It would! But WHY do you think I should have to use two remotes to control the Apple TV? Is Apple that stupid that they can't figure out what every other CE maker has? How to allow their remote control to handle volume?
Apple knows that that will only lead to more confusion, as you'll have at least two devices controlling the volume at that point (the AppleTV first, followed by your receiver and/or anything else in the audio chain between AppleTV and the speakers). If your entire complaint is based on the need for two remotes, then get a universal remote like everyone else, and program it to talk to your Apple TV. Problem solved.
Apple knows that that will only lead to more confusion, as you'll have at least two devices controlling the volume at that point (the AppleTV first, followed by your receiver and/or anything else in the audio chain between AppleTV and the speakers). If your entire complaint is based on the need for two remotes, then get a universal remote like everyone else, and program it to talk to your Apple TV. Problem solved.
Thompson
I agree
A DVD player doesn't have volume control, you have to use your tv or receiver remote. Same with a PS3 or a Blue-Ray player or just about any separate audio and video device. Also if you have ever heard a multiple level sound controlled system you know it sounds like ass. Either you get over amplification from one device or under from the other. Than when you find one setting on one the other is still off. Then you change sources and have to do the dance all over again.
Get a universal remote and make it easier. I have done e dance with enough remotes to know that they will all let you down in one way or another. A true universal learning/programable remote is yr best option.
Really? It makes more sense? So instead of moving my index finger 1 inch to change the volume, it makes more sense to get up, walk across the room and change it from the receiver's source? Because right now that's my only option because I don't have a remote for it. What makes more sense is to have an option.
Forget about the AppleTV for the moment. Let's talk about potential devices that act as sources for your entertainment center. Until recently, at my house, there were these: (1) cable box, (2) DVD player, (3) MacMini. All of these devices have their own individual volume settings such as what you are asking for in the AppleTV, and they are all connected to my A/V system with its killer speakers.
Getting these things to behave correctly with respect to volume was a challenge. Since the output volume was affected by two sources (for instance, while watching cable, both the cable box and the A/V system affect the resulting output volume) it was always a balancing act between the two volumes to get things just so. And whenever we changed our input source on the A/V system (e.g. from cable to DVD) we ran the risk of blowing our freaking eardrums off (e.g. if the DVD player volume significantly exceeded what was currently being put out by the cable box).
Ultimately we settled on this ConOps: I spent the time to find the proper settings on the various sources so that when you switched the A/V system from one input source to another, you experienced a relatively smooth transition with respect to volume. Then we all agreed to ONLY change the volume of the A/V system instead of any of the individual sources. That was a good solution, but periodically folks screwed up, and things got out of balance again. Finally, I got a Harmony remote, which has programmable "activities", and you can assign the volume button to only speak to the A/V system. This ended the go-round. Note that by balancing the various devices and then never messing with them, I had created my own virtual "line level". It was the only good solution, and that's why I believe that the AppleTV is correct for just using a "line level" approach to begin with. When we got the AppleTV (and replaced the MacMini) all I had to do was ensure that my "virtual line level" of the other devices was matched to the true "line level" of the AppleTV. And our ConOps of only using the universal remote to handle the volume is still in play. It's the right way to do things.
So the bottom line, cameronj, is that I think you are solving the problem of "too many remotes" the wrong way. Instead of further complicating the equation by adding live variability on the AppleTV (which still doesn't eliminate your need for the other remote, by the way) you should be concentrating on making your remote smarter. Obtain a remote to rule all of your devices... including the AppleTV, and put that stupid remote that ships with the AppleTV in a drawer somewhere nearby, in case of emergencies. Then you really WILL have fewer remotes on the table, regardless of which source you are using at the moment.
if anyone can anwer the following questions, i'd appreciate it:
with this aTV update:
can i stream video from a web browser on my macbook pro to my aTV2?
can i stream FLASH video, same as above?
can i stream FLASH video [NHL GameCenterLive, specifically] from my iPhone [using Skyfire to convert] to my aTV2?
The answer to the first two is no, only AirPlay through iTunes is supported on OSX. Hopefully that will change in Lion. The answer to the last one is probably no for now, but I'll be checking things like out when I get home. Since Skyfire provides .h264 video, I think it could work, but it probably needs an update.
