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Apple TV deal breaker (for me anyway) (Page 2)
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wolfen
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Jan 16, 2007, 12:20 AM
 
Yes. I want to stare at a screen all day and watch random graphics while I listen to techno and sip Red Bull. And can they make the TV screen turn into a mirror now and then so I can gaze at my reflection? I need to know I look trendy every 15 minutes or so, and carrying a mirror around is so 2006. But I'm not buying Apple TV until it throws me a compliment at the end of every song -- a sincere one. I'm worth it.
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Cadaver
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Jan 16, 2007, 12:27 AM
 
Originally Posted by centerchannel68 View Post
I totally agree with you, but seeing as how it has a intel chip, I'm guessing someone will make one for it. The 'dealbreaker' for me is that it doesn't have a DVD drive, so it's not going to replace my DVD player, it can't encode my DVDs, and the optical port is useless as nothing is encoded in surround sound anyway.
Any way to rip a DVD to h.264 and maintain the 5.1 audio?
     
MaxPower2k3
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Jan 16, 2007, 12:29 AM
 
Originally Posted by Cadaver View Post
Any way to rip a DVD to h.264 and maintain the 5.1 audio?
handbrake will do it, but it will only play back in VLC (or other non-quicktime players) and not (as far as we know) on the tv.

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macmad
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Jan 16, 2007, 04:43 AM
 
I think AppleTV will behave just like a (non-portable) 40gig iPod. It has video-out instead of a display, audio-out for connection to a Hi-Fi, and a UI which mimics Front Row. Nothing more. It will store and play whatever is synced to it in iTunes. As for the streaming functions, we'll have to see. And I'm sure someone will figure out how to put a bigger HD in it in no time.
     
centerchannel68
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Jan 16, 2007, 12:07 PM
 
Originally Posted by Dark Helmet View Post
Yes. I never do quick on and off's with it. If I want visuals well the 360 does it better than anything else or I can look at my computer.

Anyway, i am not saying Apple shouldn't add visualizers but it is a bit silly to skip it just for that.
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centerchannel68
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Jan 16, 2007, 12:08 PM
 
Originally Posted by Cadaver View Post
Any way to rip a DVD to h.264 and maintain the 5.1 audio?
Sure. But the problem is, UNLESS this iTV converts the 5.1 AAC (compressed) back into full quality uncompressed 5.1 on hte fly, it won't be compatible with any home theater receiver.
     
Cadaver
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Jan 21, 2007, 11:12 PM
 
Originally Posted by centerchannel68 View Post
Sure. But the problem is, UNLESS this iTV converts the 5.1 AAC (compressed) back into full quality uncompressed 5.1 on hte fly, it won't be compatible with any home theater receiver.
My concern exactly.

Thinking about canceling my order...
     
centerchannel68
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Jan 21, 2007, 11:59 PM
 
I'd cancel. Movies without surround sound if you already have a surround system ... that's just dumb. Wait for the bugs to get worked out, ie, full surround capability.
     
macintologist
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Jan 22, 2007, 12:11 AM
 
I hate it how Apple always gets the small details wrong like this.

What about playing .avi files? What about surround sound? What about gigabit ethernet?
     
centerchannel68
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Jan 22, 2007, 04:43 AM
 
yeeeeep. No soup for you!
     
Doofy
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Jan 22, 2007, 06:09 AM
 
Originally Posted by voodoo View Post
Not really. Tivo isn't available except in the US, UK and Taiwan. The rest of the world uses something else.
Last time I looked, it wasn't available in the UK either. AFAIK, they're still providing the schedule service to existing users but you can no longer buy a new box.
     
selowitch
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Jan 26, 2007, 12:52 PM
 
Last night my wife and I watched three episodes of Desperate Housewives that we purchased from iTMS using our iBook and a video adapter and headphone jack splitter connected to our living-room TV. It worked great. Sure, it wasn't HD, but who cares until that's mandated by the FCC? Because this works so well (and no ads!), I fail to see the appeal of AppleTV, especially since Rev. A apparently will lack gigabit ethernet, which is a real disappointment.
     
centerchannel68
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Jan 26, 2007, 01:01 PM
 
You'll see hte appeal once you hook up your laptop to your TV and stereo for the 20th time, having to futz with cords, hit detect displays, putting things in fullscreen, wearing out your S-video connector, having a power cord near the TV, etc etc etc. It sucks.
     
selowitch
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Jan 26, 2007, 01:05 PM
 
Originally Posted by centerchannel68 View Post
You'll see hte appeal once you hook up your laptop to your TV and stereo for the 20th time, having to futz with cords, hit detect displays, putting things in fullscreen, wearing out your S-video connector, having a power cord near the TV, etc etc etc. It sucks.
OK, I can see that. But does it truly suck to the tune of $300? Not on my budget. Anyway, I actually can use the connectors on my input-device selector, a $30 part, instead of on the TV itself. Sure, the iBook gets some wear, but whatever -- that's my bang-around, receive-abuse machine anyway (the iMac being my silicon baby).

