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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Consumer Hardware & Components > Want to buy an Apple TV now?

Want to buy an Apple TV now?
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stugots
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Jan 18, 2008, 10:30 AM
 
Just curious how many people are looking at purchasing an Apple TV now with iTunes movie rentals, new software, and lower price?

I always thought the Apple TV was a good idea but it just wasn't quite developed correctly. I think Apple may be able to pull the Apple TV out of the hole with the latest updates and new price point.
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elvis2000
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Jan 18, 2008, 11:23 AM
 
Originally Posted by stugots View Post
Just curious how many people are looking at purchasing an Apple TV now with iTunes movie rentals, new software, and lower price?

I always thought the Apple TV was a good idea but it just wasn't quite developed correctly. I think Apple may be able to pull the Apple TV out of the hole with the latest updates and new price point.
Depends on if I can get the thing to sync. It never could appear in iTunes when I first tried it, so I gave up. I have a real use for what the AppleTV offers, but not if I can't get it to work. And generally "getting things to work" isn't a problem for me, but it was in the case of Apple TV.
     
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Jan 18, 2008, 11:37 AM
 
Not interested.

Here is a poll with 500 votes on the subject. 2/3rds are completely uninterested.
     
MacinTommy
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Jan 18, 2008, 11:47 AM
 
Well, I previously owned one and I liked it. But I took it back because of heat/freezing issues. I have a plasma Tv so as you know freezing images did not go over too well. But now I would probably get another because of the price drop and the HD/normal rentals. Hopefully they've fixed a lot of the bugs that the original software had.
     
eyadams
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Jan 18, 2008, 01:42 PM
 
I'm definitely considering it now. I've always been tempted, mainly because I wanted an easy way to get videos off my computer to my HDTV, which is in another room in the house. The new features make it a lot more tempting. Especially when combined with the Elgato EyeTV Hybrid.
     
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Jan 18, 2008, 01:49 PM
 
I would definitely like one now that its quite a bit more robust than before. My only issue is that I don't have an HDTV yet, and I feel like I wouldn't be getting the most out of it until I do. I'm hoping that by the time I actually get a new TV it will be even better than it is now.
     
bearcatrp
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Jan 18, 2008, 01:54 PM
 
I ordered the day Job's announced the updated version. Fedex came today but was in the shower and missed him. Have to go fetch it after 4. Bummer, its freezing cold here in minnesota. Hooking this up to my 50 inch sony rear projection tv.
( Last edited by bearcatrp; Jan 18, 2008 at 01:57 PM. Reason: added sony tv)
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BRussell
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Jan 18, 2008, 02:32 PM
 
I am going to get one. I'm totally uninterested in 1) getting a new hi-def DVD player or 2) paying for cable or satellite for digital content. I am interested in 1) easy access to movies, music, and pictures from my computer, 2) getting podcasts and other free content on my TV, and 3) renting movies. The price drop and significant improvement in software is the clincher, and the better emphasis on streaming over storing means that the cheaper one is all that is necessary.
     
swiz
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Jan 18, 2008, 04:31 PM
 
Just ordered the 160gb ATV ten minutes ago. The only bummer for me is runnind my dvd collection through MTR and then Handbrake. MTR isnt so bad but Handbrake on my 2.1ghz G5 iMac takes 10 hours per movie export using Apple TV setting.

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jokell82
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Jan 18, 2008, 05:10 PM
 
Bought one as soon as the store came back up after the keynote.

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bearcatrp
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Jan 18, 2008, 07:56 PM
 
Got it. Now I have to wait for the cable I ordered from apple. Supposed to be hear tomorrow (if fedex delivers on saturday). Anyone can tell me if I can us an external usb drive on this? Nothing in the books says anything and other forums say no. Would be nice to hook up an external.
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Butch Hauke
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Jan 18, 2008, 08:42 PM
 
Originally Posted by bearcatrp View Post
Got it. Now I have to wait for the cable I ordered from apple. Supposed to be hear tomorrow (if fedex delivers on saturday). Anyone can tell me if I can us an external usb drive on this? Nothing in the books says anything and other forums say no. Would be nice to hook up an external.
Randy
bearcatrp,

Did your Apple TV come in the new packaging with the new software? I ordered mine on Wednesday, got it today, but it's not in the new packaging. I haven't had a chance to hook it up yet, but I assume it's running the old software.

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jokell82
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Jan 18, 2008, 08:55 PM
 
Originally Posted by Butch Hauke View Post
bearcatrp,

Did your Apple TV come in the new packaging with the new software? I ordered mine on Wednesday, got it today, but it's not in the new packaging. I haven't had a chance to hook it up yet, but I assume it's running the old software.

