40 GB Apple TV Shipping Date Slips, Leads to Speculation of Updates Next Week

[jellomizer]

Bring on a new Apple TV with...

- 1080p/i movies from the iTunes store
- 1080p support with a solid bitrate for 3rd party content (even if still limited to a few codecs)
- Internet browsing support out of the box
- Built in HDTV Tuner with PVR capabilities.

and on the list of would be nice as well: SATA hard drive support making it possible to go 500GB or larger in the future.

....and despite just buying an Apple TV 2-3 months ago I will be spending another $250 on this new one!!!

That hits it on the head. I really have a hard time trying to fathom why apple hasn't do this from the first version of Apple TV. They keep coming with lame reasons why they are not selling well. The real reason is people wants something that will fully utilize their TV.

 

[EagerDragon]

Not too keen on DVR feature and here is why.....

A lot of us use cable which means we have to use the cable box to switch channels. Until you can remove the cable box, changing channels is likely to get you snow or just the channels that are not encrypted (for example the premeon channels HBO, Cinemax, etc require the cable box).

Not very practical to have an Apple TV box with a tuner in that environment. Yes you can signal the cable box but that does not always works as the interface is not direct.

Now getting some of the content over the Internet would be great specialy if you can record it for later viewing or to create a library (with commercials of course).

 

[nick9191]

In principle, yes, but I think the point behind the ATV is to *not* look like the average home-brew HTPC. More cables? Ugly assed external hard drives? General mis-matched clutter? I think Apple have a good understanding of the 'Wife' factor in consumer electronics.

A streaming only AppleTV sounds more like a path Apple would take, but as I've already said elsewhere in this thread, their current model falls far short.

True. Although I think Apple could get around this by heavily marketing only the second model, keeping the no hard drive model an online exclusive etc. Or they could advertise both models but not let on about the ability to add your own external drive and let users work it out for themselves.

This way Apple could give us geeks what we want whilst still tying in with their minimalist clean image.

 

[Xibalba]

Who needs 40GB when you can stream everything from your computer (or in my case, my 4TB NAS)?

I say replace the 40GB with a 8-16GB SSD (for OS and caching) and be done with it.

Agree.

I have 2 AppleTVs and besides using iTunes and such, I watch almost everything else off of my 4TB HP MediaSmart Server anywhere in the house wirelessly and love the flexibility.

I would however, like to see a processor upgrade for better HD content playback...

 

[bbydon]

If you have a streaming itunes subscription you don't need a DVR.

Streaming everything all the time kills the DVR

 

[adbe]

I think since it's clear DRM isn't going away on the VIDEO (and app) part of the iTMS any time soon, I think this is where Apple is considering a subscription service. In otherwords: Apple Cable.

Stream all the shows you want each month for $40. All the Movies and shows you want for $60. the money goes directly to the studios, not to comcast/TW

Two potential problems with that model:

1) Comcast/ATT/TimeWarner et al, own the pipes. Whilst they might not be ready to risk the ire of the FCC by actively smacking Apple around, they can easily rejig their bundles to make Internet sans TV so expensive as to be an essential lock in. In other regions, such as Europe, things are different, but since Apple is always going to try models out in the US first, I think they're faced with an uphill climb if they set out to pick a fight with Comcast.

2) I really can't imagine that there are many networks, or studios with the nerve to risk irritating the major cable companies, or disrupting their business models for a very unknown future.

Look at the paucity of video content that is licensed for iTunes now. Many titles are missing, and even those that are present are often purchase only. The content providers are a little afraid of Apple, but I believe they are far more afraid of the cable industry, and an uncertain future.

 

[JAT]

Because a lot of people don't have a spare Mac Mini lying around acting as an iTunes server.

Even with SLs wake on demand stuff, having a Mac running 24/7 to provide media streaming is more than most people want. The ATV is still way too dependent on having a host system to snuggle up to. Quite apart from the power wastage (not that the ATV itself is an angel here) it's just inconvenient and as a concept unnerving for the average user.

