Apple home media solution
There is some speculation that Apple might release a Mac Mini DVR. Thinking about it, I agree with Steve Jobs: I don't want a computer in the living room.
But Apple could do a media solution like this:
1. A software package for recording, streaming, converting video for the iPod integrated into iLive/iTunes
Running on any G5 or Intel Mac.
Depending on their strategic targets: a Windows version
2. iPod Video 5G and 6G for playback
3. A living room box (a two-way AirPort Express video on steroids)
Converts between media streams on the local network and the I/O ports.
Plays audio and video files from the Mac on your TV/hifi set.
Streams audio and video from your sources (sat, cable...) to the Mac for recording.
- integrated FrontRow
- a simple remote like the existing one
- some memory as buffer and cache for the video/audio ToC (iTunes library file etc.)
- connections: LAN 100Mbit, WLAN 802.11.g
- output: SVHS, DVI/HDMI/HDCP, SCART, audio analog/digital
- input: SVHS, SCART, audio analog/digital, some kind of digital video in?
- basic configuration via remote, advanced over network
- multiple boxes on same Mac supported
It does not have:
- any kind of tuner
(which standard anyway? DVB-S + Common Interface/DVB-C/DVB-T, PAL/SECAM/NTSC, CableCard,
various HD TV versions...) or in other words: no market specific hardware
- a display
Optional:
- advanced LCD remote
- iPod dock connector
- local storage (internal HD or USB2/FW400 connector)
- access content on Mac over internet (like Slingbox, with some kind of DRM/protection)
Probably:
- some kind of DRM handling (and encryption/decryption) in both directions: to and from the Mac)
Form factor: slimline DVD player or Mac Mini
Price: $200 for basic version (ok it's Apple: so $250 is more realistic)
Wouldn't that be a better announcement to celebrate the 30th birthday than an iBook that everyone knows is comming sooner or later?
But Apple could do a media solution like this:
1. A software package for recording, streaming, converting video for the iPod integrated into iLive/iTunes
Running on any G5 or Intel Mac.
Depending on their strategic targets: a Windows version
2. iPod Video 5G and 6G for playback
3. A living room box (a two-way AirPort Express video on steroids)
Converts between media streams on the local network and the I/O ports.
Plays audio and video files from the Mac on your TV/hifi set.
Streams audio and video from your sources (sat, cable...) to the Mac for recording.
- integrated FrontRow
- a simple remote like the existing one
- some memory as buffer and cache for the video/audio ToC (iTunes library file etc.)
- connections: LAN 100Mbit, WLAN 802.11.g
- output: SVHS, DVI/HDMI/HDCP, SCART, audio analog/digital
- input: SVHS, SCART, audio analog/digital, some kind of digital video in?
- basic configuration via remote, advanced over network
- multiple boxes on same Mac supported
It does not have:
- any kind of tuner
(which standard anyway? DVB-S + Common Interface/DVB-C/DVB-T, PAL/SECAM/NTSC, CableCard,
various HD TV versions...) or in other words: no market specific hardware
- a display
Optional:
- advanced LCD remote
- iPod dock connector
- local storage (internal HD or USB2/FW400 connector)
- access content on Mac over internet (like Slingbox, with some kind of DRM/protection)
Probably:
- some kind of DRM handling (and encryption/decryption) in both directions: to and from the Mac)
Form factor: slimline DVD player or Mac Mini
Price: $200 for basic version (ok it's Apple: so $250 is more realistic)
Wouldn't that be a better announcement to celebrate the 30th birthday than an iBook that everyone knows is comming sooner or later?
Comments
At least not at that price point...
;^p
I still don't think that $250 is so low:
Apple introduced the Airport Express 18 month ago for $129 and still sells it at the same price point.
Surely the components it uses must be cheaper now.
An Airport Express Video could use this chip:
http://www.broadcom.com/press/releas...42&source=home
$50 brings you a BCM7400 with:
AVC/MPEG-2/VC-1 dual decoder
AAC/MP3/WMA decoder
SPDIF output
2D/3D graphics engine
DDR RAM interface
SATA interface
HD analog output up to 1080i
Component, SVS, composite, SCART output, RF modulator
HDMI/HDCP
Security processer
AES/3DES etc. copy protection
PCI interface
USB2 interface
Ethernet interface
UHF remote receiver
800MIPS 300MHz Mips32 processor with FPU/MMU
(There are cheaper variants for $27 too)
This covers more than the basic features I suggested - except audio/video input.
It should be doable in the current APEx price range.
For another $100 add the input side & additional ports.