More TV Shows on the Way? FrontRow iMac Only.

[Squonk]

Random thoughts on size of content

In reading this thread and thinking about the fact that it might be cool to be able to download video content from iTMS, the small format (320x??) is not going to cut it for anything other than watching it on the iPod or on your Mac's screen in its native resolution.

There are always going to be those of us who are going to want to download content and watch it on our lifesize TV's. The 320 format is not even worth thinking about. This is akin to those of us who prefer to purchase our music on CD's so that we have the option of choosing how much quality we want while soaking up the drive in our pods.

When looking at the market that Steve & Co. are looking to exploit - I say bravo - it's just not me. I really wonder if watching TV on a iPod on an airplane would be worthwhile or would it be just too dang small?

One last thought - there have been posts about people saying they want a subscription service, or prebuy a season or buy the season of a show get a discount off the DVD version when available. These are all nifty thoughts! But, this does run counter to the iTMS core model - ala carte. aka, no subscriptions. Wouldn't that put everything on its ear if there were video subscriptions but not audio. Hmmm.

DISCLAIMER - I have not read all the posts over the past few days, if this is redundant or simply stupid, please ignore...

 

[~Shard~]

I use Photoshop, but is there a "feature" that makes animated GIFs easy? Sorry, it's an area I've never used or researched before. I work in graphic arts, not internet-type stuff. Never had an interest or need for the animated thingy before now. 😉

No problem. 🙂

Photoshop (or an equivalent design program like that) is only the first piece of the puzzle - you need a program like Gif Movie Gear, GIF Builder Carbon or GIFfun to assemble and finish it off.

Actually, wait a second...

Kay, here you go. That should help. 😎

 

[vrabz]

Why should I pay for TV shows that are free? 😕

I could Tivo the shows I want to watch and then transfer them to my iMAC hard drive. 😀

Downloading movies is fair enough, but Jobs is just trying to make a market where there was none.

If he were really interested in the consumer, he`d put a TV tuner in the iMAC and have some cool Tivo-killer software for it, rather than making us PAY TO WATCH TV THAT IS ALREADY FREE!!!! 😡

I Repeat, FRONT ROW and iTunes6 SUCK!

whoever said Steve was interested in the consumer? It's all about the $$$ and stock price my friend. To your point though, it is true that it is pretty stupid to pay for this stuff, especially when Tivo works great to record episodes you aren't around to watch live. I do see a role for downloading episodes if you happen to start watching a new show in the middle of the season and want to catch up. Either way, having a tv-tuner in an imac or mini would be the B-O-M-B (typing this in an airport)... 😎

 

[NicP]

Except DVI is dying. It should be HDMI.

Well considering HDMI will be crippled by "Content Protection" I think i'd prefer DVI

 

[NicP]

Why should I pay for TV shows that are free? 😕

I could Tivo the shows I want to watch and then transfer them to my iMAC hard drive. 😀

Downloading movies is fair enough, but Jobs is just trying to make a market where there was none.

If he were really interested in the consumer, he`d put a TV tuner in the iMAC and have some cool Tivo-killer software for it, rather than making us PAY TO WATCH TV THAT IS ALREADY FREE!!!! 😡

I Repeat, FRONT ROW and iTunes6 SUCK!

For a start the TV shows arent free, they either get paid for by the advertisments or when you go and buy the dvd.

Secondly the TV idea sucks (of course this is just my opinion), different parts of the world use different broadcast technologies so you cant exactly make a universal tuner. All the stuff on tv here sucks anyway, i havent watched tv in something like 6 months.

 

[guylafleur]

Why it sucks.

For a start the TV shows arent free, they either get paid for by the advertisments or when you go and buy the dvd.

Secondly the TV idea sucks (of course this is just my opinion), different parts of the world use different broadcast technologies so you cant exactly make a universal tuner. All the stuff on tv here sucks anyway, i havent watched tv in something like 6 months.

Of course, most TV does suck, you`re right, but there`s still lots out there that doesn`t.

As for the cost thing, Tivo can take care of those commercials, and even if it couldn`t, I could fast forward through them.

There is still no reason to pay for TV that is free! 🙄

 

[DTphonehome]

Maybe this has been discussed, but I've been away for Yom Kippur and no way can I read all these comments...

Is there a way to rip DVDs to this device? It uses .m4v files, but how about any other formats? Is there an encoder/trancoder which can make .m4v's out of DVDs or DiVX?

--DT

 

[dejo]

Maybe this has been discussed, but I've been away for Yom Kippur and no way can I read all these comments...

You're right. It has been discussed. And maybe you can't read all the comments but the search does that for you...

 

[Kirbdog]

Apparently there is an app that converts DVD to iPod format H.264. It is called HandBrake I read about this morning on www.tuaw.com This app is shareware so it is worth a demo.

