New iPods - Video Support, TV Episodes, Music Videos

[jettredmont]

Watch, I'll go get one anyway.

Here's what bites about it. It's not the smallish screen (that they could've made bigger if played on it's side). It's the A/V out options. I have a HD-ready Aquos. S-Video and composite looks like CRAP on it. I was hoping it'd have HDMI or DVI-out. The video doesn't have to be HD, but if it's at least at 480i quality (like a DVD), it'd look nice on my set... but not if it's going through the old S-Vid/composite ports.

The "iPod native" video resolution is VHS-range, not DVD-range. You wouldn't notice a difference with a DVI output. Maybe once the iPod support decoding SD H.264 at 30fps then something besides SVideo/Composite will make sense.

Another thing I personally think is dumb is the pricing on TV shows. First of all, I can get them for free via EyeTV. Second, $1.99 is WAY too much per episode. That's $52 for a full season... might as well wait for the DVDs to come out. And besides... doesn't everyone have a DVR now anyway?? If not, just get EyeTV-200 (in the US) and export it to a format that's iPod-friendly. It'll pay for itself quickly if the other alternative is $2/show downloads.

DVDs tend to run more in the $65 range for the ones I've looked at. Plus they aren't available until the entire season is done. Plus they don't rip to my iPod (although I hope that hurdle gets passed soon!). DVRs are great if you set them up. But if you hit an episode of a show mid-season, like what you see, then want to get the "back story" you are stuck either trying to record and watch reruns, or waiting until the NEXT season so you can buy this season's DVD.

 

[shyataroo]

I think that was podcasting, no?

Anyway, I assume by current 60 gb will play videos, right? You don;t have to have the new ones to watch video, I hope.

You just may... and if podcasting/a newer crappier(streamlined my rear) interface was the sole purpose of iTunes 5 then here is what (in my opinion) they should have done... updated iTunes 4 to give it the ability to play podcasts and than waited till today to introduce iTunes 5 with all the previous features introduced in iTunes 5 and 6. it would be much less confusing for people who "need" to get the latest version of everything....

 

[mi5moav]

Hopefully, we will also be able to download football, baseball, and other sports programs... though probably would have to sign an agreement with each franchise first.

 

[fed-ex]

I don't understand why people think $1.99 for a TV show is a good deal. These aren't HBO or Showtime shows, these are shows that anyone with a TV can watch on ABC. Give me a easy way to transfer my Tivo'd shows to my iPod, then I'll be intersted. And $1.99 for a music video is beyond ridiculous.

Well considering you already pay 99 cents for that same song, without video, how is 1.99 a bad deal. figure for argumentative purposes that a music video is double the content of just the song, so why not double the price. It's not that bad a marketing price.

 

[crazydreaming]

Once again I'm very happy I bought my Rev D Powerbook a long time ago

However, I wish I wouldda waited on opening the iPod mini ...

I don't REALLY need videos on the go, but it would be cool.
I can see myself downloading the LOST episodes I miss, and then watching them on my Powerbook. Sorry if this has already been discussed, but can ripped DVD's be played on the iPod? Think about it, carrying around a library of movies to your freinds house in your iPod. Say goodbye to the DVD Binder!

All in all, some great announcements today. Apple has opened up a whole 'nother direction.

 

[iBeard]

How much thinner are the new iPods compared to gen 4?

EDIT: new 30GBs to old 20GBs

 

[vincentf]

FrontRow

Anyone know if FrontRow will be available for other Macs?

It seems silly not to make this available for Mac Mini users. The Mac Mini would make a much better digital hub than the iMac. With FrontRow, it would be the perfect replacement for my EyeHome. It fits nicely in my TV stand.

 

[bankshot]

I'm sure a firmware update with video support will be available in about three months.

Doubtful. Regardless of whether the 4th generation can do it (probably can), this is clearly a feature designed to sell more new units. I'll be surprised if any generation older than this new one will ever play video with an Apple firmware.

There's only one thing I want in a firmware update (not video), and I'll even settle for a new "feature" only available in new models that I have to buy (nevermind that every model, back to the 1st generation, is capable of doing it). Didn't appear to happen in this update, so I'm just gonna have to harrass Apple until they give in.

 

[autrefois]

So how does one download a music video or a TV show??? Beats me.

The music video link just goes to videos you can view for free (not that I dislike free, but they're not downloadable).

