More Leopard Screenshots, Details Emerging?

[Multimedia]

Apple TV Can Also Be Used Like A Cheap Video Card For Any 1920 x 1080 Display

I forgot about the ethernet input...

Another thought. Probably wishful thinking... On the Apple TV part of apple.com, you can see some of the stuff on it's interface: Movies, tv music, podcasts, photos, settings and sources. All of them are demonstrated, except sources. I wonder if one of the sources might be "my desktop" or something along those lines.

I just got my Samsung 40" HDTV and immediately hooked it up to my Quad G5 with a DVI to VGA adapter from one of my 4 video ports - saved me the cost of a DVI to HDMI cable and keeps both HDMI inputs on the set free for other peripherals. Bought the $450 ATI G5 Radeon X1900 card - only one PCIe slot wide - in December just so I could ROTATE a 1600 x 1200 20" Dell 90° and put it left of my 2560 x 1600 30" so they're both the same height. Then, with the NVIDIA GeForce 6600 that came with my Quad G5, I drive my 24" 1920 x 1200 24" Dell to the right of the 30" and then the 1920 x 1080 40" Samsung to the right of that. If I add a $299 AppleTV I can use it to drive the Samsung 40" freeing up one of my NVIDIA DVI ports for a 5th screen - probably would make that one a HP 30" with 3 Dual Link DVI Ports so I can also use that monitor with the 8 core Mac Pro I'll be getting as soon as it ships.

So that's why I will probably buy an AppleTV module rather than the reason Apple thinks most will buy it. Can hook AppleTV to my Samsung with the analog component outputs to keep both the VGA and dual HDMI inputs on the set free for more peripherals including my 8 core Dual Clovertown Mac Pro when it ships.

Wonder if AppleTV will simultaneously output the HDMI and analog component signals so I can drive a SECOND HDTV or 16:9 monitor from the SAME AppleTV module? If so, this would let you feed two HDTVs in both the living room AND the den or kitchen simultaneously. I've seen HDTVs as small as 20" for sale for as little as $399 now. I don't see what resolutions AppleTV will support on it's Tech Specs page. Curious.

Bottom line, AppleTV can be viewed as an inexpensive video card for a 16:9 monitor OR HDTV - your choice.

 

[Peace]

I just got my Samsung 40" HDTV and immediately hooked it up to my Quad G5 with a DVI to VGA adapter from one of my 4 video ports. Bought the $450 ATI G5 Radeon X1900 card - only one PCIe slot wide - in December just so I could ROTATE a 1600 x 1200 20" Dell 90° and put it left of my 2560 x 1600 30" so they're both the same height. Then, with the NVIDIA GeForce 6600 that came with my Quad G5, I drive my 24" 1920 x 1200 24" Dell to the right of the 30" and then the 1920 x 1080 40" Samsung to the right of that. If I add a $299 AppleTV I can use it to drive the Samsung 40" freeing up one of my NVIDIA DVI ports for a 5th screen - probably would make that one a HP 30" with 3 Dual Link DVI Ports so I can also use that monitor with the 8 core Mac Pro I'll be getting as soon as it ships.

So that's why I will probably buy an AppleTV module rather than the reason Apple thinks most will buy it.

Bottom line, AppleTV can be viewed as an inexpensive video card for a 1920 x 1080 monitor OR HDTV - your choice.

MAN.I'd like to see your setup Multimedia

 

[EricNau]

So far, I'm not "wowed" ...at all.

Unless one of the 'Top Secret' features includes the ability to record & watch live TV on my mac, consider me disappointed.

 

[chubad]

i really hope 10.5 will support the old iSub... but i'm sure it wont :-(... would love to take it out of the closet, dust it off, and annoy my neighbors with my loud mac.

I'm listing to music as I type through the iSub and a pair of Apple Pro speakers on 10.4. It is supported and works just fine.

 

[Multimedia]

EyeTV Rules!

I note on the appleTV site also that the heading says "what's on TV? Anything you want." It does not have a limiting statement like "anything you want, as long as it is iphoto, imovie or itunes based."

Also, just wondering, I never messed with TV-on-Computer when I was in the windows world. Is eyeTV and whatever TV options there are for mac as good as what is available for windows boxes?

