Actually, the encoder has no bearing on the file size in this case. Whether Apple used compressor or QT Pro, either way they would still use the H.264 codec. It's a standard, so it doesn't change encoder to encoder. H.264 is an amazing codec though. You can have the bitrate at 800 kbps and have a decent picture.
While I'd love to see HD on iTunes, it seems as though filesizes would be just too big. Because the average customer can't afford to have 1 40 min. show be 1GB , its just too big.
The standard only defines the decoder. Apple is free to enhance the encoder.
Actually, the encoder has no bearing on the file size in this case. Whether Apple used compressor or QT Pro, either way they would still use the H.264 codec. It's a standard, so it doesn't change encoder to encoder. H.264 is an amazing codec though. You can have the bitrate at 800 kbps and have a decent picture.
As others noted, there can be improvements in the encoding. MP3 is a standard as well but there have been major strides in encoding quality from when it was first introduced. I believe this to be true of AAC, it's definitely been true for MPEG-2. It's about where and how the bits will be used in a given sample to best represent the original, better encoders can do the same with fewer bits, or give better representation with the same number of bits.
I was just pointing out that making the ideal 720p out put from existing HD material is not accomplished with this auto setting 'Apple TV 'export with 1080i60 material. You have to use FCPro or Compressor (or QT Player Pro Make QT Movie options). Those of us with HD cameras found that the 29.97 frame rate material produces 960 x 540 and still interlaced whereas any HD material at 24 f.p.s. produces true 720p. It's old news, just repeating for those not aware of this.
I was just pointing out that making the ideal 720p out put from existing HD material is not accomplished with this auto setting 'Apple TV 'export with 1080i60 material.
You mean it would be better if the tv export choices had an option to automatically deinterlace? Agreed.
Is 720p 24fps true HDTV? I always thought it should be 30fps or 60fps or is this difference something that's not noticeable?
No, I'm saying that's the highest format ATV seems to support at present. So it would be nice of Export Apple TV option could do that from 1080i which it can't. It might turn out ATV can work with native HDV, anyway i'll know in a day or two mine has shipped
Has anyone given thought to whether Apple will actually extend the support of quicktime for all those codecs PC heads have to fight with?
It's all well and good that this new quicktime can encode for the correct aspect, resolution, blah blah, but if it won't convert my, um, 'borrowed' movies, I have no use for the box whatsoever. Seems like a small thing for Apple to include all the codecs VLC for OSX already uses.
This is a sure way to get PC users in general to take another look at tv instead of one of those $299 PC media boxes that have been on the market for a few years.
Comments
Actually, the encoder has no bearing on the file size in this case. Whether Apple used compressor or QT Pro, either way they would still use the H.264 codec. It's a standard, so it doesn't change encoder to encoder. H.264 is an amazing codec though. You can have the bitrate at 800 kbps and have a decent picture.
While I'd love to see HD on iTunes, it seems as though filesizes would be just too big. Because the average customer can't afford to have 1 40 min. show be 1GB , its just too big.
The standard only defines the decoder. Apple is free to enhance the encoder.
Except it doesn't. When Apple added VBR support for AAC, that didn't mean iTS music downloads started adopting VBR.
Except that it did.
Except that it did.
Nope. VBR files in iTS are rare.
Actually, the encoder has no bearing on the file size in this case. Whether Apple used compressor or QT Pro, either way they would still use the H.264 codec. It's a standard, so it doesn't change encoder to encoder. H.264 is an amazing codec though. You can have the bitrate at 800 kbps and have a decent picture.
As others noted, there can be improvements in the encoding. MP3 is a standard as well but there have been major strides in encoding quality from when it was first introduced. I believe this to be true of AAC, it's definitely been true for MPEG-2. It's about where and how the bits will be used in a given sample to best represent the original, better encoders can do the same with fewer bits, or give better representation with the same number of bits.
Nope. VBR files in iTS are rare.
Really? I thought they all were now.
