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Early Apple TV Sales Estimated at 1 Million Per Quarter
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It's a Combo. Ask yourself... would you like to pre-build several millions of these, only to have the device be a dud and not bought? Apple has to try and gauge how much interest there is (pre-orders) in order to ramp up to where they need to be. This "build it and they will come" attitude of some consumers is crap and very unrealistic. Not you, but some get all in a tizzy if they have to wait sometimes for very popular things.I was wondering...
Is it that every new Apple product these days is such a hit that they can't meet demands anymore or is it that Apple simply don't builds enough of these product to create the illusion that the world is all over Apple products?
Also, it's very difficult to try and release products globally. How Apple as good a job as they do is amazing to me.
Really? I think it's kind of ho-yum!
True, but I'd avoid any device based on Realtek chips; much better choice to get one of the players using Sigma chips.It sounds like the Apple TV isn't the right media player for you and the WD TV is.
It's nice to have a few good options on the market.
I like this newer box better than the first box even without the HD space. In my household I get no TV reception at all. I have high speed internet for $60 monthly, no landline phone, no cable. I would watch Netflix via my desktop or my Blu-ray player in my TV room. I now have my old 
TV with my Blu-ray and the newer TV in my Bedroom. I find it runs smoother and looks better than the older version. I have a massive ripped collection on my iTunes (over 700 movies/over 1000 CDs) on my MacPro and this machine, both versions, allow me to enjoy all the stuff I took so much time loading on my computer.
What I need is Hulu Plus, BBC America, Home/Garden and the SyFy channel set something up with subscriptions and Apple to watch viaTV then I would be set. None of the other cable channels have any value to me.
TV with my Blu-ray and the newer TV in my Bedroom. I find it runs smoother and looks better than the older version. I have a massive ripped collection on my iTunes (over 700 movies/over 1000 CDs) on my MacPro and this machine, both versions, allow me to enjoy all the stuff I took so much time loading on my computer. What I need is Hulu Plus, BBC America, Home/Garden and the SyFy channel set something up with subscriptions and Apple to watch via
TV then I would be set. None of the other cable channels have any value to me.You still paid for the tuner on your PC at some point, but you did say Windows Media Center in your previous post, so I should have picked up on what you were doing and not discussed DVR's from cable and satellite at all.
When I lived out in the country, all I got was CBC
Glad you have a solution that works for you.
I guess the question is, how well did it sell against competing products, like the Asus O!Play, the WDTV Live, Roku, and various other streaming products. My impression is that the Apple TV still managed to outsell most of those devices.)
There are some very good looking products about to enter the space, including Google TV and the Boxee Box, as well as higher-end TVs which include this feature built right in.
Personally, I'm probably going to hold out for the Boxee Box, because I have my media stored on a NAS.
Nintendo had announced they would be targeting Apple in marketing because of the gaming on iOS devices being a competitor. Now it looks like Apple could end up expanding that competition with Apple TV should gaming take off.
I think Nintendo should switch their game plan to partnering with Apple. Games on Apple TV? Market some Nintendo games (perhaps slimmed down versions) in Apple TV version. Consider Wii type controllers that function with Apple TV. Nintendo should look to bring in revenue while giving people a sample of their game experience. Some may decide to get a wii after sampling Nintendo's games on Apple TV.
Nintendo could also attract customers using iphones by allowing iphones to be used as classic controllers for older games via an app. Cross platform versatility can be the selling point for some customers. (Perhaps this can be done already? I have a wii but not an iphone, and I don't have a lot of time for gaming these days.)
I think Nintendo should switch their game plan to partnering with Apple. Games on Apple TV? Market some Nintendo games (perhaps slimmed down versions) in Apple TV version. Consider Wii type controllers that function with Apple TV. Nintendo should look to bring in revenue while giving people a sample of their game experience. Some may decide to get a wii after sampling Nintendo's games on Apple TV.
Nintendo could also attract customers using iphones by allowing iphones to be used as classic controllers for older games via an app. Cross platform versatility can be the selling point for some customers. (Perhaps this can be done already? I have a wii but not an iphone, and I don't have a lot of time for gaming these days.)
I bought one at the Cherry Creek Mall Apple Store in Denver this past Saturday.
