So I ended up finding Apple TVs at one (and only one: the rest were sold out) of the local Apple Stores and took the plunge after discovering the hardware seemed destined for an App Store.
So far, I really like it! My favorite new features over the previous model, which I also owned, are:
1. "Favorite" podcasts and watched/unwatched status! This is HUGE for me. I watch my favorite podcasts on a regular basis, and before you'd have to check each and every one for new episodes, which was a pain if you had 20 favorites, some of which were published on an irregular schedule!
2. "Rotten Tomatoes" ratings/reviews! I always used to check via my computer or phone before renting before.
3. Sleep mode! Not only is the new Apple TV much more energy efficient, but it actually goes to sleep on its own! I set mine to sleep after 15 minutes.
Netflix sounds cool. I may need to re-check it out now that the Apple TV supports it.
Otherwise, is it just me, or does the picture of streamed SD iTunes movies look a bit... different. I'm not sure if there's upscaling or some sort of video processing going on, but in parts the video almost appears clearer and in parts it almost looks more pixelated. Maybe it's just me.
So far, I really like it! My favorite new features over the previous model, which I also owned, are:
1. "Favorite" podcasts and watched/unwatched status! This is HUGE for me. I watch my favorite podcasts on a regular basis, and before you'd have to check each and every one for new episodes, which was a pain if you had 20 favorites, some of which were published on an irregular schedule!
2. "Rotten Tomatoes" ratings/reviews! I always used to check via my computer or phone before renting before.
3. Sleep mode! Not only is the new Apple TV much more energy efficient, but it actually goes to sleep on its own! I set mine to sleep after 15 minutes.
Netflix sounds cool. I may need to re-check it out now that the Apple TV supports it.
Otherwise, is it just me, or does the picture of streamed SD iTunes movies look a bit... different. I'm not sure if there's upscaling or some sort of video processing going on, but in parts the video almost appears clearer and in parts it almost looks more pixelated. Maybe it's just me.