Someone explain to me: Apple TV?

[Howdoin]

Why the heck do I need an Apple TV? All the tech blogs are raving about it today... woohoo!!!

But what does it do? It streams whatever content from your iTunes to your TV? mmmkay but why do I need my mp3s on my TV, I'm fine with them being streamed to my recevier already.
Secondly about movies: why do I need to watch low quality ipod encoded films/shows on my 50" HDTV? Can't I get a better picture from my cable anyway?

Wouldn't it be much easier to just plug your PC's VGA plug into your TV's VGA in order to get your PC directly on yoru TV for the cost of a$5 cable?

I am sure I am missing something here, there must be something revolutionnary abotut he Apple TV but I don't see it?

Please explain.

 

[TonK]

Its dumb...

 

[Nesagwa]

Theyre going to put higher quality videos on iTunes.

And other than the aspect of having your computer in one room and this thing under your TV, no idea.

 

[Murray]

It says "Apple" on it. That's why it's so badass. Same as the iPhone.

Seriously, it doesn't seem that revolutionary because it isn't revolutionary ... except that it's now Apple doing it instead of, say, Hauppauge, Tivo, Microsoft, Linksys, or any of the other people who have made streaming media set top boxes.

The only real advantage I can see is that Apple may do the UI better.

 

[roker]

man

Apple sure does have the best marketing teams

really

that's all I can think of

hey

couldn't I do all this with a Mac Mini?

Or is this a Mac Mini in disguise?

 

[smokehouse]

Most here know I’m a Mac fan and I can’t even see a pro for the Apple TV thing…I just don’t get it.

For the most part, it seems like a real waste of $$ to me…

 

[not sonic]

modded xbox or xbox360 > apple tv.

and they play games too.

 

[twalden]

Does the Apple TV have recording/capturing capability?

 

[BoriquaSNK]

It will stream HD content from your Mac or PC to your HDTV over 802.11n. The idea is that you'd be able to watch video podcasts, listen to music, order and watch tv shows and movies in HD right through the Apple TV.

In the future there will also be games and third parties like elgato could develop DVR for it.

 

[norton9478]

Even better is a dual display unit........

 

[roker]

It will stream HD content from your Mac or PC to your HDTV over 802.11n. The idea is that you'd be able to watch video podcasts, listen to music, order and watch tv shows and movies in HD right through the Apple TV.

In the future there will also be games and third parties like elgato could develop DVR for it.

where's the revolutionary part? Aren't there other products that have done the same before if not with more features?

Another pretty box without innovation by Apple, ladies and gentlemen

 

[Neo Collector]

Its dumb...

Its apple .....

 

[Nesagwa]

where's the revolutionary part? Aren't there other products that have done the same before if not with more features?

Another pretty box without innovation by Apple, ladies and gentlemen

Yeah, other than the HD part.

 

[norton9478]

Yeah, other than the HD part.

So this $300 box also decodes the video? Or does my PC have to do that?

 

[Lets Gekiga In]

Being able to watch Diggnation, Ctrl+Alt+Chicken, Cranky Geeks, and other video podcasts on my TV is the main reason I want Apple TV.

 

[Murray]

It will stream HD content from your Mac or PC to your HDTV over 802.11n. The idea is that you'd be able to watch video podcasts, listen to music, order and watch tv shows and movies in HD right through the Apple TV.

In the future there will also be games and third parties like elgato could develop DVR for it.

So then kind of like a cheapo Tivo Series 3 but without the Tivo part.

 

[Nesagwa]

So this $300 box also decodes the video? Or does my PC have to do that?

Yeah, it decodes the video and stuff.

 

[norton9478]

Yeah, it decodes the video and stuff.

That's actually not bad....

A component/D.Coax Balun set would easily cost you $200.

 

[roker]

DRM?

Do I have to watch iTunes only downloads?

or can I watch Midget Necrophilia pt 4 as well?

 

[not sonic]

That's actually not bad....

A component/D.Coax Balun set would easily cost you $200.

a used xbox can be had for under $100

 

[Timorous Scott]

Its dumb...

Change your mind?

A few months ago...

I preordered Apple TV and I am already signed up for this phone.

Apple > Dell > PC

 

[Nesagwa]

a used xbox can be had for under $100

No HD

Roker: Nobody knows yet.

 

[qube]

Yeah, I'm a Mac guy and an all around Apple supporter...and I don't see what the big deal is here. Definitly won't be investing early on this one

 

[J. Max]

You know why Apple stuff sells? Because it looks cool. I could name 5 MP3 players better than the iPod, but because it looks cool, people buy it. This is no different.

 

[norton9478]

a used xbox can be had for under $100

Clunky.

And you gotta dump at least $50 into a better hard drive.