Apple TV Alternative?

[iowamensan]

Don't get me wrong - I love my Apple TV. I'm just looking for a similar product that I can plug into the composite input in my van. I understand there is some type of hack that allows you to hook your apple tv to composite inputs, but haven't really looked into how challenging that is. Is that my best route or is there another HD based product that would work without any hacks?
Thanks!

 

[KevinC867]

Don't get me wrong - I love my Apple TV. I'm just looking for a similar product that I can plug into the composite input in my van. I understand there is some type of hack that allows you to hook your apple tv to composite inputs, but haven't really looked into how challenging that is. Is that my best route or is there another HD based product that would work without any hacks?
Thanks!

Another alternative is Western Digital's $100 WD TV. It has no networking and no internal hard drive, but it has two USB ports to attach external drives. It provides composite and HDMI outputs, so it works with old and new TVs. Combined with a small external drive (or even just a flash drive) it's very handy for traveling. Of course, the user interface is primitive compared to the Apple TV.

 

[brand]

Is that my best route or is there another HD based product that would work without any hacks?

Hard Drive or High Definition

 

[iowamensan]

Hard Drive or High Definition

Sorry, hard drive (or similar storage).. I want to be able to store movies on it for the road, without having to bring along dvds.

 

[The Mad Hatter]

Sorry, hard drive (or similar storage).. I want to be able to store movies on it for the road, without having to bring along dvds.

Why don't you just get an iPod Classic (with composite dock cable)?

Unless you are encoding your rips into something an ATV doesn't understand (ie. MKV), an iPod works great for videos on the run (I use it all the time for my kids movies.)

HTH

 

[TheCheapGeek]

Don't get me wrong - I love my Apple TV. I'm just looking for a similar product that I can plug into the composite input in my van. I understand there is some type of hack that allows you to hook your apple tv to composite inputs, but haven't really looked into how challenging that is. Is that my best route or is there another HD based product that would work without any hacks?
Thanks!

The hack is so simple. If you have an apple tv I defiantly recommend you try it via composite inputs. Check my video tutorial out at http://www.thecheapgeek.org/2009/03/24/161/
I use this setup on my bedroom apple tv everyday with no problems at all. If this isn't for you I think an iPod with video out cables would be a good choice.

 

[mohanman]

I just got that WDTv and a passport yesterday to try out. I went right back to the ATV. No interface can compare period.

Especially if you have a large itunes library.

Mo