Apple TV: Thoughts?

[FanIn80]

AppleTV is yet another one of those things that you have to experience in order to really appreciate. It doesn't sound like much on paper, but it's the overall user experience that makes the product.

Having said that, I'm still looking at ways of incorporating a Mac Mini Server as my living room media hub.

[Russic]

Originally Posted by Igottago

Forgive my ignorance but couldn't you just attach a small computer to your tv (like a mac mini) and have even more features you could use, such as web browsing etc? AppleTV seems more like itunes attached to your tv.

Yes and no. Many people feel the same as you and don't like the various restrictions and choose to go the mac mini route. Biggest problem is that mac mini will cost you about $400 more. Next problem is that the hd movies and tv shows are not actually available on your computer through iTunes, but only through the apple tv itself (this may no longer be the case, but it was a while ago). Nextly to control the mac mini you'll need a keyboard or mouse setup, whereas the atv can be controlled using a small remote or your iPhone/iPod touch (although many use a mouse app on their iPhone to control their mac mini). What's also nice is the atv will act as an access point for AirTunes, so you can play your iTunes through your tv speakers or home theatre speakers (also a big plus when using your iPhone/iPod touch as a remote.

The mac mini is more capable as a home theatre device, but the price is probably the biggest issue.

[1stLand]

i would recommend buying the western digital media player (the one that allows for media streaming), then buy 1tb western digital harddrive.

hook up to your tv with an hdmi cable and begin watching high quality movies you downloaded (legally) right away.
lots of 1080p blu ray disc quality digital movies out there

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by 1stLand

hook up to your tv with an hdmi cable and begin watching high quality movies you downloaded (legally) right away.
lots of 1080p blu ray disc quality digital movies out there

Right.

[Igottago]

I dunno. I hate going to blockbuster to rent movies these days, so I'm looking for something to do that. I also want a really good solution for my music collection, so I can view itunes, create playlists etc all on my tv screen. Maybe appletv is a good way to go. It just seems a bit redundant since I already have a macbook, ipod, iphone. Apple sure knows how to get you to buy into a lot of their products.

[silentsim]

Originally Posted by Igottago

I dunno. I hate going to blockbuster to rent movies these days, so I'm looking for something to do that. I also want a really good solution for my music collection, so I can view itunes, create playlists etc all on my tv screen. Maybe appletv is a good way to go. It just seems a bit redundant since I already have a macbook, ipod, iphone. Apple sure knows how to get you to buy into a lot of their products.

Well, the appleTV works great with the more devices you have...since you don't need to sync at all, but can stream with any online devices.

Renting from the iTunes store is pretty cool too, all done via streaming.

[Russic]

Originally Posted by Igottago

I dunno. I hate going to blockbuster to rent movies these days, so I'm looking for something to do that. I also want a really good solution for my music collection, so I can view itunes, create playlists etc all on my tv screen. Maybe appletv is a good way to go. It just seems a bit redundant since I already have a macbook, ipod, iphone. Apple sure knows how to get you to buy into a lot of their products.

I wouldn't say it's redundant at all, those products compliment each other very well. One word of caution though, you can't create playlists from the Apple TV itself. You'd have to do that on your macbook first.

My hatred of Blockbuster was one of the things that had me switch to the apple tv in the first place. They overcharged me on a late charge so I took my business elsewhere. Blockbuster screwing me over was one of the best things to happen to me entertainment-wise.

[You Need a Thneed]

I'm assuming there's not a solution to live sports, yet is there? Can I cancel my cable if I buy an Apple TV? My wife and I don't watch a whole lot of TV, and were just wondering about buying something like this to save money over paying $60+ dollars a month for cable.

[You Need a Thneed]

How many TV shows are available in Canada? Just the major networks? What about TLC, discovery channel, Food Network, etc?

[You Need a Thneed]

Also, are there options for legal free TV shows? Say, for shows that you can stream on a website the next day, can you copy it somehow onto your Apple TV?

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by You Need a Thneed

How many TV shows are available in Canada? Just the major networks? What about TLC, discovery channel, Food Network, etc?

It varies. The easiest way to see what is available is to download iTunes and browse through the iTunes store. There is a section for movies and TV shows.

