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Questions About AppleTV Before I Order

HelixOmnimedia

HelixOmnimedia

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 26, 2006
791
34
Traveling The World
Hello,

I'm sorry if there is already a thread for questions about the AppleTV before you buy, but I couldn't find it.

I have a few questions about the AppleTV before I buy it. I phoned the UK Apple Sales line and they couldn't answer my questions.

1) I don't know if my TV is compatible with the product. It is a widescreen TV but its not HD. It's a Toshiba 30WL46B and it's not mentioned in the compatibility list.

Toshiba 30WL46B Tech
30" screen LCD Widescreen TV Screen format: 16:9 WXGA resolution Screen Brightness (cd/m2): 450 Contrast ratio: 400:1 Resolution (pixels): 1280x768 Multi-standard tuner Number of channels: 100 Text with Fastext Picture Comb filter Sound Audio output (RMS) W: 6 NICAM stereo Headphone PC compatible RGB via SCART: 2 SCART: 2 Composite Video S-Video Table-Top Stand No signal off/mute On/off timer Remote control.

2) It says you need a
Network AirPort Extreme, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n wireless network (video streaming requires 802.11g/n) or 10/100 Base-T Ethernet wired network. And Broadband Internet access.
Click to expand...

I've got a Netgear Range Max Wireless Internet Router.
I do have broadband internet access, but its not the best because of the area i live in. I only get half meg, and on the rare occasion a 1mb.

Does this effect the video quality when I'm watching a show through the AppleTV?

3) Its got "40GB hard drive for up to 50 hours video" Now I already have 34gb of Movies, 18gb of TV Shows, and 4gb of Music.
Does this I could store some movie and some TV shows on the Harddrive and then watch the rest by streaming?

4) Now this is probably a stupid question but...
Does the AppleTV just use the wireless internet router to connect itself to iTunes or does it actually use the internet. Meaning when I stream from iTunes to ATV does it effect my monthly internet usage?

THANKS for any help I really appreciate it.
 
yes it will

but you will need that HDMI to DVI adapter

#
DVI: (non HDCP enabled)
#
RGB: 2
#
SCART: 2
#
Front/side AV input
#
PC Input
#
S - Video Input
#
Rear audio out
#
Headphone
 
HelixOmnimedia said:
THANKS - I'll order that as well.

Now... what about my other questions, they are that ones that are worrying me now.
Or have I just completely misunderstood everything about the "streaming and harddrive"?

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

1 Mac can sync all your stuff onto it - 5 other mac/pc can stream to it

no problem - i take it like me your going out and buying some nice external HDD :D
 
HelixOmnimedia said:
You threw me again. I thought you couldn't connect an external HDD to the AppleTV.
Click to expand...

no you can not the usb on it is for service mode - External HDD onto my Mac to stream stuff over wifi - there is only so much i can fit on a mac mini :rolleyes:

it would be nice to know what date you get from apple for delivey when you order BTW
 
HelixOmnimedia said:
You threw me again. I thought you couldn't connect an external HDD to the AppleTV.
Click to expand...

Sorry please ignore this. It took me a few second. I got it now.
I'm such an idiot :rolleyes:

Yes I'm now looking into buying an external hard drive. I've only got 6gb left on my PowerBook.

So does my internet speed affect the streaming of movie/tv shows to the AppleTV? Or does no one know this until they actually try the product out for themselves?

liketom said:
no you can not the usb on it is for service mode - External HDD onto my Mac to stream stuff over wifi - there is only so much i can fit on a mac mini :rolleyes:

it would be nice to know what date you get from apple for delivey when you order BTW
Click to expand...

Woops - was typing my response why you posted.

I read on another thread that someone had the date as 28th February and then 3-5 days delivery. So early March. Then that all depends on the availability of stock.

If I can get most of my questions answered, I'll order mine this afternoon.
 
HelixOmnimedia said:
My TV isn't HD - I don't think.
It says nothing about it in the manual.
I did a google search, and found one that said it was, and then another article saying it isn't.
Click to expand...

Your TV has a resolution of 1280x768. This is within the specs of the 720p designation of HD - 720p has a resolution of 1280x720.

Whilst it won't do fully native playback of 1080i/p content it does support 720p resolutions and as such is High Definition.


The tv will display at it's highest resolution on your TV so long as you use a HDMI -> DVI cable.

Your internet speed is only a function in accessing the iTunes Store, it isn't a factor in the speed of streaming media.
 
Chundles said:
Your TV has a resolution of 1280x768. This is within the specs of the 720p designation of HD - 720p has a resolution of 1280x720.

Whilst it won't do fully native playback of 1080i/p content it does support 720p resolutions and as such is High Definition.


The tv will display at it's highest resolution on your TV so long as you use a HDMI -> DVI cable.

Your internet speed is only a function in accessing the iTunes Store, it isn't a factor in the speed of streaming media.
Click to expand...

THANK YOU SO MUCH. <he types getting his credit card out>
 
So does my internet speed affect the streaming of movie/tv shows to the AppleTV? Or does no one know this until they actually try the product out for themselves?
Click to expand...

no the streaming is purely between Mac and Apple TV, your internet connection is not envolved in that exchange. Although to connect to apple's site and watch trailers etc, you'll need the broadband connection.
 
liketom said:
i would think any TV with DVI or component will work
Click to expand...

You have been a massive help and have 'pushed me over the edge' to buy the AppleTV - Apple should hire you, you know more about it than the people on the Apple UK Sales Line.

Just another quick, TV question.
Will it work with this?
I can't get into the back of the one in our living room, so I got these tech details of the net.

Sony KE42TS2 Technical Specifications

* 42" screen (107cm measured diagonally)
* Resolution: 1024 x 1024
* Built-in tuner
* Built-in speakers
* Integrated table-top stand
* 3 x SCART (2 RGB)
* 1 x component
* Headphone socket
* Subwoofer (out)
* Universal remote commander
* Weight: 37kg
* Dimensions (W/H/D): 1056 x 764 x 124mm
* Power consumption: 360W

THANKS AGAIN
 
HelixOmnimedia said:
You have been a massive help and have 'pushed me over the edge' to buy the AppleTV - Apple should hire you, you know more about it than the people on the Apple UK Sales Line.

Just another quick, TV question.
Will it work with this?
I can't get into the back of the one in our living room, so I got these tech details of the net.

Sony KE42TS2 Technical Specifications


THANKS AGAIN
Click to expand...



YES Sony KE42TS2 Video inputs: Component video, DVI HDTV interface, composite, S-video, RF


http://www.amazon.com/Sony-KE42TS2-.../B00009YK6A/ref=de_a_smtd/002-0164027-0779249
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
liketom said:
o yes - are them TV's both yours ? if so your a lucky man:D
Click to expand...

Yes both mine.
Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH. :D

OH...
They gave me the "possible" launch date of February 28th - and then 3/5 days for delivery. Then they told me that it could change. So sometime in MARCH.
Give me plenty of time to look for an External HardDrive, and to build my movies and TV Show collection in iTunes.
 
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