The answer to the first two is no, only AirPlay through iTunes is supported on OSX. Hopefully that will change in Lion. The answer to the last one is probably no for now, but I'll be checking things like out when I get home. Since Skyfire provides .h264 video, I think it could work, but it probably needs an update.
how about airplay of H.264 video in safair on the iPad? Can that be sent to the AppleTV with airplay?
you can't do that with the line level - I was answering the people who want to control it all with the apple remote.
OK, well the problem is the limited Apple remote, not the line level. If they want fewer remotes, then these people should get a universal remote and squirrel that Apple remote away for emergencies. (I don't think that Apple wants to get into the business of making Universal remotes. Logitech has great solutions already with their Harmony series.)
In their version of the world, they still need another remote on the table when they switch back to watching regular TV, or DVDs, etc. Why not get a Universal remote that is capable of talking to their AppleTV too and avoid the mess and trouble... including the trouble they will invariably get into when they are futzing around with multiple volume levels?
OK, well the problem is the limited Apple remote, not the line level. If they want fewer remotes, then these people should get a universal remote and squirrel that Apple remote away for emergencies. (I don't think that Apple wants to get into the business of making Universal remotes. Logitech has great solutions already with their Harmony series.)
In their version of the world, they still need another remote on the table when they switch back to watching regular TV, or DVDs, etc. Why not get a Universal remote that is capable of talking to their AppleTV too and avoid the mess and trouble... including the trouble they will invariably get into when they are futzing around with multiple volume levels?
Thompson
Yep. Harmony Remotes - while not cheap are amazing. Mine controls my Blu-Ray, TV, Wii and AppleTV.
I'm using AirTunes (LOVE it) streaming to 3 speaker systems using Airport Expresses.
Currently only 3 locations plus the iMac is possible = 4 (multiple speakers)
Will AirPlay add a 5th speaker ie the TV? using Apple TV?
What is the max # of multiple speakers allowed in Airplay?
Might have to call Apple for answer to this. If it allows the TV plus the 4 other multiple speaker options, I'll buy an Apple TV and download all the upgrades. Right now still using older iTunes etc because AirTunes works perfectly and I don't want to lose what I have.
my apple TV remote turns on all my macs and movies on them while i use it on my apple tv . my son was doing his home work on it.
i really dream of the 900 button google remote that control;s times square sized video screens
9
Out of the box the Apple Remote controls all compatible devices simultaneously. That includes any Macs with an IR port, the old and new Apple TV and the Universal Dock. However, you CAN pair the remote to just one device of your choosing. RTFM!
Out of the box the Apple Remote controls all compatible devices simultaneously. That includes any Macs with an IR port, the old and new Apple TV and the Universal Dock. However, you CAN pair the remote to just one device of your choosing. RTFM!
RTFM? At the very least Apple should pair the Apple TV remote in the factory. This is Apple we're talking about, they usually sweat the details.
I'm using the fabulous PS3 Media Server to stream my blu-ray MKV files to my 50" Aquos flat screen via MacBook. Works awesome. The PS3 even reads MKV subtitles and it's free.
The iTunes Japan store now has movies therefore I'm thinking of ways to take advantage of the new AppleTV for movies from iTunes and movies from my blu-ray MKV collection. Obviously I need some HDMI connection since everything is 720p or above.
Excuse me? My volume control is not on my TV, it's on my receiver. Not very Apple of them, to require users to use two separate remotes, when they could easily allow the AppleTV to control its own volume output.
You can easily program your receiver or other remote to control the Apple TV.
Comments
It would! But WHY do you think I should have to use two remotes to control the Apple TV? Is Apple that stupid that they can't figure out what every other CE maker has? How to allow their remote control to handle volume?
Apple knows that that will only lead to more confusion, as you'll have at least two devices controlling the volume at that point (the AppleTV first, followed by your receiver and/or anything else in the audio chain between AppleTV and the speakers). If your entire complaint is based on the need for two remotes, then get a universal remote like everyone else, and program it to talk to your Apple TV. Problem solved.