I am unfamiliar with PC based digital DVRs but I can attest that the EyeTV system for Mac is fantastic. I am only watching-recording digital TV any more. I have completely divested myself of all analog TV now. As far as I am concerned, analog TV is DEAD.

 

[Zmmyt]

Still not hearing anything that makes me overly excited about Leopard...

Me neither. But that's the thing. I had such a good experience with Apple that I believe they are going to pull something very nice on Leopard's release.

I really hope so. I think when it comes to personal computers, Apple knows what (most of the) people want and I'm an average user, I guess.

 

[AidenShaw]

Front Row, apple TV and all. Get it going apple, bring out the large screen HDTV panels. Don't blow the timing and miss the opportunity.

They already blew it with the feature set of the Apple TV.

720p ??? What about "True HD (1080p)" slogans that you see plastered all over the flat panel TV ads?

But, since Apple thinks that EDGE is good enough for the Apple Phone, that "Fake HD" is good enough for the Apple TV.

 

[Zmmyt]

I just got my Samsung 40" HDTV and immediately hooked it up to my Quad G5 with a DVI to VGA adapter from one of my 4 video ports - saved me the cost of a DVI to HDMI cable and keeps both HDMI inputs on the set free for other peripherals. Bought the $450 ATI G5 Radeon X1900 card - only one PCIe slot wide - in December just so I could ROTATE a 1600 x 1200 20" Dell 90° and put it left of my 2560 x 1600 30" so they're both the same height. Then, with the NVIDIA GeForce 6600 that came with my Quad G5, I drive my 24" 1920 x 1200 24" Dell to the right of the 30" and then the 1920 x 1080 40" Samsung to the right of that. If I add a $299 AppleTV I can use it to drive the Samsung 40" freeing up one of my NVIDIA DVI ports for a 5th screen - probably would make that one a HP 30" with 3 Dual Link DVI Ports so I can also use that monitor with the 8 core Mac Pro I'll be getting as soon as it ships.

So that's why I will probably buy an AppleTV module rather than the reason Apple thinks most will buy it. Can hook AppleTV to my Samsung with the analog component outputs to keep both the VGA and dual HDMI inputs on the set free for more peripherals including my 8 core Dual Clovertown Mac Pro when it ships.

Wonder if AppleTV will simultaneously output the HDMI and analog component signals so I can drive a SECOND HDTV or 16:9 monitor from the SAME AppleTV module? If so, this would let you feed two HDTVs in both the living room AND the den or kitchen simultaneously. I've seen HDTVs as small as 20" for sale for as little as $399 now. I don't see what resolutions AppleTV will support on it's Tech Specs page. Curious.

Bottom line, AppleTV can be viewed as an inexpensive video card for a 16:9 monitor OR HDTV - your choice.

why did you write all that text? don't get it.

 

[AidenShaw]

Because MS has no equivalent to iTV other then Media Center PC which isn't the same since its already a total integrated device vs. Apple half [bleeped] approach. we'll see.

Not sure if there's sarcasm here, because the Windows side has far more to offer than the "Fake HD" Apple TV.

The Apple TV is really no more than a low end "Media Center Extender" (MS) or "Digital Media Adapter (DMA)" (Intel ViiV).

There are *many* of these "set top PC connectors" available from Linksys, HP, Netgear, DLink, Buffalo and a few dozen other vendors. Most of them support all major video formats (except the Ipod video from the Itunes store), and some support "True HD".

Look at the HP "Media Smart" televisions recently introduced. It has a frickin' Ethernet port, and will *on*its*own* discover music, video and photo files on the home network and build a library from them.

You don't even need a tacky white plastic box next to the TV - just plug the Cat5 cable into the TV!

 

[paradillon]

They already blew it with the feature set of the Apple TV.

720p ??? What about "True HD (1080p)" slogans that you see plastered all over the flat panel TV ads?

But, since Apple thinks that EDGE is good enough for the Apple Phone, that "Fake HD" is good enough for the Apple TV.

I agree, I felt some disappointment about the 720p spec in the tv, but it is a first generation product and think it is more important to establish a foothold in this market segment quickly even if it means going with 720p over 1080.

 

[siurpeeman]

iCal is probably the bugyy one I guess, all he did at the presentation was show a glance of a month if I remember correctly.

i don't think demonstrating ical would be exciting enough to be displayed at macworld.

