Apple home media solution

stwstw
Posted:
in Future Apple Hardware edited January 2014
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?

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 3
    macroninmacronin Posts: 1,174member
    Yeah, no...



    At least not at that price point...



    ;^p
  • Reply 2 of 3
    bigcbigc Posts: 1,224member
    ...amd the 300$ version mixes coctails before the shows start.
  • Reply 3 of 3
    stwstw Posts: 21member
    (Why is price the only point discussed?)



    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.
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