will Apple Tv be able to view other files other than iTunes

[joshwest]

I know in front row you can make a alias folder and drop it in to the movies folder and through frontrow you can view other quicktime files that arnt in your iTunes. Will iTv be able to do the same?

 

[uNext]

I really hope so-that will make apple tv that much more attractive.
If somehow we can crack apple tv to play any video format then i am sold.

I have a ps3 and the whole converting from a specific video file to mp4 is a headache and time consuimg. I just want 1 device that connects to my tv provides High def and can rule every format OUT THERE.

I am really hoping the apple tv is this device. Even though the sling ctacher is looking more and more into what i am after.

 

[risc]

I just want 1 device that connects to my tv provides High def and can rule every format OUT THERE.

I think they have those already they are called Windows XP MCE boxes.

 

[SilentPanda]

It seems to imply they do. From http://www.apple.com/appletv/specs.html

Video formats supported: H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store): 640 by 480, 30 fps, LC version of Baseline Profile; 320 by 240, 30 fps, Baseline profile up to Level 1.3; 1280 by 720, 24 fps, Progressive Main Profile. MPEG-4: 640 by 480, 30 fps, Simple Profile

Only the H.264 states from the iTunes Store therefore I take everything else to mean not from the iTunes store. You may end up seeing some "on the fly" converters once the device is on the market.

 

[uNext]

I think they have those already they are called Windows XP MCE boxes.

Mac solution. i dealt with MCE overall ws not impressed.

 

[risc]

Mac solution. i dealt with MCE overall ws not impressed.

I've found MCE to be very picky about the hardware it will actually run on, but I've had some great times with it.

On the Mac side the best I have found is the El Gato EyeHome but updates for new codecs were not quick enough for me, also no support for HD output. At the moment I just use a LaCie SilverScreen USB HDD, these drives can output at up to 720p/1080i and from my experience can play most formats (well the ones I use).

For me the AppleTV needs to support a lot more than just iTunes formats. If it works using QuickTime components that would rock I'd just install Perian, Flip, and AC3, Ogg codecs on it and I'd be sorted... NEARLY... for it to be perfect for me it also needs to support playback of TV recorded on an El Gato EyeTV _AND_ allow remote recording of EyeTV stuff over the network from my TV. If this is what the AppleTV does Apple can count me in for 2. If not and it is nothing more than an iTunes extender with photo support count me out.