Apple TV unboxing
By Paul Miller 
posted March 22nd 2007 9:03AM
posted March 22nd 2007 9:03AM
posted March 22nd 2007 9:03AM
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This device isn't intended to be used by people who are serious gadgeteers, nor by people who would have video game consoles and could therefore repurpose an xbox. These are for HDTVs only, thus why there is no s-video or composite - it's not about cost, it's about experience. If you want sub-par connections, there are other options. If you want games, there are other options. Even I'm not a good candidate for this, as my MBP can connect via DVI to HDMI and use digital audio, so all this would do is enable me to have the laptop closer to me. Plus my video iPod connects to my receiver, so I could just sync stuff up that way. This product is more akin to a modern day version of those TVPlus VCR things that were made for people that couldn't bother to figure out how to set their clocks on a VCR. I don't see why it's a bad thing that a company makes products that aren't for me; there are a lot more non-geeks in the world, or don't you all remember high school?
I think that's exactly why everyone is somewhat pissed off, though. You're right, the idea is to make something for the masses. But the file formats are very limited, so expect to do some converting, if you know how. And it doesn't even come with any kind of AV cable, so it's back to the store to find the right one. Good luck if you happen to be one of those tech-illiterate people, you know? I think Apple screwed up here, and once again made something for their devotees and no one else.
I thought this was going to be a killer product when it was first announced. However, when I found out it does nothing more than Front Row, which can be used on a $500 mac mini, I was very disappointed. More to that disappoint was it was going to cost $300 and will not have "DVR" ability. I just can't seem to justify the cost of an Apple TV, when for about $200 more I can get a fully functional Mac I can still hook up to a HDTV(dvi to hdmi), and be able to record TV. I think if it had DVR ability with a built in dual ATSC, I would probably buy one. But to have the ability to stream wireless my iTunes library for $300 just seems.....like Apple has released a product that completely falls into the stereotype that Apple products are overpriced. I can't believe I am saying this, but I would say the Xbox 360 is a better solution to this "problem" I have a 360 and a program that "on-the-fly" converts video to the "xbox" format. A 360 is $400 and is also a HD game system and a dvd player. If you don't have a MCE or Vista PC, and only Macs, then buy a Front Row enabled Mac Mini used for like $400, and still are better off.
I am also 'miffed' at the lack of cables? Component cables are cheap now and an HDMI cable is like $30. That to me seem like a greedy move on their part.
I have tried to find a way I could use this or justify the price. I don't know, but this Apple fan is going to have to pass on this product.
BTW, I am a huge Apple fan (bought 3 ipod over the years, i have a G5 workstation, my wife has an iMac, and I have a MacBook Pro). The only time I use PCs for my MCE PC hooked up to my TV (which I use to play my video on tv) and at work. So this is a truely disappointing product.
You can get an HDMI cable at monoprice.com for $10. I don't see that as a major issue.
The Mac Mini lacks wifi, HDMI, and Front Row isn't as seamless as AppleTV. I don't want a computer in my HT, so the mini is overboard and more expensive. Why spend more to get more than I need?
If the Xbox is a better solution, then you aren't the target audience for this device and should go pick up a gaming console today.
You make some good points there. No power brick is a neat trick, and I would like to see some more of that in other devices. And yeah, getting stuff to look good on a big TV may mean some duplicate copies, which doesn't bode well for your hard drive. As far as getting stuff into iTunes, yes you can, but the question is will the AppleTV play them, even though they are indeed in iTunes? For example, the Xbox360 will not play all the formats that its big brother Media Center will, even though it functions as an extender. And the word is that the AppleTV only plays H.264 movies, so will it work the same way and only play a fraction of what iTunes really can?
Anyway, here's the bigger problem: You're absolutely right that this makes sense for the average user who's invested a bit into iTunes and has a reasonably sized SDTV; I think the same thing. But no composite output? OK, so lots of SDTVs have component as well, but... no 4:3 support, only widescreen! I keep wondering, who the hell is this for? Who has the perfect setup for this? iTunes downloads probably won't look too hot on the bigger HD sets, but they sort of made sure SDTVs will be screwed too.
Even so, I'm sure it does what it does pretty well, meaning everything could be forgiven if not for that stupidly hefty pricetag. I have no use for it and thus would never buy one, but I'd be willing to give it a nod of approval if they gave it a price drop. Wonder if they will...?
