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I use the Apple TV for Airplay from my macbook or iPad, and for netflix/hulu/HBO Go. I don't really see an Apple TV set replacing those functions that their little box already does. If Apple puts out a TV set, it would need to have something to pull people in.

Right now you can go chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, etc and get an amazing experience on almost any modern TV. I'd rather have an inexpensive, inconspicuous little device hooked up to my TV than buy a whole new TV just to get the same functions.
 
It does seem like Apple TV is really missing it's full potential by not having apps, but I suspect something else is going on here.

P.S. It's "bated" breath. Baited breath would be kind of gross :)

haha I noticed that later when scrolling down. Never quickly post with an iPhone before a meeting ;) .
 
I couldnt' care less about a TV. I've got my TV, and I'm positive it will outperform Apple's future TV at its core function — unless they release the first OLED 4k.
Very well said. IMHO this could be the downfall of an Apple TV display. The expectations are so high that people would never buy an overpriced TV, just because it has 1080p or 2160p capability. They really need to offer something special. And that would mean a glorious new (OLED or similiar) high-resolution display, exclusive content and a completely new way to operate it.

What would be really big are things like 4K-capability not only on the display side, but also exclusive content in 4K for the included apps (channels) and on iTunes. But even that, chances are pretty slim, time is just not ready for that, yet.

As a first step, it would probably make more sense to introduce higher quality 1080p compression (H.265) at the same bandwidth, along with a very good display and new ways of operating the set. However, that would be a bit hard to market. People like to read "4K".

Not sure what Apple really aims for. Maybe they are even gonna delay a new Apple TV settop box, just because they want all the features included in the television set, instead of offering a $100 box. That would suck, however.
 
haha I noticed that later when scrolling down. Never quickly post with an iPhone before a meeting ;) .

Comment in Dictionary: "The spelling baited breath instead of bated breath is a common mistake. Almost a third of citations for this idiom in the Oxford English Corpus are for the incorrect spelling".
 
yeah umm what about the millions of us who want video and functionality of a cool apple TV without a built in Kinect type NSA spying device in our living room, bedroom and more?

Sorry, but these cameras and mics are proving to be widespread tapped by so many government NSA type operations. and then Add into that hackers who can spy on people also.

Plenty of us want to be able to choose to unplug a USB HD Webcam.

Sorry friends, but anyone who believes the window dressing of Apple, Microsoft and Google attempting to curtail NSA spying is ignorant they have been helping them for years as the documents and whistleblowers have showsn

http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/16/4526770/will-the-nsa-use-the-xbox-one-to-spy-on-your-family

http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Xb...Done-With-Consent-Claims-Microsoft-60970.html

http://www.inquisitr.com/793712/xbox-one-kinect-spying-we-are-watching-you-act-of-2013/

http://wallstcheatsheet.com/stocks/german-government-cuts-out-apple-over-nsa-spying.html/?a=viewall
 
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There are two problems that will need to be solved soon here:

1) The Apple TV interface will not scale and is already on the cluttered side. There has to be a redesign in the works.

2) The link between apps and Cable providers really tarnishes the draw of any set-top box for anyone trying to cut the cord. Why on earth would ABC need to link to your cable provider when its content is over-the-air for free? I fear this is the only way to stop Cable Operators from crapping their pants and a feeble attempt to stem the technological shift that's coming.

No, the "problems" are not just those that work toward Apple getting to replace our existing television service providers. Even if both of the above 2 are fully addressed, who owns the pipe through which an Apple cableTV replacement solution must flow? Why will the cableTV companies that are also our broadband providers just roll over and let Apple have that business (without making up for it in higher broadband rates and/or tiers for "heavier users")?

Another problem is the ongoing belief that we're going to get to pay a fraction of what we pay now, still get all that we want to consume, Apple can plug in and get their big cut right off the top too and it will all "just work." Apparently, "we" think the savings we expect will come from cutting out the cable middleman (who is the broadband middleman too) and also by some magic. If big cable (broadband) is still going to get their revenue cut either way and Apple is going to take a big bite too, who's left to take the financial hit so that we can get our 99 cent/month or $10/month "just the channels I want" rate?