For TV programs: I can get to 3 episodes of "Lost" but can't find other TV programs.

Maybe the 2,000 video thing was a typo and it should have been 3.

I see they now have a "Just for You" part of the music store. In other words, the system is analysing my purchases. It's so sweet of Apple to want to offer me music I might like, how thoughtful of them! But I'd rather you didn't spy on my purchasing patterns to do so. Thanks, but no thanks, Apple.

But besides that, I am actually rather happy with the announcements. I wanted to be able to download TV shows and videos and can (or eventually I will be able to I assume). The iMac with built in iSight sounds great (this surprised everyone I think, so no one can say they expected all of this). The remote and two new apps also sounds good, I hope they will be available to other users soon. And the new iPod, très cool. Overall a home run as far as I'm concerned, once they get everything working online.

EDIT: Well now at least they have a link to "TV Shows" even if it doesn't work yet...

EDIT 2: Well isn't that special? The new links have disappeared! There was a link to TV Shows and Pixar (it had several clips from Pixar) and the Music Videos link had "New" next to it as well", but when I went back "Home" the links had disappeared! Not good to have quirks in your store when millions of people worldwide are just getting the news and they can't access the new stuff...

 

[nxent]

not all THAT bad

Yay! But...$2.00 for a music video??? Uh, no thanks.

well, it's a dollar for the song... why by the song when you can get the video for twice the cost?

 

[duhliterate]

how exciting...another ipod!

 

[Neuro]

Seems to me that whether or not Apple wanted to do a video iPod, they had to, because their competitors would if they didn't. Apple has performed another great coop here.

By being first with video / TV etc, they will again own the mindshare (like with music) - even if someone else does it better afterwards. After all, what they have released today is version 1 of their video strategy. It can only improve, but is already sexy. The new iPod made me want one even though I already own one that suits my needs...

Many people have said they need wireless streaming to their TV etc. Elgato already supply this as a really slick mature product (I use their DTT/Digital Radio product). Surely, you could just factor this into your media solution?

The Mini is bound to get the 'Front Row' experience when it goes Intel and will be a formidable media box by then.

Microsoft MCE has been around for years, but just doesn't capture people's interest, unless they are an enthusiast. The Xbox 360 is probably far more likely to be good at this sort of thing. I can see the next-gen Mini competing with it head on. But, the whole Apple approach may provide better integration between devices and software. The Xbox 360 will probably be held back by DRM, or the fact it's not an open-ended computer, as such.

 

[AtHomeBoy_2000]

Can the new iPods play ANY content encoded in MPEG-4/H.246?
Or is it only content downloaded from the Video Store?
Can it play resoultions HIGHER than the screen? (example: full 480i out to a TV but only screen resolution on the iPod)

 

[Gjunkie]

I think this is pretty ridiculous. I mean, Im all for the video on an iPod, but Apple used to be all about high end, and now, selling video at a mere 320x240 resolution to put it on a 60 gig iPod it seems like Apple is going for the mallrats who don't care about quality.

"oh my gosh, Kimberly, did you, like, totally download the new Desperate Housewives episode?"
"OH MY GOSH! YES! It was sooooo good! lets go to the mall!"

I have an entire 250 gig external filled with video footage... what am I supposed to do with a 60 gig iPod?

As supposed to having a choice at which resolution to download the episodes, Apple is assuming that they no longer have people who care about quality. If they're using that new Perpendicular (sp?) tech. to have higher density HDs while being thinner, why not make 120G iPods just as thick? and in turn be able to put bigger video files on it? And what if I want to download an episode to watch it on my computer, and not on my ipod? which I would definitely do if it was at at least 640x480.

You're paying $2 an episode which at the end it will cost you the same as buying an entire season at DVD quality video... Sorry Apple, I for one, never thought I would say this, and even though I think its a really cool device, and it marks the begining of a new digital age, I am disappointed

 

[snowmoon]

video specs are on the iPod page. h.264 up to 768 kbits QVGA 30fps mpeg-4 up to 2.5 mbps 480x480 30 fps.

 

[qzak]

well, it's a dollar for the song... why by the song when you can get the video for twice the cost?

bc a music video and a song are two different things. unless, i dunno, can you add both music videos and songs to a playlist. that way if your walking you can just listen to it, but if your sitting down you can watch the videos too when they come up on the playlist?

