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Has anyone had any issues downloading TV Shows Tonight? I've been trying to d'load an episode of Desperate Housewives on to my AluBook and it finishes downloading, then right at the end a Music Store Error Pops up and says for me to try again later, even though it supposedly finished downloading.
 
creating an export workflow?

i just opened up Automator to try and make a workflow for exporting videos into the iPod format.

I didnt have much luck with that...anyone have an idea of how to do this? There is no function in automator to export a movie to another format.
 
I'm surprised this hasn't been mentined yet but... the new iPod is really wide and [expletive deleted] uuuuggglllyyy.

Seriously you couldn't even put that in your pocket.

Caaarn the BoonPod.
 
Sorry to correct you but the new ipod is THE EXCACTLY THE SAME SIZEG as 4th gen, only difference is bigger screen makes it look wider. I think it looks great especially after seeing the u2 advert the video quality is good, and in black looks even beter. Cant believe i bought my 20gb black and whit only 7 months ago!!!! Milliuons of ipod owners will be very pissed off at how frequent these updates are, but hey i cant get a new one (just hoping this one breaks before guarantee!!!)
 
madmaxmedia said:
I just downloaded the first episode of Lost. I have a 15" AluBook.

While obviously it can only look so good, I am actually extremely surprised that it is quite watchable full screen. There is enough trickery going on (interpolation, etc.) so that the video is not blocky. It's not razor sharp either, but from a normal viewing distance (maybe 2 ft.) I am actually impressed (again considering the original resolution.) I will say that the 2x viewing is better. I recommend you try it, it's only 2 bucks. ;)

For output to a regular TV set, I think these shows will look just fine. On anything better, of course you're stretching it! ;)

The problem here is that the tech is not ready for 800 x 600 H264 decoding in a iPod. So if you offer better resolution in the store, you then have to re-encode to transfer to iPod, which is a hassle. A major reason why any of this is taking place is because of the iPod.

In a year or so, I am sure they will up the resolution of the iPod and the video content (maybe VGA?). The iPod itself will still only display 320 x 240, but will be able to output say VGA to a TV set. Maybe the average broadband connection will be faster too, so download time won't be so bad with the bigger files.

I think I will try an episode of lost. The 50 Cent video I downloaded earlier wasn't very good. But then again, for my purposes I would want to either stream or download the content to my TV from my computer or else watch it directly on my powerbook. I don't see a use in watching video on a tiny iPod screen and why use video out from an iPod when you can have your TV networked to iTunes? Hopefully in the future...

jettredmont said:
It depends on if you do the CSS decryption.

You can copy the contents of any DVD to your hard drive. That's not the problem.

The problem is going from CSS-encrypted video to viewable video. While there are gray-market apps which do this (handbrake looks legit, but IIRC decoding CSS without a CSS license is illegal), Apple wouldn't want to get into that business, correct.

HOWEVER, the iPod CAN get classified as a CSS device, just like any DVD player can get itself so classified. All Apple has to guarantee is a "protected" (MacroVision) output stream, and following the various other tits and niggles of the DVD consortium (region coding support, forbidding fast-forward etc when the disk says to, etc).

That having been said, the "direct" route takes up a lot of iPod disk space per movie. The "indirect" route of decoding on the computer to a lower-bitrate codec/resolution for storage on the iPod would be trickier (you then have to guarantee that no one can get between the unencoded copy and the re-CSS step to capture the video), but not at all impossible.

CSS was designed for DVD players, but it is not limitted to DVDs. The DVD consortium hasn't permitted any other usages of it to the best of my knowledge, but there's nothing in their rules stating that this wouldn't be possible.

'Course, it would require a license fee per iPod from Apple, too. But I think that's pretty small these days (and the MPEG-4 license is, IIRC, larger than that anyway).

I'm aware of MactheRipper and Handbrake...I have "tested" them out. I don't think its an issue of whether or not it is possible to do these things...I know from experience that it is. I think that Apple may have problems getting content from studios because they all want to start their own stores. What’s funny is that Apple really doesn't make any money on content and is really doing these guys a huge favor but they want complete control over everything as well the aforementioned paranoia that must come with being a media executive.
 
