Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
ATV is basically an iphone without a screen (and cellular), and the phone can be used as hot-spot.
Yeah basically, except for those whole communication part and no apps, no camera and no battery inside. Also you need a TV to make use of it, but otherwise its an iPhone. You know, a washing machine is basically an iPhone without ...
 
Yeah basically, except for those whole communication part and no apps, no camera and no battery inside. Also you need a TV to make use of it, but otherwise its an iPhone. You know, a washing machine is basically an iPhone without ...
His point is that Apple recycles parts from its iDevice line for the :apple:TV. For instance its processor is a single core version of the A5, first developed for the iPad 2, and its operating system is a modified version of iOS. That's more than you can say for a washing machine.
 
Last edited:
Just leave the back door open so I can install XBMC. Having to run itunes on a computer is draconian to access local content.
 
I don't think the new ATV will be a full fledged TV or include a tuner. Too many different standards, regulatory approvals, and content providers to deal with across the globe. Just watch the SJ Q&A from 2010 D conference. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=FTtm8n5KCOc#t=5491)

There were reports Logitech was considering working working with Apple, which likely means that Apple was looking to integrate their Harmony IR database into the ATV. I believe the new ATV will likely include an IR receiver for learning new codes, and IR blaster/jack. Then Apple does not need to include a tuner, or fight with content providers/owners. Apple then provides their own channel guide, interleaves it's own on-demand content into the guide, and a single UI to control all your devices. Apple then allows you to snap a picture of your IR components, which then gets matched to the Harmony IR database. I sent SJ an email after the introduction of the ATV2 to this effect, years before his passing.

Make it so!
 
Last edited:
His point is that Apple recycles parts from its iDevice line for the TV. For instance its processor is a single core version of the A5, first developed for the iPad 2, and its operating system is a modified version of iOS. That's more than you can say for a washing machine.
ARM extends reach into new marketsBritish chip firm is the talk of CES 2011 as its designs spread from smartphones and tablets to toys and washing machines

iOS is a modified version of UNIX, which probably also runs the ARM chip in your washing machine.
 
Ever heard of HDMI?

It's the port where you can plug in auxiliary devices from a BROAD RANGE of manufacturers. Or do you have an Apple HDMI port? (as in, apple-only hdmi-port)

HDMI will not help stream video from a NAS to an apple tv. I'm not sure YOU'VE heard of HDMI and actually know what it is.
 
Whatever they do, I hope they don't do an all-in-one. I really like the $99 black box model. It's smart.
 
HDMI will not help stream video from a NAS to an apple tv. I'm not sure YOU'VE heard of HDMI and actually know what it is.

There has got be some device that allows you to access your NAS and display the contents on a TV via HDMI?
 
Apple EcoSystem

I'd be fine if they put a built in router but you know they'd make it so it'd only work with their overpriced Time Machine and Airport Express stuff.

----------

I don't think copyright has anything to do with it. The catch-up services of the UK's three major terrestrial broadcasters all have apps on the PS3, Xbox, and on other set-top devices. The problem is Apple.


I've rented dozens of films on my Mac which I've then watched on my Apple TV. When the ATV2 first came out I remember having problems, but it may have been the fault of a dodgy router. Either way, for me at least these issues are a thing of the distant past. When you say it doesn't work, what exactly goes wrong?

I man it DOESN'T work, try it again. I was told by Apple Support that it isn't designed to work that way. I rented a film on my MBP because it's easier to search and find stuff, thinking I would be able to watch it on my Apple TV and it didn't work. Even though, I PURCHASE stuff all the time on my MBP and that stuff shows in my AppleTV library. I'm not some ***** moron who doesn't know what they are doing and even so, you shouldn't jump through hoops to watch content.
 
I man it DOESN'T work, try it again. I was told by Apple Support that it isn't designed to work that way. I rented a film on my MBP because it's easier to search and find stuff, thinking I would be able to watch it on my Apple TV and it didn't work. Even though, I PURCHASE stuff all the time on my MBP and that stuff shows in my AppleTV library. I'm not some ***** moron who doesn't know what they are doing and even so, you shouldn't jump through hoops to watch content.
Right. Which is why I took the time to point out that, to the contrary, it DOES work. And at no point did I intimate that you're a "***** moron", but if you're going to put words in my mouth then on this occasion I won't argue with you.
 
