More TV Shows on the Way? FrontRow iMac Only.

[Mr Maui]

snip ...

... 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.

Bingo! Does anyone believe this isn't about making money? For Apple, for the studios, etc.? Actors will want royalties and residuals as well. It's all about the money. You betcha! 🙂

 

[jct101]

salling clicker option good pr

I think apple did a good thing. Front Row is cool for dorm rooms and good for a lot of people who mirror out. It's screen based instead of remote based so it's more like M$MC than Salling Clicker. Apple is giving us two options at least with their hardware and software. Use Front Row and the Apple controller, or w/ a palm, symbian phone, etc use Salling Clicker 3.0 and pop a few dollars on it. Personally, I like seeing the artwork when I'm away from my computer and controlling the playlists without having to look at a screen for music. I'd use Front Row as well, but it's basically added value done well and w/o stepping on anyones toes.

That said, Quicktime Pro conversion to the iPod video format is not fast. It's also a large file. It seems like the chipsets decode in 4:3 and cropped 16:9 w/o letterboxing at a lower resolution w/ h264 and can decode a higher res mpeg-4 (screen, size, and quality taken into account here). I think you'd get better encoding speeds w/ ffmpeg and the x264 codec than w/ Quicktime Pro. Besides, we don't have an Apple branded break-out box yet so what are you going to do..transcode from dv formac or eye-tv fixed resolution mpeg-4, 2, or 1 to the right size? I see peripheral opportunities in the very near future.

Speaking of formats. People are arguing about a per connection charge to the ipod universal connector for peripheral manufacturers and at the same time saying we need a universal connector across portable products (think the palm connector being identical to the ipod one and all other products) but NOT just firewire or USB. What about format? What's the point in being able to encode your own video for an ipod when it only plays on that device and in iTunes? Oh, people will only buy iPods. Sure that's great, but there is competition in this field so why not look to a few common sizes and settings so encodes work on every device (that way nobody can whimper about not liking itunes) AND there will be quicker transition and adoption because everyone doesn't have to re-encode their collection for the ipod.

Of course we'll get more tv shows. I bet Apple sold a ton of episodes on day one just to the people who wanted to see what it was like and that looks good on paper, plus we'll get the future episodes so Apple can analyze the trend AND the music video market picks up so the thieving studios got thrown a bone. They are in the press..In the REALLY important tech section....right below the Sharks Home win at HP Pavillion...so they have the medias attention..now get my sports online.

 

[Lynxpro]

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.

Uhm, no. The G4 isn't powerful enough to encode/decode 1080i video live, from all the reports I've read. If Apple had slapped a G5 or a PentiumM into the machine, then that would be a big 10-4 for your post.

 

[mulletman13]

I was just thinking... if Front Row was given out with new Macs (or sold... I have a Rev. B imac >_<), people could simply use wireless multi button mice.

I have a Logitech MX1000, and it has all 6 buttons the apple remote has on it, and would work perfectly, with a great range :-D

 

[bketchum]

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.

Apple seems to be doing a good job increasing performance and adding features while lowering prices at the same time, so doing all this in a Mac mini might not be too far fetched.

 

[Lynxpro]

Apple, how about getting the shows onto other iTMS locations - the usa isn't the only country in the world.
There have been no statements yet from Apple saying they are working other countries networks in order to get content onto iTMS.
Hello BBC!??

The BBC is too stupid. They hosted the U.K. presentation, yet they did not sign up with Apple to market their shows. It would be a no-brainer to sell new *Doctor Who* through the iTunes Store here in the States - since no cable channel signed up to televise it - but did they? Nope! Why? Because they are stupid.

 

[Lynxpro]

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:
2. "Commander in Chief," "Boston Legal" and other ABC shows.

Not if those shows aren't produced by ABC. There's a reason why "Night Stalker" (for example) was one of the shows available. Its an ABC Production. Not every show that airs on ABC is an ABC Production.

