Apple TV Details and Specs

[Padriac]

This is aimed at those who use the iTunes store, those who are thinking of using the iTunes store in the future, and trying to tempt those who haven't tried it yet. It is all about pushing iTunes and online movies.

Exactly. Hard to do that without a viable place to watch them. That's what this box is for.

I don't think I'll ever buy an tv until the iTunes store has 1080p content and the tv supports it. It's great for those that are more than happy with 720p, but it just doesn't cut it for me - and I know I'm not the only one out there. I would never choose this over blu-rau or HDDVD due to the lack of the aforementioned 1080p mainly, but l also like the whole host of extras you get on the disc itself.

Still seems a half-hearted effort to me, which is a shame...

If you have a 1080p TV, you are in the VAST MINORITY. Even the small fraction that DO have HDTV only have 720p/1080i capable sets. What Blu-ray player/ HD DVD player do you have. Early HD DVD didn't even do 1080p and many discs come with sparse to non-existant extras. Blu-ray and HD DVD are not a problem for Apple... yet.

 

[Padriac]

Apple is simply getting out of their infinite loop...

We need more content on the ITMS. But people need a way to watch the content on their TV before they will buy it. But they won't buy a box without access to a bunch of content. But there is no point to build a box without the content. But there is no point to add the content without a box. But there is not point to build a box without the content. But we need the content to justify the box. But we need a box to justify the content... and on and on for infinity.

The Apple TV solves this infinite loop. Now there is a box. Next step: content.

 

[marktesssing]

1000 words

Why would you want to stream a DVD from your Mac to an AppleTV? Why not just put it in your already existing DVD player and play it right there? Am I missing something? I dont know why this continues to come up...

Maybe this will help:

 

[zama36]

XBOX 360? You have got to be kiddin'!

I predict the Apple TV will be a flop. It doesn't do anything better than what's already out there. You'd be better off spending a little more and getting an Xbox 360 or even a mac mini.

Couple problems with the Xbox360:
1) Hard disk is only 20GB, unless you go and buy the rumored 100+GB HD upgrade when it comes out. Or the rumored Elite package with the 100+GB drive. With an tv you can store and actually backup your digital media that you can't with a 360.
2) DRM for movies. On a 360 you aren't buying a movie you're renting. Oh, and if something comes up and you can't finish the movie within 24 hours of starting to play it you're out of luck. You have to pay up again.
3) MS Points - Do you really realize how much things are on video marketplace? A rental of a 720P movie is 480 MS Points; that's $6 a pop. Three movies and you have a NetFlix membership or almost two movies that you own from iTunes.

I have a 360 and Connect360, but I'm actually thinking about starting to purchase movies from iTunes and getting an tv because it is a better solution with backup ability.

 

[surferfromuk]

Maybe this will help: (picture of LCD TV and tiny apple TV box

Yet again, I say to Apple - Stick that Apple TV box inside a 45" Apple Brand LCD TV and you've just won $3000 ( £1500) of my UK pounds right there - that easy! Plus that's serious 'gateway' tech that could get you another 100million Apple converts over the next few years...macs, iphones, ipods etc etc just come from that one glorious and graceful introduction to the beautiful world of Apple...plus integrate 'mac desktop streaming' and I can almost instantly guarantee 50 million mac mini sales!.

I love Apple but Apple TV is only 'nearly great' rather than 'insanely great'- sometimes Apple get it SO right - iMac, iPhone,iPod, and yet somewhere along the line they dropped the i and added an Apple symbol (which I can't even find on my keyboard so it's a google black hole if it becomes the defacto ident for it), and this product seems to lack the wow factor of all the other products.

Apple need to step up the game if they are going to compete on this playing field.

Yes it's great and it's simple but 5.1 DD is a silly oversight. What happened in the 'what should it do' meeting to get 'Dolby 5.1' thrown out of the launch spec ??

Still when all is said and done I'll probably buy one because it's simple, sweet and cool apple tech...so maybe it's not 'so far off target' after all!

 

[milo]

Why bother with DivX anymore? Any reason besides pirating? This is a serious question, not a sarcastic one. I've struggled to find an evenly remotely legitmate source of DivX files.

It's all about the piracy. So apple loses the customers who pirate their video but are too lazy to batch convert their video (so when is iSquint going to get updated for the new video format? and does visualhub support it yet?). Does anyone seriously think that's a significant chunk of potential customers.

Yeah, you did. The AppleTV is able to use a stream from your DVD player on your Mac.