Butch
The software wont be out for another week.

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bearcatrp
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Jan 18, 2008, 10:15 PM
 
Old package. Presume old software too. Ordered tuesday night (regular shipping) and delivered today from china. Got to applaude apple for fast delivery. Now hope the new software coming out isn't buggy. Thats the reason I bought it is for the new software. Contemplated getting one when they first came out but wasn't to impressed at that time. Watching the keynote demonstration of the new software, I was impressed so ordered it. Am hoping my cable comes in tomorrow so I can hook it up.
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swiz
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Jan 18, 2008, 10:28 PM
 
I wonder if the new software update for it will be based on Leopard now instead of Tiger; I would assume and hope that it is. I am also very interested in getting it to read from a USB drive. I know you can do it with the current setup but only if you have Tiger installed on a partition you can boot from. My other roadblock for modding it may be that I do not have an Intel Mac.

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bearcatrp
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Jan 18, 2008, 11:27 PM
 
I hope it works on both tiger and leopard. I have both on my pro but run tiger until 10.5.2 comes out. Leopard is still a bit buggy IMHO. Still a few programs i cant run in leopard too. Still haven't decided if i want to stream from my pro or my imac. If anyone who purchased there apple tv this week gets it up and running, post what version came with it. If my cable comes in tomorrow, i'll post whats in mine later in the day.
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50leaves.com
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Jan 19, 2008, 01:47 AM
 
Apple TV is selling like hot cakes by me, infact 5 apple stores around me are out of stock (the 160 gb apple tv and hdmi cables both).

Anyone else have the same issues? I ordered one online instead.
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Jan 19, 2008, 04:33 AM
 
I just bought the elgato eyetv hydrid and the Turbo.264 because both are on sale right now because of Macworld. Also the new eyetv 3.0 is out with tons of new features, so it's a good time to buy. I was thinking about ripping all my DVDs using the Turbo.264 but then realize maybe instead of spending all the effort and time, I'll just get an AppleTV.

Basically with the AppleTV, I have access to the library of over 1000 movies all categorized for me with movie info and cover art. I can easily search for the movie I want and click on play. In less than 30 secs, I'm watching. I don't have the upfront cost of buying and ripping all the movies, and having to store all those movie on the hard drive and worry about my hard drive dying. Only upfront cost is the AppleTV. I'm basically paying Apple for the fee of access the content on their remote hard drive. Sorta saves me the thousands of dollars of upfront cost and thousands of hours ripping and labeling my movies. Also won't have to re-rip the movie when I decide I want a better quality version of the movie. Apple will re-encode it for me in 720p or maybe 1080p in the future. Seems very very cool, as I always wanted to watch any movie I want just by search for it on the TV without having to look through my library, take it out of the case, and put in in the DVD player. However, it's still too expensive to rent a movie right now. When movie rentals hit $2 for maybe a 7 day viewing period, I'm definitely in.
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bearcatrp
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Jan 19, 2008, 10:37 AM
 
Looking at the cost of renting a movie for 24 hrs, driving to get it, put it in the dvd player to watch, I think apple has priced it about right compared to the cost of others. Heck, It would cost me the same from my dish network to pay for a movie. Also don't get the option of HD or regular format. My guess is apple and the studios could have dropped it a bit more but would kill alot of jobs. If they really wanted to take over the movie rental, they could have opted for 48 hour rental with the pricing scheme in place now. I suspect if this takes off, going to the store to rent a movie is over. I can't wait for the new software to come out and try a HD rental.
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midwinter
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Jan 19, 2008, 04:38 PM
 
Originally Posted by BRussell View Post
I am going to get one. I'm totally uninterested in 1) getting a new hi-def DVD player or 2) paying for cable or satellite for digital content. I am interested in 1) easy access to movies, music, and pictures from my computer, 2) getting podcasts and other free content on my TV, and 3) renting movies. The price drop and significant improvement in software is the clincher, and the better emphasis on streaming over storing means that the cheaper one is all that is necessary.
Heh. I bought one, too, and for the exact same reasons you did. We're planning on rolling back our cable to just better than basic and using Netflix + iTunes for everything else.

My new gadget should be here Monday.
     
BRussell
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Jan 19, 2008, 05:01 PM
 
Originally Posted by midwinter View Post
Heh. I bought one, too, and for the exact same reasons you did. We're planning on rolling back our cable to just better than basic and using Netflix + iTunes for everything else.

