I'm a huge Apple fan, longtime user of multiple computers, iPods, and owner of a large chunk of AAPL shares and options. But lately, I can't help but feel that Tivo and Amazon have largely outdone Apple in the media distribution area. I've used the iTS since the day it was announced, but now I'm really thinking of going over to the Amazon Unbox and MP3 download service. Here's my breakdown:
AppleTV with iTunes Store:
PROS:
HUGE Catalog of Music
So-So selection of movies (~500) and TV shows (especially now that NBC is out)
Seamless integration with iPod/
TV
Can take video with you on iPod
No monthly fee
CONS:
Mostly DRMed catalog
Mostly lower bitrate than Amazon
So-So movie selection
No DVR
Up to 720p output
No movie rentals
40 GB HD standard
TivoHD with Amazon unbox/MP3
PROS:
Full Tivo DVR functionality
160 GB HD standard
Up to 1080i output
Large DRM-free catalog at high bitrate
Huge movie and TV selection
Movie rentals
Cheaper music prices
CONS:
Monthly fee ($8.21-$19.99 depending on package, plus cablecard rental)
Video isn't portable and can't be watched on a Mac (but can go directly to Tivo without use of a PC)
Media management not as elegant as iTunes
The TivoHD andTV are both $299. I think that, all things considered, you get more for your money with the Tivo. Yes, there is a monthly fee, but most people with an TV are renting a cable box/DVR anyway, so the difference is less than just the Tivo fee once you lose the cable box. And soon the Tivo will be expandable with external drives, and TivoToGo is coming to make DVRed video portable. Amazon seems to offer a much better movie selection, along with rentals, which is highly convenient.
Of course, I'm only looking at this from my perspective. If there are any other views or angles that I'm missing, please contribute.
--DT
AppleTV with iTunes Store:
PROS:
HUGE Catalog of Music
So-So selection of movies (~500) and TV shows (especially now that NBC is out)
Seamless integration with iPod/
TVCan take video with you on iPod
No monthly fee
CONS:
Mostly DRMed catalog
Mostly lower bitrate than Amazon
So-So movie selection
No DVR
Up to 720p output
No movie rentals
40 GB HD standard
TivoHD with Amazon unbox/MP3
PROS:
Full Tivo DVR functionality
160 GB HD standard
Up to 1080i output
Large DRM-free catalog at high bitrate
Huge movie and TV selection
Movie rentals
Cheaper music prices
CONS:
Monthly fee ($8.21-$19.99 depending on package, plus cablecard rental)
Video isn't portable and can't be watched on a Mac (but can go directly to Tivo without use of a PC)
Media management not as elegant as iTunes
The TivoHD and
TV are both $299. I think that, all things considered, you get more for your money with the Tivo. Yes, there is a monthly fee, but most people with an TV are renting a cable box/DVR anyway, so the difference is less than just the Tivo fee once you lose the cable box. And soon the Tivo will be expandable with external drives, and TivoToGo is coming to make DVRed video portable. Amazon seems to offer a much better movie selection, along with rentals, which is highly convenient.Of course, I'm only looking at this from my perspective. If there are any other views or angles that I'm missing, please contribute.
--DT