For example, look at the shows on the F/X Network. "Nip/Tuck" is a Warner Bros. Production. "Rescue Me" is owned by Sony. "The Shield" is Fox. So if Apple signed up Fox/the F/X Network, they'd have "The Shield" but not "Nip/Tuck".

 

[bketchum]

...The big question is why Apple decided to go with IR instead of BT, especially since BT2 is becoming standard across their line.

I was just thinking that a wifi remote would be cool. I'd like to be able to access my office computer in the living room. Take it further... How 'bout a wifi keyboard and mouse sitting on the coffee table in the living room to access the upstairs office computer.

 

[enygma]

Uhm, no. The G4 isn't powerful enough to encode/decode 1080i video live, from all the reports I've read. If Apple had slapped a G5 or a PentiumM into the machine, then that would be a big 10-4 for your post.

June my friend... June. 😀

Either that or the next revision of the Mac Mini may include ATIs AVIVO platform which includes hardware transcoding of H.264.

 

[splintah]

and those shows seem to be us only

so people from other countries will have to wait for the dubbed episodes
which lets them only one choice if the cant wait for the next episode or if some show doesnt air over the national channels:

torrent

which in my opinion sucks big time since its illegal

so pleas apple let those shows be downloaded worldwide
p2p networks are worldwide aswell



*if that problem was already covered in a post: sorry i am in a hurry and cant read 70 posts right now*)

 

[ErikGrim]

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.

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

I just don't follow. It's lame that the new software that required a peice of hardware that your computer doesn't have? Then I guess it's lame that my Mac won't be able to record BluRay DVDs when the first new models come out that can.

The apple remote is not the only remote controller for the mac 🙄

I've been using IR remotes since 98 with a PowerMac 6100 and later Salling Clicker from 2001 with SE T68i, T610 and K700. As long as Front Row is AppleScriptable (which it should), any remote will be able to control it.

 

[Peel]

Meanwhile, Apple's David Moody, confirms that "at this time [FrontRow is] only on the iMac as part of the integrated hardware software solution".

Originally Posted by Steamboatwillie
That sucks rotten friggin' eggs. Lame lame lame. 😡

I just don't follow. It's lame that the new software that required a peice of hardware that your computer doesn't have? Then I guess it's lame that my Mac won't be able to record BluRay DVDs when the first new models come out that can.

 

[Stella]

I wouldn't call the bbc stupid, they are fact, very innovative.

They are trial-ing their own download system... something few other networks have ventured into ( bar iTMS ). They were also quick to get into Digital TV etc.

BBC content may still come, but as I said before it may not go down very well in the UK because the population has already paid a license fee ( which is very good value, I say again ) and they shouldn't have to pay for content again...

BBC could offer iTMS downloads to other countries via iTMS.

The BBC is too stupid. They hosted the U.K. presentation, yet they did not sign up with Apple to market their shows. It would be a no-brainer to sell new *Doctor Who* through the iTunes Store here in the States - since no cable channel signed up to televise it - but did they? Nope! Why? Because they are stupid.

 

[hyperpasta]

Its Coming...

Front Row is obviously coming to other computers, but its a computer feature, not an add-on program. As for shows, I'm sure we'll see more as early as next week.

 

[hyperpasta]

iSight

what about Photo Booth? Do we need an imac for that too?

For now, yes. But I expect it to come with the iSight soon.

 

[balamw]

Front Row is obviously coming to other computers, but its a computer feature, not an add-on program. As for shows, I'm sure we'll see more as early as next week.

I'm wondering if, in part, this is what has been holding up the formal announcement of the Mac mini (late 2005)? Maybe the true Mac mini (late 2005) has IR capability and Front Row included.

If so I'm buying one for the living room.

B

 

[SiliconAddict]

Unless they get Stargate: SG1, Battlestar Galactica, and possibly CSI I really couldn't care less.

