Apparently, Apple doesn't like my insight on this product.

[TommyLee]

Call me a moron for not reading the fine print... That's right, go ahead. If you can't help me jailbreak my Apple TV, just call me a moron.

The thing is, I shouldn't have to read the fine print.
It's called Apple TV, I just assumed this amazing award winning technology would have the basic functions of a TV. Moron?

What, wait, how about this one: I thought (I don't know where I got this wild idea) that I could connect an ATV box to my TV and play DVD's from my computer!!! Where in the world did I get that idea! MORON x2!


So I've got my Apple TV all pimped out. It's velcro'd to the back of my TV, so when I move my TV, it goes with it. I'm ready to throw the s.o.b. out the window because I just paid for my own slavery.

I can't really do anything conveniently. Either I give Apple more money to re-rent the movies I just rented from Blockbuster, OR I use this program called Handbrake to rip the movie. The latter takes about 5 hours and I don't think the FBI really wants me doing that...

But when it comes to my money, I don't like to be told what I have to do. I liked the idea of renting movies from Apple, but that was before they practically said "THOU MUST USE OUR SERVICE AND PAY US!" That just makes me NOT want to use it. So I guess Apple's forcing me to rip movies.

Believe me, I have no intention on pirating movies. Cheers to those of you who do, but once I watch a movie once, I can never watch it again. All I wanted was a wireless movie system. BUT HEY! Apple's forcing me to do it!

So now I'm on a moron on a mission. I'm either going to hack this crap and make it somewhat useful or return it and tell everyone of my clients to stay away from Apple TV. Two possibilities come to mind:

• Hack the AppleTV so that whatever is on my screen plays on my TV through Apple TV
• OR Hack the Apple TV to play my DVD's.

I always knew there was a undermining reason why iTunes wouldn't play/import my DVD's like it plays my CDs... Because if it did, then Apple couldn't force feed you their movie rentals.

(Apple don't like me running my mouth on their forums)

 

[sandman42]

I always knew there was a undermining reason why iTunes wouldn't play/import my DVD's like it plays my CDs... Because if it did, then Apple couldn't force feed you their movie rentals. )

All other issues aside for the moment, I don't think Apple would have a problem with you importing your DVDs into iTunes if it were legal to do so, which it isn't (the DMCA prohibits it in the US). By comparison, Apple sells music on the iTunes Music Store, but also has no problem letting you import CDs you already own (which is legal under the DMCA, because CDs don't have DRM). They don't force you to buy music from them, and I think they'd do the same with movies if they could.

Ok, now the other issues: I don't think you're going to find too much sympathy here regarding the TV functionality. Sounds like you didn't really do your homework on what the device was all about before you bought it. I own one, and I love it, and it doesn't do any less than I expected it to when I bought it. Don't get me wrong, I'm sorry it's not working out for you (and I don't think you're a moron), but I'm surprised you'd invest so much in a device without understanding it better first.

 

[GorillaPaws]

I have to totally agree with you TommyLee. When I tried to toast bread on it, the bread didn't heat up at all, not to mention it's inter-continental broadcasting abilities are horrendous, and don't even get me started on it's faxing capabilities...

Perhaps you should try reading the LARGE print next time?

 

[plaidhippo]

Actually....

toasting bread is probably one thing it CAN do really well!

Seriously, you probably need to return the apple tv and invest in a mac mini. If I understand what you want to do, that is the best way to go.

Hope that helps!

 

[esaleris]

Mac mini is the way to go. Not only does it feature Front Row, you can expand storage as you desire. I have one hooked up to 3 TB of media, featuring a lossless collection of all my own CDs spanned over 1 TB, another drive dedicated to recordings of TV shows from my EyeTV/Elgato tuner combo, and 1 TB of movies ripped from my own collection. The Mac mini drives a 5.1 surround system, with a front-projection TV throwing up a 92" image on a dedicated HT screen.

All physical media has been stored at my parent's home, as I live in a very small high-rise condo and don't really have the space.

 

[pprior]

Ummm, that is, like, the worst poll I've ever seen.

 

[bamaworks]

LOL Do a little research before you purchase, pal.

 

[tuinte]

Perhaps you should try reading the LARGE print next time?

QFT. Literally (seriously) 15 seconds of research (including simply looking at the pictures on the box) would have told you the device is not for you. When did you purchase? Can you bring it back?

Michael

 

[Tallest Skil]

If you hate it so much, I'll take it for $100. You should have read about it on the website... or at least the box.

 

[ayale99]

Uhhhhh. So why did you post this here? If you read any of these forums for a minute or two BEFORE you bought it, you would have found out what the AppleTv reall does. But instead you bought a product assuming it's functionality THEN came here to b***h about it?

Moral of the story: Do your homework before you buy.

 

[Blue Velvet]

I don't think you're going to find too much sympathy here regarding the TV functionality. Sounds like you didn't really do your homework on what the device was all about before you bought it.

And I think that neatly sums up the gist of the advice given. Disappointing that some found this thread an excuse to chime in with now-deleted insults. Best if we leave it there.