Apple unveils the Apple TV, take 2

Apple just admitted that the first Apple TV didn't quite work out -- so it's back with a new model that can access iTunes directly, and streams movies from the new rental store in both DVD quality and HD with 5.1 surround. HD rentals cost a dollar more than SD content -- $3.99 and $4.99, and they'll sync back to your computer as well. The YouTube selection has also been expanded to 50M videos, there's now Flickr support in addition to .mac, and what's more, the entire UI has been revamped. The new single menu interface offers quick search of all available titles, and includes access to 600 TV shows that are available for $1.99, as well as your iTunes library and HD podcasts. Current owners aren't left out in the cold, though -- Apple's offering the new software as a free download. That's not all, either -- to lure you in to the frightening world of HD rentals, Apple's dropped the price to $229, down from $299.

We'll have a hands-on with the updated Apple TV in just a few right here -- stay tuned!

Apple TV, take 2

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 15th 2008 3:26PM]

Does it play video playlists? The current AppleTV does not.

Yes, read that again. You cannot put music videos in a playlist. This makes it inferior to a video iPod, which can.

Please, oh pretty please, can I just play a music video playlist?

[Roberini Posted Jan 15th 2008 4:13PM]

Handbrake + XBMC = Multimedia Nirvana

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 15th 2008 6:10PM]

Yep XBMC is still way better than Apple TV or anything else out on the market. Can't wait till they release the Linux port.

[BLKMGK Posted Jan 16th 2008 9:11PM]

Linux XBMC is WELL on the way towards release. It is currently close to feature complete and many of us have setup boxes just to run it. The SVN code is pretty stable, stop waiting and start running it IMO.

Go check it out -> http://www.xboxmediacenter.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=52

Oh, there's an OSX port coming along too - http:\\www.OSXBMC.com

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 16th 2008 1:44PM]

The HDMI port has always been there! I've had mine plugged into my 52" LCD TV for over a year now. Have you ever used one, or even seen one in use? Or are you merely uninformed while criticizing?

[Garst Posted Jan 15th 2008 7:00PM]

This might actually be worth it even if it's only to rent movies. It probably would be worth it now if I actually had any other Apple products, but I don't.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 15th 2008 7:22PM]

Nice of Apple to reflect the price drop in the UK as well.... NOT!!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 16th 2008 12:42AM]

Looks like this is exactly the same hardware. The Apple part number on the "New" 40GB model is MA711LL/A, which matches my six month old unit. The only difference until the Software Update is released and comes preloaded is the price reduction. The current/prior model most certainly has HDMI and optical audio, in addition to component video, L/R audio, ethernet and 802.11n.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 16th 2008 5:21PM]

I followed the Keynote address and was almost dumbfounded at the amount of air time Apple is getting for these lack luster products. Apple TV, I mean come on, it just gets 5.1 audio after being out how long, and the kicker was that not all HD content that you can rent 30 days after the DVD/BD/HD DVD is released comes with 5.1 audio and you will have to settle for 2-channel at 720p (hardly) HD.
To compare the Apple TV to Blu-ray and even the dead/dying HD DVD formats is just wrong, I wonder how much Apple had to pay to get people to compare the two?
In reality most people are a lot smarter then Jobs would like to think. The Apple TV will die out like HD DVD not because some studios signed on to the competitor but because it is sub par and offers half-ass HD at a substantial price with 2006 technology. People want 1080p, DolbyHD/DTS HD audio not some cheap set top box saying its HD.

Sad part is the Apple cult following with keep this product alive because Jobs says its the latest and greatest even thought Xbox 360 has been able to do the same thing for how long?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 17th 2008 11:28PM]

720p is definitely adequate, and a significant upgrade from 480p seen on regular DVDs. In fact, unless your TV is 50" or larger, you probably couldn't tell a difference between 720p and 1080p. That said, I would of course prefer Apple TV to be 1080p! See home theater magazine's discussion at http://blog.hometheatermag.com/geoffreymorrison/090806more1080p/