Apple TV Purchase

[gescom]

I just got an Apple TV for the bedroom and I have to say that this thing is great! However that being said I am already running a Mac Mini in the living room along with an iMac and Macbook Pro in the computer room all sharing/streaming from one iTunes library. I have no need to load anything to it but why doesn't Apple TV get more attention? My rig allowed me to totally ditch cable (other than broadband) altogether. I am getting another for my library and then every TV is online!

 

[GoCubsGo]

Because until recently all you could do with the atv was watch iTunes content or movies formatted for atv. People want hulu and netflix and so on. It is growing but I turned it in for a mac mini and I live it.

 

[munkees]

I just got an Apple TV for the bedroom and I have to say that this thing is great! However that being said I am already running a Mac Mini in the living room along with an iMac and Macbook Pro in the computer room all sharing/streaming from one iTunes library. I have no need to load anything to it but why doesn't Apple TV get more attention? My rig allowed me to totally ditch cable (other than broadband) altogether. I am getting another for my library and then every TV is online!

I did just that this week, I now have 3 Apple TV's and canceled cable. I don't own a Mac Mini yet, but I am helping a friend setup his Mac Mini.

 

[Shuttleworth]

I get the impression one of the reasons it's not so well thought of in the UK is that our Satellite/Cable services cost a bit less and possibly our 'free' to view TV (barring the TV license cost) is better quality content, the main free commercial channels have to compete with the BBC, which is well funded and well established.

Having said that, I still love my TV, I don't think it can replace our family's need for SKY+ satellite, but I know if it were just me I'd ditch SKY and use Freeview (digital terrestrial) and TV for the few show's I'd really miss. The sticking point would be the sports channels, I may struggle without the MotoGP!!

 

[MacAlpha]

I just got one for my birthday and I think it is great as well. I can still see why there are issues with them though. Here in Canada, the selection of shows on iTunes isn't that great and you cannot use Hulu without using a service to block or redirect your IP addresses. Also, why cable isn't cheap here in Canada, I still get way more content on cable than I could for the same price through iTunes (I don't use any "illegal" services). That being said, I don't think it is going to stay that way for long. I could see switching to a broadband only system in the next few years.

We now have two MacBooks, an iMac, an Time Machine and an TV in our setup. The only thing I am missing is a proper media server. I have been looking at the mini and I think that it should work, I just haven't put in the time to figure out how to best integrate it into my system.

 

[gescom]

I must say however that I think mac mini runs better for the main entertainment unit in our home because we have options that ATV doesn't but I gotta say having ATV in our bedroom is nice. As far as sports go I now have an excuse to just hit the bar with some friends more often.

 

[lowonthe456]

So ur using a mini on ur main tv and an apple tv as a secondary?
I'd like to know more specifics of ur total system.

Also, purchased sd content, how's it look on a
HDTV? I have a 42" Sammy plasma and there's slot of cheap sd content on iTunes



Tia!

 

[gescom]

SD? (Standard Definition?) Well mine is a 54" Sony Bravia and I have no qualms there. My setup is rather simple:

PC room: Macbook Pro (iTunes shared) w/1TB external Storage (itunes data) & a 500GB external TM [Wired]
PC Room: iMac 20" (linked to share) [Wired]
Living Room: Mac Mini (linked to share) on a 54" Sony Bravia [Wired]
Bedroom: Apple TV (linked to share) on a 32" Sony [Wireless]
Library/Game Room: forthcoming....

I run a fully routed RR Turbo connection on wireless g with linksys extenders along with a wired network to every room. I went wireless for the Apple TV only because the stream doesn't lag. It definitely beats cable and the cost savings justified the equipment to the wife!

 

[bt22]

I've already got 1 Apple TV in the Living Room and have thought about getting a second one for the bedroom. I have mentioned canceling the cable , but the wife does not agree. I'm curious how you get your media to watch in-leu of having cable. Do you just get season passes or what. Also my daughter enjoys the Disney Channel and I'm not sure how I would replace all those shows.

Thanks,

 

[Dino1956]

I wouldn't have Cable TV if it weren't for my GF. I feel the same way about TV, as I do about Radio. I don't like either. That is why I have an extensive Music & Movie collection, so I can pick & choose what I want to watch & Listen to. I do belong to Blockbuster Online, so I rent movies. A lot of Horror flicks, I must admit! There are way too many commercials on TV & Radio. I don't need to hear someone blab loudly about a Product in my own Free Time. I can't believe the stupid television commercials I see on TV when I occasionally sit & watch something with my GF (very rarely). And to think an Ad Agency brain stormed in a conference room for 2 days to come up with such mindless garbage.I use to work for an Ad Agency in NY, so I know. OK, enough of my Rant. Point is, I love equipment like the TV. It's perfect for me. And if you don't want to buy or rent from Apple, you don't have to. People give me iTunes Cards for presents & that always makes me happy. I think iTunes is the most incredible invention to come out in years. I'm using a Mac for only under 2 years & I'm having a blast with all the cool Apple Products. Thanks for Listening!

 

[gescom]

I've already got 1 Apple TV in the Living Room and have thought about getting a second one for the bedroom. I have mentioned canceling the cable , but the wife does not agree. I'm curious how you get your media to watch in-leu of having cable. Do you just get season passes or what. Also my daughter enjoys the Disney Channel and I'm not sure how I would replace all those shows.

Thanks,

I just use a mac mini running "Plex" which to some degree emulates a cablebox via the application interface. I am not sure if Disney is an available channel in the lineup however they are very good at adding based on requests.

It really comes down to the shows you watch and your desire to find the programming. My wife was the one to initiate the discussion so it was a bit easier for me. We just got tired of paying for a dvr rental to record a show we are paying to watch (double billed sorta). So we cancelled both out.

I suggest doing a little research first and then seeing what is cheapest to initiate a trial of it. This type of thing is not a one size fits all. I couldn't begin to name all of what is out there but maybe someone else on here can.

 

[skye12]

I, for the first time, am considering getting a Mini for my TV needs and
ditching my beloved and expensive DirecTv. Big article on this in the current
MacLife magazine.

Satellite/cable companies better start understanding this. Reminds of what happened to the landline phone business as wireless gained share and became affordable.

 

[d21mike]

There are way too many commercials on TV & Radio. I don't need to hear someone blab loudly about a Product in my own Free Time. I can't believe the stupid television commercials I see on TV when I occasionally sit & watch something with my GF (very rarely).

You really need to get a DVR so you can skip commercials and then you and your GF and both be happy.