My new gadget should be here Monday.
Let me know how it goes! I'm not sure if even the new AppleTVs that people are buying have the new software on them. You'd think they would, but I seem to recall someone saying that it didn't, and I haven't seen any reports from actual users with the new AppleTV yet.
     
jokell82
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Jan 19, 2008, 05:19 PM
 
Originally Posted by BRussell View Post
Let me know how it goes! I'm not sure if even the new AppleTVs that people are buying have the new software on them. You'd think they would, but I seem to recall someone saying that it didn't, and I haven't seen any reports from actual users with the new AppleTV yet.
They don't. The new software wont be out for another week or so.

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BRussell
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Jan 19, 2008, 05:26 PM
 
Originally Posted by jokell82 View Post
They don't. The new software wont be out for another week or so.
OK. I guess it doesn't really matter, because the update is free, but people may get a new AppleTV and think it will do rentals and such right away.
     
jokell82
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Jan 19, 2008, 06:00 PM
 
Originally Posted by BRussell View Post
OK. I guess it doesn't really matter, because the update is free, but people may get a new AppleTV and think it will do rentals and such right away.
Hopefully the Apple Stores are telling people better. But yes, if you buy it online and hook it up you may wonder where the rentals are...

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Jan 19, 2008, 06:51 PM
 
Originally Posted by bearcatrp View Post
Looking at the cost of renting a movie for 24 hrs, driving to get it, put it in the dvd player to watch, I think apple has priced it about right compared to the cost of others. Heck, It would cost me the same from my dish network to pay for a movie. Also don't get the option of HD or regular format. My guess is apple and the studios could have dropped it a bit more but would kill alot of jobs. If they really wanted to take over the movie rental, they could have opted for 48 hour rental with the pricing scheme in place now. I suspect if this takes off, going to the store to rent a movie is over. I can't wait for the new software to come out and try a HD rental.
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Jan 19, 2008, 06:54 PM
 
Originally Posted by swiz View Post
I wonder if the new software update for it will be based on Leopard now instead of Tiger; I would assume and hope that it is. I am also very interested in getting it to read from a USB drive. I know you can do it with the current setup but only if you have Tiger installed on a partition you can boot from. My other roadblock for modding it may be that I do not have an Intel Mac.
They've enabled the usb port, but I don't think anyone actually got it to read a usb drive yet. They were close, but all of the developers turned their attention to the iPhone.
     
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Jan 19, 2008, 07:01 PM
 
Originally Posted by Wiskedjak View Post
They've enabled the usb port, but I don't think anyone actually got it to read a usb drive yet. They were close, but all of the developers turned their attention to the iPhone.
Nope you can read from the USB port now. Instructions are up on AwkwardTV's wiki page.

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Jan 19, 2008, 08:53 PM
 
I prefer my MythTV setup. Not only does it do much more, but I don't want to be locked into a proprietary setup (assuming that you can't mount and access your ATV videos as a network share).
     
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Jan 19, 2008, 09:23 PM
 
Originally Posted by BRussell View Post
Let me know how it goes! I'm not sure if even the new AppleTVs that people are buying have the new software on them. You'd think they would, but I seem to recall someone saying that it didn't, and I haven't seen any reports from actual users with the new AppleTV yet.
Well, this is part of a larger project my wife and I are embarking on—going to take some time to get everything set up like we want. Next step is a giant wide-screen TV that I can hook a PC up to and watch Netflix movies on.
     
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Jan 21, 2008, 12:22 AM
 
I have an intel mini I was running as an AppleTV. As soon as the software update comes around, I'm interested in picking up two AppleTV devices.

I'd prefer that the rental period was 5 days. 24 hours is simply too short for me to watch a movie within.

(Yes, I'm serious. Small children mean sleepless nights trying to coax them back to sleep, which mean movies get interrupted.)
     
cjrivera
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Jan 21, 2008, 04:08 AM
 
I pulled the trigger, but realized I ordered the 40gb instead of the 160gb.
I really don't want to go through the hassle of returning it.

Does anyone know an easy way to upgrade the HD in the apple tv?
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Jan 21, 2008, 09:29 AM
 
I ordered it the day of the Keynote. I'm actually surprised how much fun it is before the update. I've synced 35gb of photos, music, and videos, and REALLY enjoy watching the content on our 50" plasma. I didn't think that I would use it much until the rental service was up and running, but with my media and youtube I've used it quite a bit.

