Considering Apple TV, worth it?

[crzdcolombian]

Except no iTunes Store, no AirPlay, etc.

I take playing blu rays over itunes any day of the week. Do most of you pay for itunes movies? I like my Digital copies but only for my iphone or iPad or computer. Watching even the HD ones that aren't 1080p blu ray quality on my tv isn't good enough. I have 50 legal digital copies and probably around 50 movies I downloaded elsewhere. I just don't see a $100 value in the Apple TV. So many better cheaper options out there. Itunes can be achieved with a cheap cable that connects your comp to your TV. Airplay the express does it for the same price and better I think. Main reason to get it is for nextflix, hulu and basically every device that can get internet now has both. Hell get a used wii off craiglist for $20 bucks.... not HD but w/e.

 

[linds15]

I take playing blu rays over itunes any day of the week. Do most of you pay for itunes movies? I like my Digital copies but only for my iphone or iPad or computer. Watching even the HD ones that aren't 1080p blu ray quality on my tv isn't good enough. I have 50 legal digital copies and probably around 50 movies I downloaded elsewhere. I just don't see a $100 value in the Apple TV. So many better cheaper options out there. Itunes can be achieved with a cheap cable that connects your comp to your TV. Airplay the express does it for the same price and better I think. Main reason to get it is for nextflix, hulu and basically every device that can get internet now has both. Hell get a used wii off craiglist for $20 bucks.... not HD but w/e.

blu rays are obviously better than itunes, majority in here are taking the convenience of sifting through a list over changing disks
also, if you have more than 1 tv a macbook + wire doesn't do you much good

 

[xlr8or]

Considering ATV, several Apple IDs in the house, Content . . . ?

As the title says, I'm considering an Apple TV. Within the house so far we have two iPhones, an iPad mini, and soon hope to get a Mac mini when the new upgrades become available later this year. With three Apple IDs around the house, how does the Apple TV work in this situation? Will content (movies/music/TV show seasons) from all three Apple IDs be available for viewing/listening on the ATV via iTunes, or will it just show the content that has been purchased by the Apple ID that is logged in or signed on the ATV unit? Can multiple Apple IDs sign onto the ATV?

We're still new to the Apple ecosystem and I appreciate any pointers that you could provide in how this all works. Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

[StinDaWg]

And don't underestimate WatchESPN. I usually spend $110/yr on ESPN Full Court to watch out of market college basketball. Now that I can stream ESPN3 in glorious 1080p, I can save the $110 which automatically funded my ATV.

Sorry, but you're not getting a 1080p stream. The max resolution for WatchESPN is 540p.

 

[linds15]

As the title says, I'm considering an Apple TV. Within the house so far we have two iPhones, an iPad mini, and soon hope to get a Mac mini when the new upgrades become available later this year. With three Apple IDs around the house, how does the Apple TV work in this situation? Will content (movies/music/TV show seasons) from all three Apple IDs be available for viewing/listening on the ATV via iTunes, or will it just show the content that has been purchased by the Apple ID that is logged in or signed on the ATV unit? Can multiple Apple IDs sign onto the ATV?

We're still new to the Apple ecosystem and I appreciate any pointers that you could provide in how this all works. Thanks in advance for your responses.

you will login with 1 apple id, to use as the account you purchase content through, however, with home sharing enabled, each device can share its content with the ATV, you just have to enable home sharing on each device. for example in my home i have a mac mini with all the main content, but when others macs are open with their own itunes libraries open, their content is also displayed.

 

[susa]

You could stream it from another iOS device wirelessly, but you wouldn't want to do that necessarily, since YouTube is one of the apps built into the Apple TV.

Thank you. I am finally 99.9% sure I will go for ATV versus Roku. If DH can't learn to use it, he'd likely have problems with Roku too. Besides, I rarely (never yet?) stray from Apple. Always have been very pleased with their products. I am in Canada, getting US and elsewhere Netflix with unblock-us, so I only have to make sure now that it'll work with an ATV bought from Canada, or else go to ebay. Apologies for getting strayed off the main topic.

