Apple TV good choice for 46" LED?

[suss2it]

I recently bought a LED 46" screen TV. I don't want to waste money on a Bluray player since I believe the future is in streaming and almost all my movies/TV shows are ripped and in iTunes. I've transcoded all my 1080p stuff down to 720p, because I watch most of my stuff on my 32" TV/monitor, but now that I have this 46" I'd like to stream my content to it, but I have a few questions regarding streaming & the new Apple TV.

• How well does the Apple TV actually stream?
  I just did the speedtest and is this good enough to stream 720p HD files efficiently?
  
  
  
• I'll primarily be streaming from a Macbook and a Windows 7 machine, it is possible to stream from multiple sources right?
• Is there a maximum bitrate that it can handle before playback becoming choppy?
• Can it playback videos varying from sizes 1-7 GB without playback being choppy?
• Is it possible to jailbreak? If is there a store akin to Cydia on it?
• Is a HDMI cable included in box or any other cables?
• What are some other boxes that stream that you would recommend?
  

Also right now I'm not interested in stuff like Hulo since it's not allowed in Canada or Netflix since I don't have a membership, but I am interested in legally streaming videos from official sites like Global TV. Is that possible?

 

[Icculus]

I recently bought a LED 46" screen TV. I don't want to waste money on a Bluray player since I believe the future is in streaming and almost all my movies/TV shows are ripped and in iTunes. I've transcoded all my 1080p stuff down to 720p, because I watch most of my stuff on my 32" TV/monitor, but now that I have this 46" I'd like to stream my content to it, but I have a few questions regarding streaming & the new Apple TV.

• How well does the Apple TV actually stream?
  IMO it streams AWESOME. I have yet to find any issues and my library is insane. 23,000 songs, 696 movies, 1018 tv shows. Incredible.
  I just did the speedtest and is this good enough to stream 720p HD files efficiently?
  
  
  
• I'll primarily be streaming from a Macbook and a Windows 7 machine, it is possible to stream from multiple sources right?
  I am sure it CAN do this, but I only have 1 Mac Pro so I cannot say for certain.
• Is there a maximum bitrate that it can handle before playback becoming choppy?
  I have played files at 4000kbps and have not had an issue.
• Can it playback videos varying from sizes 1-7 GB without playback being choppy?
  I played a 3GB file today without any issues, had a bitrate of 4400 if I recall.
• Is it possible to jailbreak? If is there a store akin to Cydia on it?
  Yes, 4.2 is not jailbroken yet but 4.1 (stock firmware) is. I ran that for a while with Plex installed, ran great! I just upgraded for airplay and a few other things that were great imo.
• Is a HDMI cable included in box or any other cables?
  Power cable is all you get.
• What are some other boxes that stream that you would recommend?
  None. I prefer the GUI of appletv vs PS3 or Roku (looked at both and own a PS3, but streaming from that thing SUCKS!!!)

Also right now I'm not interested in stuff like Hulo since it's not allowed in Canada or Netflix since I don't have a membership, but I am interested in legally streaming videos from official sites like Global TV. Is that possible?

No idea on this one, sorry.

 

[suss2it]

No idea on this one, sorry.

Then why did you bother posting

 

[benoitgphoto]

I recently bought a LED 46" screen TV. I don't want to waste money on a Bluray player since I believe the future is in streaming and almost all my movies/TV shows are ripped and in iTunes. I've transcoded all my 1080p stuff down to 720p, because I watch most of my stuff on my 32" TV/monitor, but now that I have this 46" I'd like to stream my content to it, but I have a few questions regarding streaming & the new Apple TV.

• How well does the Apple TV actually stream?
  I just did the speedtest and is this good enough to stream 720p HD files efficiently?
  
  
  
• I'll primarily be streaming from a Macbook and a Windows 7 machine, it is possible to stream from multiple sources right?
• Is there a maximum bitrate that it can handle before playback becoming choppy?
• Can it playback videos varying from sizes 1-7 GB without playback being choppy?
• Is it possible to jailbreak? If is there a store akin to Cydia on it?
• Is a HDMI cable included in box or any other cables?
• What are some other boxes that stream that you would recommend?
  

Also right now I'm not interested in stuff like Hulo since it's not allowed in Canada or Netflix since I don't have a membership, but I am interested in legally streaming videos from official sites like Global TV. Is that possible?

#1 : Stream very well if you are wired connected to the Apple TV OR you have a fast and reliable WiFi n network
#2. 15 Mbps is OK to stream
#3 : You can Stream from multiple iTunes library with Home Sharing
#4:http://www.apple.com/appletv/specs.html
#5 : Yes if the Video is within the specs of the Apple TV. I have a 720p video of 22 GB that I stream from my iTunes library without a glitch.
#6: It's seems possible to Jailbreak...look around and you will find all the info
#7 :No HDMI cable in the box
#8 : Don't know.

 

[Irishman]

Then why did you bother posting

Wow, a little politeness will get you a long way. Ease up on people.

About your TV question. The Apple TV is not made for certain TV technologies. Plasma, LCD, LCD-LED, DLP, won't matter.

 

[OasisNYK]

Wow, a little politeness will get you a long way. Ease up on people.

About your TV question. The Apple TV is not made for certain TV technologies. Plasma, LCD, LCD-LED, DLP, won't matter.

I agree it is not made for certain technologies but the OP did ask if it was good for a 46 inch LED - if it is 1080p there are better options out there like the PS3.

However, it is a good option if you want access to itunes content and just netflix. In my opinion I would only use it if you are looking for a cheap option or if you only have a 720p television. If you have 1080p and a really beautiful screen - go with the PS3.

