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Apple With Modest Expectations for 'iTV' and TV Show Rentals?
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HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Žalgiris;10919091 said:
Maybe, but I would consider the 2006
TV the "first gen". They upgraded the hard drive and some software a few years ago. One might argue that as a second gen.
This thing should be either the real second gen or a third gen. It would be disappointing to have no better HD resolution than the one from 2006.
Just dreaming...
I cannot wait to cancel my cable subscription, paying for all that crap makes me sick... I must be one of those hobbyist I guess.
I bought seasons of Lost, some 24, and other TV shows. I rent movies through iTunes. With the previews, I tried a bunch of TV shows. Usually one episode... I think the first episode of every season should be free. I would like to get discount price to buy a movie after rental. Shave the difference if I want to keep it. but what am I talking about? All of this has be negotiated, agree upon by thousands of people literally. So, not in my lifetime (I'm 40). There is no business incentive to product great TV, not anymore.
And that's not even taking into consideration the 'national' conditions. Like me as a Canadian iPad, iPhone and AppleTV owner; I cannot go to ABC's site and watch TV. No that's forbidden, I have to go on either Global or CTV sites, which are Flash based. So no TV viewing for me except from iTunes. Even the Canadian public TV site is Flash based! Anyway...
I think the only way for Apple is through syndication. So I think Apple should start its own network, its own production studios, its own music label. Then they would have a freeway to the consumer with iTunes. I mean, TV ratings and CD sales have never been that low, thanks to reality TV and kiddy-music. By doing that, Apple could attract great talent. And if a TV show is syndicated, it means that it can be acquired no? So what if the next Avatar is produced by Apple, the next 24, the next Beatles? Lots of people could be cut off from the food chain if artists works directly for Apple. But I don't hold my breathe. They do have what it takes for that though,... It would fun to see the TV networks / cable providers scrambling like PC OEM are scrambling right now for a tablet PC ;-)
I cannot wait to cancel my cable subscription, paying for all that crap makes me sick... I must be one of those hobbyist I guess.
I bought seasons of Lost, some 24, and other TV shows. I rent movies through iTunes. With the previews, I tried a bunch of TV shows. Usually one episode... I think the first episode of every season should be free. I would like to get discount price to buy a movie after rental. Shave the difference if I want to keep it. but what am I talking about? All of this has be negotiated, agree upon by thousands of people literally. So, not in my lifetime (I'm 40). There is no business incentive to product great TV, not anymore.
And that's not even taking into consideration the 'national' conditions. Like me as a Canadian iPad, iPhone and AppleTV owner; I cannot go to ABC's site and watch TV. No that's forbidden, I have to go on either Global or CTV sites, which are Flash based. So no TV viewing for me except from iTunes. Even the Canadian public TV site is Flash based! Anyway...
I think the only way for Apple is through syndication. So I think Apple should start its own network, its own production studios, its own music label. Then they would have a freeway to the consumer with iTunes. I mean, TV ratings and CD sales have never been that low, thanks to reality TV and kiddy-music. By doing that, Apple could attract great talent. And if a TV show is syndicated, it means that it can be acquired no? So what if the next Avatar is produced by Apple, the next 24, the next Beatles? Lots of people could be cut off from the food chain if artists works directly for Apple. But I don't hold my breathe. They do have what it takes for that though,... It would fun to see the TV networks / cable providers scrambling like PC OEM are scrambling right now for a tablet PC ;-)
We just cut the cord on DirecTV... I am hoping Apple comes out with a great product. We only watch a couple of shows, but I am hoping that FoodNetwork joins the iTunes bandwagon, then we'll have everything we used to watch. Here is look to the 1st!!!!
Jeff
What apps do you need on your TV? Is that in addition to your desktop, laptop and iPod? ARM-based device is not going to be competitive with XBOX, PS3 or even Wii. It's one thing to play mediocre games while waiting for a dentist appointment but who would want to play these games on TV at thome?
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
I'm hoping this version is a bit more open than my TV. If it comes with normal USB port and the flexibility for third party Apps, a company like Elgato can set in with a HD Tuner add on so that you can watch your sports (and local news, etc).
Those things need to get covered in some way to maximize appeal. One of the easier methods would be to build in a tuner, or make adding one on as an OPTION. Instead of trying to imagine/position it as a replacement for cable/satt, maybe it is better to see it as something to add on, much like a BD player or Tivo are not typically viewed as a replacement for cable/satt.
TV. If it comes with normal USB port and the flexibility for third party Apps, a company like Elgato can set in with a HD Tuner add on so that you can watch your sports (and local news, etc). Those things need to get covered in some way to maximize appeal. One of the easier methods would be to build in a tuner, or make adding one on as an OPTION. Instead of trying to imagine/position it as a replacement for cable/satt, maybe it is better to see it as something to add on, much like a BD player or Tivo are not typically viewed as a replacement for cable/satt.
I'm hoping this version is a bit more open than my
Those things need to get covered in some way to maximize appeal. One of the easier methods would be to build in a tuner, or make adding one on as an OPTION. Instead of trying to imagine/position it as a replacement for cable/satt, maybe it is better to see it as something to add on, much like a BD player or Tivo are not typically viewed as a replacement for cable/satt.