As for the 24 hour limit, it is short, but unfortunately seems to be the standard. X-box 360 gives you 24 hours and so does Comcast. However if I want HD movies it's either this model or back to the rental movie store to use my (soon to be defunct) HD-DVD player. I don't watch enough movies to use Netflix
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bearcatrp
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Jan 21, 2008, 01:23 PM
 
Originally Posted by cjrivera View Post
I pulled the trigger, but realized I ordered the 40gb instead of the 160gb.
I really don't want to go through the hassle of returning it.

Does anyone know an easy way to upgrade the HD in the apple tv?
I got the the 40gb because I am streaming everything which works real good on 802.11g. You can change the drive (from what I have read) but will void the warrenty. With my collection of videos, photoes and music, 160gb isn't enough. Maybe the new update will let have access to apples new wireless backup. I would prefer if apple would let use use the usb port for an external drive to store stuff.
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Butch Hauke
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Jan 21, 2008, 11:08 PM
 
Originally Posted by jokell82 View Post
They don't. The new software wont be out for another week or so.
Correct. My new Apple TV (ordered a day after the keynote) arrived in old packaging with 1.1 software. It's up and running on my Mitsubishi 46" widescreen HDTV. It's connected via component (I don't have HDMI as my TV is one of the first few generations of HDTVs) and I'm running it at 1080i. I'm running it wired from my iMac G5. Most of my media is on a 500GB LaCie Porsche USB external connected to the iMac. I have hundreds of ripped movies and TV shows that have been encoded at 640xWhatever. I know I could have better quality, but I wanted one rip that'll work on the Apple TV or my iPod touch. Anyway, I've been pleasantly surprised with the quality. I'm going to start doing a few of my favorite flicks at a higher resolution just to see how much better they'll look. Very pleased so far and can't wait for the software update.
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Jan 21, 2008, 11:13 PM
 
Originally Posted by cjrivera View Post
I pulled the trigger, but realized I ordered the 40gb instead of the 160gb.
I really don't want to go through the hassle of returning it.

Does anyone know an easy way to upgrade the HD in the apple tv?
FWIW: I bought the 40gb last June, then returned it for the 160gb. But I've found that streaming works so well that I barely use the ATV hd. Could have kept the 40gb version.
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cjrivera
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Jan 22, 2008, 02:30 AM
 
Originally Posted by bearcatrp View Post
I got the the 40gb because I am streaming everything which works real good on 802.11g. You can change the drive (from what I have read) but will void the warrenty. With my collection of videos, photoes and music, 160gb isn't enough. Maybe the new update will let have access to apples new wireless backup. I would prefer if apple would let use use the usb port for an external drive to store stuff.
Randy
Originally Posted by desertmac View Post
FWIW: I bought the 40gb last June, then returned it for the 160gb. But I've found that streaming works so well that I barely use the ATV hd. Could have kept the 40gb version.
Thanks for the info guys...

maybe I'll wait until the new software comes out to see if 40gb is enough.
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Jan 22, 2008, 10:11 AM
 
I'm definitely interested. Hope to pick one up sometime later this year once my contract with DirecTV expires. I also like that I'd be able to get rid of my media storage shelf that currently stores about 275 CD's and 30 DVD's and get a little bit of floor space back.
     
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Jan 22, 2008, 12:02 PM
 
I like the increased storage for a couple of reasons. 160gb is enough for me at this moment. I've got 802.11n so streaming shouldn't be an issue, but it means I have to have the computer on and open. I like that I don't have to use my computer to see the content. Also I'm not sure how streaming works, but Apple TV updates things like play-count and last time played. I'm very anal about last time played since most of my smart playlists update based on this.
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Jan 22, 2008, 04:04 PM
 
I am going to try using another wireless router NOT hooked up to the net and see if streaming works. I don't like any information going back to anyone on the net. Since the apple tv is already registered, it shouldn't need access to the net unless you want to download movies or watch you tube stuff. Anyone else doing something like this?
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Jan 22, 2008, 04:32 PM
 
Originally Posted by swiz View Post
Just ordered the 160gb ATV ten minutes ago. The only bummer for me is runnind my dvd collection through MTR and then Handbrake. MTR isnt so bad but Handbrake on my 2.1ghz G5 iMac takes 10 hours per movie export using Apple TV setting.
Change the encoder from the default H.264 to FFmpeg.

Frankly I can't tell the difference between the 2 at this resolution and time to encode is 3X-4X faster on my MBP. Average encode is less than 30 minutes. Before that it was 2 hours +.

Hope this helps.