 

[EricNau]

Originally Posted by Kirbdog
Apparently there is an app that converts DVD to iPod format H.264. It is called HandBrake I read about this morning on www.tuaw.com This app is shareware so it is worth a demo.

I'm thinking this has to be illegal. If it's not, please, someone let me know.

 

[beatle888]

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.

if you've been watching apple for the last three to four years you would understand that early on they asked us to support their vision of an integrated computing/media experiance and iTunes was just the beginning. They said they wanted to computer to be the media hub and a lot of people supported their vision. now when they finally offer us something to bring it all together (the glue to bind all the different media type together in an apple like way) they limit it to their newest system only. not because of hardware limitations but because of profits only. i understand they are in the business of making money but this just seems like a kick in the teeth to people that realized they were on to something and supported them.

if you look at the old keynotes from years ago you'll see that apple used the FRONT ROW interface (the four huge icons on a glossy black reflective surface) to illustrate their idea of a united media experience. just an observation.

anway we pay for them to leed us to water and once we get their they say well, you have to pay again. not because the system you bought from us four months ago wont run the new software that we've been promising you for ages, but because we want you to buy a new system to increase our bottom line.

sorry, apple never made me so dissapointed until today. this seems like a rip off if you bought into the apple vision long ago. theres just no reason for it.

i think eventually it will be released for all macs but if not then as a user i could care less about all their hype. as a stock holder i say hell yea! stick it to em' steve.

 

[beatle888]

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.

no its lame that some people believe that anything older than the new imac couldnt run Front Row. give me a break i can run final cut on my power book. do you really think this little utility/browser couldnt work on a G4?

 

[iMeowbot]

I'm thinking this has to be illegal. If it's not, please, someone let me know.

It depends on where you live. Since your location says California, you may be interested in what is happening at the Library of Congress. Every two years the list of DMCA exemptions is revisited, and a new comment period will open on 2 November. Link. Aside from court decisions, this is how fair use rights are created, so anyone who wants to gain the right to legally make home copies of commercial DVD content should speak up. This is Important, participatory governments only work when people... participate.

 

[johngordon]

Great post. However, I just want Front Row on my TV for surfing my iTunes... since my TV and Stereo are in the same room of course. I don't care about turning my Mac into a DVR. I just want an interface for my iTunes on my TV. I've hooked up my Mac to the TV and used the iTunes interface... but the iTunes interface is not suited to a TV.

I agree - even that would be good. At the moment you can pop your iPod in a dock next to your hi-fi, and control it with that little remote control (or the third party ones that have been out for a while) - but you can only skip tracks or change the volume - but what if you want to browse for something to listen to - you can't.

Iain

 

[steebu]

FrontRow needs lots of power to look good its not just any toy app

 

[johngordon]

That's the most retarded fanboy comment I've read yet. who the **** are you to tell someone they arent going to watch movies on their pc? so what if they use final cut and photoshop on it; you expect them to buy another ******** PC to watch movies cause its not its primary purpose? your stupidness astounds me

I'm not sure he was really being stupid - more likely just suggesting a possible rationale/thinking behind it.

I think its extremely likely that this will appear in future macs, but the iMac probably was the obvious starting point.

Media centre PCs are most ideally suited to dorms or bedrooms rather than lounges - so the chances are most kids or students if they have a mac in their dorm or bedroom are most likely to have an iMac rather than a PM.

I still think FR would be great in the laptops too - we use our PB to watch DVDs in bed for example - so FR with a remote would be a good addition.

Ultimately I'd imagine this is a start down a path - as has been said, this thing cries out to be used on a TV, so hopefully Apple will come up with something - surely all it needs are three things :

1. A mac mini, or similar, that sits by the TV and acts as a home media server.
2. Some video airport type device
3. To sort up the quality

Iain

 

[johngordon]

Why should I pay for TV shows that are free? 😕

I know - its crazy, isn't it?

Why do all the TV companies release DVDs of their shows, when everyone's already seen them?

It doesn't make sense!

Iain 😕 😀

 

[beatle888]

FrontRow needs lots of power to look good its not just any toy app

really? and how much power does it take? do you think a 17inch powerbook that can run final cut pro could handle it? or how about a dual G5 2.0 powermac? what about the revB imac? you dont know what your talking about.

give me a break.


by the way, what makes you think its so demanding? the new iMac is only a 2.1Ghz and the 17" is only 1.9 Ghz

 

[Signal Man]

I hardly think its the BBCs fault that you can't log on to iTMS after upgrading to iTunes 6...

When it comes to Real, BBC also offer Microsoft Media. They have partnered up with Real for Live content for international users, and its expensive to change. This is why BBC still use Real.