I'm not sure what gave you that idea. Apple has never said it will do that. Unless you're talking about ripping your DVD's, then playing that.


And I think people are jumping to conclusions on the surround sound thing. Assuming it doesn't support surround now (which doesn't seem to be confirmed), I wouldn't count out the possibility that they could support it with a software/firmware update, especially since the hardware is already in place.

 

[wmmk]

Photos:
- JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PNG

If it could display RAW, I would buy it, then go up and hug steve jobs.

I want to check one out at my local Apple store. I'll go tomorrow

I wonder what kind of TV's they're using. I'd love to see if they end up endorsing a certain brand...

 

[lucas]

Apple wants to be doing the encoding for you. You can also do it yourself and yes it's a bit slower than DivX, but DivX is also slower than a bunch of even older codecs. Where does it end and why is DivX special? If you can show me a legitimate source of XviD/DivX content that approaches even 1% of the content available in h.264 I'll give you a cookie. DivX/XviD, for all intents and purposes, do not exist (to the mass consumer).

Apple chose h.264 because it is one of the new HD standards (used on Blu-ray as "AVC") and because they don't have to pay extra like they do for DivX.

XviD/DivX don't matter at all. Apple has little reason to support them.

show me a legitimate source of h.264 in Australia... oh wait, there isnt one. apple killed a large portion of their possible market with this one. many people around the world download their tv in xvid/divx because there is no other choice. there's no legal way to purchase digital content in where they live and the programs they want to watch arent even on air there. apple tv has zero value outside the usa without support for more formats.

 

[suneohair]

Just to chime in on a few things.

The DVD over TV wouldn't work, simply because of copyright issues. It would be like me broadcasting music over the radio without paying licensing fees. Since that video is in the air it could be pirated.

I might be wrong, but that seems to be the most logical reason as to why it doesn't do this.

On the Divx and Xvid topic. Oh well. That is not what it is intended for. I am not trying to defend Apple as it would be nice of them to do it, but they are doing this to add to the iTunes model.

iTunes --> iPod
iTunes --> TV

Makes sense to me, regardless of whatever I would want. The Apple TV seems to be a great product, however it isn't for me since I don't buy iTunes content. Now, if music was offered in lossless format and video in 1080P, I would jump ship.

 

[jmmo20]

1. PICT is replaced by PDF on Mac OS X. I wouldn't expect Apple TV to open PDFs.

2. There's multiple configurations for Apple TV. Should Apple package together HDMI cables, component cables, analog audio cables, ethernet cables, and maybe even a DSL filter just for kicks?

3. DiVX sure is popular. Name me one commercial video service that sells you DivX files... Apple doesn't sell MP3s, it sells AAC and MP4. This device isn't meant to hoard or display your pirated/copied videos. It is for them to sell more iTunes content. You can either drink the koolaid and buy iTunes or use some other solution to deal with your problem of watching your DiVX files.

in response to number 3.
name me one commercial audio service that sells mainstream music as MP3's .... Apple does not sell MP3s, it sells AAC. iPods aren't meant to hoard or play your pirated/copied songs. It is for them to sell more iTunes content.

.. see my point? .. yet the iPods reproduce MP3.

 

[localoid]

Apple is a hardware vendor - they can earn money from just selling the hardware. That said, Steve Jobs is probably going to be happier if you decide to buy more stuff from iTunes store after you buy the TV, but is still happy even if you just get the hardware.

So I'd be surprised if Apple actually puts effort into preventing people from modding their TV, or "unlock" any "hidden features".

The many interesting things that can be done with a modified Linksys WRT54GL router is one example of what can happen when a manufacturer opens up some of their hardware/firmware secrets. In that case a ~$60 consumer router was able to begin to do things only "real" routers could do previously.

 

[suneohair]

in response to number 3.
name me one commercial audio service that sells mainstream music as MP3's .... Apple does not sell MP3s, it sells AAC. iPods aren't meant to hoard or play your pirated/copied songs. It is for them to sell more iTunes content.

.. see my point? .. yet the iPods reproduce MP3.

The iPod also existed before the iTunes store. Thus, before they were selling AACs. I don't think they would come out and say "Ok, no more MP3s because we are selling music now."

I am sure if they would have released a video iPod with Divx and Xvid support and later started selling content in a different format, they wouldn't drop the formats they previously supported. Of course this is a just a theory. But it is tougher to take away features or increase the price point on something that is existing. People already had vast MP3 libraries before the iPod, Apple couldnt just drop support. And while people may have vast Divx and Xvid libraries Apple has never supported those, thus they aren't obligated to include it in their video products.