And even then the only reason I would be interested in downloading is to play catchup on a missed episode...lets see....$1.99 for a one time viewing

or

free off of bittorrent (Which will be deleted once I'm done watching it.), that also doesn't have DRM, and is a higher quality so it wouldn't look like crap on 1920x1200.

That's a tough one.

I will take this as I see it. Apple dipping a toe into the video dist waters. For now their initial offering is pretty much crap IMHO.

-No media center to allow those of us with HDTV to watch their content. Instead we are apparently intend to view "stuff" from a distance on a 20" iMac.

-Video iPods that do video output but who's content is so low res that even on a normal TV its going to look like crap.

-Only one video codec supported.



Again Apple dipped their toe into the water. But they screamed like a little girl and ran back into the house.

PS- Wonder if FrontRow would run on a Mac Mini which if it really did get an upgraded GPU could be a sweet HTPC system. Hmm. Anyone know if that remote is IR based?

iMac specs says

Built-in 54 Mbps AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11g)3; built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) module.

So this might be a BT device and if so might work with the Mini hmm....

 

[Signal Man]

BBC

The BBC is too stupid. They hosted the U.K. presentation, yet they did not sign up with Apple to market their shows. It would be a no-brainer to sell new *Doctor Who* through the iTunes Store here in the States - since no cable channel signed up to televise it - but did they? Nope! Why? Because they are stupid.

Yes they are stupid they still use real player and are still doing a podcast trial wake up BBC. I just upgraded to itunes 6 and cant log on to the music store.

I'm waiting for Steve to introduce BACK ROW it's going to be a hell of a lot more interesting than front row .

 

[hyperpasta]

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

You need an IR receiver and 128MB of VRAM for it to work. (could use less VRAM but wouldn't be as slick).

 

[~Shard~]

Apple, how about getting the shows onto other iTMS locations - the usa isn't the only country in the world.

There have been no statements yet from Apple saying they are working other countries networks in order to get content onto iTMS.

Hello BBC!??

Good point, I hadn't thought of that. Having BBC content would be great!

Some countries would still like iTMS to begin with as well... 😉

 

[digitalbiker]

Not if those shows aren't produced by ABC. There's a reason why "Night Stalker" (for example) was one of the shows available. Its an ABC Production. Not every show that airs on ABC is an ABC Production.

For example, look at the shows on the F/X Network. "Nip/Tuck" is a Warner Bros. Production. "Rescue Me" is owned by Sony. "The Shield" is Fox. So if Apple signed up Fox/the F/X Network, they'd have "The Shield" but not "Nip/Tuck".

It is actually even more complicated than that. Ownership of the show is one thing. Exclusive broadcast rights are another.

Right now you must request waivers from your local television station not the content owner in order to view out-of-market television content that competes with your local market exclusive broadcast rights.

The way DVD sales and most likely Apple internet broadcasts get around this exclusivity contract is by providing old, already, broadcast content. I don't know what the exclusivity period is for the local stations, but I imagine that it may vary in different areas.

If the local networks were to lose the exclusive broadcast rights for their market then it will substantially reduce what they can get for comercials. Internet, cable, and satelite are all considered content providers and are coverd under the same FCC broadcast rules for the various market areas.

If Apple were for example to provide "Desperate Housewives episode 44" before episode 44 aired on your local television station then Apple would get their pants sued off of them by every network affilliate in the country.

 

[~Shard~]

The BBC is too stupid. They hosted the U.K. presentation, yet they did not sign up with Apple to market their shows. It would be a no-brainer to sell new *Doctor Who* through the iTunes Store here in the States - since no cable channel signed up to televise it - but did they? Nope! Why? Because they are stupid.

I'm lucky, here in Canada the CBC picked up all the new Doctor Who episodes. 😎 But yes, this would be cool! The BBC could even offer old episodes of Doctor Who as well - I'd say I would download them, but I already have a copy of every single episode (less the missing ones) since 1963! 😱 😎

Oh, and the BBC is an awesome network - definitely not stupid. Take that back! 😡 😛 😉

 

[Le Big Mac]

I just don't follow. It's lame that the new software that required a peice of hardware that your computer doesn't have? Then I guess it's lame that my Mac won't be able to record BluRay DVDs when the first new models come out that can.