 

[monolith]

The iPod video isn't as good as it's made out to be...

http://www.apple.com/ipod/specs.html

Look at the specs. I'll post the relevant ones. You can forget putting your movie library on the iPod and hooking it up to your friends tele, and watching them. Pay attention to the resolution. And check out battery life.

H.264 video: up to 768 Kbps, 320 x 240, 30 frames per sec., Baseline Profile up to Level 1.3 with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4 and .mov file formats

MPEG-4 video: up to 2.5 mbps, 480 x 480, 30 frames per sec., Simple Profile with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4 and .mov file formats

30GB: Up to 14 hours of music playback; up to 3 hours of slideshows with music; up to 2 hours of video playback

60GB: Up to 20 hours of music playback; up to 4 hours of slideshows with music; up to 3 hours of video playback

I bought my iPod photo 60gb about a month ago, and I don't feel burned at all by the update. 320s240 h.264? 480x480 mpeg4? No thanks.

 

[autrefois]

You're paying $2 an episode which at the end it will cost you the same as buying an entire season at DVD quality video... Sorry Apple, I for one, never thought I would say this, and even though I think its a really cool device, and it marks the begining of a new digital age, I am disappointed

I personally don't WANT to buy a whole season of most shows. There are a couple good episodes I like, but I'm stuck with paying for the whole DVD set. I think this gives consumers a choice: you want a few episodes, fire up the ole iTunes. If you want the whole season, then get the DVD when it comes out.

 

[Gjunkie]

I personally don't WANT to buy a whole season of most shows. There are a couple good episodes I like, but I'm stuck with paying for the whole DVD set. I think this gives consumers a choice: you want a few episodes, fire up the ole iTunes. If you want the whole season, then get the DVD when it comes out.

Thats fine, but if I download an episode, which I would rather do, I would like to be able to SEE it.

 

[nagromme]

My other question is what connection does the Apple Wireless Remote use? I would guess infrared, because of the front, but I see no infrared port on the front of the new iMac. Oh well, time will tell.

I too wonder where the IR port is on the iMac, and am disappointed it's not BT. But by being IR, it can work with the new iPod docks, too (without the docks having to be more expensive).

$1.99 for a music video is beyond ridiculous.

I'd spend that on french fries I can only eat once. We're down to pennies here. If $1.99 is beyond ridiculous, then what would merely ridiculous be? $1.49?

If the quality is decent, I'm glad to have a way to get a few. ONLY a few would interest me, but that's fine.

 

[zap2]

what tv shows??

come one CSI and Survivor!!

 

[bankshot]

By being first with video / TV etc, they will again own the mindshare (like with music) - even if someone else does it better afterwards.

First?? Not even close. Other products have had video for years (Archos springs to mind). The only thing Apple was first with (again) was bundling it in a small, attractive package. That alone will gain tons of mindshare, but I still remain skeptical that portable video is such a killer app. It's a cool gimmick. A set-top box that connects to your Mac over wireless or ethernet would be far more useful!

 

[EasyB]

iPod to TV is why it is worth it...

Or is it? Is the output quality good enough for a 30" hotel TV?

I travel allot for business and often miss a show I like. Currently I BT them, then play them on the tv via my powerbook. But I hate using my system resources by playing a video when I am using my PB for other things. I was going to get one of those 2.5HD with video outputs, but man I would rather pay $2, plug my iPod into my TV and be done with it.

Either way I like it, Because you know it will only get better with time.

 

[nagromme]

I think this is pretty ridiculous. I mean, Im all for the video on an iPod, but Apple used to be all about high end, and now, selling video at a mere 320x240 resolution to put it on a 60 gig iPod it seems like Apple is going for the mallrats who don't care about quality.

What makes you think the TV shows are sold at 2.5-inch iPod quality? iTMS doesn't mean you have to use an iPod.

The ability to play these videos/shows on your iPod is just an extra perk. It's not the main point of this. Watch the shows on your Mac--or on TV. That's what most people will do.

 

[whatever]

Add Front Row to Airport Express

I would rather that we just cut the iPod out of the equation totality. And build Front Row into Airport Express. Then I can just stream everything from my Mac to Airport and view it on my Home Theater or anywhere else in my house.

I've looked at similar devices and they bigger than the Mac Mini and cost a couple of $1,000. All we're missing here is a remote and video streaming!

Apple is so close to taking this market.

Whatever

Have it do all that, and let you stick your iPod in it -- like the current/new Universal Dock does, only it also displays your iPod's library UI on the TV screen.