You do understand that "sleeping" and "running 24/7" are not the same thing? Just because you (or "most people", whomever they are) don't want to deal with it doesn't mean it isn't the answer. What this means is take the "host system" you mention and use it directly to the TV instead of through an ATV or PS3.

 

[eawmp1]

Why wouldn't they add blu-ray? It could make the product that much more powerful? I think. Unless I'm missing something

1) Blu Ray is a "bag of hurt"
2) It is a physical DVD medium, something Aplle is trying to get away from
3) You probably mean high definition - i.e. 1080i

 

[bdkennedy1]

I don't think it's going to be a new Apple TV. It's most likely just an OS updated to coincide with Snow Leopard, and hopefully using the Snow Leopard version of OS X on the Apple TV.

 

[nagromme]

only the 40GB, keeping the 160GB points towards a storage bump and not much else?

Good call I think. People who order a 40 now could get an 80 or something, with no major changes. Maybe no changes at all--maybe the 40 drives are just being discontinued or something.

If you have a streaming itunes subscription you don't need a DVR.

Streaming everything all the time kills the DVR

Streaming is great (I like Hulu) but I love my EyeTV DVR too. High-definition that beats typical streaming quality, no ads (because easily skipped), no delay in keeping up with my favorite shows, no use of my bandwidth if I happen to be downloading or something... and... the programming is free! (Rabbit ears. I get about a dozen stations. Which isn't like cable... but cable doesn't have nearly enough quality programming to be worth the cost. Online streaming still doesn't offer everything either. So streaming plus DVR is a nice combination.)

 

[CaryMacGuy]

Why wouldn't they add blu-ray? It could make the product that much more powerful? I think. Unless I'm missing something

Apple is trying to move away from physical media

 

[twoodcc]

well i hope that apple does release a new apple tv, and a new plan to replace cable as well

 

[Bevz]

I'd just be happy with some new software for it... At the moment it's mostly the software that's letting the AppleTV down... Allow the USB port to accept external drives or even (dare i say it) allow the thing to access networked drives! If they give me either of these things in a software update i'd be happy with my current AppleTV hardware!

 

[Shoesy]

My prediction is a simiar model to that which boxee is running with their plug in applications. An app store-alike could sell / give you a range of streaming apps or channels. Hulu / iplayer for your tv with a bit of apple shine on it.

I dont think apple would be adverse to this, as long as they can get some big players alongside and they already have some big players alongside.

Maybe just show ads on the channels to keep your American cable companies funded. ad free in the uk to keep the British happy.

I really cant see any huge drives coming (1tb+) but they must give the machine a little bit more welly if they want to go 1080i, the current hardware can barely cope with 720p.

Dont forget how much atv has changed since version 1... ~Good things to come- we hope.

Fingers crossed for take 3.

 

[bluehoo]

I don't know if this means anything, but my local Apple store's Apple TV display was empty with a sign saying something about a "transition."

For those who wonder why HDD space is important and why can't people just stream, my only computer is a MacBook, and I'd rather not have to keep it plugged in and running all the time when I'd like to stream something. The space issue is also a factor when someone else in my house wants to use the Apple TV and I'm out with my MacBook.

I speculate that we will see updates in HDD capacity, an app store (No Hulu/Netflix) with a new menu system like the iPhone to select apps, and possibly a new remote incorporating accelerometers.

 

[Michael73]

I'm in complete agreement with most of you.

Part of the reason I own a MacPro is to use as a home media server. To date, I've used it to accumulate content which is locked away on several drives. Last year I went all in and got the 52" LCD 1080p big screen. The only thing I'm lacking is a way to finally unlock this content. I've been waiting on an TV for a year.

40GB is a joke but if you're streaming content then it doesn't mean much. On the other hand the fact that it doesn't support 1080 HD content is. C'mon! Are you telling me that if I went to Steve's house any of his TVs are 720...I think not!

Here's a great test for Apple...Would you make any product that Steve wouldn't have in his own house? My guess is an emphatic, "NO!" My second guess is that an TV falls into the "not in my house" category.

