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A router? What if you already have a Time Capsule?

What would be the point of including a router in a Apple TV?

Streaming quality depends more on peering agreements (Netflix stuttering, etc.)

That's what I was thinking too. I have an Airport Time Capsule myself. What if Apple combined all three into one? Apple Airport Time Capsule TV :D
 
I have a Linksys router that is plenty sufficient, I assume I wont be able to bridge this unless I have AE, AExpress or ACapsule which is useless and drives the price up.

We will see.
 
This is the dumbest idea ever.

I'm dubious of any rumour which points to Apple integrating TV Cable functionality. This seems like trying to graft the old onto the new.

Apps for individual channels, freed from cable bundling, would seem a good compliment to purchasing individual shows thru iTunes.
 
What if..

If Apple is considering enabling some sort of controller support iPhone - ATV, they would have to be certain that the network-traffic between these devices are optimal.

Loosing movement in a game because your girlfriend is on youtube watching videos in another room might not cut it, your LAN might become clogged. (doubtful but still plausible)

I guess this uninterrupted connection could be accomplished via Bluetooth, but maybe they want to incorporate features that Bluetooth simply can't handle.

Adding a small Access Point to the ATV would solve this in part at least. However, if someone else connects to the ATV-Wifi you would end up with the same problem.
If the iPhone could connect to more then one Wifi at a time you could have a dedicated "line" to the ATV. Maybe I'm over-thinking this..

As others have stated, this is probably to ensure proper proximity between Access-Point and iPhone.

I for one would buy one the second they are released in hope that Airplay would be more fluent. Keep getting lag on a brand new Macbook Air (Wired) to the latest ATV (Wired)
This could of-course relate to limitations in the Airs GPU since Mirroring is the only thing they allow, essentially forcing my Air to render dual 1080p streams. An extended desktop mode in Airplay might solve this..
 
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I'm dubious of any rumour which points to Apple integrating TV Cable functionality. This seems like trying to graft the old onto the new.

Apps for individual channels, freed from cable bundling, would seem a good compliment to purchasing individual shows thru iTunes.

Agreed. Integrating Cable TV set top/tuner into Apple TV - not going to happen. This would be as likely as Apple including BluRay drive in the next MacBook. Apple (rightfully) views Cable/Sat technologies as dead legacy. Their content delivery will be exclusively over the Internet.

Also, I hope we are finally done with ridiculous rumors of Apple TV Set. If Apple were ever considering it - I hope they came to their senses and decided to focus on beefing up Apple TV appliance, rather than integrated TV set.
 
Xfinity just came out with their own new dvr with voice commands and nicer interface so I doubt they would be willing to ditch it already.
 
Very interested in this, but (as I've said before), I don't want to use an iOS device as a game controller. I also don't want my TV setup to be dependent on the other devices I own. It's great if they can work together, but they should also be able to operate independently.
 
A router? What if you already have a Time Capsule?

What would be the point of including a router in a Apple TV?

Streaming quality depends more on peering agreements (Netflix stuttering, etc.)

Bandwidth decreases a lot with distance. Those benchmarks revealed the latest AirPort Extreme (802.11ac)'s bandwidth is reduced by over 65% just by going to another room on the same floor.

This would allow greater bandwidth, of course as long as the content provider can deliver high bandwidth too. If this is your primary router, you'd effectively only be limited by your raw Internet speed (unless you have >1Gbps), and latency could be reduced too.

If true, Apple may be doing this so they can provide 4K content without too much compression. Netflix said they would start airing 4K content as soon as the first half of this year.

If you already own an AirPort router, you can configure an extended network using AirPort Utility so that both routers are used at the same time to offer optimal speed and range.
 
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Stupid Question Time

I've looked at the AppleTV on and off for a few years. I'm not very happy with my current cable subscription and have been thinking of making a change. The AppleTV device looks interesting but I have a couple of questions that I haven't been able to find answers to.

1: How can I tell what I will get? I see these neat graphics showing a lot of channels that I don't know what they are, but no list of what channels will appear if I plug this device between my TV and high speed internet line. I know there will be "more" but more what? Does it very by where I am? I'd assume that living in B.C. I wouldn't get the same things as I would get in Seattle for example.

2:I keep seeing articles about how AppleTV now has HBO or RedBull channel etc., etc., and then often it's got an asterisk saying that I need to have the channel as part of my cable subscription. So what's the point of the AppleTV box then? If I have to have the feed on my cable system already why get an AppleTV?

3: What is the advantage of the AppleTV over purely Software solutions like Crunchyroll or AcornTV?

AppleTV looks cool and as I said I've pondered getting one for some time. I just haven't been able to get enough information on what it does, how it works, and what I get for my cash to jump in.

Any advice would be appreciated.
 
A router? What if you already have a Time Capsule?

I'm not saying I think there's any meat on this rumour, but the putting a wireless router in an ATV would make sense for AirPlay.