It sure was fun watching downloaded shows on my television! Even my Luddite wife was impressed. What a pleasure....
     
centerchannel68
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Jan 26, 2007, 01:45 PM
 
Yep. Wait til you show her mininova and bit torrent.
     
Gossamer
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Jan 26, 2007, 02:19 PM
 
Originally Posted by selowitch View Post
OK, I can see that. But does it truly suck to the tune of $300? Not on my budget. Anyway, I actually can use the connectors on my input-device selector, a $30 part, instead of on the TV itself. Sure, the iBook gets some wear, but whatever -- that's my bang-around, receive-abuse machine anyway (the iMac being my silicon baby).

It sure was fun watching downloaded shows on my television! Even my Luddite wife was impressed. What a pleasure....
Your wife is a textile worker from the early 1800s?

Luddite - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
     
Steve Bosell  (op)
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Jan 26, 2007, 02:20 PM
 
Originally Posted by centerchannel68 View Post
Sure. But the problem is, UNLESS this iTV converts the 5.1 AAC (compressed) back into full quality uncompressed 5.1 on hte fly, it won't be compatible with any home theater receiver.
Why is everyone assuming that this is not how it works? It is hard to believe that apple would put a useless optical port on the back.
     
Dakar²
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Jan 26, 2007, 02:22 PM
 
Originally Posted by Gossamer View Post
Your wife is a textile worker from the early 1800s?

Luddite - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I don't know but the word luddite followed by wife doesn't paint the picture of a drop-dead gorgeous woman.
     
mitchell_pgh
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Jan 26, 2007, 03:04 PM
 
I own an Elgato Eye Home and LOVEd it (until it broke).

I really wanted the TV to be an updated Eye Home (perhaps with HD and the Apple GUI), but it falls short. I can watch Divx, Xvid, etc. etc. on the Eye Home. How sad...

I'm guessing we will know more when the TV ships.
     
mitchell_pgh
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Jan 26, 2007, 03:09 PM
 
My last words... the TV is also missing a DVD to iTunes converter. I know... I know... it will never happen, but it just seems like that would make the entire solution exciting.

iTunes was exciting when it came out because I could burn my CDs. Without the ability to burn my DVDs to a nice ~2-4GB file (retaining the higher quality audio)... I really wonder... what's the point.
     
Dakar²
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Jan 26, 2007, 03:16 PM
 
Originally Posted by mitchell_pgh View Post
My last words... the TV is also missing a DVD to iTunes converter. I know... I know... it will never happen, but it just seems like that would make the entire solution exciting.

iTunes was exciting when it came out because I could burn my CDs. Without the ability to burn my DVDs to a nice ~2-4GB file (retaining the higher quality audio)... I really wonder... what's the point.
It's a valid point. TV will be most popular for those who already rip DVDs, or those who don't mind dumping money on iTS movie purchases.
     
mitchell_pgh
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Jan 26, 2007, 03:30 PM
 
I also wonder what the point of the hard drive is? Perhaps I'm missing something. Is it so you can copy movies over to it and take it on vacation or to a friends house? My Elgato Eye Home doesn't have a hard drive, and doesn't need one IMHO.
     
mitchell_pgh
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Jan 26, 2007, 03:34 PM
 
Originally Posted by Steve Bosell View Post
Why is everyone assuming that this is not how it works? It is hard to believe that apple would put a useless optical port on the back.
I agree... there is no way they are going to make the optical port useless. There are a number of cheaper $199 boxes that can output digital audio.
     
Gossamer
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Jan 26, 2007, 03:37 PM
 
According to Apple, you're supposed to be able to sync your most recent videos to the TV. But I'm not sure what good this is if you can stream from your computer anyway. Does it automatically download stuff for you?
     
mitchell_pgh
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Jan 26, 2007, 03:41 PM
 
Originally Posted by Gossamer View Post
According to Apple, you're supposed to be able to sync your most recent videos to the TV. But I'm not sure what good this is if you can stream from your computer anyway. Does it automatically download stuff for you?
Yes, it will automatically update your TV with new shows, etc... but what's the point? Great... I have a movie on my TV... but I could just stream it off of my computer.

Why have a hard drive?

I'm obviously missing something.
     
Dakar²
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Jan 26, 2007, 03:45 PM
 
Perhaps the streaming is unreliable at lower wifi bandwiths... or some other convenience.
     
mitchell_pgh
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Jan 26, 2007, 03:47 PM
 
Originally Posted by Dakar² View Post
Perhaps the streaming is unreliable at lower wifi bandwiths... or some other convenience.
That's a good point... but you would think they would simply have buffers vs. a full hard drive.
     
Dakar²
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Jan 26, 2007, 04:02 PM
 
Hmm... here's an odd thought. What if it was used to hold only TV & Movie downloads, rather than keeping them on your desktop/laptop drive?
     