I was considering dropping my cable, but there isn't a solution for live sports and some shows (like Americans Next Top Model, for the gf) that it didn't have. It has all the shows that I am interested it. But I haven't been using it for current shows (at least not yet). I've been buying old shows like Battlestar Galactica and Top Gear. Both are shows that I didn't get on cable or ones that I never got a chance to watch. Plus I've been using it to rewatch a lot of my old DVD's that I've ripped onto it.

I've been meaning to write my Apple TV review. I'll try to do that soon.

[Antithesis]

Depending on how much TV you watch, Apple TV may not save you all that much moeny. The TV shows are about $3 an episode for HD if I remember right. It almost sounds like, for what you want, a laptop with an HDMI output (assuming you have an HDTV) may be better. That being said, I love my Apple TV, and so does my wife, now that she's figuring it out.

[FanIn80]

On a side note, iTunes now includes Rotten Tomatoes ratings and reviews in the movie section. Apple TV to follow?

[Russic]

Originally Posted by Antithesis

Depending on how much TV you watch, Apple TV may not save you all that much moeny. The TV shows are about $3 an episode for HD if I remember right. It almost sounds like, for what you want, a laptop with an HDMI output (assuming you have an HDTV) may be better. That being said, I love my Apple TV, and so does my wife, now that she's figuring it out.

I worked it out once and to buy full seasons of all the shows I watch would run me about $600, which is about what I spend on cable over a 10 month period (I'm not counting the summer as there is no new tv). The upside with going cable-less is that while you aren't saving any money, you aren't getting any commercials either, and if you have something like an iPod or an iPad you can take the shows with you. The obvious disadvantage is that you have to wait a day for the show to be available on itunes, and you might need to upgrade your hard drive to hold it all.

Once the playoffs are over my cable is dead. I'll let you know how it goes.

[HeartsOfFire]

I <3 my AppleTV, but that's because of my media needs. For what I wanted to do with my media, AppleTV sync'd with iTunes was the perfect solution.

I wanted:
To watch what I wanted, when I wanted to watch it.
To not worry about missing chronological episodes to some of my favourite shows.
To keep my TV shows and movies neatly organized.

I did not want:
To have a wall unit completely filled with DVD's, wasting space while they waited to be popped into a player.
To get off my backside to swap DVD's, if at all possible.

AppleTV allowed me to do all of that, PLUS:
No commercials.
Doubles as an AirTunes port.
Renting movies has never been easier.
Video podcasts on big screen tv.
Unique needs mean no need for a cable subscription service.

Downsides:
Only does 1080p in stillframe; It can display pictures in 1080p, but it cannot display video in 1080p.
All of Apple's HD content is heavily compressed. Sure, it's still 720p technically, but the video quality is so compressed that you will notice a difference if you compare it to streaming HD cable.
Unlike the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, it doesn't look like Apple has any plans to upgrade the AppleTV.

[Azure]

Oh I doubt that they wouldn't upgrade AppleTV. Especially if Google is getting into the game.

[mykalberta]

Rumors have always been that Apple TV will be incorporated into an apple Branded LCD/plasma TV.

That...might...be...cool.

Google doesnt make anything currently that I would pay money for. If they think they can compete with Apple, they are sorely mistaking IMO. Unless of course they buy a company to do the competing and not compete themselves.

[Antithesis]

Originally Posted by Russic

I worked it out once and to buy full seasons of all the shows I watch would run me about $600, which is about what I spend on cable over a 10 month period (I'm not counting the summer as there is no new tv). The upside with going cable-less is that while you aren't saving any money, you aren't getting any commercials either, and if you have something like an iPod or an iPad you can take the shows with you. The obvious disadvantage is that you have to wait a day for the show to be available on itunes, and you might need to upgrade your hard drive to hold it all.

Once the playoffs are over my cable is dead. I'll let you know how it goes.

If only they could figure out a way to get live sporting events available via iTunes. That would rule. TV providers would probably never get another cent from me.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by Antithesis

If only they could figure out a way to get live sporting events available via iTunes. That would rule. TV providers would probably never get another cent from me.

Which is why I have a hard time believing that will ever happen. Especially in Canada.

[Antithesis]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

Which is why I have a hard time believing that will ever happen. Especially in Canada.

Yeah. Ah well. One can dream!