and god knows there's more video floating around as .wmv than as .mov.

The changes necessary to the aTV are (IMO) simple and cheap... adding a DVD (or BD) drive and allowing it to play ALL of my video files would really make the thing WAY more useful.

(crosses fingers 'till Tuesday.)
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post #143 of 155
1/13/08 at 9:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by archer75 View Post

Processing HD video takes alot of CPU or GPU power. I doubt the apple tv can do it. Even should I hack it and put in support for my files. I looked over the wiki and see no mention of playing files other than ripped DVD's. My files are mostly x264 in a MKV wrapper. I also need support for AC3 audio. And of course avi, divx, wmv, xvid, vc-1, etc.

A hacked ATV will do all this and more, You can run MPlayer on it, VLC, or as I use ATVFiles an excellent media player. It uses the same codecs you use on your mac so will support any format you want - don't forget the ATV OS is just a cut down version of OSX. It even supports 5.1 passthru on AC3 encoded audio., and will support 720p HD content.

All of my files are DivX with AC3 audio and they work great, mkv's work too. ATVFiles also suports xml's so in my Movies browser window I get cover art with a detailed info on all my movies etc..

If Apple listened to the amateur developers that are already making the ATV a fantastic little media server then the ATV would be a world beating product. The hack is so easy if you follow the instructions at Awkward TV.

People are using Elgato TV tuners on it already, external Hard Drives, network hard drives, Web Browsers, wireless keyboards & mice, plus all of these online TV channels such as Joost are starting to make an appearance now - the thing is growing so big now thanks to the hackers out there - Apple should see this as a sign of what people want the ATV to be.

http://wiki.awkwardtv.org/wiki/Main_Page

http://wiki.awkwardtv.org/wiki/ATVFiles
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post #144 of 155
1/13/08 at 11:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave K. View Post

Sony loses hundreds of dollars on the PS3. They make it up in software sales. Will Apple do the same thing? Don't count on it.

Sony is taking a loss on the PS3 because they bet the farm on Blu-ray. Why in the world would they not want to also take a loss selling Apple cheap Blu-ray drives to get them out there?

I'm not saying it's going to happen, but it's not as absurd as it sounds. Also, who says Apple wouldn't offer an AppleTV and an AppleTV+ for more money?


Consolidation of devices (or cables, or remotes) provides simplicity. Simplicity = sexy. Apple loves sexy. Doesn't everybody?
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post #145 of 155
1/14/08 at 1:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hmurchison View Post

1. High Definition
2. Offer Rentals
3. Distributed movies for homes with multiple ATV.
4. Internet Browsing/ .Mac support
5. Lower Price

In typical fashion too many computer enthusiasts want to go upmarket (Add a Terabyte drive, add Blu-ray etc) but items become mass market and reach critical mass when you hit $199 and $99 price points.

I look for the next ATV major update to leverage the improved filesharing and video features of Leopard. I look for the next hardware refresh to be cheaper to manufacture yet more functional. Perhaps there's some truth to Apple utilizing Intel's Slilverthorne or Canmore technology.

I didn't figure the original ATV would sell like gangbusters. It's priced at the same price as a base Xbox 360. $299 is a tough pricepoint to sell electronics to the masses unless they get a lot of enjoyment from that device.

You gotta figure that consumers also realize they have to take the plunge into HDTV sooner or later. Also let's not forget that HD camcorders are HOT. If Apple's smart they'll somehow tie in iLife to the ATV making it drop dead easy to view or listen to your own content on the Big Screen.

1. That would help
2. Yawn unless coupled with 1.
3. Another yawn feature
4. That would help but is completely unless with the Apple Remote
5. That would help

At $299 or $399 the AppleTV already is upmarket. At those prices, as you stated, it's in the Xbox 360 and PS3 price ranges and those products vastly outclass the AppleTV in terms of features. And both have seen multiple updates during their lifetime as opposed to the AppleTV's paltry YouTube update.

As for the comment about price, Blu-Ray has beaten HD DVD despite the higher price point. On the Apple front, the iPod made it mainstream yet started out in the high price range. If the product is good, people will pay the price of admission. It should be clear to Apple that people aren't willing to pay for the meager abilities AppleTV currently offers.

Except for ego, I don't see what would prevent Apple from adding a DVD or Blu-Ray drive and DVR features at least as options if not part of the base model. Give customers what they want not what Apple thinks they need (too bad that seems to go against Apple's business philosophy).
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post #146 of 155
1/14/08 at 5:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by aresee View Post

Then write your congressman and get him to create and pass a Video Home Recording Act to explicitly allow the home copying of DVDs. Just like the Audio Home Recording Act permits the copying of CDs. This is a legal debate not a technical one.

You are only addressing one poiny of my comments.
No one has to write to a congressman to buy a TIVO.
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post #147 of 155
1/14/08 at 5:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ireland View Post

You are missing the point. If Apple TV had a slot-load DVD drive, and iTunes had a decent collection of movies that would only mean I could also use it to play my DVD's, and I could download all my future content. The best of both worlds. If Apple doesn't look at Apple TV this way then they are missing the point too. Adding a slot just makes the device more useful, it doesn't undermine their business model at all. Nobody is going to download a movie they already own anyway.

How Apple will make people choose to download is by offering a better service, just like they did with music.

And by them adding a slot I can have one item under my TV, not two. That's a good thing, not a bad thing.