I called ahead and the rep said they had a few left. Within 10 minutes, I was in the standing room only store. I finally managed to grab a sales rep who said they were sold out. When I pressed that I had called ahead, he said they sold out just now - but that he would check the stock room. He returned with word that a shipment just arrived and if I had a few minutes, they'd open said shipment and get one for me. When he reappeared with mine, he also had ~5 more in his hands that he handed out to other customers that were, like me, waiting for theirTVs.
So yeah... in my casual research - these things are selling like hot cakes.
In closing, setup and use is ridiculously simple. While not for everyone, in my Mac-based, Netflix, game systemless household, it's a nice addition to our entertainment system. if anything, that price point is going to move product. And if they can offer an app store via software update... huge.
I called ahead and the rep said they had a few left. Within 10 minutes, I was in the standing room only store. I finally managed to grab a sales rep who said they were sold out. When I pressed that I had called ahead, he said they sold out just now - but that he would check the stock room. He returned with word that a shipment just arrived and if I had a few minutes, they'd open said shipment and get one for me. When he reappeared with mine, he also had ~5 more in his hands that he handed out to other customers that were, like me, waiting for their
TVs.So yeah... in my casual research - these things are selling like hot cakes.
In closing, setup and use is ridiculously simple. While not for everyone, in my Mac-based, Netflix, game systemless household, it's a nice addition to our entertainment system. if anything, that price point is going to move product. And if they can offer an app store via software update... huge.
gTV will compete with
TV at some level, but Google isn't out to sell boxes like Apple wants to do.Google wants to sell the gTV platform to manufacturers and they create their own hardware. So, it will go into TVs and various set top boxes with different customized capabilities.
I think the company that has to worry about gTV is Tivo. gTV has demonstrated integration with DirecTV (something that Tivo has promised for years and hasn't delivered.) Put gTV on cable and satellite boxes (replacing the god-awful interface most have), subsidized through a monthly rental fee (which most people are paying now anyway), and Tivo is in a world of hurt. I don't think gTV has to be a consumer-driven product to be successful.
I think you've misunderstood my post...I'm not mad at Apple or stating the ATV stinks...I'm just trying to figure out if it's right for me. I listed some pros/cons of what I think of it (and emphasis on THINK...I may be completely wrong).
Just because I have the WD TV doesn't mean I'll keep it...I'm just honestly asking for folks to confirm/deny my understandings of the ATV.
You raised some valid points, and I don't know that I can give you reasons to buy an Apple TV; however, as a satisfied owner of both the original and current AppleTV, I have a few comments.
Netflix streaming has been quite good for me, but that may be because I have a fast network. I also really like the interface, but that's a side benefit. Your point about simply recording shows using DVR makes sense. The thing about DVR is that it is only an option if you identify what you want to watch in advance and if the show is currently being aired. If you discover a new series mid-season and want to catch up, DVR is not helpful, but the the AppleTV would allow you to catch up, for a price. Alternatively, you could use your Netflix account for some shows.
I used MactheRipper to rip lots of my DVDs to an external hard drive that I attached to my original Apple TV. I used ATV Flash to allow me to get access to my ripped DVDs. It works very well, but it adds an extra cost (worth every penny for me). ATV Flash will be available for the current Apple TV in the near future. You can also stream movies and other iTunes content from your computer or from an iPod, iPhone, or iPad (beginning in November after iOS 4.2 becomes available) using your network.
You can't really drop your cable service yet, unless you don't care about live sports and a few other premium programs that are not available elsewhere. The Apple TV is a nice option that I enjoy, because it allows me to sit with my family, browse a variety of programming, and spontaneously pick something to watch without being limited by what's on our DVR. iTunes University is another nice side benefit that's not available elsewhere.
My suspicion is that next year Apple will allow Apple TV owners to purchase content and stream it on demand to their Apple TV. They have to complete their massive server in North Carolina before rolling that option out. That is only speculation, of course, but stay tuned; that, plus the possibility of an Apple TV app store may change your mind next year.
Hmmm...ok, so for example the only tv stuff we watch is:
Discovery Channel (4-5 shows a month)
History Channel (4-5 shows a month)
Desperate Housewives (4 times a month)
Brothers and Sisters (4 times a month)
Football games (4-8 times a month)
So would each and every program that Discovery offers on tv be available on ATV? Granted it wouldn't be 1080p.
I figure from the above numbers that we watch about 20 "shows" a month...which would be about $20 on ATV if every single show/broadcast was available.