Thompson
Apple knows that that will only lead to more confusion, as you'll have at least two devices controlling the volume at that point (the AppleTV first, followed by your receiver and/or anything else in the audio chain between AppleTV and the speakers). If your entire complaint is based on the need for two remotes, then get a universal remote like everyone else, and program it to talk to your Apple TV. Problem solved.
Thompson
I agree
A DVD player doesn't have volume control, you have to use your tv or receiver remote. Same with a PS3 or a Blue-Ray player or just about any separate audio and video device. Also if you have ever heard a multiple level sound controlled system you know it sounds like ass. Either you get over amplification from one device or under from the other. Than when you find one setting on one the other is still off. Then you change sources and have to do the dance all over again.
Get a universal remote and make it easier. I have done e dance with enough remotes to know that they will all let you down in one way or another. A true universal learning/programable remote is yr best option.
Really? It makes more sense? So instead of moving my index finger 1 inch to change the volume, it makes more sense to get up, walk across the room and change it from the receiver's source? Because right now that's my only option because I don't have a remote for it. What makes more sense is to have an option.
Forget about the AppleTV for the moment. Let's talk about potential devices that act as sources for your entertainment center. Until recently, at my house, there were these: (1) cable box, (2) DVD player, (3) MacMini. All of these devices have their own individual volume settings such as what you are asking for in the AppleTV, and they are all connected to my A/V system with its killer speakers.
Getting these things to behave correctly with respect to volume was a challenge. Since the output volume was affected by two sources (for instance, while watching cable, both the cable box and the A/V system affect the resulting output volume) it was always a balancing act between the two volumes to get things just so. And whenever we changed our input source on the A/V system (e.g. from cable to DVD) we ran the risk of blowing our freaking eardrums off (e.g. if the DVD player volume significantly exceeded what was currently being put out by the cable box).
Ultimately we settled on this ConOps: I spent the time to find the proper settings on the various sources so that when you switched the A/V system from one input source to another, you experienced a relatively smooth transition with respect to volume. Then we all agreed to ONLY change the volume of the A/V system instead of any of the individual sources. That was a good solution, but periodically folks screwed up, and things got out of balance again. Finally, I got a Harmony remote, which has programmable "activities", and you can assign the volume button to only speak to the A/V system. This ended the go-round. Note that by balancing the various devices and then never messing with them, I had created my own virtual "line level". It was the only good solution, and that's why I believe that the AppleTV is correct for just using a "line level" approach to begin with. When we got the AppleTV (and replaced the MacMini) all I had to do was ensure that my "virtual line level" of the other devices was matched to the true "line level" of the AppleTV. And our ConOps of only using the universal remote to handle the volume is still in play. It's the right way to do things.
So the bottom line, cameronj, is that I think you are solving the problem of "too many remotes" the wrong way. Instead of further complicating the equation by adding live variability on the AppleTV (which still doesn't eliminate your need for the other remote, by the way) you should be concentrating on making your remote smarter. Obtain a remote to rule all of your devices... including the AppleTV, and put that stupid remote that ships with the AppleTV in a drawer somewhere nearby, in case of emergencies. Then you really WILL have fewer remotes on the table, regardless of which source you are using at the moment.
Thompson
Whether it's on the TV or the receiver, why wouldn't that remote control the volume? Isn't the line level audio on HDMI, you know, line level?
What am I missing here?
your tv volume is at 5, how are you going to turn the sound up to 7 with the line level?
your tv volume is at 5, how are you going to turn the sound up to 7 with the line level?
You turn up the TV volume from 5 to 7. Why is that not a good solution?
with this aTV update:
can i stream video from a web browser on my macbook pro to my aTV2?
can i stream FLASH video, same as above?
can i stream FLASH video [NHL GameCenterLive, specifically] from my iPhone [using Skyfire to convert] to my aTV2?
if anyone can anwer the following questions, i'd appreciate it:
with this aTV update:
can i stream video from a web browser on my macbook pro to my aTV2?
can i stream FLASH video, same as above?
can i stream FLASH video [NHL GameCenterLive, specifically] from my iPhone [using Skyfire to convert] to my aTV2?