It would be lame if Apple prevented you from using an external BluRay burner on your mac, though, and wouldn't sell you the new version of iDVD needed to burn to it.

 

[hyperpasta]

I'm wondering if, in part, this is what has been holding up the formal announcement of the Mac mini (late 2005)? Maybe the true Mac mini (late 2005) has IR capability and Front Row included.

If so I'm buying one for the living room.

B

January at MWSF06 - Meet the new Mac mini. Intel Merom, Front Row, Core Image, Wireless on every model, $699 model has 128MB VRAM, $599 model has SuperDrive.

Meet the new iBook. Intel Merom, 64MB VRAM on $999 model, SuperDrives across the board, 128MB VRAM and widescreen of $1299 model. Front Row.

Joining the Front Row Powerbooks and Power Macs shipping later in October.

All of a sudden, all new Macs have picked up Front Row, and the low end has picked up Intel. So it's only fittting that a new Airport is introduced that automatically streams whatever is on your Computer's screen to your TV, so you can enjoy Front Row from your TV. The Airport has its own IR receiver for use with the Apple remote.

Also, FOX has now signed on to the iTMS Video program.

iLife 06 debuts. All prgrams get the iTunes Dark Platinum look so they look good in Leopard when Finder and Safari go Platinum.

iWork 06 debuts with Numbers, Pages 2, and Keynote 3.

Something else suprising happens! (It always does)

 

[Lynxpro]

I wouldn't call the bbc stupid, they are fact, very innovative.

They aren't business savvy. And thus I stand by my statement that the BBC is stupid. Or in British English speak, the BBC ARE stupid.

Is Doctor Who being televised in America? Nope. They asked for $1 million plus per episode from SciFi, even though its not shot on HD. Stupid. At one point in the negotiation, they wanted SciFi to televise the classic series as well and made that a requirement. Stupid. Then they (the BBC) could not even get Christopher Eccleston to agree to a longterm contract (even though Paul McGann had signed for 5 years had the 1996 Telefilm been a success in the States) and Eccleston walked out after Series1 was complete. When word of Eccleston leaving hit the industry, SciFi and others lost complete interest in the series because they weren't interested in a musical chairs act and especially with essentially the unproven David Tennant - completely unknown in the U.S. - taking over the role.

Oh, did I mention how BBC WorldWide has priced the classic series (1963-1989) so high that all but two PBS stations can't afford to televise it? How the classic series is even too expensive for the BBC America channel to televise? That would indicate stupidity. BBC WorldWide also won't allow BBC America to televise the new series either.

Then, BBC WorldWide won't let Warner Home Video release the new Doctor Who series on DVD here in America (err, all of Region1 -meaning Canada can't get R1 DVDs either until the show airs in the U.S.) because they think if it is released then no cable channel will buy a contract to televise it. So the North American DVD release is being held up until a pie-in-the-sky-offer is made and gets it aired. Warner Home Video considers anybody importing the Region2 DVDs into America as a "parallel import" pirate and isn't happy with the BBC's cavalier attitude over it since it robs Warners of money. Oh yeah, and new Doctor Who is being released on Sony PSP UMD format too, but not in the States/Canada/R1.

I think I've made my case about how stupid the BBC is. Or ARE if you prefer.

I stand by my previous statements.

Oh...and I should mention that the BBC plans on releasing Series1 of Doctor Who for R1 DVD in LATE 2006 if no American cable company bites down and contracts with the BBC on their terms to televise the show in the States. Late 2006 will make a DVD release moot since Blu-Ray will be the rage at that point, thanks to the Sony Playstation3 being the to-die-for Christmas 2006 gift. Again, stupidity in action.