Dark Helmet
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Jan 26, 2007, 04:04 PM
 
Does it have a replaceable battery and 3G? If not deals off.

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Gossamer
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Jan 26, 2007, 04:10 PM
 
Originally Posted by Dark Helmet View Post
Does it have a replaceable battery and 3G? If not deals off.
It also must support 3rd party apps. Which ones? I have no idea. But Apple will fall short.
     
Kerrigan
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Jan 26, 2007, 04:17 PM
 
It doesn't even come with a battery, which means I can't hook it up to my handheld tv while I'm rock climbing.

I mean, I never rock climb, but what if I did?
     
Dakar²
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Jan 26, 2007, 04:22 PM
 
Will it convert your TV to a touchscreen interface?
     
Dark Helmet
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Jan 26, 2007, 04:25 PM
 
Originally Posted by Kerrigan View Post
It doesn't even come with a battery, which means I can't hook it up to my handheld tv while I'm rock climbing.

I mean, I never rock climb, but what if I did?
On that note... this morning I saw a new product that CHARGES your motorola MP3 Phone by bike power. Good timing after those iPhone/mountain bike comments yesterday.

"She's gone from suck to blow!"
     
Gossamer
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Jan 26, 2007, 04:43 PM
 
I'm disappointed that the battery will not last during my journey to Mars. That is the dealbreaker for me.
     
Dakar²
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Jan 26, 2007, 04:46 PM
 
Originally Posted by Gossamer View Post
I'm disappointed that the battery will not last during my journey to Mars. That is the dealbreaker for me.
Yes, if it can't get me to Uranus, I'm not interested.
     
mitchell_pgh
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Jan 26, 2007, 04:55 PM
 
the tv needs much larger handlebars... how serious is Apple with the home theater if they don't even offer quality handlebars on their products.
     
Dark Helmet
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Jan 26, 2007, 04:55 PM
 
Originally Posted by Dakar² View Post
Yes, if it can't get me to Uranus, I'm not interested.

Does Uranus have 3G coverage? I won't pay for the data services anyway but no way am I getting anything without 3G.

"She's gone from suck to blow!"
     
Kevin
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Jan 26, 2007, 05:00 PM
 
Eletric Sheep > Milk Drop

     
smacintush
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Jan 26, 2007, 05:05 PM
 
Lemme see if I get this straight…

Apple TV sucks because it's not fun to stare at when you're stoned.

Makes sense to me.

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Dakar²
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Jan 26, 2007, 05:05 PM
 
Originally Posted by smacintush View Post
Lemme see if I get this straight…

Apple TV sucks because it's not fun to stare at when you're stoned.

Makes sense to me.

It would if you were stoned.
     
Dark Helmet
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Jan 26, 2007, 05:11 PM
 
Originally Posted by Dakar² View Post
It would if you were stoned.
Oh please when you are stoned it is entertaining to watch the cat clean itself.

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Dakar²
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Jan 26, 2007, 05:15 PM
 
Originally Posted by Dark Helmet View Post
Oh please when you are stoned it is entertaining to watch the cat clean itself.
and if you're not it's just merely arousing.
     
Kevin
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Jan 26, 2007, 05:18 PM
 
YouTube - Kitty Washing Machine

 
     
turtle777
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Jan 26, 2007, 06:16 PM
 
Is that spoiler tag new ? I haven't seen it before until a couple of days ago...

-t
     
Gossamer
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Jan 26, 2007, 06:23 PM
 
Check out DemonHood's thread.
     
legacyb4
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Jan 26, 2007, 06:25 PM
 
Oh, that's PRICELESS...

Originally Posted by Kevin View Post
YouTube - Kitty Washing Machine

 
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turtle777
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Jan 26, 2007, 06:39 PM
 
Originally Posted by Gossamer View Post
Check out DemonHood's thread.
[test3]Wow, cool, haven't seen that before[/test3]

-t
     
Steve Bosell  (op)
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Jan 26, 2007, 07:38 PM
 
Originally Posted by smacintush View Post
Lemme see if I get this straight…

Apple TV sucks because it's not fun to stare at when you're stoned.

Makes sense to me.

No need to "spark the owl". Not having a good visualizer is lame if you are using the apple TV primarily for music.
( Last edited by Steve Bosell; Jan 26, 2007 at 07:46 PM. )
     
Kerrigan
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Jan 26, 2007, 07:51 PM
 
Ya but isn't it a bit odd to pay for a device with HD out and 802.11n and all that fancy stuff, if you're just going to use it as an iPod? I don't understand why you considered the Apple TV to begin with, since it's for TV, not music/karaoke/visualizations.
     
lpkmckenna
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Jan 26, 2007, 08:03 PM
 
My opinion of tv is improving. I already own a TVmicro for PVR. If I can record tv in the den, transcode, and sync it to tv, then why not?

I'm gonna visit an Apple store, give the thing a test-drive, and then decide.
     
 
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