If the Studios are expected to take the HUGE hit in a mass shift from consumers tossing about $100/month or more into this chain to spending $10/month (a 90% cut to the cash flows) why do we think the Studios will be able to keep making the stuff "we" want to watch? The best shows- typically best on relatively high budgets and expensive stars- probably can't be funded if the cash flows are cut by 90%.

Look through this very thread. There's always some dreaming about $1/month per channel… yet Apple should get it's big cut too. There's usually a few more chiming in about wanting "commercial free" (ignoring the huge subsidy that that OPM throws into the machine, which helps us get what we want to watch for what we pay now). There's always a crowd who hates paying for 200 channels "I" never watch, ignoring that the commercials that are never seen on those 200 channels are also OPM flowing to Studios in support of shows that "we" do want to watch.

We just ignore that the Apple dream alternative must flow through pipes owned by Comcast, Time Warner, AT&T, Verizon and others as if our broadband cost is absolutely static. And we ignore that cutting any flow of cash from consumers by 90% is likely to result in massive cuts to the quality of whatever is consumed. In this case, Studios would fall, expensive shows would be ended, etc. We already have ultra-cheaply produced "programming" in abundance- see youtube "shows".

I love the dream as much as the next guy… but it's just a dream. To actually change this model means showing all the other players beyond us consumers how they will ALL make MORE MONEY- not less- in any new model. That doesn't happen if the source of the money gets to cut our bills by 85% or more.
 
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time warner and comcast are selling slimmed down cable plans now with internet and HBO

Define "slimmed down". Since they moved TBS to the higher tier, all I'm watching now is CBS and paying for a complete basic package. Looking at going to antenna. Really wish they would do away with packages!
 
Very well said. IMHO this could be the downfall of an Apple TV display. The expectations are so high that people would never buy an overpriced TV, just because it has 1080p or 2160p capability. They really need to offer something special. And that would mean a glorious new (OLED or similiar) high-resolution display, exclusive content and a completely new way to operate it.

What would be really big are things like 4K-capability not only on the display side, but also exclusive content in 4K for the included apps (channels) and on iTunes. But even that, chances are pretty slim, time is just not ready for that, yet.

As a first step, it would probably make more sense to introduce higher quality 1080p compression (H.265) at the same bandwidth, along with a very good display and new ways of operating the set. However, that would be a bit hard to market. People like to read "4K".

Not sure what Apple really aims for. Maybe they are even gonna delay a new Apple TV settop box, just because they want all the features included in the television set, instead of offering a $100 box. That would suck, however.

Good call on the exclusive content. They're poised the best to make the largest initial offering — but I have a hard time imagining they're willing to adopt a format that's still in very early, and arguably, unstable days.

The problem is that:

1. They're likely not going to choose to release an OLED. They've taken a stance against it.

2. They're not going to release a better 4k TV than the Panasonic that's on the market. And they're not going to partner with Panasonic (if history is our guide)

I have a really hard time seeing them compete in the TV display world as it currently stands. It's gone from a very stable/predictable market to hosting a lot of unknowns/possibilities over the last year. Why now and not 3 years ago? Why not wait 3 years and ensure that you're not going to lose money backing the wrong horse?

If they're not going to release a robust set-top to go alongside a standalone streamer and iTV, they'll be cutting themselves out of the home theater enthusiast market who just want a better way to interact with their already existing receivers and/or cable boxes (assuming they don't come to the table with all inclusive content deals).
 
I can see the instructions now:

To Power On device:

1. Squat with your feet a little less than shoulder distance apart. Tilt your pelvis forward and bring your trunk between your legs. Keeping your trunk low, straighten your legs enough to lift your pelvis to about knee height.

2. Bring your left upper arm and shoulder as far as possible underneath the back of your left thigh just above the knee and place your left hand on the floor at the outside edge of your foot, fingers pointing forward. Repeat these actions on the other side.

3. Lift yourself off the floor by carefully shifting your center of gravity. Press your hands into the floor and slowly begin to rock your weight back, off your feet and onto your hands. Keep your inner thighs as high on your arms as possible.

4. With an inhalation, stretch your legs out to the sides as straight as you can, keeping your pelvis high to make your legs parallel to the floor.

5. Press through the bases of your big toes but pull your toes back toward your torso and spread them apart. The inner edges of your feet should be angled slightly forward, the outer edges slightly back.