Even if your ATV is hardwired, your iDevices are not, and playing AirPlay games or movies is not exactly a seamless experience unless the WiFi signal is *extremely* good. Apple could easily have iOS devices in AirPlay mode automatically switch WiFi network from the household router to the ATV, thus getting a strong connection that is probably only ten feet away with no physical obstructions.
 
I've looked at the AppleTV on and off for a few years. I'm not very happy with my current cable subscription and have been thinking of making a change. The AppleTV device looks interesting but I have a couple of questions that I haven't been able to find answers to.

1: How can I tell what I will get? I see these neat graphics showing a lot of channels that I don't know what they are, but no list of what channels will appear if I plug this device between my TV and high speed internet line. I know there will be "more" but more what? Does it very by where I am? I'd assume that living in B.C. I wouldn't get the same things as I would get in Seattle for example.

2:I keep seeing articles about how AppleTV now has HBO or RedBull channel etc., etc., and then often it's got an asterisk saying that I need to have the channel as part of my cable subscription. So what's the point of the AppleTV box then? If I have to have the feed on my cable system already why get an AppleTV?

3: What is the advantage of the AppleTV over purely Software solutions like Crunchyroll or AcornTV?

AppleTV looks cool and as I said I've pondered getting one for some time. I just haven't been able to get enough information on what it does, how it works, and what I get for my cash to jump in.

Any advice would be appreciated.

apple TV is faster than the cable box on demand and easier to use
and you can take it with you to watch your TV
 
I'm not saying I think there's any meat on this rumour, but the putting a wireless router in an ATV would make sense for AirPlay.

Even if your ATV is hardwired, your iDevices are not, and playing AirPlay games or movies is not exactly a seamless experience unless the WiFi signal is *extremely* good. Apple could easily have iOS devices in AirPlay mode automatically switch WiFi network from the household router to the ATV, thus getting a strong connection that is probably only ten feet away with no physical obstructions.

Also, it's mostly a software thing.
ATV is basically an iphone without a screen (and cellular), and the phone can be used as hot-spot.
It definately needs some hardware changes to compete with a high end router though.
 
I have a Linksys router that is plenty sufficient, I assume I wont be able to bridge this unless I have AE, AExpress or ACapsule which is useless and drives the price up.

We will see.
I have a 3100' house (5 bedrooms). 1 wifi access point is a stretch to cover the entire house. And with multiple streaming on the same Access Point can also be limiting. Also, bridging should not be a problem. I currently have a FIOS Router (main router) with the Wifi turned off. I then have an Extreme and Time Capsule both running in bridge mode to handle my Wifi Access. I also have 5 ATV's all with wired connections. If they could also be used as Wifi Access Points that would help distribute my Wifi to all parts of my house. In my house we have 2 iPads that are uses as TVs (my desk and wife makeup table) running on Wifi. Also on Wifi is my iPhones and Macbook. If I am using Airplay on an iPhone or iPad it would be better to connect directly to the ATV Wifi instead of connecting to the Extreme in the other part of the house.
 
I've looked at the AppleTV on and off for a few years. I'm not very happy with my current cable subscription and have been thinking of making a change.

I wouldn't suggest the Apple TV as a cable replacement unless you know for sure that you want to "cut the cord". You can get a lot of the same content, but you may end up paying a lot more for it. TV shows on iTunes are expensive. Even when you buy a complete season, it can end up costing a dollar or more per show. If you watch a lot of TV, that adds up quickly.

My wife and I watch most shows over the air via a TiVo connected to an antenna. We also watch a lot on Netflix (via the Apple TV), but, as you probably know, Netflix is generally a season or two behind what's currently airing on cable. We buy a limited amount of stuff we can't get either over the air or on Netflix from the iTunes store.

It isn't for everyone, but it works for us. YMMV.
 
As far as I'm concerned wifi is to flakey in a crowded wireless area for heavy streaming anyway, which is why my 4 apple tvs are connected by ethernet or power line AV.

This i think is why they are making it a wifi access point. Most people will have it wired for better and prioritized connectivity. Normally where you have your appletv is most times normally your lounging hangout spot. So having a nice wifi signal there without having an extra express would be cool.
 
I hope this is all analyst nonsense, as usual.

I don't want routers and cable controllers in there. It will just increase the size and cost. I already have a router and don't have/want cable. Also I want the router in the center of the house, not where the TV is.
 
I've looked at the AppleTV on and off for a few years. I'm not very happy with my current cable subscription and have been thinking of making a change. The AppleTV device looks interesting but I have a couple of questions that I haven't been able to find answers to.

1: How can I tell what I will get? I see these neat graphics showing a lot of channels that I don't know what they are, but no list of what channels will appear if I plug this device between my TV and high speed internet line. I know there will be "more" but more what? Does it very by where I am? I'd assume that living in B.C. I wouldn't get the same things as I would get in Seattle for example.

2:I keep seeing articles about how AppleTV now has HBO or RedBull channel etc., etc., and then often it's got an asterisk saying that I need to have the channel as part of my cable subscription. So what's the point of the AppleTV box then? If I have to have the feed on my cable system already why get an AppleTV?