The answer to the first two is no, only AirPlay through iTunes is supported on OSX. Hopefully that will change in Lion. The answer to the last one is probably no for now, but I'll be checking things like out when I get home. Since Skyfire provides .h264 video, I think it could work, but it probably needs an update.
Whether it's on the TV or the receiver, why wouldn't that remote control the volume? Isn't the line level audio on HDMI, you know, line level?
What am I missing here?
You turn up the TV volume from 5 to 7. Why is that not a good solution?
you can't do that with the line level - I was answering the people who want to control it all with the apple remote.
The answer to the first two is no, only AirPlay through iTunes is supported on OSX. Hopefully that will change in Lion. The answer to the last one is probably no for now, but I'll be checking things like out when I get home. Since Skyfire provides .h264 video, I think it could work, but it probably needs an update.
how about airplay of H.264 video in safair on the iPad? Can that be sent to the AppleTV with airplay?
how about airplay of H.264 video in safair on the iPad? Can that be sent to the AppleTV with airplay?
I don't know.
Edit: Safari is audio only, and as far as I can tell 3rd party apps are a no go at this point.
you can't do that with the line level - I was answering the people who want to control it all with the apple remote.
OK, well the problem is the limited Apple remote, not the line level. If they want fewer remotes, then these people should get a universal remote and squirrel that Apple remote away for emergencies. (I don't think that Apple wants to get into the business of making Universal remotes. Logitech has great solutions already with their Harmony series.)
In their version of the world, they still need another remote on the table when they switch back to watching regular TV, or DVDs, etc. Why not get a Universal remote that is capable of talking to their AppleTV too and avoid the mess and trouble... including the trouble they will invariably get into when they are futzing around with multiple volume levels?
Thompson
OK, well the problem is the limited Apple remote, not the line level. If they want fewer remotes, then these people should get a universal remote and squirrel that Apple remote away for emergencies. (I don't think that Apple wants to get into the business of making Universal remotes. Logitech has great solutions already with their Harmony series.)
In their version of the world, they still need another remote on the table when they switch back to watching regular TV, or DVDs, etc. Why not get a Universal remote that is capable of talking to their AppleTV too and avoid the mess and trouble... including the trouble they will invariably get into when they are futzing around with multiple volume levels?
Thompson
Yep. Harmony Remotes - while not cheap are amazing. Mine controls my Blu-Ray, TV, Wii and AppleTV.
No reason for Apple to enter this market.
- - -
YouTube works fine. Notice the Video Airplay icons.
Currently only 3 locations plus the iMac is possible = 4 (multiple speakers)
Will AirPlay add a 5th speaker ie the TV? using Apple TV?
What is the max # of multiple speakers allowed in Airplay?
Might have to call Apple for answer to this. If it allows the TV plus the 4 other multiple speaker options, I'll buy an Apple TV and download all the upgrades. Right now still using older iTunes etc because AirTunes works perfectly and I don't want to lose what I have.
hah
my apple TV remote turns on all my macs and movies on them while i use it on my apple tv . my son was doing his home work on it.
i really dream of the 900 button google remote that control;s times square sized video screens
9
Out of the box the Apple Remote controls all compatible devices simultaneously. That includes any Macs with an IR port, the old and new Apple TV and the Universal Dock. However, you CAN pair the remote to just one device of your choosing. RTFM!
Out of the box the Apple Remote controls all compatible devices simultaneously. That includes any Macs with an IR port, the old and new Apple TV and the Universal Dock. However, you CAN pair the remote to just one device of your choosing. RTFM!
RTFM? At the very least Apple should pair the Apple TV remote in the factory. This is Apple we're talking about, they usually sweat the details.
The iTunes Japan store now has movies therefore I'm thinking of ways to take advantage of the new AppleTV for movies from iTunes and movies from my blu-ray MKV collection. Obviously I need some HDMI connection since everything is 720p or above.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Excuse me? My volume control is not on my TV, it's on my receiver. Not very Apple of them, to require users to use two separate remotes, when they could easily allow the AppleTV to control its own volume output.
You can easily program your receiver or other remote to control the Apple TV.