I would love BBC using QuickTime, I'd buy a subscription today for its content. Unfortunately I don't think its going to happen. There is more of a market for Windows Media / Real.

Thank you for all the info on the BBC a real insight to how they think,are you one of their producers.?

Stella I love that woman

 

[GorillaPaws]

One last thought - there have been posts about people saying they want a subscription service, or prebuy a season or buy the season of a show get a discount off the DVD version when available. These are all nifty thoughts! But, this does run counter to the iTMS core model - ala carte. aka, no subscriptions. Wouldn't that put everything on its ear if there were video subscriptions but not audio. Hmmm.

I guess the main argument here is that video is consumed much differently than audio. We are used to paying for tv service monthly to recieve unlimited content, but most of tv content (crap) we only watch once and are satisfied (i.e. we wouldn't want to own 99% of what we've watched on tv during our lifetime-- and this is the crucial part, this includes content that we actually enjoyed). Movies are different though, they're more like music in the sense that if we enjoyed it we typically want to own it and watch/listen to it whenever we want w/out having to pay monthly to keep it. Certain tv shows are exceptions of course (such as the Sopranos, Lost, Band of Brothers) essentially anything that is similar to an extended movie series.

Although, if Apple released a service in a year or two that gave unlimited ad-free, on demand access to every movie/tv show/sporting event/song ever produced (ok not EVERY one but a HUGE library), I think many people would be willing to pay a pretty hefty monthly subscription fee - maybe $75/month.

 

[Evangelion]

Well that really sucks you have to buy a new imac G5 to use frontrow. This is so non-apple like.

I guess that's because only the iMac has the needed hardware to support FrontRow

 

[Evangelion]

So what's innovative about Front Row? The fact that they're charging for low res shows and music videos that you can get for free in other places.

You buy the tv-shows through ITMS, and you can use that content in Front Row. Any failings of the ITMS or the content (like the offered resolution) is not Front Rows fault.

So repeat after me: The choice of TV-shows or the resolution or price they are offered is NOT Front Row's fault. Front Row is a tool to view and use multimedia, NOT a method of aquiring that media!

 

[johngordon]

no its lame that some people believe that anything older than the new imac couldnt run Front Row. give me a break i can run final cut on my power book. do you really think this little utility/browser couldnt work on a G4?

this is why i'm inclined to think that maybe it will become part of iLife - look at the icons, and the media itself - all it really is a nifty little GUI to browse / navigate your iLife media.

even if there are reasons why we might not all need it, i think most of us would quite like it anyway - and seeing as it only really is a pretty minor app, its something that would add value to iLife, and so be anincentive to upgrade in 06.

having ugraded to iLife 04 and 05 it really does offer a great deal now - iPhoto especially has added a lot of stuff that was needed.

last week i would have doubted that i'd have got my wallet out for another new version in January - but add in FR and i think i probably would.

Iain

 

[MongoTheGeek]

Hey Shard, what's a good program for making animated Avatar's. Not my area of expertise and I just got the opportunity to have one yesterday. 😎

I used GraphicConverter. It came registered on my mac. You can download a free trial from lemkesoft.com.

 

[Takeo]

I guess that's because only the iMac has the needed hardware to support FrontRow

They already sell the remote as a seperate item. All they'd have to do is add a USB receiver... or you could even use the new iPod dock. There is no reason to have this run on the new iMac only. It's insane. They should sell a package at the Apple store that includes the remote, a receiver and the software... for like $60 or so.

BTW... a seperate receiver would be far better anyway! You just KNOW that a lot of people are going to hook their new iMacs up to their TV's in order to use Front Row. It's just obvious. But with the reciever embedded in the bezel of the iMac... you'd have to have your TV and you iMac on the same wall opposite your couch in order to use the remote from the couch. With a seperate reciever, you could buy a long USB extension cable and put the reciever in the best possible location for your uses. Actually, BT or RF would be preferrable or course... that's also too bad. Obviously this thing was designed with low cost and dorm rooms in mind... not home entertainment.

Also, I already own a Keyspan remote. I see no reason why I could not program my KeySpan remote to work with Front Row... and I'm sure people will try this. I would not expect Apple to provide a free download of Front Row since putting the onus on the user to program a 3rd party remote to work with Apple software is not the Apple way... and rightly so. Anyway, at some point (probably soon), I'm sure someone is going to snag a copy of Front Row off a new iMac and try to get it working on another Mac. I have a rev a G5 iMac... 20"... and I'd LOVE to have Front Row... having a remote controlled TV style interface for my iTunes has been something I've wanted for years... hence my Keyspan remote... but the iTunes interface is not suited to TV... and I can't really justify selling my 1 year old iMac to buy a new iMac... just for Front Row. I'll probably wait until the Intel iMacs come out... that would be a more significant updgrade... and hopefully it's not too far off!!!