Finally, while everyone in this thread is putting out their wish lists, I wish multi-content streaming could be supported. If the wife and I want to watch a movie in our room while the kids watch something else on another screen (e.g. 2 AppleTV's attached to 2 different screens) that would be great!

 

[zedsdead]

If you have a streaming itunes subscription you don't need a DVR.

Streaming everything all the time kills the DVR

It would still need a DVR for live watching or archival. Unless Apple plans to add news and sports channels to its lineup, not to mention things like the food network, etc...

 

[alent1234]

No blu-Ray no deal

I can get a ps3 with a 120gb drive for $299

 

[Jayomat]

Give us a 1TB and 2TB models please in the form of an iTunes server that hooks to the TV. 40GB model is just ridiculous with today's HD content and the general size of people's libraries.

so true

 

[adbe]

You do understand that "sleeping" and "running 24/7" are not the same thing?

Yes they are. If I pull the plug on my PC it is no longer running. If it's running in wake on ethernet mode then its running. If I take my laptop out of the house, regardless of whether it is powered on or not, is irrelevant, it is no longer present or capable of streaming media to a media terminal.

Just because you (or "most people", whomever they are) don't want to deal with it doesn't mean it isn't the answer.

Actually outside of geekland, that is exactly what it means. Any technology that fails to work the way people want typically fails to thrive. It should be obvious here that 'people', or indeed 'most people' refers to the average consumer: the guy, or increasingly, woman, that just wants simple plug and play consumer electronics.

I love my Squeeze Box, but I'm under no illusions as to why they never set the market alight, and I wouldn't recommend one to my mother.

 

[schalkse]

I think since it's clear DRM isn't going away on the VIDEO (and app) part of the iTMS any time soon, I think this is where Apple is considering a subscription service. In otherwords: Apple Cable.

Stream all the shows you want each month for $40. All the Movies and shows you want for $60. the money goes directly to the studios, not to comcast/TW

Maybe, but consider the bandwith usage. Most of the providers still have a limit on bandwith usage.

 

[arkmannj]

I would like a real power/sleep/hibernate button. is that too much to ask ?
even if it's on the back (like the mac mini's) so it's out of view.

 

[jav6454]

With QuickTime X - if there is an update on the software we could have HTTP live streaming from iTunes - no storage needed, or buffering for that matter Get it connected to the TV networks and Im set.

Oh and Jav6454

"r.v., prod·ded, prod·ding, prods.
To jab or poke, as with a pointed object.
To goad to action; incite.
n.
A pointed object used to prod: a cattle prod.
An incitement; a stimulus."


HTTP live streaming... here we come IMO....

See: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/09/01/inside_mac_os_x_snow_leopard_quicktime_x.html

And apples documentation of Live Streaming HTTP: http://developer.apple.com/iphone/l...diaOverview/iPhoneStreamingMediaOverview.html

Ever heard about protoype namig conventions. Of the AppleTV is revised in a radical form this is what the iProd name could come from.

 

[qwerty2k]

My Wish List:

DVD drive with 'import' for dvd movies like iTunes does for music, love it if it could rip and encode my dvd's automagically for me.

more storage - ive only got a macbook so i can't keep it on 24/7 and just stream, would love it to have a 500gig hdd and use my appleTv as my itunes centre and sync my iPhone from it.

iTunes subscription - i currently use lovefilm (in the uk) and pay around £12 a month for unlimited dvd rentals, if iTunes offered an unlimited rental service for tv shows and movies at around £15/20 a month i would sign up instantly.

 

[bbydon]

It would still need a DVR for live watching or archival. Unless Apple plans to add news and sports channels to its lineup, not to mention things like the food network, etc...

Yeah but apple doesn't want your content to come from the cable company, they want it to come from itunes.

Granted itunes will never have live sports and all tv stations, but i think its an either or situation.
Dvr's are not a great lucrative business with cable companies supplying most of them. And Tivo is never going to turn a profit.