Apple only wants you to buy (and now rent) content from iTunes plain and simple. That is why there was not a disc drive in the first place. And that's why you can't stream DVD's to the ATV as well. Buy, Buy, Buy, Rent, Rent. Rent- High School Musical!
Funny how you can stream everything else to the ATV except a DVD.
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post #148 of 155
1/14/08 at 6:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by teckstud View Post

Apple only wants you to buy (and now rent) content from iTunes plain and simple. That is why there was not a disc drive in the first place. And that's why you can't stream DVD's to the ATV as well. Buy, Buy, Buy, Rent, Rent. Rent- High School Musical!
Funny how you can stream everything else to the ATV except a DVD.

And that is why it will fail in the same way the iPod did not.

I use my iPod even at home where I have direct access to my entire CD collection for the sake of convenience, If the aTV is truly an iPod for my TV it needs to be able to do the same or, at the very least, offer a DVD drive so I can pop a DVD into it.

Buying a device, that doesn't allow much more than the *luxury* of purchasing content is a failure waiting to happen (see aTV rev. A). Regardless if you can use handbrake to rip DVDs and play them on this thing, Steve can't use that as a selling point since it's 3rd party and legally questionable.

If I want to rent, I have Netflix and it looks like they're lifting the cap on downloaded movies. So, for $14.99/mo I would have unlimited movies to my door as well as the downloaded ones. How does aTV compete with that?

The iTunes store isn't a success because Steve & co. have forced people to purchase content there. It's a success because he let people use their own content and allowed them to see the convenience and simplicity of buying music in a new way. Your logic here flies directly in the face of that.
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Do you realize that fluoridation is the most monstrously conceived and dangerous Communist plot we have ever had to face? - Jack D. Ripper
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post #149 of 155
1/14/08 at 7:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jensonb View Post

This is a bit out of left field, but I posted this idea on my blog as part of my second look at MacWorld this year:

Apple ships a piece of software for Nintendo's Wii via the WiiWare (Wii Software in Europe) system. This will be FrontRow 2. Possibly branded as iTunes or AppleTWii or something cute like that.

I'll call it AppleTV for Wii here.

AppleTV for Wii will mirror AppleTV in features. However, instead of downloading your content, it will rely solely on streaming. So all the content on your Mac or PC can be watched, listened to our whatevered on your TV via Wii.

This is a big win for Apple as well as The Big N. Nintendo gets to monetise Mario and co on Apple's various platforms and, in exchange, gets software which essentially leapfrogs its Wii ahead of Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PS3 as a media entertainment hub. Which sucks for Microsoft and Sony since that's really their main defense against Nintendo's unstoppable onslaught with Wii.

Apple, meanwhile, gets to sell a slightly cut down version of Apple TV to less HD-oriented customers without having to build any hardware. All they do is charge a one-off software fee, say, 1200 Wii Points (If they even decide to charge) and the iTunes/AppleTV ecosystem becomes backwards compatible with non-HD TVs and draws in new customers to iTunes from those who have Wiis and want to watch movies on their TVs.

From what I understand the Wii does not have a HDMI interface and does not support even 720p resolution so I would not think that this is a possibility.
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post #150 of 155
1/14/08 at 8:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JCG View Post

From what I understand the Wii does not have a HDMI interface and does not support even 720p resolution so I would not think that this is a possibility.

This is true. The Wii tops out at 480p (and only if you're using component cables).
Do you realize that fluoridation is the most monstrously conceived and dangerous Communist plot we have ever had to face? - Jack D. Ripper
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Do you realize that fluoridation is the most monstrously conceived and dangerous Communist plot we have ever had to face? - Jack D. Ripper
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post #151 of 155
1/14/08 at 8:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JCG View Post

From what I understand the Wii does not have a HDMI interface and does not support even 720p resolution so I would not think that this is a possibility.

Apple doesn't even provide any commercial content in 720p yet (maybe tomorrow) so there's no problem there. Even if they do, I think they'll have to provide seperate files anyway, I don't think the iPods can play 720p video.

I think the Wii itself shows that there's still some leg room left in SDTV.
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post #152 of 155
1/14/08 at 9:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post

Apple doesn't even provide any commercial content in 720p yet (maybe tomorrow) so there's no problem there. Even if they do, I think they'll have to provide seperate files anyway, I don't think the iPods can play 720p video.

I think the Wii itself shows that there's still some leg room left in SDTV.

The Wii's succcess is becouse of the controllers and the games that have been created that utilize the controllers not it's lack of HD rresolutions. Also one of the main complaints that people have about the AppleTV is the lack of HD content not the lack of out of the box connectivity to older non-HD sets.
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post #153 of 155
1/14/08 at 10:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ireland View Post

Clever.

They may just do that when they get the subscription TV show model setup.

Of course, they'll also have to rename iTunes since it's become a digital entertainment shop, not just for music.

...iShmoo?

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GOA

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Proud AAPL stock owner.

 

GOA

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post #154 of 155
1/14/08 at 10:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by backtomac View Post

Well, what can/should Apple do to improve sales of the ATV?

Doesn't look like the current recipe works.

It needs to work independently of all other hardware. VCR & DVD owners are far greater in number in comparison to computer owners.

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Proud AAPL stock owner.

 

GOA

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post #155 of 155
1/14/08 at 3:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpamSandwich View Post

Of course, they'll also have to rename iTunes since it's become a digital entertainment shop, not just for music.

...iShmoo?

Ha!

They wont need to rename it though. The name has already become meaningless, that's a good thing.

DaHarder just got banned. Let's crack open the champagne.

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DaHarder just got banned. Let's crack open the champagne.

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