Southernlad said:
Sorry to correct you but the new ipod is THE EXCACTLY THE SAME SIZEG as 4th gen, only difference is bigger screen makes it look wider. I think it looks great especially after seeing the u2 advert the video quality is good, and in black looks even beter. Cant believe i bought my 20gb black and whit only 7 months ago!!!! Milliuons of ipod owners will be very pissed off at how frequent these updates are, but hey i cant get a new one (just hoping this one breaks before guarantee!!!)

Is it really? are you sure? Sorry if I was wrong.

Wow another Aussie.

edit: yeah I just checked, you're right. Maybe I could get used to its fat-looking-ness.
 
i bought the Nine Inch Nails - Only video just to see the quality and such. not only is the quality not good enough to play fullscreen as they display on the new imac site but the video is flippin censored! i feel that Apple really dropped the ball here as this could have been great (even if a lot of people wouldn't pay for music videos). :confused:
 
Apple Continues To Alienate Its Loyal User Base

I would have bought one of the new video iPods if it supported FireWire as much as my old 60 GB photo did. I sold it before September 7th, hoping for better, newer 'big' iPods. However, I might just go iPodless for awhile; my accessories are obsolete.

According to Apple : "FireWire is integrated into Power Macs, iMacs, eMacs, PowerBooks, iBooks, and the iPod."

How hard can it be to 'integrate' back in a FireWire chip? Or implement gapless (after 5 generations :eek: )? Where is the 80 GB iPod?
 
Loge said:
So the new iPod supports voice recording settings:

Low (22.05 KHz, mono)
High (44.1 KHz, stereo)

This is new, right?

Yes, it is new. Since Apple is secretly hiding the tech specs from previous iPod models, I can only go off of what iTalk's specs are

8-kHz, 16-bit mono

Griffin made it a point of advertising that iTalk was "iPod specified", meaning it wasn't higher quality because the iPod wasn't capable of doing higher quality.

So if this is correct, 8 kHz mono to 22.05 mono or 44.1 stereo would be a welcome addition, assuming anyone can find info on how to record to one of the new iPods! (Doesn't look like iTalk would work, maybe just a regular mic??)
 
Sorry if this has been mentioned before, but has anyone else noticed the lack of the communications port found on the "older" 4G iPods? On my iPod (the revision before the color display), the port sits right next to the headphone jack. Was this port discontinued when the color screen was introduced or just with the latest revision? Don't a lot of devices use this port?

Once again, sorry if this has already been stated.

JOD8FY
 
JOD8FY said:
Sorry if this has been mentioned before, but has anyone else noticed the lack of the communications port found on the "older" 4G iPods? On my iPod (the revision before the color display), the port sits right next to the headphone jack. Was this port discontinued when the color screen was introduced or just with the latest revision? Don't a lot of devices use this port?

Once again, sorry if this has already been stated.

JOD8FY

iTalk uses the extra port, and it apparently was still on the iPod photo since iTalk says it's compatible with iPod photo.
 
jmelrose said:
First, a moment of silence for the U2 iPod and the "We-Hardly-Knew-YE" Harry Potter iPod.

Ok, moving on from there.

First, there are lots of perhaps shady but still possible ways to rip video from a DVD and encode it for use on these new video iPods. I'll start on the Simpsons when I get home. A decent-quality MP3 or .H348gksh thingy should be about 40-50MB. Not GREAT, but certainly watchable. So, at 100+ episodes, I can get the entire Simpsons collection to date on my iPod in 5GB of so. For another couple gig's I can carry all my Family Guys as well...

So, the next question: Are there playlists for videos?

Also, will there be "video albums" with an artist's greatest hits videos packaged together for a discounted price? That would be nice.

I read someplace that the iPod photos currently in stores are software crippled to not play video, and they should be fully capable. Kinda frustrating.

However, not as frustrating at Tivo-To-Go being Windows only. Steve should have offered to make a Tivo-To-Go client that DRMs video taken off the Tivo the same way the Windows software does, so we can enjoy it on our Macs and iPod photos, and especially now that the iMac has this faux-media center aspect.

Which, for all the naysayers about the iMac's new features, let's remember that it doesn't cost buyer a DIME more than the old one did, so there's really not a lot to complain about other than wanting more, more, more. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's very American, but just to put a little perspective on things.

Finally, yes, I am also unable to access the story. Menus load lickety-split, can't get to any content. I am wondering if perhaps some server overload is taking place with all these Macrumors forum users downloading video to check out the quality (so they can complain about it on here). But really, with 2000 videos, an iTunes update and a QT update, that's a LOT of content those servers are slinging around the world. Let them catch up a bit before we write off the launch as "a mess" or disasterous or whatever.