Dave
     
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Jan 22, 2008, 06:10 PM
 
Originally Posted by dpicardi View Post
Change the encoder from the default H.264 to FFmpeg.

Frankly I can't tell the difference between the 2 at this resolution and time to encode is 3X-4X faster on my MBP. Average encode is less than 30 minutes. Before that it was 2 hours +.

Hope this helps.

Dave
Thanks for that tip, I'll give it a shot since my new iMac wont be here for a few more days.

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Jan 22, 2008, 08:18 PM
 
Originally Posted by swiz View Post
Just ordered the 160gb ATV ten minutes ago. The only bummer for me is runnind my dvd collection through MTR and then Handbrake. MTR isnt so bad but Handbrake on my 2.1ghz G5 iMac takes 10 hours per movie export using Apple TV setting.
FYI - you can skip MTR and just use Handbrake. It's what I do (just started ripping my entire collection since I got the aTV).

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Jan 22, 2008, 08:48 PM
 
Yes, with the added features and lowered price, I'm thinking of picking one up. It sure would be nice while I'm on the couch and cold from the weather, longing for a movie, a CD, pictures or other stuff to be able to just dial it up. I've got Netflix, so I wouldn't ditch that for ATV, but "on the fly" rentals with the other features DO appeal to me.
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swiz
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Jan 22, 2008, 09:30 PM
 
Originally Posted by dpicardi View Post
Change the encoder from the default H.264 to FFmpeg.

Frankly I can't tell the difference between the 2 at this resolution and time to encode is 3X-4X faster on my MBP. Average encode is less than 30 minutes. Before that it was 2 hours +.

Hope this helps.

Dave
Wow, I did this and my encode time for a 1 hour DVD dropped from 5 hours to 35 minutes. Im gonna encode it at the H.264 after ffmpeg encode finishes then compare file sizes and quality on my ATV to decide which way to continue encoding. Man if I end up using ffmpeg I wont be able to keep up with the encoding when my new iMac arrives. But I have a strong feeling I'll be sticking with H.264.

24" AlumiMac 2.4ghz C2D, 4g Ram, 300g HD, 750g USBHD • 80g iPod • 160g ATV • iPhone 3g
     
jokell82
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Jan 22, 2008, 09:39 PM
 
I'm sticking with the h.264 encoding on my mini. Sure it takes about 7-9 hours per disc, but I start one before work and one before bed. I'm not home during the day or awake during the night so it works out for me.

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nickhos38
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Jan 24, 2008, 12:01 AM
 
It will never happen, but the device needs to support DVD Player (or iTunes needs to support ripped DVD format (TS-folders)). Unless this occurs, I'm still plugging/unplugging my MBP into/from my 4 TB hard drives and TV, which is frustrating, but in retrospect it's much better than the old Betamax and separate tape-rewinding machine device thingy.
     
frdmfghtr
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Jan 24, 2008, 12:39 AM
 
Along that thought...what does Apple TV offer that a MacBook with a composite DVI adapter does not? I don't have an HDTV so HD is a non-issue. No DVD drive means either running my DVD collection thru Handbrake or keeping the DVD player.
     
besson3c
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Jan 24, 2008, 01:51 AM
 
Originally Posted by frdmfghtr View Post
Along that thought...what does Apple TV offer that a MacBook with a composite DVI adapter does not? I don't have an HDTV so HD is a non-issue. No DVD drive means either running my DVD collection thru Handbrake or keeping the DVD player.
That's a legitimate question you could ask regardless of the HD variable...
     
swiz
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Jan 24, 2008, 01:42 PM
 
Originally Posted by frdmfghtr View Post
Along that thought...what does Apple TV offer that a MacBook with a composite DVI adapter does not? I don't have an HDTV so HD is a non-issue. No DVD drive means either running my DVD collection thru Handbrake or keeping the DVD player.
Here is my opinion-
Pros ATV over MacBook:
•Seemless integration into AV system - No connect/disconnect for use
•Remote control/Frontrow - This is an even bigger benefit when the 2.0 software is released

Im sure others could find more benefits but these were the two reasons which swayed my purchase; especially the first.

If they added the ability to capture to ATV(Never happen) and plug ext drives into ATV's usb port, the ATV would reign supreme and not many people would even consider a laptop or mini over the ATV.

24" AlumiMac 2.4ghz C2D, 4g Ram, 300g HD, 750g USBHD • 80g iPod • 160g ATV • iPhone 3g
     
besson3c
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Jan 24, 2008, 03:42 PM
 
Can't you use Frontrow and the remote with your Mac w/o ATV?
     
 
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