I bet if MP3 dies (and it will eventually) and something come to replace it. Apple will not support it because they sell content.

In all reality, this doesn't effect people who do no buy iTunes content as that is what it was made for. Unless you are downloading content from the net, the codec support is moot.

 

[Padriac]

Now, if music was offered in lossless format and video in 1080P, I would jump ship.

What about browsing and listening to your Lossless music purchased on CD via your home theater? Apple TV allows that (it's overkill for just that, but it does it damn well)

What kind of 1080p content are you watching now? What kind of TV? I'm genuinely curious (AV nut). People with 1080p TVs are so rare I really don't think Apple is in any real trouble by not supporting it right now (down the line... yes).

in response to number 3.
name me one commercial audio service that sells mainstream music as MP3's .... Apple does not sell MP3s, it sells AAC. iPods aren't meant to hoard or play your pirated/copied songs. It is for them to sell more iTunes content.

.. see my point? .. yet the iPods reproduce MP3.

If you are saying that DivX now is the video equivalent of MP3 back in 2001? This is definitely not the case. MP3 was itself responsible for the digital music revolution. The same cannot be said of DivX and digital video, especially today. Two different ballparks. People actually knew what an mp3 was back then... most people have no clue what the hell a "DivX" is. Apple has a lot more freedom with video whereas they were almost forced to support MP3 (and, as you note, they do not champion it, only support it).

 

[CoreWeb]

I think that in the end, the AppleTV is being sold not to geeks / AV-fans, but to average consumers, who really don't know what the heck 720p or 1080p or 1080i is, or only have some vague idea. These consumers really won't care about much except that the AppleTV allows them to watch content from iTunes on their TV.

So therefore, if there are enough movies on the average iTunes libraries, then the AppleTV will sell. Simple as that, probably.

 

[rdrr]

sorry AppleTV, I'll wait for rev.2.0.

I want 1080p support
and
5.1 audio.

till then, forget it.

It is usually best to wait for rev b, but don't get your hopes up about 1080p. There isn't much 1080p content out there, heck less than 40% of broadcast tv, isn't even in 1080i, or 720p.

 

[suneohair]

What about browsing and listening to your Lossless music purchased on CD via your home theater? Apple TV allows that (it's overkill for just that, but it does it damn well)

What kind of 1080p content are you watching now? What kind of TV? I'm genuinely curious (AV nut). People with 1080p TVs are so rare I really don't think Apple is in any real trouble by not supporting it right now (down the line... yes).

I don't currently have a 1080P set. I did though, a Westinghouse lvm-37w3. That is not my point though.

Yes I can listen to my CD that I bought, however I want to buy content. I don't want CDs. I buy them, rip them, and chuck them in the closet. They serve no purpose for me other than extracting the music. No tell me this, why would I pay the same amount for an inferior quality track on iTunes when I can buy a CD for the same price?

My answer? There is no reason, and thus I don't buy. I can hear the difference between a 128 AAC and a lossless file. And for me it is major, and these tracks are not CD quality IMO.

Same with videos. Why buy a low res movie when I can get it on DVD or Blu-ray/HD-DVD? Sure it may cost more, but heck the quality is worth it.

That is my point here. If they want me to buy content give me something worth buying. I am not a foolish consumer and I won't be tricked into buying content inferior to what is already there. I have a 3mbps connection. Give me the quality.

 

[rdrr]

Hard drive....

Any guesses to the hard drive... SATA? And do you think that it can easily be replaced by a bigger drive?

 

[CoreWeb]

I don't currently have a 1080P set. I did though, a Westinghouse lvm-37w3. That is not my point though.

Yes I can listen to my CD that I bought, however I want to buy content. I don't want CDs. I buy them, rip them, and chuck them in the closet. They serve no purpose for me other than extracting the music. No tell me this, why would I pay the same amount for an inferior quality track on iTunes when I can buy a CD for the same price?

My answer? There is no reason, and thus I don't buy. I can hear the difference between a 128 AAC and a lossless file. And for me it is major, and these tracks are not CD quality IMO.

Same with videos. Why buy a low res movie when I can get it on DVD or Blu-ray/HD-DVD? Sure it may cost more, but heck the quality is worth it.

That is my point here. If they want me to buy content give me something worth buying. I am not a foolish consumer and I won't be tricked into buying content inferior to what is already there. I have a 3mbps connection. Give me the quality.