Really sensible post.
Think about it people. ALL this extra function no extra money. Remember the iTMS only had 500,000 songs on launch, now over 2 million. Watch the videos on TV, Watch them on your iPod, what then on someone else's TV.

Down loading movies is no there yet, the bandwidth is not there yet, but in 3 years it will be, and this will be why people will pay for it.

The one thing I want is front row (wow, quarts lets you do a whole lot of neat stuff with the interface, all those slow window resizing issues seem like a good investment now, good job apple) I predict after the xmas sales season we will be able to buy it as part of iLife '06, for the rest of us. Oh well Apple spent a lot of money developing it, and the iMac they should be able to make some money back on it before "giving" it away.

Over all a really positive day. Powermac updates will come next week, and powerbook maybe as well, but i think the good stuff will come next june.

P.S. I think everyone is let down because they already know how it works, front row, they have been using the same interface going on 4 years now, but what it is doing is really amazing. Enjoy for a change you guys.
 
new iPod remote

So, I notice that they have a IR remote, but, one of the best features of my current iPod (3G) is the connected remote so i dont have to reach into my pocket/bag when i want to change songs. With the new iPod I can change songs from accross the room, but not from my pocket.

It was very convenient to skip or change volume...

Me no like change.
 
One more thing.... I think we have seen the change in how computers work. Music, Movies, Photos, DVD's all controlled with 6 buttons. Think you can explain to your parents or grandparents how to do play music, etc over the phone.

Think about it. this is a shift in how people will use computers. Apple has done it again, now we get to see how big a lead they can get before M$ copies them.

this will be a wild ride i think.
 
autrefois said:
iTalk uses the extra port, and it apparently was still on the iPod photo since iTalk says it's compatible with iPod photo.

Thanks for the info. As it turns out, the only accessory I own for my iPod is the iTalk :p. I guess my point of view was a bit skewed.

Thanks again,
JOD8FY
 
plastikimo said:
has anyone noticed that the iPod no longer comes with FireWire? I recharge my current iPod through FireWire, will the new iPod be charged through the USB cable? And is USB 2.0 just as fast as firewire, or what?

Yes, it will charge through USB. USB 2 is about the same speed for short transfers. It's fine for longer transfers, it's just not AS good as Firewire. But most people don't regularly do long transfers with their iPod.

A cost-cutting move or a size-cutting move or both.


bankshot said:
That does suck, since Apple is essentially abandoning a large percentage of their faithful installed Mac base, in favor of selling to the almighty Windows market. However as others have said, this must be due to either cost or size constraints.
A shame I agree, but they are only abandoning people who meet ALL of the following:

* Don't have a recent Mac.
* Aren't going to GET a recent Mac.
* ARE wanting to get a high-end iPod
* Can't tolerate slow USB 1 synching.
* Will not only be disappointed, but actually boycott the product.
* Would truly have bought one if it did have Firewire.

I think Apple knows that's a small number of people--smaller by the week.

I've transferred many GB by USB 1.1 and dealt with it OK, so I'm sure I'd do fine with USB 2. I'd prefer Firewire--but not for speed (that's part of it) as much as for booting. But I have no illusions that my desire to boot OS X from my iPod is a common one :) Very handy though! A nice consolation for having last years' iPod :eek:
 
the thing that is funny to me is, the pixar shorts.....

ok, anyone who wants to see them is more than likely a pixar fan. I am for sure, now, having said that, i own dvd's of all the pixar movies. Each of which has these shorts on them.....So why would I pay to dl a TINY res'd down version when I can easily drop a disc into my player and watch them on a stunning 57" HD set?

steveO trying to line his pockets a bit more i guess..... im actully suprised they arent selling only pixar stuff. that way he gets a bigger cut.



we get it steve, the ipod sells well and brings in cash... Lets not forget the ones who kept apple alive for all these years... I will give you a hint, it wasnt ipod users. How about some pro updates?

It kills me when i go to my local apple store, and salespeople walk right past me when i am looking at a G5powermac with the 30" so they can sell a shuffle to a 65 year old man - which is his first and last apple purchase im sure. Brilliant.


way to show your loyalty to your customers apple.... now, lets get another 10 versions of ipods out before another pro user update!!!!! keep it up.
 
