Speculation That Apple's Rovi Deal Could Signal Shift Into Live TV and DVR

[alent1234]

What do you mean apple don't believe in 1080? Of course they do, the issue is that there is NO 1080 streaming content, so at this stage to keep the price point down on the AppleTV for the next couple of years while the telco's play catch up, they've left it off the unit, as there is no need for it to achieve Apple's stated purpose for the device.

there are 1080p discs and tens of millions of people are playing them

 

[JAT]

The TVGuide on my SONY tv has this technology. It was part of the package when I bought the tv.

However, since Comcast decided to usurp the cable and hide anything HD, it also removed my ability to use the TVGuide that came with my tv. They are blocking the signal, so the only 'guide' I have for the programming is the channel that shows ONE tv channel at a time - maybe two if I know what might be coming next because just enough of the second program / channel is visible. All this is to force customers to pay additional money to receive HD tv. Problem is, I was able to receive the channels I watch in HD without paying for HD. Now I have a DTA and nothing except a channel changer for a remote. I cannot tell what I am watching, how much time is left, what time of day / night it is, and the Guide button tells me No Listing for ALL the channels.

So why do I mention all this when the topic is ROVI? Because ROVI had a phone number or web address for me to access if I had a problem with my Guide. From the beginning, it referred me to the manufacturer. The PROBLEM is the GD cable company.

If this technology is available and part of the purchase price, then it should function properly ... regardless of HOW the signal gets to the tv.

But, it sounds like the signal you need is NOT getting to your TV. Frankly, though, even Comcast's guide is probably going to be better. Isn't there a guide available on a DTA? TVGOS was always a mess, and is more so since the analog shutoff.

Try connecting a splice from your cable directly to the antenna input of the TV. (without it going through a cable box) See what you get.

 

[gugy]

You're probably right - the TV today still is, basically, a "dumb" device, displaying interfaces and content from other devices.

A TV with an embedded ATV would be useful, and easy to setup; but it wouldn't really offer enough advantages over an external ATV & 3rd party TV.

(Any TV + external ATV) > (Apple HDTV with embedded ATV). It offers more choices of TV model/size/styling, it would probably be a lot cheaper (knowing Apple), it's easier to upgrade one component without having to dump the other... etc...etc..

Exactly,
Just like the iPod Hi-Fi speakers, they are just a way to deliver the experience and not the source (iPod). In the TV case we are talking about ATV as being the source. It doesn't really matter what TV you will be watching it. So I see no need for Apple to move into the TV display business for the reasons I said on my earlier posts.

As for a TV with ATV on it, it's easier to upgrade a $99 box than a HDTV display in the Thousand of dollar cost. Chances are the ATV box will be obsolete in 3 years and people tend to keep their TV sets for way more than that due the cost. Heck I had a CRT display for 13 years, I only replace it because the flat panel tech. Now that I have one, I hope I can keep it for at least 7 years. Last thing I want is replace it because ATV goes obsolete. The picture is just amazing, i rather change the experience (UI) for $99 bucks.

 

[3282868]

What about a large iMac being a TV? A computer with a larger display that is an entertainment and productivity hub? An all-in-one device. On my Mac Pro, I have EyeTV connected, which allows me full DVR capabilities and HD channels. My computer basically is an all-in-one device. Why not take that implementation to a larger level, with an easy to use OS X/iOS interface?

Just random thoughts.

...and yeah, I have a 60" Pioneer Elite. AWESOME set.

 

[MacRy]

I was only moaning to my wife the other day that i wished Sky TV would licence their feeds to third party hardware manufacturers so we could get a decent bit of hardware and a nice EPG that doesn't make me want to throw the remote through my TV screen. Please Apple, talk to Rupert Murdoch and make this happen!

 

[JAT]

What about a large iMac being a TV? A computer with a larger display that is an entertainment and productivity hub? An all-in-one device. On my Mac Pro, I have EyeTV connected, which allows me full DVR capabilities and HD channels. My computer basically is an all-in-one device. Why not take that implementation to a larger level, with an easy to use OS X/iOS interface?

Just random thoughts.

...and yeah, I have a 60" Pioneer Elite. AWESOME set.

I very nearly did that. Decided to use my current 32" TV + Mini instead, save some money and give me some other specific benefits. But if starting without the $500 TV already, the iMac method is probably a better deal. Only issue is screen resolution, it's a bit high on the iMac. Odd complaint, I know, but HDTV is lower res and I don't know if I'd like a smaller, higher-res display for everyday TV viewing.

I was only moaning to my wife the other day that i wished Sky TV would licence their feeds to third party hardware manufacturers so we could get a decent bit of hardware and a nice EPG that doesn't make me want to throw the remote through my TV screen. Please Apple, talk to Rupert Murdoch and make this happen!

This was tried here, there used to be a couple TVs and other devices with DirecTV hardware built-in. And we currently have cablecard-ready devices like TVs and Tivos.

The DirecTV thing is no more. The cablecards are barely alive, mostly because the govt forced them to offer it, but not very many have them.

It's just not likely at all. I doubt it on Apple's side, I would bet blood against it on Murdoch's side.

 

[Cjm1]

Price

This sounds intriguing. But! Apple being Apple, being a bit uptight about there compatibility. There is bound to be Apple common sense but a lack of something such as a Port on the back which other ordinary T.V's have. Although as a someone said a price tag of 5,000. It makes me think i could Get a Bang & Olufsen T.V for that price. Although what will age better?