More TV Shows on the Way? FrontRow iMac Only.

[Josh396]

<insert obligatory "where's the powermac/powerbook updates" here>

As for front row, update the Mac Mini with Front Row, make it a little bigger so you can fit a 3 1/2" drive in it, load it with 250GB, include a remote, superdrive and all the wireless goodies and add optical audio outputs.

Hook that bastard up to your 720p/1080i capable HDTV and 5.1+ channel receiver and now you have the ultimate HTPC (Or HTMac, however you look at it). If these specs are met, I would be inclined to buy one as soon as humanly possible.

I agree to an extent. As someone else stated the idea of the Mac mini is to be as cheap as possible so they don't want to add all those devices. Now if they introduced something else that was capable of doing it a then yes I could see that but I don't see it happening for the Mac mini, at least right now (I would love to have something like that though).

 

[Porchland]

It will be interesting to see how quickly the other networks get on board with Apple, but look at some of the video possibilities you get just from Disney:

1. ESPN's "SportsCenter" video blog.
2. "Commander in Chief," "Boston Legal" and other ABC shows.
3. Recently remastered "Cinderella" or promo features from the DVD.
4. ABC News video blog updates.
5. The Miramax catalog.
6. "All My Children" recaps
7. Catalog episodes of who knows what: Every episode of "General Hospital" from the beginning of time, coverage of post political conventions, etc.

 

[Maestro64]

I think people are not seeing the point of the FrontRow app. It really does not add any functionality to the computer. It is only a means for control while away from the computer. Why would you need a full screen control on your PowerBook to play a slideshow in iPhoto, a song in iTunes, or a DVD in DVD player. As much as we all want the newest and coolest things, I'm pretty sure Apple knows what they are doing.

Well if the remote is the limiting factor, that should not be the case, I use a keyspan media remote with my laptop to control itunes and DVDs, what couldn't you use that with Front Row....

 

[w00master]

I've got reports from my brother who purchased 2 music videos through iTunes 6 onto his high-grade video-oriented pc, and got horrible results. Apparantly the video was jerky at the normal 320x240 ipod size resolution though the picture quality was good, but when he tried to enlarge them, they were horribly pixelated & VERY jerky when playing on Quicktime Pro 7 (with all updates downloaded).

Has any other PC user tired to buy and view video content on their PC? I'm a Mac Only guy, so I can't try to verify or solve the problem for him.

But overall, this is going to be so huge. I can see it now: Subway Commuters watching Sportcenter Video Updates downloaded every morning on their iPod via their paid subscription. My god, the possiblities are endlesss. I can't wait for Cartoon Network to get on Board and make the Adult Swim cartoons avaliable for the iPod.

I will upgrade to the new iPod, no question. New iMac....Super Cool, but since my girlfriend's rule is that if I buy another computer I have to get rid of one, I think I'll be waiting and buying the Apple tablet running the Intel super cool chips ;D

Can't say what's causing the jerkiness, because on my Windows machine all the videos and movies run smoothly. Perhaps he needs to update quicktime? As for pixellation running the video @ fullscreen? The reason for this is b/c the movies have been encoded @ 320x240 which you're stretching out to 600x400, 1028x480, etc. You're going to notice this issue on all machines.

w00master

 

[oliverlubin]

IBut overall, this is going to be so huge. I can see it now: Subway Commuters watching Sportcenter Video Updates downloaded every morning on their iPod via their paid subscription. My god, the possiblities are endlesss. I can't wait for Cartoon Network to get on Board and make the Adult Swim cartoons avaliable for the iPod.

why paid? i realize everything cant be free but for something like sportscenter im not going to pay $2.00 per day to watch it during my commute. i probably wouldnt pay more than $20/month for unlimited # of subscriptions.

the thing with TV shows like lost or desperate housewives is that they have a "re-watch" value. things like sportscenter are stupid to watch the next day. it's watching yesterday's news. same could go for any daily TV show. it'll be interesting to see which is the first daily TV show to offer free next day or post airing iPod download -- for FREE and NOT through the iTMS. THAT will be cool.

 

[Mr Maui]

6. "All My Children" recaps
7. Catalog episodes of who knows what: Every episode of "General Hospital" from the beginning of time, coverage of post political conventions, etc.

What's really scary ... These two (and other soap opera related content) will probably sell like wildfire. 😀

 

[snowmoon]

<insert obligatory "where's the powermac/powerbook updates" here>
Hook that bastard up to your 720p/1080i capable HDTV and 5.1+ channel receiver and now you have the ultimate HTPC (Or HTMac, however you look at it). If these specs are met, I would be inclined to buy one as soon as humanly possible.

Um... apple knows about this segment, but the mini will never be able to do that.

1) 720p - Mac mini is TOO SLOW with a pathetic video card and it's ability tops out at 480p for h.264, 1080i is totally useless with this device.

2) Audio - With the lack of a optical or digital audio out this unit is crippled.