JOD8FY said:
Sorry if this has been mentioned before, but has anyone else noticed the lack of the communications port found on the "older" 4G iPods?
You're right--but what's interesting to me is that docking connector has all along been able to do all the same things:

- Carry remote control signals.
- Carry audio.
- Deliver power from the iPod's battery.
- (Plus video, USB, artist/track info for external displays, etc. etc.)

So new accessories will just have to rely on the dock connector alone--like the newest iTrip does--making them more universal.

I like the trend towards making all iPods more compatible with the same accessories. One connector now instead of two, and a Universal Dock! :)
 
Firewire is great if you're transfering 40 gigs at once.Which some might do.Rarely.
In the short turn ( bandwidthwise ) USB 2.0 is just as fast as firewire is when transfering 10-200megs at a time..

I'd say no firewire is just a part of slimming the Pod down..
Hardly anyone will notice the difference.
 
Lebowski said:
way to show your loyalty to your customers apple.... now, lets get another 10 versions of ipods out before another pro user update!!!!! keep it up.
Why should pro updates HAVE to be included in this consumer event? Why is that the only way to introduce pro updates? I think it's not.
 
I wonder how long this will last...

I'm pretty curious as to how all this music video stuff will shake out. I'm a music video director, and have 2 videos that I know of for sale on the new iTMS. What's interesting (to me anyway) is that my contracts with the labels specify that the music videos are works for hire used for promotion of the single/album. I have riders attached to my contracts stating that once a video is offered for sale I'm entitled to royalties (i.e. they release a "best of" DVD). These are supposed to be negotiated prior to a release.

Now, I know my videos would amount to about a $.15 check, but some videos (U2 vids come to mind) will get literally thousands of downloads. Who is getting this money? Apple? The labels? I'd think if all these directors and production companies started coming forward to get their piece of the pie, this whole music video thing may come crashing down. I don't think the labels would want to take the time or money to renogtiate contracts on 20 year old videos.

Just throwing that into the mix.
 
nagromme said:
You're right--but what's interesting to me is that docking connector has all along been able to do all the same things:

- Carry remote control signals.
- Carry audio.
- Deliver power from the iPod's battery.
- (Plus video, USB, artist/track info for external displays, etc. etc.)

So new accessories will just have to rely on the dock connector alone--like the newest iTrip does--making them more universal.

I like the trend towards making all iPods more compatible with the same accessories. One connector now instead of two, and a Universal Dock! :)

Thanks for the information! I'm sure new accessories will be coming out soon that work with the docking connector. Hopefully Griffin will have a new iTalk soon that works with the new iPods, which will be nice considering the better recording specs.

If so, I may be forced to get one of each... :)
 
joe_adk said:
So, I notice that they have a IR remote, but, one of the best features of my current iPod (3G) is the connected remote so i dont have to reach into my pocket/bag when i want to change songs. With the new iPod I can change songs from accross the room, but not from my pocket.

It was very convenient to skip or change volume...

I agree! I really want one of these new iPods, but I can't live without my connected remote. Hopefully one will come out quickly that's been redesigned to use the dock connector.
 
swingerofbirch said:
Before Apple introduced videos and these new iPods, I thought that if Apple ever did video they would wait until they could do it in a big way to revolutizonie it. Jobs always talks about the scalability of H264. I conceived of some mechanism by which a user might downlaod a show or movie in high def and as it's being sycnhed to an iPod it's down scaled in quality (much as i THINK occured with the ipod photo????).

On the iPod front, the new models are probably nice, but the whole thing looks pathetic. All the arguments against a video iPod have already been made by Jobs time and time again. Who wants to look at a tiny screen? Who can walk and watch a TV show, or drive and watch a TV show? If you're sitting, why not just watch a TV! Or your laptop if you're on a plane! Laptops have better battery life for playing back video and the screens are exponentially larger.

The only conceivable way is to simultaneously download both low and high-res versions. It takes to long to re-encode in H264 with even current hardware. I think in a year, they will have a better video chip in the iPod capable of decoding maybe a VGA H264 video, and then the content at iTMS will be upgraded. Of course, on the iPod screen the video will be downsized to fit the screen resolution, but on a TV it will be VGA.

As far as the arguments against an iPod, you basically summed up the reasons for it. It's actually a pretty nice iPod upgrade even without adding the video. Adding the video was not that big of a deal, so why NOT do it?
 
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