 

[FlatlinerG]

I take playing blu rays over itunes any day of the week. Do most of you pay for itunes movies? I like my Digital copies but only for my iphone or iPad or computer. Watching even the HD ones that aren't 1080p blu ray quality on my tv isn't good enough. I have 50 legal digital copies and probably around 50 movies I downloaded elsewhere. I just don't see a $100 value in the Apple TV. So many better cheaper options out there. Itunes can be achieved with a cheap cable that connects your comp to your TV. Airplay the express does it for the same price and better I think. Main reason to get it is for nextflix, hulu and basically every device that can get internet now has both. Hell get a used wii off craiglist for $20 bucks.... not HD but w/e.

I own over 250 DVDs and blurays. I do have a bluray player if it's something I feel like watching but for everything else the Apple TVis the way to go. If we do download something or have a video on one of our computers then we use Air Video Server and the iOS app to stream it to the Apple TV.

 

[linds15]

Thank you. I am finally 99.9% sure I will go for ATV versus Roku. If DH can't learn to use it, he'd likely have problems with Roku too. Besides, I rarely (never yet?) stray from Apple. Always have been very pleased with their products. I am in Canada, getting US and elsewhere Netflix with unblock-us, so I only have to make sure now that it'll work with an ATV bought from Canada, or else go to ebay. Apologies for getting strayed off the main topic.

it doesnt matter where you get the ATV from, just follow the guide on unblock. im in canada and do the same thing, USA netflix + hulu plus = happy user

 

[xlr8or]

you will login with 1 apple id, to use as the account you purchase content through, however, with home sharing enabled, each device can share its content with the ATV, you just have to enable home sharing on each device. for example in my home i have a mac mini with all the main content, but when others macs are open with their own itunes libraries open, their content is also displayed.

Do all the devices have to be turned on & logged in to use home sharing or does this just work off of the Apple IDs that have enabled home sharing? For example, does the desktop PC or Mac have to be on with a user logged in for home sharing to work on an ATV? I'm not finding much about how this works on Apple's website. Thanks.

 

[jdechko]

crzdcolombian & palmharbor

No one is denying that there are cheaper alternatives to the AppleTV, and no one is saying that the device couldn't be improved. But for $100, it's a very capable device that serves a big function for many people.

Personally, I like the fact that I don't have to deal with DVDs or BluRay discs. I have 2 young kids that can navigate the AppleTV interface quite well, and I don't have to worry about their scratching the discs.

When the wife and I decide to rent a movie, we can easily find a movie on iTunes. Redbox is great when you can plan ahead (esp. for newer releases), but for spontaneity, the AppleTV wins.

Finally, the AppleTV is constantly improving. New channels are being added and I would be surprised if there wasn't an app store available in the near future. Gaming on the ATV is already a reality with Airplay and Airplay mirroring.

 

[Eckscaliber]

I have an Apple TV 3 and I wish I had a Roku with it's 5.0 software instead. If I were you, I would definitely buy a Roku.

 

[crzdcolombian]

crzdcolombian & palmharbor

No one is denying that there are cheaper alternatives to the AppleTV, and no one is saying that the device couldn't be improved. But for $100, it's a very capable device that serves a big function for many people.

Personally, I like the fact that I don't have to deal with DVDs or BluRay discs. I have 2 young kids that can navigate the AppleTV interface quite well, and I don't have to worry about their scratching the discs.

When the wife and I decide to rent a movie, we can easily find a movie on iTunes. Redbox is great when you can plan ahead (esp. for newer releases), but for spontaneity, the AppleTV wins.

Finally, the AppleTV is constantly improving. New channels are being added and I would be surprised if there wasn't an app store available in the near future. Gaming on the ATV is already a reality with Airplay and Airplay mirroring.

iTunes is probably the most expensive way to rent a movie.... and again every single thing I listed does this and much better/cheaper. If you have a cable box it does the same function..... $100 bucks can get you a used PS3 that has 50x the value in it. FOr the price the Apple tv is just too much money.

Other than really wanting another apple product it really serves little purpose for people who don't have hundreds of movies on itunes.

 

[linds15]

iTunes is probably the most expensive way to rent a movie.... and again every single thing I listed does this and much better/cheaper. If you have a cable box it does the same function..... $100 bucks can get you a used PS3 that has 50x the value in it. FOr the price the Apple tv is just too much money.