I would have snagged a mini months ago as it would be a killer DVD replacement, but not with those limitations when I have a DLP projector ( 8" wide screen ). I'm not investing into a product that's already been obsoleted.

I don't believe apple will remedy the situation until they have higher margins on the mini... they have no reason to canabalise much higher margin iMac sales.

 

[jdechko]

I hope that they work out a deal with Fox (24 & simpsons), NBC (scrubs), cartoon network, and comedy central real soon.

 

[Superdrive]

Well if the remote is the limiting factor, that should not be the case, I use a keyspan media remote with my laptop to control itunes and DVDs, what couldn't you use that with Front Row....

I'm not sure if you and I are together on the page. If your remote works already (I learned something new), what do you need Front Row for? Put in the disc, or open the playlist, push play and sit down. What I'm thinking is that the iMac series will see Front Row because it is a computer that acts as a hub in the house rather than an office computer.

 

[enygma]

Not to be a downer, but do you really think that a Mini can, with the elegance and speed, drive Front Row like the iMac G5 did yesterday? I mean this machine can't even do the droplet effect on dashboard, what makes you think it can do a reasonable job doing more than that?

Update the GPU. The damn thing is running a Radeon 9200 with 32MB video memory.

I agree to an extent. As someone else stated the idea of the Mac mini is to be as cheap as possible so they don't want to add all those devices.

True, mind you, most of the features I mentioned can be added to the cost of the Mini today, but regarding the hard drive, 3 1/2" drives are generally much cheaper for higher capacities. I can pick up an 80GB Seagate notebook drive for roughly the same price as a 250GB Seagate desktop drive. The only thing they would need to add as an option if possible was the optical capabilities.

 

[Mac_Freak]

I would just get Elgato EyeTV and record all the shows you want and then recompress/resize them with QT Pro

 

[aegisdesign]

I can't imagine the restriction to running Front Row only on new iMacs sticking for long. It's presumably because the remote is infrared and only the new iMac has a receiver which I'd guess is actually the iSight camera picking up IR itself. Notice that Jobs demoed the camera's ability to detect infrared 'heat' as an effect in Photo Booth.

I'd also guess that the current iSight doesn't work and we'll see an update with added Front Row ability then.

 

[dongmin]

Front Row will obviously make its way throughout the entire line. I think this is a major app for Apple. BUT, they need to sell computers and make money in the holiday season. So they're putting the new tech in their newest computer. As a result, the iMac should do really well.

You'll see Apple including Front Row with future Macs as they become redesigned. The Mini will get it, I'm sure, but not until it is overhauled with Intel chips. Same with the PowerBook. I imagine the PowerBook will have expanded capabilities, like running Keynote via the remote.

Also note that you need a IR receiver to make this work, since Front Row is activiated by the remote (complete hardware-software solution, getit?). I belive the new iMac is the only Mac with IR built in. The big question is why Apple decided to go with IR instead of BT, especially since BT2 is becoming standard across their line.

 

[Super Dave]

I can't imagine the restriction to running Front Row only on new iMacs sticking for long. It's presumably because the remote is infrared and only the new iMac has a receiver which I'd guess is actually the iSight camera picking up IR itself. Notice that Jobs demoed the camera's ability to detect infrared 'heat' as an effect in Photo Booth.

I'd also guess that the current iSight doesn't work and we'll see an update with added Front Row ability then.

This is standard with all Apple innovations. Use them as an upsell reasong for anywhere from 3+ months and then include them standard or as options on other models. The MightyMouse was an upsell when it came out for.... about 3 months I think, though I didn't really count. Colour on the full sized iPod was an upsell for almost a year. I imagine either an iSight (if that is really the IR sensor) or a smaller IR only sensor being released for other Macs later. I know i can't wait to hook one up to my PowerBook at home and watch things on the 17" monitor on my desk.

David 😎

 

[fabsgwu]

When the Mac Mini gets the intel update, maybe it'll be able to tackle the media center duties, doubtful now tho..

 

[zigziggityzoo]

BTW can any Qt file in the appropriate compression and size be played on the new iPod? Yuo could reformat stuff you record or download. couldn't you?

In QT: File:Export:To iPod (320x240)

 

[nagromme]

Of course Front Row is iMac-only--for now. Only the iMac has the IR receiver for the remote.

But I won't be surprised to see more Macs gain that (old!) feature back, or a USB receiver for that matter. (Or better yet, just go Bluetooth.)

Nor would I be surprised to see Front Row (and maybe Photo Booth) sold as part of iLife '06.

 

[peterli]

It will be interesting to see how quickly the other networks get on board with Apple, but look at some of the video possibilities you get just from Disney:

1. ESPN's "SportsCenter" video blog.
2. "Commander in Chief," "Boston Legal" and other ABC shows.
3. Recently remastered "Cinderella" or promo features from the DVD.
4. ABC News video blog updates.
5. The Miramax catalog.
6. "All My Children" recaps
7. Catalog episodes of who knows what: Every episode of "General Hospital" from the beginning of time, coverage of post political conventions, etc.