3: What is the advantage of the AppleTV over purely Software solutions like Crunchyroll or AcornTV?

AppleTV looks cool and as I said I've pondered getting one for some time. I just haven't been able to get enough information on what it does, how it works, and what I get for my cash to jump in.

Any advice would be appreciated.

One of the mistakes that people on forums like this make is that everyone assumes that their way of doing things is just like everyone else's.

It seems to me like you and are are quite similar in our viewing habits. I have xfinity with an X1 and a TiVo box. I have wanted to get an Apple TV for a long time, but have not made the plunge for a couple of reasons.

1. I already have several devices that will do Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc.
2. I can play movies on my TiVo that are stored on a network drive.
3. I watch lots of live sports.
4. I watch lots of movies.

The one thing that my set-up doesn't do is allow me to display my iPhone and iPad on the TV.

So, most people who have an Apple TV are cable cutters, and/or only watch a limited number of TV shows. Many of them are happy to wait a season to watch a show.

We watch a lot of TV (not saying that is a good thing), but as you said, If I got an Apple TV, it wouldn't really allow me to do much that I don't already do.

And to take advantage of its features we would have to drastically change the way we approach consuming media.

That might be a good thing, but right now, no one at my house wants to cut the cable and spend time trying to find the content elsewhere when it is just poured into the house.

We have talked about making a list of everything that we watch and then seeing how much it would cost to purchase it from the iTunes store, but it never happens.
 
i have not yet cut the cord, my wife wont let me

however i would love to stop 'renting' the cable equipment. recently our area was 'upgraded' to require boxes in all rooms. I would love an apple solution that doesnt require this pay-per-month cablebox BS.

----------

Can't wait to upgrade my two Apple TVs second gen.

those are worth their weight in gold, send them to me :). check ebay, they go for way more than a brand new 3rd gen

2nd gen is the best :p
 
It will just increase the size and cost.
The ATV already has both Ethernet and Wifi so I don't think it would need to increase the size or cost for this feature. Not saying they would not charge more anyway but I do not think it would require it based on the hardware requirements.
 
Apple is testing a much improved version of the Apple TV that would utilize existing iOS devices as game controllers, according to a report from 9to5Mac, and the company is also considering combining the Apple TV and AirPort Express products, testing a combined Apple TV and 802.11ac wireless router in order to ensure higher-quality streaming.

give it to me Apple!! already got the hardware ready :D unless there's a new Apple TV device.
 
give it to me Apple!! already got the hardware ready :D unless there's a new Apple TV device.

My assumption from the words "improved version" is that this is not a firmware update, but new hardware.

I have long maintained that while technologically possible to download apps on the fly to run on the current hardware, it just makes much more sense to add local storage for apps purchased from an Apple TV app store.

So, that would maybe tip me over to buying an Apple TV if there is an app store.
 
I agree with others and think that making giving the AppleTV extended network functionality helps a lot with latency. Now your iPad, iPod, iPhone, etc. connect directly to the Apple TV and skip any router issues. No additional hardware should be needed as others mention as the Apple TV is basically a headless iPhone which already can act as a hotspot.

They should add storage though and give the option to directly access DNLA (is that the right order of letters?) servers so those with movie libraries can access them. Right now I have a rooted ATV 2 running XBMC so I can access my movies on a network drive. It would be nice to do that directly and not have to put them in iTunes and keep a Mac running.
 
Bandwidth decreases a lot with distance. Those benchmarks revealed the latest AirPort Extreme (802.11ac)'s bandwidth is reduced by over 65% just by going to another room on the same floor.

This would allow greater bandwidth, of course as long as the content provider can deliver high bandwidth too. If this is your primary router, you'd effectively only be limited by your raw Internet speed (unless you have >1Gbps), and latency could be reduced too.

If true, Apple may be doing this so they can provide 4K content without too much compression. Netflix said they would start airing 4K content as soon as the first half of this year.

If you already own an AirPort router, you can configure an extended network using AirPort Utility so that both routers are used at the same time to offer optimal speed and range.

Including 802.11ac capability and an A7 chip would be a welcome upgrade... Aside from an all new interface.

The current hardware (single core A5) is basically maxed out. There isn't anymore headroom for improvements on this current platform.

Adding a router doesn't solve the issue I think.
 
Look at your competition Apple!!!

After spending some time using Netflix on the PS4, Apple has definitely taken a nap on improving the Apple TV. The Netflix interface on PS4 is slick and modern and makes all interfaces on Apple TV look antiquated and uninspired. I hate how Apple has imposed a limited UI experience on Netflix just to keep it consistent with other Apple TV services. Netflix has obviously invested way more into developing improve UI and user experience on other platforms and Apple has to start accepting they are well below the bar on this.

If Apple wants to be in our living room, they are going to have to start spending some real time and effort improving the Apple TV user experience, invest a billion into Apple TV and it will be awesome again.

Just stop treating it like a hobby because it definitely feels like they are doing nothing more then just dumping more and more junk content and not even keeping up with features and design from their competition.
 
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