6. Straighten your arms as much as possible. Hollow your chest as you widen your shoulder blades as much as possible; this will round your upper back, which will lift your torso higher.

7. Without tensing your neck, lift your head and gaze forward. Breathe slowly and hold the pose for 15 seconds or longer, then release your feet to the floor with an exhale.

Device on.

To Power Off device:

Follow the "Power On" instructions in reverse order.
 

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Define "slimmed down". Since they moved TBS to the higher tier, all I'm watching now is CBS and paying for a complete basic package. Looking at going to antenna. Really wish they would do away with packages!


20 local channels + internet + HBO + HBO Go

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Online, ABC's content is on demand, too. No cable company verification is required. I agree with previous posters that the connection is troubling. I'd hate to see the AppleTV become a Cable Companies best friend.


but you have to watch on a tiny screen and use up data if you don't have unlimited data

this is a replacement for a DVR
 
Still waiting with bated breath, an app store for the current and future Apple TV System. I personally feel that Apple is missing out on an other possible Application Mecca, that has yet to be tapped into.

Probably because they want to wait until they have the entire puzzle pieced together.

Once they release an App Store and turn it into a "platform," their hands are tied. What are they going to do, release a software platform with one interface metaphor, and then a year later come out with a completely new product built on an entirely new platform with an entirely different interface and use metaphor?

Don't let developers get excited and accustomed to a paradigm that will soon be on its way out. Better to wait until you realize the grand vision before opening the floodgates and turning it into a platform.
 
Funny that you say that. I am picking up a Roku 3 today. How do you like it?

GL

I like it. It has tons of apps like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, Amazon, MGo, HBO, Live ESPN, etc. Plus, they keep adding more and more apps. Here's a link for the apps/channels you can watch.

http://www.roku.com/now-playing

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Unfortunately after using both, the joke is on you. :cool:

Not for what I watch. Also, with their updated UI, it's pretty impressive.
 
Thoroughly enjoy me Appletv with Airplay from stream-tv(dot)me. But these new channels are nice additions.
 
The biggest "issue" with an Apple television set is it's marriage to iTunes and content purchased from iTunes. The reality is that iTunes TV shows and movies are crazy expensive compared to their blu-ray versions.

Dark Knight Trilogy
Blu Ray - $24.99
iTunes HD - $47.97 (have to buy them individually)

Harry Potter Set
Blu Ray - $55.79
iTunes HD - $74.99 (though this was on sale for around $58 last summer)

And you could go on and on and on.

Apple needs to learn 2 things
1.) Put things on sale. We're loyal customers. Reward us for that.
2.) You don't need ALL THE MONEY.
 
and unless you download them all which costs money, you need internet service to stream them. internet goes down, no watching a movie
 
The thing I care about most is streaming shows from my computer. AirVideo does this perfectly to other iOS devices. Now my smart tv does this well enough that I've completely lost interest in ATV.
 
Ya, sure... why the hell not...


Lets all go nuts.....

I'll use my brain to just spit out over the top, ridiculous stuff that doesn't even make sense, into a new Apple product, and just hope it may come true....

Apple + Kinect-like motion = bad idea.....

Why would anyone want this on their Mac...

Apple doesn't want touchscreens, but they do want hand-gestures you look foolish in mid-air ?

Save the silly stuff for gamers and consoles, where it matters.
 
I can see the instructions now:

That my friend, might be the single greatest post I ever read. I don't know if you cut and paste that from yoga instructions or what,but it was perfect. I'm at work and I have tears rolling down my face from laughing so hard. I don't know if it's because I've had the Nintendo wifi,Xbox,xbox 1 so I'm already doing half of these gestures. Haha...
Whatever the case, kudos my friend. Well placed joke. The hardest I've laughed at any post. Extremely funny....
 
I'm not sure I would want to pay all that money for an actual television from Apple when for a fraction of the price they could make a much better set top box which most people could afford alongside their existing TV. A sort of PS4 for the Apple world.

I'd quite like the future AppleTV to be a media hub for the home capable of storing and wirelessly distributing content around my home to whatever Apple device I'm using at the time. A bit like one of those Seagate Wireless Plus drives with a 4TB hard drive. Plug it into your router to stream content from iCloud around the house or unplug it and take it with you to wirelessly stream iTunes content stored on the hard drive to your iPad or whatever.
 
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