Other than really wanting another apple product it really serves little purpose for people who don't have hundreds of movies on itunes.

i have maybe 3 iTunes movies and find tons of value in ATV. im not saying its for everyone, but its by no means useless unless you have itunes movies

 

[jdechko]

iTunes is probably the most expensive way to rent a movie.... and again every single thing I listed does this and much better/cheaper. If you have a cable box it does the same function..... $100 bucks can get you a used PS3 that has 50x the value in it. FOr the price the Apple tv is just too much money.

Other than really wanting another apple product it really serves little purpose for people who don't have hundreds of movies on itunes.

On Demand digital streaming is more expensive, but not necessarily iTunes. Apple doesn't set the prices, the studios do. And for almost all movies, iTunes, Amazon and On Demand (comcast, because that's what I know) are going to charge you the same amount.

Unless I've planned ahead, it's much more of a hassle to get in the car, drive to the nearest redbox and hope that it has the new release I want to watch. So I, and many others, will gladly pay an extra $4-5 for the convenience.

And "better" is subjective. I think the AppleTV interface is better than just about all other interfaces (PS3, comcast box, blu-Ray, and smartTV). Admittedly, I've only spent limited time with the other devices (except the comcast box, which is terribly slow and still in SD).

Yes, it appeals more to people who are invested heavily in the Apple ecosystem. I'm not saying the device is perfect for everyone. Clearly it's not, as you don't see the value in it. But tons of other people do.

 

[slu]

Do all the devices have to be turned on & logged in to use home sharing or does this just work off of the Apple IDs that have enabled home sharing? For example, does the desktop PC or Mac have to be on with a user logged in for home sharing to work on an ATV? I'm not finding much about how this works on Apple's website. Thanks.

Not only do they have to be on, but iTunes has to be open. Except for iTunes in the cloud stuff, which can be steamed from Apple.

 

[crzdcolombian]

Not only do they have to be on, but iTunes has to be open. Except for iTunes in the cloud stuff, which can be steamed from Apple.

DING DING DING !!! Exactly why I got rid of mine !!!

 

[oddsbodkins]

Sorry, but you're not getting a 1080p stream. The max resolution for WatchESPN is 540p.

Well I'll be... makes sense. But, it's much better than the SD feeds they load Full Court down with.

 

[Uofmtiger]

The differences between the Roku and the AppleTV are significant. The Roku offers a lot more channels. You can run Plex, Amazon, and many other apps.

The main benefit to the AppleTV, for me, is Airplay. I use my iPhone to stream photos, audio, and video all the time. As an example, the Roku does not have a Lynda (videos for photography, design and business) app. However, Lynda does have an iOS app that I can stream video to my AppleTV with Airplay. Also, the ability to control music with the iPhone rather than through the TVs interface is a major benefit.

I pay $25 a year for iTunes Match. It is mainly a convenient music backup, but it also allows streaming to the AppleTV when the computer with iTunes is off.

I have a fat PS3 and the main issue with it is the noise caused by the fan. It also doesn't have Airplay, so that is the main downside. You do get the benefit of Bluray, but to be honest, I prefer streaming (even though the video and audio are not as good). Also, it does not have as many apps available as Roku.

In other words, while the PS3, Roku, and AppleTV has some overlap, I think they all have different capabilities that make them better than others in certain areas. I have all three and use the AppleTV the most.

 

[Toltepeceno]

I have an Apple TV 3 and I wish I had a Roku with it's 5.0 software instead. If I were you, I would definitely buy a Roku.

Same exact here, I am going to get a roku 5 and move the atv3 to a spare tv. I thought the atv3 would be jailbroken when I goot it and roku 5 was not out yet. I would definitely go roku 5. I like the idea of the headphone connection in the remote also. There are channels to "airplay" with on roku and being without itunes would be a plus. The wife wants ewtn spanish and some other channels roku has.

I buy nothing from itunes, have to have it open to stream my movies and have to "register" the computer. I have had to register the same computer 4 times even though nothing has changed. Apple likes to "mess" with you.

 

[Eckscaliber]

Same exact here, I am going to get a roku 5 and move the atv3 to a spare tv. I thought the atv3 would be jailbroken when I goot it and roku 5 was not out yet. I would definitely go roku 5. I like the idea of the headphone connection in the remote also. There are channels to "airplay" with on roku and being without itunes would be a plus. The wife wants ewtn spanish and some other channels roku has.