8. Bugs Bunny
9. Tom and Jerry
10. other classics WB cartoon shorts

 

[paulypants]

I think people are not seeing the point of the FrontRow app. It really does not add any functionality to the computer. It is only a means for control while away from the computer. Why would you need a full screen control on your PowerBook to play a slideshow in iPhoto, a song in iTunes, or a DVD in DVD player. As much as we all want the newest and coolest things, I'm pretty sure Apple knows what they are doing.

Okay, I use my PowerMac and ACD to watch DVDs and listen to iTunes in bed all the time. As of right now I have to use my BT keyboard as a remote control, which is a little clumsy. Front Row and that Remote is just what I was looking for, but Apple decided to not let me use it, hopefully only temporarily

 

[Ibrin]

Yeah, I definitly agree. Why and where would you put a $1299 computer with a 17" screen in your living room just to watch pictures and stuff? It definitly would have made a ton more sense to put it on the Mac Mini, where you could hook it up to your (larger than 17/20" screen) TV.

😕 😕 😕

Frontrow is more of an "impress your friends" thing, and not really something people will buy specifically for their living room.

I really don't think Apple is positioning this for the Living Room. Check out the Front Row web page. The eye-catching quote is "Do the math. iMac G5 + remote control + DVD = the most popular dorm room" It's been ten years since I was in college, but I never knew anyone with a big TV. A 20" widescreen TV would have been pretty sweet. The fact that it's in a G5 iMac is all the better...

Apple isn't targeting this at your (or your parent's living room), they are targeting it at the high school and college kids. Photo Booth is certainly targeted to them as well.

 

[joshuacw]

Front Row on your TV

Forget the fact that Front Row is only on the iMac right now. It's a first step. I think what were seeing is possibly a peek at Apple's version of TIVO. Either when they add it to the mini, and/or create a totally separate box, and/or release a video enabled AirPort Express, this will be how you're able to share the videos, pics, music, etc. on your Mac via your television (just like you can now use your stereo via AE to listen to the music on your Mac).

I agree with Jobs that the TV and PC will never merge into one device, but they definitely will interact (and I think this is Apple's first major step in that direction). Anyway, just my opinion. But that was my first thought while watching the event online, "I want this on my TV!"

 

[dashiel]

the television content is way overpriced... i mean i was excited as the next person when i read TV in the macrumors update, i don't have television service nor do i want it. there are shows i'd like to watch though, the daily show, arrested development, simpsons and one or two more. let's just say 5 shows total, well at 22 episodes per season that's $18 a month, cheaper than cable, but when you consider that you're getting about half the resolution of television it doesn't sound like such a good deal.

come at it from another direction - lost season 1 on itunes (can they really keep calling it itunes?) is $34.99, i can get the dvd box set with superior resolution, and oodles of extras for $38.99 ($59.99 msrp). i know it's two different markets, but effectively this is cream for the movie studios. the production is already done, advertising has already paid, they just spend encode the video as H.264.

i understand that they really couldn't come in with a price lower than the music because of the perceived differential in value between video and audio so they were sort of stuck.

i'll still probably use the service for shows that don't come out on DVD (the daily show) instead of bittorrent, for the same reason i use itunes now, it's more convenient. for shows that do come out on DVD though, forget it. i hope that apple would offer some sort of season pass for $20, they (apple and the studio) get money upfront, you get a discount. it wouldn't work for new shows, those would almost have to be given away free for the first season. either that or allow some sort of rebate for direct purchase of the dvd. e.g. i can buy episodes of arrested development as they come out, if i buy all 22 from a season i then have the option to order the DVD set from apple for $10.

oh and i agree with the others, front row will appear on normal macs next year, possibly as an addition to ilife, or as a complimentary package. ilife, iwork, frontrow. the mac mini will probably be the first new intel mac released and if the new imac is any indication, it will include optical audio out and a powerful enough processor to decode HD, and i will buy one the second it appears.

 

[Sport73]

I could see FrontRow eventually being in iLife O6 to help sell the latest version of that suite.

You hit the nail on the head.

iLife '06 introduced in January with Front Row included.

Almost a guarantee since it's really just an extension of iLife anyway.

 

[arkmannj]

FrontRow

I hope FrontRow does become part of iLife/iWork
I think it would be good, even for PB's and iBooks.
especially if it could tie in well with Key-Note, DVD Player
etc... this would be great for personal, and professional use IMHO

 

[itsa]

Who cares about the little remote? I just want the program! Why not just make it so you can use a presenter remote? I use my notebook and my Desktop to watch movies and listen to itunes all the time and have been for years. This just does not seem like something Apple would do. They are know for their supporting "older" mac's and more so know for making things everyone one wants and can to use.