"a bit more open"? That is very unlikely. It seems that everybody agrees that the purpose of this device for Apple is to generate profits from iTunes.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
The rumor is that apps are likely. If we might get apps like the apps on iDevices, the would be more open "software" that might let some content flow from Netflix, hulu plus, HBO, ABC, etc.
To really make a set-top box smoke (in sales), they need to cover the live sports and local news base. That's probably not going to be possible through iTunes, nor through other options via Internet for at least some time. However, a tuner- built in or added on- would be a great way to add lots of utility to this thing.
With everything else Apple offers, add-on hardware exists. Why keep this separate- especially if it is joining the iOS party?
To really make a set-top box smoke (in sales), they need to cover the live sports and local news base. That's probably not going to be possible through iTunes, nor through other options via Internet for at least some time. However, a tuner- built in or added on- would be a great way to add lots of utility to this thing.
With everything else Apple offers, add-on hardware exists. Why keep this separate- especially if it is joining the iOS party?
Translation, "Steve jobs told me 720p is what I need. Don't bother me with your facts and scientific proof, the word of Steve Jobs is all I need to hear".
Their is zero chance this thing will be "more open", the entire point of this device is to suck even more money out of your wallet. Why would they allow you to download a better encoded video for free when they could charge for an inferior encode.
Most people can't even tell when their aspect ratio is skewed. 1080P is great and all, but 720P is pretty enough for the bandwidth and hard drive space I have access to.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
If it comes with iOS third party apps potential, it is a bit more open out of the box. It also would imply that content will be able to come from sources other than just iTunes.
If it released as an iOS platform without Apps, what's the point. Why not just launch
TV OS 3.2 or 4?I realize the hope for normal USB is more hope. But if the Apps are going to be there, why not allow for third parties to add some hardware as well... just like iPhones, iPads, iPods? Why does this one iDevice have to be so different?
Because it's common knowledge that if lilo777 says you don't need something, then no one should ever feel differently. Screw personal choice! Nevermind the fact that numerous consumer electronics companies are building in access to apps on their TVs, Bluray players, etc. Only Apple can be viewed as stupid for pursuing the same idea.
Once again, only Apple can be taken to task for having the gall to actually try to generate profits. No other corporation engages in such vile behavior.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Great. But since we are not all you, maybe we have different views on this kind of thing. I wouldn't speak for "most people" unless you've either asked them or are them.
And again, that's fine, offer 720p content for people like you. But don't limit the hardware so that others that can benefit from 1080p will be able to do so. Otherwise, you're limiting your buyer base.
There is no benefit at all to shipping 720p over 1080p capable hardware. Nothing whatsoever.
The only thing keeping me on cable is Live Sports. Now if the new AppleTV could get an NFL,College Hockey & BaseBall apps and I could kiss cable goodbye.
Cable/Satellite is not going anywhere. The US is made up of more than just single males living alone (or with their girlfriends), or young males living in their parents basement. Believe it or not there is something called family where you have mom, dad, children. There is another thing called single parent households. These are the people with mutltiple TVs and don't want to fuss with subscriptions to certain TV shows and Apple TV. They can get a 10.00 addition to their cable service and boom, record.
What percentage of single males versus families, I have no idea.
Jobs knows for now this is just a hobby environment, plus the fact that the content providers are not on board makes Apple TV a niche product.
What percentage of single males versus families, I have no idea.
Jobs knows for now this is just a hobby environment, plus the fact that the content providers are not on board makes Apple TV a niche product.
you betcha I recently bought two 590's one for the bedroom and one for my living room and am not looking back, between Netflix and all the content on my PC that I can stream in any format, i Have no need for my apple TV. The LG does everything I Possibly needs, and its wireless to boot.
The TV studios are absolutely retarded for not going for subscriptions. But then again, TV studios and networks have shown time and again in recent years that they ARE in fact retarded. The world is passing them by, and I say good riddance.
Until there is a better option, I'll stick with watching my shows for FREE via whatever method.
That being said, I'm not buying an Apple TV/iTV in any case. I've had enough of proprietary crap. Give me a device that is open and has the option to let me watch my own content in any format OR buy/stream your content, and a good price, and I'll buy. Right now, that's definitely NOT going to be AppleTV any time soon ... if ever.
Until there is a better option, I'll stick with watching my shows for FREE via whatever method.
That being said, I'm not buying an Apple TV/iTV in any case. I've had enough of proprietary crap. Give me a device that is open and has the option to let me watch my own content in any format OR buy/stream your content, and a good price, and I'll buy. Right now, that's definitely NOT going to be AppleTV any time soon ... if ever.
Personally, I think its just a first step scanrio. If Apple can't get the kind of support NetFlix can...that makes Apple look weak. BUT if Apple does the new iTV with iOS and now Netflix, HULU and hell, the NFL can directly sell you content...then Apple basically went around cable companies...I dont know about shows, but the NFL probably has enough clout to do this and tell the cable companys not to start a fracas over it...if i could get strming games from the nfl...for say 100-150 a season...cable would be 100% gone. I think this is very doable. Apple makes a little on the device and reaps the bennies on the app store....fast forward 2 years, a few million iTV;s sold and 10's of thousands of iTV apps in the store...they now have clout....adding facetime takes the iTV into a whole new realm....I disagree with other comments on here...this could really be a game changer!