If Apple offers 720p+5.1 downloads then iTunes downloaded content will be better than regular DVDs, overall. And the difference between 1080 and 720 is relatively small.

And, I already have enough stuff on my iTunes library that I would like to appear on my TV - something AppleTV would be suited for. And note, even the songs I've ripped from CDs are not in lossless format as they take up too much space for my stingy storage standards. So, though you may not buy it, you don't have to. It is probably not meant for people like you anyway - you should (and I probably should, as I'm kinda geeky overall) hook up a Mac Mini to your TV.

 

[WilliamLondon]

sorry AppleTV, I'll wait for rev.2.0.

I want 1080p support
and
5.1 audio.

till then, forget it.

Then you and the other 2 people that have 1080p and think it's the bee's knees can forget about it together and bitch about how Apple missed the mark on this one. The rest of us will enjoy this lovely new device.

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

Any guesses to the hard drive... SATA? And do you think that it can easily be replaced by a bigger drive?

Easily replaced... eh, maybe, all depends. It's probably something like the mini, because it's form factor is so small.

It is *probably* SATA. but, don't quote me.

 

[3282872]

Save that post, and in the future when that little $299 box has replaced your AVR, DVD/CD, Cable box and surge box you'll laugh and think how myopic we all were and how visionary Apple was.

Dude, you need to get over this "internet content rules" thinking. This "little box" as it stands today will NOT replace all those components ROFL. Seriously? No way, no how. Not until it has at LEAST 5.1 surround sound, 1080P and playback of non-Apple content. Sure, it's a cute little thing that may get "ooo's" and "owwww's" at your next little cocktail shin-dig, but for now it's a $299 paper weight.

 

[rdrr]

Easily replaced... eh, maybe, all depends. It's probably something like the mini, because it's form factor is so small.

It is *probably* SATA. but, don't quote me.

Ya but, what about copying over the OSX lite, and getting it to recognize the new usable space...

 

[3282872]

I've started transcoding all my pirated videos. I only have all the episodes of Dead Like Me, Star Trek TNG, Star Trek Voyager, Futurama, Family Guy, Battlestar Galactica, CSI: Miami, The Simpsons, Stargate SG1, Stargate Atlantis, Star Trek TOS, Star Trek DS9, Star Trek Enterprise, .... and a few more.

This will only take me about 4 months. It's almost 730gb total.

They are all Xvid and Divx, with a few weird mkv files or something, I think it's just another MPEG-4 container.

I wish this thing could play these files straight up.

Careful, I've made similar comments and was slammed by 75% of the Macrumors community. It's amazing to me, as a huge Apple fan/user, that a lot of others can't take criticism at an Apple product maturely and rationally.

 

[suneohair]

If Apple offers 720p+5.1 downloads then iTunes downloaded content will be better than regular DVDs, overall. And the difference between 1080 and 720 is relatively small.

And, I already have enough stuff on my iTunes library that I would like to appear on my TV - something AppleTV would be suited for. And note, even the songs I've ripped from CDs are not in lossless format as they take up too much space for my stingy storage standards. So, though you may not buy it, you don't have to. It is probably not meant for people like you anyway - you should (and I probably should, as I'm kinda geeky overall) hook up a Mac Mini to your TV.

I have no qualms with the device itself. Nor am I whining about, so please don't give me the "you don't have to buy it" speech. I know that and I can make my own decision. And I know I don't have to buy it, etc. Also don't tell what is and is not for me and what you think I should do. My post is in no way like the others here.

I think it is meant for someone like me. But, I will not buy iTunes content at this point because of the quality. If they offered high quality downloads on par with what I buy in the store I would get down with it. I am a major geek and I would buy it because it looks cool and i could stack it up. Although I won't but still.

Also, I don't have a TV right now. I don't need something that big as I have no interest in a home theatre right. I did have a mini hooked up to my 1080P that I had before, but still. I don't have enough video content to warrant such a thing.

 

[FleurDuMal]

Dude, you need to get over this "internet content rules" thinking. This "little box" as it stands today will NOT replace all those components ROFL. Seriously? No way, no how. Not until it has at LEAST 5.1 surround sound, 1080P and playback of non-Apple content. Sure, it's a cute little thing that may get "ooo's" and "owwww's" at your next little cocktail shin-dig, but for now it's a $299 paper weight.

What if someone has all their DVDs and CDs ripped and put into iTunes, doesn't have a 5.1 sound set up, and has a 720P TV. Then it would replace all those devices.