Yeah basically, except for those whole communication part and no apps, no camera and no battery inside. Also you need a TV to make use of it, but otherwise its an iPhone. You know, a washing machine is basically an iPhone without ...

His point is that Apple recycles parts from its iDevice line for the :apple:TV. For instance its processor is a single core version of the A5, first developed for the iPad 2, and its operating system is a modified version of iOS. That's more than you can say for a washing machine.

My point was that making it a router is just a software change, all the necessary hardware is already in current version.
So everything the iphone 4 can do with software, the ATV3 should be able to do since it has a faster cpu. Offcourse it still needs a tv and a powercord.
 
I personally think that the Tv Tuner rumor means in other words opening up the SDK so that channels can open up their apps a bit more to watch their shows on Apple's new hardware.
No way in hell they'll incorporate a Tv tuner.
I also think opening up the SDK will not only open it up to more apps, but devs will be more likely to jailbreak it ;-)
 
I'd say that they are just as likely to build a router into an iMac, or a mac mini. It just doesn't make any sense. You want to be able to put your apple tv near your television set, putting a router in it just limits your placement options. And besides apple already makes a router that works perfectly fine.

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.

Do you realize that the router capability is already in the iMac, Mac Mini, or any other Apple's released computer? In fact, it's also in the iPhone and the iPad.

----------

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

Bury it.
 
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.


I cut the cord exactly three years ago. I have saved thousands of dollars since then. I use AppleTV; the two main channels you will be using are Netflix and Hulu Plus. A lot of new "channels" require a cable or satellite subscription, so that is just to have on demand access from additional TVs if your provider charges you for additional cable boxes. In order to have those channels working on your Apple TV, you have to validate with your username/password of the current provider.

There are major leagues channels that you can buy subscription for directly from them - NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLA. Each subscription is over $100 I think. I'm not using any of those.

There's also YouTube. There are a few other movie channels that you can buy subscription to for $10/month or so. Then, there's iTunes that you can buy season passes for most shows available on cable.

If you are a casual TV viewer and is interested in saving money, you can definitely do this with the Apple TV. If you are interested in certain TV shows, make sure they are available on iTunes and see how much season passes are. If you are watching too much TV right now and are trying to figure out a way to watch less, buying Apple TV is a great idea too.

However, if you are watching TV all the time, and want to continue watching TV al the time and save money, buying the Apple TV is not going to save you any money, and you will not get as much content as you can on cable or satellite.

I've been without cable TV for three years now, and my life quality is much better than it was when I had cable. And, I saved thousands of dollars in the process. So, I've been very happy with my decision.
 
Last edited:
I don't see Apple combining ATV with Airport - those will remain separate devices, as they serve different purposes. Most people use Apple TVs as WiFi clients - this offers the flexibility to place Apple TV(s) anywhere in the house. Making ATV into Airport hotspot would imply that the new device needs to connect to a wired network. Apple iOS devices are all about wireless connectivity. AirPort networking products will remain a separate accessory category.



Keep dreaming. Apple will never support DLNA natively (and frankly DLNA is junk compared to iTunes Home Networking). Your best hope might be a 3rd party app, if they ever support App Store for ATV.

RE the first paragraph: I'm not saying to use it as a wifi hotpsot for bridging to your main router but as a hotspot to get data streaming and game data directly from your iphone, ipad, etc. without the need to go through your main router then hop to your Apple TV.

RE the second paragraph: The problem with having everything go through iTunes for content you own is that you have to have your Mac running whenever you want to access your data. With a network attached storage device, I just browse to the video folder and select what I want to watch.

----------

Just leave the back door open so I can install XBMC. Having to run itunes on a computer is draconian to access local content.

Exactly why I am keeping my rooted ATV 2.
 
RE the first paragraph: I'm not saying to use it as a wifi hotpsot for bridging to your main router but as a hotspot to get data streaming and game data directly from your iphone, ipad, etc. without the need to go through your main router then hop to your Apple TV.

Why would you care whether the streaming data flows from iPad to Apple TV "directly" or via your existing Home Network? Integrating AirPort 802.11 AP functionality into ATV turns it into a different device.. It more than doubles its current size due to MIMO antennas, etc. There is no reason to bundle full Networking stack (AirPort) into a media content consumption device (Apple TV). It won't happen.

