40GB aTV, hardware differences? upgrades?

[2contagious]

Hi,

I just got a 40GB Apple TV off eBay. I am wondering if this was a bad decision (vs. buying a new 160GB one) - not because of the extra storage (storage does not matter, I am planning on upgrading the HDD anyway)... I am wondering: Are there any differences, hardware wise, between the old 40GB version and the 160GB version (other than the HDD).

Also, the guide posted in this forum is for a 250GB hdd. What's currently the max. HDD the Apple TV would accept? And are there any other hardware upgrades that are possible? (what's that HD card all about for example?)

EDIT: Also, what accessories does the Apple TV usually come with when you buy it NEW?

Thanks,
chris.

 

[CrAkD]

Hi,

I just got a 40GB Apple TV off eBay. I am wondering if this was a bad decision (vs. buying a new 160GB one) - not because of the extra storage (storage does not matter, I am planning on upgrading the HDD anyway)... I am wondering: Are there any differences, hardware wise, between the old 40GB version and the 160GB version (other than the HDD).

Also, the guide posted in this forum is for a 250GB hdd. What's currently the max. HDD the Apple TV would accept? And are there any other hardware upgrades that are possible? (what's that HD card all about for example?)

EDIT: Also, what accessories does the Apple TV usually come with when you buy it NEW?

Thanks,
chris.

if you patch it you can use a USB external drive up to 2TB. I have a 300gb attached right now. also as long as its the take 2 I think the hardware is the same.

 

[2contagious]

if you patch it you can use a USB external drive up to 2TB. I have a 300gb attached right now. also as long as its the take 2 I think the hardware is the same.

Thanks for the info on external HDDs. I'll definitely patch it and am planning on running Boxee as well. What about the internal HDD? What's the max. capacity possible?

The Take 2 was just a software upgrade no? Did the hardware since the first Apple TV change at all?

 

[jbrenn]

I believe the largest internal drive for atv is 320gb it uses a ide drive not a sata. The largest ide drive I have seen is 320gb

 

[2contagious]

okay thanks

What exactly is this for:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BCM70012-HD-H...Accessories?hash=item2eab0d92db#ht_3740wt_936

And how would it be used?

 

[CrAkD]

okay thanks

What exactly is this for:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BCM70012-HD-H...Accessories?hash=item2eab0d92db#ht_3740wt_936

And how would it be used?

I think you can remove the wifi card and add an HD card so the apple tv can play 1080p but I havent really researched it.

 

[tom1971]

okay thanks

What exactly is this for:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BCM70012-HD-H...Accessories?hash=item2eab0d92db#ht_3740wt_936

And how would it be used?

Check this manual

 

[2contagious]

Thanks for your posts guys

Three outstanding questions, does someone know...?

Are there any differences, hardware wise, between the old 40GB version and the 160GB version (other than the HDD).

And are there any other hardware upgrades that are possible?

Also, what accessories does the Apple TV usually come with when you buy it NEW? The eBay seller said it was the Apple TV + Remote + Power lead.

Thanks,
Chris.

 

[Bevz]

Thanks for your posts guys

Three outstanding questions, does someone know...?

Thanks,
Chris.

1) To the best of my knowledge there are NO differences in hardware between the First ATV that rolled off the factory floor and the current ones, other than HDD size. There have only ever been software updates.

2) I Don't know about other hardware upgrades, sorry.

3) It's been a while since i bought my ATV, but all i can remember having with it is a Remote and the Power Cord; i don't remember anything else...
Actually, i've just checked on the Apple Store and the "What's inside the Box" section confirms this, so my memory is correct!

Hope this helps.

 

[2contagious]

1) To the best of my knowledge there are NO differences in hardware between the First ATV that rolled off the factory floor and the current ones, other than HDD size. There have only ever been software updates.

2) I Don't know about other hardware upgrades, sorry.

3) It's been a while since i bought my ATV, but all i can remember having with it is a Remote and the Power Cord; i don't remember anything else...
Actually, i've just checked on the Apple Store and the "What's inside the Box" section confirms this, so my memory is correct!

Hope this helps.

Okay, thanks
I am wondering why Apple doesn't want to move past 720p and upgrade to 1080p? I mean.. the Apple TV is quite old now (and as you said, the hardware has never changed), but even the iPad, which isn't out yet is set out to push 720p content rather than Full HD stuff. Why is that? Does Apple think 720p is more user friendly than 1080p?

 

[dynaflash]

Also, the guide posted in this forum is for a 250GB hdd. What's currently the max. HDD the Apple TV would accept?

Applying the eStat mod will get you ... as big of a hdd as is available in an eSata config. Currently running two 1 TB eSata modded atv's. Forum is full of options.

 

[mstrze]

Okay, thanks
I am wondering why Apple doesn't want to move past 720p and upgrade to 1080p? I mean.. the Apple TV is quite old now (and as you said, the hardware has never changed), but even the iPad, which isn't out yet is set out to push 720p content rather than Full HD stuff. Why is that? Does Apple think 720p is more user friendly than 1080p?

My guess is that it's currently compatible with their iTunes offerings and since it's a 'hobby', there is no need to make it more powerful than it needs to be. It works, as intended and is compatible with all they supply from iTunes.

As for iTunes being 720...my own theory is that since 1080 files are larger, Apple and every ISP in the country would start having major issues with bandwidth and service degradation due to the increased sizes. Until the 'pipes' get bigger in more places...Apple may be holding off on 1080. They surely won't want to knowingly introduce something that will be a bad user experience for the majority of their customers.

 

[Bevz]

My guess is that it's currently compatible with their iTunes offerings and since it's a 'hobby', there is no need to make it more powerful than it needs to be. It works, as intended and is compatible with all they supply from iTunes.

As for iTunes being 720...my own theory is that since 1080 files are larger, Apple and every ISP in the country would start having major issues with bandwidth and service degradation due to the increased sizes. Until the 'pipes' get bigger in more places...Apple may be holding off on 1080. They surely won't want to knowingly introduce something that will be a bad user experience for the majority of their customers.

My thoughts exactly