HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Right there... that's the thing. 1080p will be the max standard for a very long time to come. It's not like we jump even 5 years into the future and we'll be facing a 2160p new standard. From VHS to DVD, consumers stepped up because the picture & sound quality maxed out the standard that was available at the time. Now the max standard is 1080p, and almost anyone buying a "main" television is likely buying that max standard. If so, it is counter-intuitive- even depressing- to own a 1080p set but then be faced with what should be the best possible option- an Apple option- serving up handicapped 720p at best content... even more so when there are many other options (retail) priced substantially lower than
TV that will serve 1080p content to your 1080p TV. That shows that it is easy to box the hardware that could max out the capabilities of all those HDTV's flowing into homes.What exists is an obvious opportunity for Apple to roll out a next-gen hardware platform that rights this wrong, hopefully with a few additional features (such as those pitched in this thread) to maximize the appeal of this "next big thing" vs. the alternative of buying a bunch of the same movies and shows again on discs to step up to the new max standard. In doing so, Apple would be delivering a relatively future proof box, for which then solely software upgrades (though I support the OPTION for add-on hardware, even if that was mostly just normalizing the USB port(s)) could keep it fresh, interesting, evolving, etc.
I think that's who should do it. And if they did, I think it could be done better than just about anyone else, sooner than just about anyone else (because all of the pieces are largely in place now, and they already have a massive base of fans carrying around iPhones, iPods, and Mac's who would love to drop just $200-$300 on a new bit of fun hardware from Apple if it was as desirable- and "open"- as the stuff they've already purchased from Apple).
But will it come from Apple??? I believe all that is in the way is for Apple to choose to deliver it... purely a matter of will and will alone. A small dedicated team solely charged with delivering a "wow" next-gen platform, building upon what is fantastic about the existing model but also incorporating the "I would buy it if it would also _______________" calls from buyers wins this market on the scale that iPods and iPhones have won their markets.
I believe this market is far bigger than even the best scenario for the "tablet". Why Apple chooses not to take it- yesterday- eludes me.