 

[From A Buick 8]

looks great on my 42" Viszo. Your posted speed test result has no bearing on streaming material from your own iTunes library. You would want either ethernet cable or a wireless N network (also stated above).

My current internet at home tops out at 10 M/bs up and so far the material i have streamed looks very good also. Now that is netflix and i know you say that netflix is not open to you but I would guess it is a good example of how well material streams from the internet.

 

[Irishman]

I agree it is not made for certain technologies but the OP did ask if it was good for a 46 inch LED - if it is 1080p there are better options out there like the PS3.

However, it is a good option if you want access to itunes content and just netflix. In my opinion I would only use it if you are looking for a cheap option or if you only have a 720p television. If you have 1080p and a really beautiful screen - go with the PS3.

They're so cheap though, you could theoretically connect one to every tv in the house.

I'll be getting one for my 2 flat panels - the 50" 1080p Pioneer plasma in the theater room and the 26" 720p Samsung LCD in the bedroom. The resolution limitation on AppleTV doesn't matter to me, as I use my Pioneer Blu-ray player for 1080p viewing. Broadcast HD is 1080i or 720p anyway, so, there's no image quality loss by playing this content on a 1080p tv.

And, to address the PS3 point - keep in mind that noone has been able to name a single title yet streaming from Netflix in 1080p on the PS3. Until they can prove it, save your $300. The PS3 is still a hell of a Blu-ray player though.

 

[CrAkD]

It'll look ok but you should of gotten a plasma

 

[emaja]

I don't want to waste money on a Bluray player since I believe the future is in streaming...

Don't give up on Bluray just yet. Good players can be had for less than $100, so through one in the mix for those DVDs you can't rip or the ones with subtitles that you might not be able to get just right.

[*]How well does the Apple TV actually stream?
I just did the speedtest and is this good enough to stream 720p HD files efficiently?

Streaming works GREAT. I have mine connected wirelessly and have very few stutters on HD content that I purchase, rent, or have ripped from my own DVDs. I am very happy with its performance.

[*]I'll primarily be streaming from a Macbook and a Windows 7 machine, it is possible to stream from multiple sources right?

Yes. That is easily selected from the ATV's menus. You have to choose a streaming source.

[*]Is there a maximum bitrate that it can handle before playback becoming choppy?

5 Mbps (5,000kbps) is the number I have seen, but most of my stuff from Bluray is much less than that using the Handbrake presets.

[*]Can it playback videos varying from sizes 1-7 GB without playback being choppy?

Yes. I don't think file size is an issue since it has read everything I have thrown at it just fine.

[*]Is it possible to jailbreak? If is there a store akin to Cydia on it?

Can't help you there. Sorry.

[*]Is a HDMI cable included in box or any other cables?

Nope. ATV, power cable and remote. That's it.

[*]What are some other boxes that stream that you would recommend?

Some people are fans of the Western Digital WD TV Live Plus, but I have no experience with it. It supports 1080P and does Netflix as well as Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Pandora, Flingo, Live365, Deezer, Mediafly, and Accuweather.

Overall, I really like mine. I have both. I have always streamed to either unit, but the addition of Netflix - and the $99 price - is what made the decision easy for me.

Sorry for the rambling. I wanted to be as thorough as I could be.

Edit: I stream to both a 32" LCD and my 50" Sony DLP and I am extremely happy with the picture on either TV.

 

[PurdueGuy]

It'll look ok but you should of gotten a plasma

Why? Spend more $ on electricity? Heat the living room?
I have an AppleTV2 connected to a 55" LED LCD (Samsung), and it looks fantastic.

 

[MovieCutter]

Why? Spend more $ on electricity? Heat the living room?

Still looks and performs better than LED-LCD

 

[spice weasel]

I agree it is not made for certain technologies but the OP did ask if it was good for a 46 inch LED - if it is 1080p there are better options out there like the PS3.

However, it is a good option if you want access to itunes content and just netflix. In my opinion I would only use it if you are looking for a cheap option or if you only have a 720p television. If you have 1080p and a really beautiful screen - go with the PS3.

I agree. I have both a PS3 and an AppleTV. Both look great, but I am only viewing them on a 37" 720p LCD. On a 1080p set, the PS3 wins. However, the PS3 is three times the price, and, while it does a lot more, it does things that the OP doesn't necessarily care about. If you're not into gaming or watching Blu-rays, then the PS3 is overkill.

What the AppleTV really has going for it are 1) price, 2) ease of use and UI, 3) very nice integration with the iTunes ecosystem (if that is your thing; this is a con if it is not), and 4) the possibility of future expansion via AppleTV iOS apps. No one knows for sure about that last point.

For straight-up streaming of iTunes content and Netflix, you can't beat the AppleTV. I will say though that while I like Netflix on the AppleTV, I actually prefer the interface on the PS3. But that could be because I have used it for longer and am more accustomed to it.

 

[Icculus]

Then why did you bother posting

I responded to each question below the actual question, the only one I didn't know was the last one.

 

[PurdueGuy]

I responded to each question below the actual question, the only one I didn't know was the last one.

Most would overlook the quote, and not notice your replies inline. (I did the same thing). All most saw was "No idea on this one, sorry." and thought that was it.

When replying to multiple items, a good idea is:

Question 1.....

Answer 1....

Question 2.....

Answer 2....

Question 3.....

Answer 3....

 

[Icculus]

Most would overlook the quote, and not notice your replies inline. (I did the same thing). All most saw was "No idea on this one, sorry." and thought that was it.

When replying to multiple items, a good idea is:
Answer 1....
Answer 2....
Answer 3....

Will Do!