 

[AidenShaw]

i don't think demonstrating ical would be exciting enough to be displayed at macworld.

I disagree - calendar integration with the phone is a killer app.

Outlook running on my Windows phone stays in sync with my enterprise calendar (not desktop calendar - all of my desktops see a single coherent calendar view, as does my phone).

It's especially nice to have text to voice (and voice command) on the phone, so that when a meeting comes up - the phone starts to speak the meeting purpose, time and conference room location. (And you just have to say "Off" and it shuts up.)

You don't even have to take the phone out of the belt clip to know where to go....

Let me make a change, calendar integration is not "a killer app" - for me it is "the killer app".

 

[macfan881]

Also out today is word from LoopRumors claiming to have inside information on some of Leopard's "Top Secret" features. According to the site, AppleTV integration is a "certainty", with AppleTV reportedly able to remotely display a Leopard-based Mac's desktop remotely on an HDTV. (Ed Note: similar screen-sharing technology has been previewed in Leopard's version of iChat AV).

maybe that secret program is geting rid of bootcamps dual boot and be able to do it ala paralle style with 3d graphics and everything else

 

[cloudnine]

i can see Apple incorporating video chat into the iPhone...talking with others on their iPhone as you can see each other or talking with someone at home on their mac with their isight while talking on your iphone.

there wasn't video capabilities on the phone Jobs had, but they never said they weren't going to put that in there before it's release.

And how, pray tell, would that happen when the camera is on the back of the phone and the display is on the front of the phone? Video ichat on the iphone isn't going to happen... No, nay, negative, false, incorrect... No no no.

 

[dicklacara]

the iphone is the remote

I think you broke the code... the iPhone is your universal remote... contains all your UI setings, and current (hot) content...

Wherever you go, your environment and current data goes with you... with a simple method to get any/all of your info (via the Internet) wherever it may currently reside.

 

[AidenShaw]

I think you broke the code... the iPhone is your universal remote... contains all your UI setings, and current (hot) content...

Wherever you go, your environment and current data goes with you... with a simple method to get any/all of your info (via the Internet) wherever it may currently reside.

As long as you don't want "True HD" or wireless broadband, OK.

 

[Multimedia]

Thanks For Explaining Apple's "Fake HD" Specification

Not sure if there's sarcasm here, because the Windows side has far more to offer than the "Fake HD" Apple TV.

The Apple TV is really no more than a low end "Media Center Extender" (MS) or "Digital Media Adapter (DMA)" (Intel ViiV).

There are *many* of these "set top PC connectors" available from Linksys, HP, Netgear, DLink, Buffalo and a few dozen other vendors. Most of them support all major video formats (except the Ipod video from the Itunes store), and some support "True HD".

Look at the HP "Media Smart" televisions recently introduced. It has a frickin' Ethernet port, and will *on*its*own* discover music, video and photo files on the home network and build a library from them.

You don't even need a tacky white plastic box next to the TV - just plug the Cat5 cable into the TV!

I find 720p less than satisfactory. It really blows. Watching HD on FOX (720p) is visibly lower res compared to what I see on CBS and NBC (1080i). No wonder the Tech Specs page on Apple's AppleTV site fails to mention exactly what it puts out. Glad someone knows how to read between the lines. I'll wait until AppleTV is a real 1080i box before I encourage Apple to think 720p is "good enough" by giving them money for something less than the real deal.

I guess now that Steve is on the Board of Directors of Disney - owner of ABC (the other 720p network we don't get in the air 35 miles from Apple World Headquarters), he thinks 720p is all we'll ever need. What a crock.

 

[Doctor Q]

AppleTV reportedly able to remotely display a Leopard-based Mac's desktop remotely on an HDTV

Would that include passing all audio too?

If this desktop display was really a feature, wouldn't that contradict the claims that we could play movies only if they were in our iTunes libraries?

 

[aafuss1]

Yea, that would be pretty cool. Even just the whole idea of showing a friend what your doing.

I agree too-I'd use this feature.

 

[Hunabku]

Apple get off yr ass & stop contemplating yr navel

Yes I love OSs and related software - being so nifty, userfriendly and well... cool. OK their awesome - for the consumer. Unfortunately for the business user apple more often than not fumbles right before the goal line.