Anybody know? Apple.com doesn't have a list of all the "channels" or "shows" it provides.
-Eric
Use iTunes to get a list of the networks and shows that are available. Go to the bottom right of the networks and studios part of the TV section and choose "select all" for a complete list. Just about every network or studio is represented, although not every show is available.
yeah, $99 is huge.
Even though it lack things I want like 1080p and external hard drive support, still a good device for many things.
Look forward to jailbreak it and maybe apps in the future.
Even though it lack things I want like 1080p and external hard drive support, still a good device for many things.
Look forward to jailbreak it and maybe apps in the future.
I would agree with the price point aspect. Heck, I'm tempted to drop the $99 to get this device. Any kind of set-top box has usually not been my cup of tea, but this is streamlined to the exact right amount of features for the right price. It's not about having the highest amount of features, just the exact ones that consumers demand most and at a price everybody can toss up. Outside of the iPod Shuffle, this is like the cheapest product yet out of Apple.
Adding Netflix to it. (Perfect implementation, perfect execution) is the real kicker. There's nothing out there that provides such Netflix service to an HDTV with such value, no extra disk-based software needed to play, and with the smallest power draw. PS3 and 360 just got trumped, in that department.
Adding Netflix to it. (Perfect implementation, perfect execution) is the real kicker. There's nothing out there that provides such Netflix service to an HDTV with such value, no extra disk-based software needed to play, and with the smallest power draw. PS3 and 360 just got trumped, in that department.
gTV will compete with
Google wants to sell the gTV platform to manufacturers and they create their own hardware. So, it will go into TVs and various set top boxes with different customized capabilities.
I think the company that has to worry about gTV is Tivo. gTV has demonstrated integration with DirecTV (something that Tivo has promised for years and hasn't delivered.) Put gTV on cable and satellite boxes (replacing the god-awful interface most have), subsidized through a monthly rental fee (which most people are paying now anyway), and Tivo is in a world of hurt. I don't think gTV has to be a consumer-driven product to be successful.
While I agree with your statement that Google is all about manufacturers building this into future devices, if gTV doesn't gain traction in the consumer mindset early as a robust, easy to use "feature", the consumers won't be willing to spend an extra $100 to $150, let alone $300 on the feature. The hardware companies will be hard pressed to add costs to their equipment for something consumers don't see as a value-add. My point is Google needs to make this a must have feature and do it with minimal hardware costs. If there's a lukewarm response this holiday season, the Sony's and Logitech's of the world may not include gTV as a feature due to extra cost.
Google's ideal scenario would be to get gTV on cable and satellite boxes, however I'm not sure Comcast would be so willing to allow that to happen. They are already against giving up control of the content (and advertising). If HBO is ready to do an end-around the cable network to get their content to consumer's, the cable giant will be less than willing to help out.
It'll be interesting to see the dynamics play out between the content deliverers and Google. It's good that Dish has signed up, but not sure it'll lead to an avalanche of cable boxes with gTV. Hope I'm wrong because the more competition the better.
They can give them away for free to consumers and still come out ahead.
The money is to be made on the movie rentals - so subsidizing the purchase price (like XBox did), would be a good move.
Just give them away I say Apple.
$99 is practically free anyway, but drop it to $29.99 and you'll have people worked up in a frenzy haha.
Yes, it is...and very close I think. I read about Netflix gaining rights over some of their content as soon as Blockbuster is dead. Battlestar Gallactica, etc. So yes, unfortunately B-Buster is dying.
I was wondering...
Is it that every new Apple product these days is such a hit that they can't meet demands anymore or is it that Apple simply don't builds enough of these product to create the illusion that the world is all over Apple products?
8 million ipads already sold...they are building them as fast as they can. show me another slate that sold 8 million in less than 6 months?
The Ipad is now part of the world culture. Show me another company where people line up every year to get their products?
Show me another tech company that has better looking stores than Apple?
Sure they are not perfect, but they are pretty dang awesome and the people who hate apple are the ones who are jealous of their success.
None of those are available as 1080p on cable or satellite either (some are available as 1080i - however if its fast moving as in sports your better off with 720p anyway IMO).
You can apparently stream over anything that iTunes can play, from any Mac or PC. No NAS streaming. This is a bit of a deal-killer for me because my media is stored on a NAS.