Shipped on: Mar 20, 2007 via FEDERAL EXPRESS
Tracking #: 732782851923 (Pre-sign for this shipment) \t
Product / Part No. \t \t
Unit Price
\t \t
Qty
\t \t
Ext. Price
APPLE TV-USA
MA711LL/A
\t \t
$299.00
\t \t
1
\t \t
$299.00
SubTotal: \t$299.00
Tax: \t$24.67
Shipping Charge: $0.00
Total: \t$323.67
My card has been changed. I am impressed to the fact that the promised date of the 20th was respected.
-- neptune2000
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...0&nclm=AppleTV
to say:
Ships: 3-5 business days
Free Shipping
-- neptune2000
That's the idea. It's a preset for H.264 to best match the ?tv's needs. It's not a new codec or anything.
It has been discussed before ... but this new Apple TV output option only makes H.264 720p from 24 f.p.s. HD source material not 1080i 60.
If that's the case, could Apple begin moving HD content from iTunes immediately?
As promised, at midnight on March 20, my Apple TV shipped:
Shipped on: Mar 20, 2007 via FEDERAL EXPRESS
Tracking #: 732782851923 (Pre-sign for this shipment) \t
Product / Part No. \t \t
Unit Price
\t \t
Qty
\t \t
Ext. Price
APPLE TV-USA
MA711LL/A
\t \t
$299.00
\t \t
1
\t \t
$299.00
SubTotal: \t$299.00
Tax: \t$24.67
Shipping Charge: $0.00
Total: \t$323.67
My card has been changed. I am impressed to the fact that the promised date of the 20th was respected.
-- neptune2000
Seems like they are shipping direct from China. Hope it doesn't get snagged in customs!
It has been discussed before ... but this new Apple TV output option only makes H.264 720p from 24 f.p.s. HD source material not 1080i 60.
I don't understand what your point is.
Seems like they are shipping direct from China. Hope it doesn't get snagged in customs!
Why would this happen? It's consumer electronics, not opium.
I don't understand what your point is.
I was just pointing out that making the ideal 720p out put from existing HD material is not accomplished with this auto setting 'Apple TV 'export with 1080i60 material. You have to use FCPro or Compressor (or QT Player Pro Make QT Movie options). Those of us with HD cameras found that the 29.97 frame rate material produces 960 x 540 and still interlaced whereas any HD material at 24 f.p.s. produces true 720p. It's old news, just repeating for those not aware of this.
I was just pointing out that making the ideal 720p out put from existing HD material is not accomplished with this auto setting 'Apple TV 'export with 1080i60 material.
You mean it would be better if the tv export choices had an option to automatically deinterlace? Agreed.
Is 720p 24fps true HDTV? I always thought it should be 30fps or 60fps or is this difference something that's not noticeable?
No, I'm saying that's the highest format ATV seems to support at present. So it would be nice of Export Apple TV option could do that from 1080i which it can't. It might turn out ATV can work with native HDV, anyway i'll know in a day or two mine has shipped
You mean it would be better if the ?tv export choices had an option to automatically deinterlace? Agreed.
Deinterlace AND make 720 x 1280 as opposed to the 540 x 960 interlaced it makes out of 1080 x 1920 interlaced.
Feed it 1080 x 1920 at 24 f.p.s. it makes 720 x 1280 progressive.
Is 720p 24fps true HDTV? I always thought it should be 30fps or 60fps or is this difference something that's not noticeable?
I think 24fps is the most common frame rate for film. It appears to be in the ATSC standard too.
Deinterlace AND make 720 x 1280 as opposed to the 540 x 960 interlaced it makes out of 1080 x 1920 interlaced.
Feed it 1080 x 1920 at 24 f.p.s. it makes 720 x 1280 progressive.
Deinterlacing isn't a trivial task though. I wouldn't have any faith in Apple doing anything better than bob & scale.
It's all well and good that this new quicktime can encode for the correct aspect, resolution, blah blah, but if it won't convert my, um, 'borrowed' movies, I have no use for the box whatsoever. Seems like a small thing for Apple to include all the codecs VLC for OSX already uses.
This is a sure way to get PC users in general to take another look at tv instead of one of those $299 PC media boxes that have been on the market for a few years.