Its not that apple doesn't have the skills or the breakthough innovation (see Leopard) they just need to dot their i-s and cross their t-s. So let see here ... Apple has the brainpower, the attention to detail and they have plenty of billions $ to devote to some extra programmers.

So what is it? Oh i know Apple doesn't really want to increase their market share - they don't want to be common - they are unique and sheek. Oh i know apple employes really rather gloat over how cool their projects are and no one at apple wants to be part of redoing or dare i say copying and catering to business software/solutions/workflow/etc of the mundane sort.

Well Apple get over yourself and start kicking some ass - the business market is ready for you - hire the programmers - tighten up your code base - and do some aggressive marketing to businesses. That way you'll undue your deserved image as a consumer only company so we don't have to make excuses for you at work - then allow me to bury your detractors!

 

[SiliconAddict]

Not sure if there's sarcasm here, because the Windows side has far more to offer than the "Fake HD" Apple TV.

The Apple TV is really no more than a low end "Media Center Extender" (MS) or "Digital Media Adapter (DMA)" (Intel ViiV).

There are *many* of these "set top PC connectors" available from Linksys, HP, Netgear, DLink, Buffalo and a few dozen other vendors. Most of them support all major video formats (except the Ipod video from the Itunes store), and some support "True HD".

Look at the HP "Media Smart" televisions recently introduced. It has a frickin' Ethernet port, and will *on*its*own* discover music, video and photo files on the home network and build a library from them.

You don't even need a tacky white plastic box next to the TV - just plug the Cat5 cable into the TV!

Reread my post. We just said the same thing...The difference being I was in a rush to leave the house.

 

[sjk]

The issue with getting HD streams from EyeTV 2 is 1) bandwidth and 2) the ability of the AppleTV's hardware and software to decode such stream. That's all assuming ElGato can get the EyeTV library to appear as a source to AppleTV.

Even support for streaming non-HD EyeTV content would make Apple TV the worthwhile EyeHome replacement I've hoped it might be.

Don't think I'm gonna convert my whole HD library to iTunes - not possible.

Converting any moderate sized MPEG-2 EyeTV libraries, HD or not, to an TV-compatible format would be a PitA.

Elgato's current answers:

Can EyeTV work with the new Apple TV device?

Not too optimistic right now but I'm still hopeful for better solutions eventually. I'd have thought Elgato would have attempted contacting Apple after the original iTV announcement about compatibility issues with their EyeTV products, especially since EyeHome had been discontinued. Surely there's more to this than we currently know.

 

[sjk]

If I could run QT Movies from the finder without needing to import them to iTunes first, that would make AppleTV much more attractive to me. While I am archiving new mp4 files of TV shows every few hours daily, importing them into iTunes is not part of my routine. I prefer to amass them in the finder of huge 300-400GB HDs.

Not sure I understand exactly what you mean by "run QT Movies from the Finder". Is there some reason you can't "run" those movies with QuickTime, VLC, or other compatible app(s)? Or do you just want decent previewing of them directly in Finder, like what QuickLook will apparently do?

 

[sjk]

Everyone has been complaining that the only media appleTV was going to be able to deliver to your TV was apple/iTunes media and maybe iphoto/imovie. But, if you can stream your entire desktop to the TV, EVERYTHING on the computer can come to the HDTV. Any ol' thing you have on the machine streamed to 60" of HDTV goodness... including eyetv/recorded shows... cable vendors... BEWARE... the times they are a'changin' (assuming this rumor is true, of course...)

Sounds like Sling Media's SlingCatcher product (announced at CES?).

 

[Multimedia]

So Far, AppleTV Doesn't Appear To Support Playing QT Movies From The QT Player

Not sure I understand exactly what you mean by "run QT Movies from the Finder". Is there some reason you can't "run" those movies with QuickTime, VLC, or other compatible app(s)? Or do you just want decent previewing of them directly in Finder, like what QuickLook will apparently do?

I meant launch them from the finder directly into QuickTime Player's Full Screen Mode. So far AppleTV is not advertised as allowing this way of playing QT files. I don't want to load my multiple Terrabytes of mp4 files into iTunes if I can avoid that approach.