I buy nothing from itunes, have to have it open to stream my movies and have to "register" the computer. I have had to register the same computer 4 times even though nothing has changed. Apple likes to "mess" with you.

I have zero media on my computer and iPhone. I'm just not into it. I have no files to share anywhere. The Apple TV was a birthday present. I would have never personally bought one. Have you seen the Roku app in the App Store? It's quite impressive, and almost reason enough to buy a Roku.

 

[Toltepeceno]

I have zero media on my computer and iPhone. I'm just not into it. I have no files to share anywhere. The Apple TV was a birthday present. I would have never personally bought one. Have you seen the Roku app in the App Store? It's quite impressive, and almost reason enough to buy a Roku.

I have not, I will check it out though. Thanks. I have media, about 100 movies (not a lot), but it's ALL ripped stuff and none through itunes. It would be easier to use with roku and no itunes. Not to mention losing communication and having to reboot both the atv and computer.

I use headphones a lot also and the cable across the room is a pain.

 

[Uofmtiger]

I have not, I will check it out though. Thanks. I have media, about 100 movies (not a lot), but it's ALL ripped stuff and none through itunes. It would be easier to use with roku and no itunes. Not to mention losing communication and having to reboot both the atv and computer.

I use headphones a lot also and the cable across the room is a pain.

I have the Roku app and I don't really see that it is anything special. It has a list with icons of your Roku apps. When you choose one, it will start that app on the Roku, but you get a simple navigation page. The Apple Remote app works in a similar manner for the AppleTV. It just doesn't show the first page of icons.

Using Airplay is a much better way to handle some of the same apps. For example, you can open Pandora using the Roku iPhone app, but you have to have the TV on to navigate. With Airplay, you simply need to start the Pandora app on your iPhone and use Airplay to send audio to your AppleTV. If you have it hooked up to a receiver, you don't even need a TV on. You can navigate using the Pandora app.

I have been using AppleTV with headphones for a while. There was (is?) an app called Airfoil Speakers that turns the iPhone into an Airplay receiver. You simply start the app and tell the AppleTV to send the audio to the iPhone Airfoil app and the audio plays over your iPhone. I am not sure if the Airfoil app is still available, but the version I have works fine with iOS7. My iPhone is not jailbroken.

The main upside to the Roku is the apps like Vudu, Amazon, and Plex. However, it doesn't have airplay, which is the main downside. Personally, I don't think there is a clear winner. They both have capabilities that the other doesn't.

 

[jdechko]

I have been using AppleTV with headphones for a while. There was (is?) an app called Airfoil Speakers that turns the iPhone into an Airplay receiver. You simply start the app and tell the AppleTV to send the audio to the iPhone Airfoil app and the audio plays over your iPhone. I am not sure if the Airfoil app is still available, but the version I have works fine with iOS7. My iPhone is not jailbroken.

Unfortunately, Apple forced the developer to remove that feature.

The main upside to the Roku is the apps like Vudu, Amazon, and Plex. However, it doesn't have airplay, which is the main downside. Personally, I don't think there is a clear winner. They both have capabilities that the other doesn't.

Exactly, each device has it's merits.

If you are heavily invested in iTunes or Apple, the AppleTV is the winner.

If you want a lot of apps/ channels, then the Roku is a good choice.

For the best quality and occasional streaming, a blu-ray player is for you.

Pick up a PS3 if you want a decent n-in-one machine.

Pick up a chrome cast if most of your viewing is done in a browser.

 

[cloroxbleach4]

I have a question about Apple TV. Is there anyway to use it with my Macbook Pro? I am wanting to display my desktop wirelessly. Does it do either mirroring or be able to extend my desktop at all? I'm also assuming that it will carry the audio as well.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[linds15]

I have a question about Apple TV. Is there anyway to use it with my Macbook Pro? I am wanting to display my desktop wirelessly. Does it do either mirroring or be able to extend my desktop at all? I'm also assuming that it will carry the audio as well.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

macs from mid 2011 (early 2011 for mbp) and later have native support for airplay mirroring with mountain lion. so in your case it will works just fine

for those who have older macs you can use a 3rd party app such as airparrot