RE the second paragraph: The problem with having everything go through iTunes for content you own is that you have to have your Mac running whenever you want to access your data. With a network attached storage device, I just browse to the video folder and select what I want to watch

I get what you want to do, but Apple isn't interested in supporting non-Mac-based media servers. Like I said, if they ever open up ATV to 3rd-party developers - you will be able to do it via 3rd party app. But not natively.
 
Why would you care whether the streaming data flows from iPad to Apple TV "directly" or via your existing Home Network? Integrating AirPort 802.11 AP functionality into ATV turns it into a different device.. It more than doubles its current size due to MIMO antennas, etc. There is no reason to bundle full Networking stack (AirPort) into a media content consumption device (Apple TV). It won't happen.
1. We care because of the performance benefit of having the AP in the same room as the iPhone or iPad. The normal WiFi Router could be several rooms away and busy handling other devices.

2. Size? Seriously, have you looked at the specs for the Airport Express and the Apple TV. Almost EXACTLY the same.

Other benefits are to allow more WiFi hot spots in your house. I currently use 2 but have in the past used 3. If the ATV was also a hot spot I would only use 1 main Wifi Access Point.

Another option to improve performance (i.e. direct connect to ATV from iPhone) is to use Wifi Direct or some kind of AD HOC connection. I believe this has been discussed in the past.

Having to run a Wifi Connection from my bedroom out to the main AP and then over my wired network back into by bedroom ATV can be improved by connecting by iPhone/iPad directly to the ATV. Multiply this by 5 bedrooms and you can see the advantage.
 
Airport Time Capsule + iTunes Server

What I would like to see is putting an iTunes Server on the Time Capsule. All my devices now use SSD except the Time Capsule (for backup) so I don't have a lot of storage on each device. Would be nice to store my iTunes Content on a Time Capsule (and iPhoto). I would think this would help Apple Servers from having customers re-download everything as well.

I.E. Like a local mirrored iCloud of all of my content.

However, it would then be nice if one Time Capsule could back itself up to another Time Capsule. I.E. Add Time Machine to the Time Capsule.
 
1. We care because of the performance benefit of having the AP in the same room as the iPhone or iPad. The normal WiFi Router could be several rooms away and busy handling other devices.

Again.. A combined Apple TV + Airport would need to be connected to a wired network to act as an 802.11 hotspot. There is nothing stopping you from connecting the existing Apple TV into the wired network and gaining the same benefits.

2. Size? Seriously, have you looked at the specs for the Airport Express and the Apple TV. Almost EXACTLY the same.

Seriously?? AEX and Apple TV are similar size, but they are two separate devices. WiFi routers require different chipsets and unique antennae components, not present in current Apple TV. The combined device would have to significantly larger, at least double of its current size. I am not even talking about 802.11ac, which currently requries significant larger components (just look at the size of Airport Extreme).

Other benefits are to allow more WiFi hot spots in your house. I currently use 2 but have in the past used 3. If the ATV was also a hot spot I would only use 1 main Wifi Access Point.

There is nothing stopping you from buying additional APs (either from Apple or 50 non-Apple low-cost home networking vendors) and placing them next to your Apple TVs, or anywhere else in the house.

Instead of $250 combined AppleTV+Airport device - I'd rather have flexibility of separate $99 Apple TV and $99 Airport appliances. There is no need to physically combine them.
 
I am confused , how would having a router built in be good for a lot of people like me that have their cable modem connected to the router in another room separate from the tv with the Apple TV
 
Again.. A combined Apple TV + Airport would need to be connected to a wired network to act as an 802.11 hotspot. There is nothing stopping you from connecting the existing Apple TV into the wired network and gaining the same benefits.
Not if you have another Airport router. The Airport Express can wirelessly extend an existing network.

And there is another benefit for Apple specifically: It would encourage more people to use their routers.


Seriously?? AEX and Apple TV are similar size, but they are two separate devices. WiFi routers require different chipsets and unique antennae components, not present in current Apple TV. The combined device would have to significantly larger, at least double of its current size. I am not even talking about 802.11ac, which currently requries significant larger components (just look at the size of Airport Extreme).
The Airport Extreme is a very poor example. First off, it's always been bigger than the Express. It's designed for longer range! Plus, due to Apple's decision to share its casing with Time Capsule, the current Airport Extreme actually has a large cavity in the middle to fit a 3.5" HDD.

extreme-130612-2.jpg
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.