is apple tv worth it?

[Jmclark]

The Apple TV looks nice, but I don't think I'd have much use for it since I have a PS3 that I use for Netflix/movies/music. I might get one for my parents though, I think they'd like being able to rent movies that aren't on Netflix from the comfort of the couch.

 

[pittpanthersfan]

I'm considering it as well. Try asking the Apple TV forum.

 

[AIP5]

I love mine. The other day I was watching on a spare tv that has no cable box connected to it, but does have apple tv. I was able to pull up a movie on Xfinity through the iPad, and using airplay I was able to watch it on tv. Streamed perfectly. Looked great.

Hmm, that does sound convincing/alluring. But the main reason I bought a PS3 was for the combined Blu-ray player and Web surfing functionality. I don't even own PS3 games... maybe one that came with the PS3 package.

However, the main thing that's still keeping me with PS3 is that it can play Flash videos. Some shows that I can see on some websites require Flash... so I'm not sure how that will work with the 4S...

 

[vachargerfan]

Can I play avi format movies from my MBP that I haven't purchased from iTunes on ATV?

Also what are the key difference in ATV & Airport Express? Except for the fact that Airport Express can be used as a router.

As far as AVI files, what I ended up doing was purchasing Air Video App for the iphone (on a recommendation in this forum). Works perfectly. I stream/convert thought my phone, and display it on Apple TV. No more converting of video's

 

[CJisohsocool]

I was going to get an Apple tv, but opted for the Digital AV Adapter instead. I can mirror my 4S and a bunch of apps support video out, like netflix and airplayit/airvideo which lets me live convert+stream my movies Plus its less than half the price of the apple tv.

 

[mentaluproar]

Hipporemote + XBMC on a Mac mini with the night skin in logo view is MUCH better than anything on the appletv. On the other hand, iTunes store videos will not work with it, Netflix and YouTube plugins are a joke.

Appletv is amazing with Netflix, even with the included remote. YouTube is great, and AirPlay is fabulous.

For local content, XBMC is king, and free. For streaming content, AppleTV wins hands down.

One thing I hate about the apple TV though, is that after a power outage, I have to reset my Apple TV settings, all of them. Irritating as hell.