The target audience is your mom? With her widescreen HDTV and her expertise on file conversion / AV cables and her money to burn? Ooookay, if that truly is the case, then go ahead and inform your mom to have fun. Be sure not to help her, k? She is the target audience, after all.
I have no problem with a product that isn't for me, but stop trying to justify this silly thing.
Also, I was pondering a simple definition of 'irrational' but you already nailed it:
"My hatred for M$ isn't irrational, it's a normal byproduct of being a mac user."
If that isn't stupid and irrational, I don't know what is. At least the "anti-Apple sheep", as you put it, have the capacity to be, you know, fair.
I'm done replying, I have better things to do with my day. But here's the bottom line: if it's for "novices" with normal TV sets and average computer skills, then they should have made it that way. They didn't. Not only did they miss the target, but then they overpriced it. What they did do yet again (and I'm always thankful Apple is there to do this) is open the door for someone else to take what they did and do it better. And that's how it is.
Something worth noting: that loud noise on the 360 is the DVD drive, meaning it only gets loud while playing a game or a DVD. You can still watch movies via Media Center, if you have it. And the AppleTV can't play DVDs at all, so does that make it even more worthless for playing movies...? I would agree it might be a better choice for some, however at that price I would say just pass on it entirely...
Yea my mom would have a hard time hitting the 'buy' button in iTunes and then hitting play on the AppleTV? Wow, I'm not sure how to explain why that's pretty easy, k?
Why would I need to justify something to a close minded individual. You don't like it, I do, it works for what I need and what others may be after but you don't We get it. Move on, go play Xbox games.
Stupid and irrational? No. Sarcastic? Said in jest? Over your head? Yes.
As for overpricing? No. DLO just released an iPod dock which does what the AppleTV does for JSUT MUSIC and it runs $150. So, for $150 more, you get iTunes video, photos, movies and anything else you fit into iTunes.
720p is HD, so, ah, it's for HDTV owners as well. Average computer skills? Sure. Advanced compute skills? Absolutely. Other ways to do the same thing? Of course. Any other option as seamless or easy? Nope.
Sorry but I have yet to see anyone take Apple's idea and do it better. You actually have that backwards.
My TV has a port for a monitor plug-in, so Apple TV isn't even necessary. Why is this such a big deal? You can do this with almost every new TV out there, without the pricetag.
Because for most people, there tv isn't near there computer, and they don't want to deal with the hassle of hooking up to cables, this is so they can watch off a hard drive of 50 gigs, and stream from there computer as well.
Interesting...waste a ton of time downloading movies or ripping DVD's to your computer, wasting HD space, then converting the files to iTunes so that you can play it back on a TV thru Apple TV...or just press PLAY on your DVD Player...no brainer to me. Since most honest people BUY there movies on DVD and have a DVD Player.
That's a pretty dumb comment; why can't someone make their own movies on a camcorder, edit them, and then want to watch them on their TV? Yeah, you could transfer the edited movie back to the camcorder and hook it up, or burn it to DVD, but you could use this too. What about photo slideshows? Why sit around and burn them onto a DVD in the first place when someone can use this? I don't get why anyone would only think that this would be used for physical DVDs you already own. Besides, HD space is cheap; it'd only be a 'waste' if you ran out of room and for some bizarre reason couldn't back stuff up somewhere else and remove things. As for converting stuff to iTunes, seems like Apple would sure like people to buy stuff from them; no conversion needed. Imagine, a business trying to get people to buy stuff, hmm.
You're right people should stop being idiots, but then M$ would go out of business.
btw- I'm not rich, I work hard for a living and it ain't a bed of roses. No wine or caviar here. What I spend my money on better be quality, well designed and thought of, and HOLD IT's VAULE. Go check ebay and compare PCs to Apples and you'll see where the dollar has better value. Has nothing to do with being rich as your Xbox costs more than the ATV. So, what were you saying about idiots.....
Everyone may hate on aTV right now, but you all sure are caught up talking about it. Like it, get it. Don't like, don't get it, don't complain about it.
Apple TV is apple's answer to the Media Center/ Xbox 360.
same way as..
Zune is Microsoft's answer at the iPod.
Both 6 years late.
This device would make a nice step ladder. Stack 5 of them up to get to your top shelf!
I've got 2000Gb of storage space on mine.
oh did i mention mine's vista MCE?