Apple will continue to invest in the Apple TV

[Tilpots]

This article is nothing more than a pipe dream, based on absolutely no actual facts. Believing it is only going to set you up for disappointment.

Nobody claimed this article was gospel and if it was a real rumor, it'd be on the front page. The writer clearly states 5 things he thinks could improve the TV. Pipe dream? Nah. It's called logic. No company's made the ultimate living room computer hardware and he merely pointed out some of TV's shortcomings.

 

[jaw04005]

This article is nothing more than a pipe dream, based on absolutely no actual facts. Believing it is only going to set you up for disappointment.

Exactly.

• Full HD and DVR capabilities
• Built-in digital TV (ATSC) tuner
• Built-in Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme
• Premium TV channels via iTunes Store: Apple is strong enough in Hollywood to bring channels like Fox, CNN, Discovery, HBO and others to ATV3 via iTS on a subscription basis. Add iPhone into the picture and you got live TV on the go anywhere in your home.
• App Store access and ability to run apps

They lost me at the ATSC tuner, and the combination of Apple TV, Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme is ludicrous.

Here's my wish list:

1. New larger text interface with local media at top
2. Dashboard widget support (weather, stocks, etc) possibly in a screen saver
3. 720P 30 fps playback support
4. Third-party plug-in support (EyeTV, etc)
5. Better sharing/syncing between computers

Bug List:
1. Ability to turn off "sync back" for podcasts
2. Ability to stream photos from synced computer
3. iPhone Remote application should support on-the-go video playlists

 

[macbiker]

blu-ray

Not sure if it's mentioned yet or not. But I think they should add a blu-ray player to the device. That would be awesome. A lot of people could potentially buy it for the blu-ray player and ease into the online movie rentals and buying shows.

 

[ChrisN]

It's good that they are still interested and making more TVs and I think I will be one once they revise it with another firmware upgrade.

ChrisN

 

[dynaflash]

Here's my wish list:

1. New larger text interface with local media at top
2. Dashboard widget support (weather, stocks, etc) possibly in a screen saver
3. 720P 30 fps playback support
4. Third-party plug-in support (EyeTV, etc)
5. Better sharing/syncing between computers

Bug List:
1. Ability to turn off "sync back" for podcasts
2. Ability to stream photos from synced computer
3. iPhone Remote application should support on-the-go video playlists

Good Lord !!! Did I just see a realistic wish list on macrumors ???? Nah, can't be.

 

[topher5]

I asked my corporate sales rep about AppleTV offhandedly one day a year ago or so. He said that the development efforts on the iPhone and iPod touch had really drained away the talent from working on AppleTV. That being said, he claims that Jobs has repeatedly stated that the AppleTV is core to their future (along with iPods and iPhones).

My personal take is that the iPod didn't really take off until Gen3. We're somewhere at Gen1.5 or Gen2 of the AppleTV depending upon how you look at it so I almost think they don't expect it to take off yet. They know they still have kinks to work out of the system.

Either way I do love my two AppleTVs. My family loves them so much my wife can't stand it if there is a problem with iTunes which prevents her from using them. Heck even my two year old knows how to operate it and find his shows.

I recently picked up the Western Digital HD TV for my parents and it's interface really made me appreciate Apple's. On the other hand, the ease of plugging in a USB drive really highlighted how simple features are killing AppleTV right now.

 

[gibbz]

This article is nothing more than a pipe dream, based on absolutely no actual facts. Believing it is only going to set you up for disappointment.

That is why I said "Some Think" -- didn't say "I Think" it or believed in it.

In fact I think most is a bit far fetched for a self described 'hobby'.

 

[Tilpots]

Good Lord !!! Did I just see a realistic wish list on macrumors ???? Nah, can't be.

Purposeful oxymoron?

It seems some of you think the writer's list isn't do-able with today's technology. If Apple can make a Phone/iPod/web browser/gaming console that fits in your pocket, surely they can make a device that fits the writer's list for a TV.

 

[NightStorm]

Purposeful oxymoron?

It seems some of you think the writer's list isn't do-able with today's technology. If Apple can make a Phone/iPod/web browser/gaming console that fits in your pocket, surely they can make a device that fits the writer's list for a TV.

Of course it's doable using current technology, and I'm sure the engineers on the AppleTV team are smarter than the vast majority of people here and couple probably figure it all out over a weekend. I think the point people are trying to make (myself included) is that Apple won't make a device like that because it doesn't fit into their business model.

 

[jaw04005]

• Full HD and DVR capabilities

"Full HD" has been beaten to death on this forum, so I'll ignore that request.

DVR won't happen for two reasons — it cannibalizes iTunes TV Show sales and everyone receives their TV differently. To make a DVR that could be sold in just the United States and Canada, Apple would have to include an analog tuner and IR blaster (for satellite), ATSC tuner, QAM tuner and CableCard tuner.

Not to mention, DVB-T, DVB-C and DVB-S among others for additional countries.

This is not going to happen, ever. The most we can hope for is third-party plug-in support, so companies like El Gato can develop plug-ins.

This is why Microsoft has never succeeded with Windows Media Center.

• Built-in Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme

I've never understood this request, but it will never happen as it cannibalizes sales of all three products.

• Premium TV channels via iTunes Store: Apple is strong enough in Hollywood to bring channels like Fox, CNN, Discovery, HBO and others to ATV3 via iTS on a subscription basis.

This is feasible, but the networks will face stiff opposition from cable and satellite providers, which are there bread and butter. Apple TV would then be in direct competition.

Add iPhone into the picture and you got live TV on the go anywhere in your home.

This isn't a new idea, and wouldn't even require an Apple TV. Apple would just need to update iTunes and the iPhone's firmware. However, the content wouldn't be "live," just "on demand."

• App Store access and ability to run apps

How would you control the applications? Using the mini Apple remote? I don't see the utility, but I would like to see Dashboard widgets so I can see the weather, stocks, etc on my TV.

 

[Fonzijr1964]

i Would Really only buy an Apple TV if
1) it was more like the slingbox
2) it was more like the slingbox

 

[Fonzijr1964]

This is feasible, but the networks will face stiff opposition from cable and satellite providers, which are there bread and butter. Apple TV would then be in direct competition.



This isn't a new idea, and wouldn't even require an Apple TV. Apple would just need to update iTunes and the iPhone's firmware. However, the content wouldn't be "live," just "on demand."



.

See my above post

You cold use it to control ur DVR too

 

[kiranmk2]

Rentals/Tv shows aside, the best thing Apple could do for me is to release their home server (combining Time capsule and airport extreme maybe, but leave the ATV separate). I (and I suspect a lot of people) don't want to rely on leaving a computer with itunes running all the time. A server with 4 hdd slots that could run raid-5, have a new version of itunes and serve up content (photos, music and video) to ATVs, airport express, ipods and iphones. Also renting a film from an iphone and having it ready to play on your ATV when you get home.

Hardware-wise, I think the current ATV is fine. If an update moved to Atom and Ion and ate less power then that would be the way to go and allow the ATV to be compatible with 1080p downloads whenever they arrive. But, sort out the soft-subtitle issues and add widgets/applets (BBC iPlayer?!?) add 720p30 and the update is essentially software and a separate standalone product.

 

[dmm219]

I guess I don't ask for much...I'd be ecstatically happy simply with live Games on MLB.TV. That's it. I'd never ask for another thing ever again...

 

[gianpan]

For me Apple Tv is preety useless now, I would consider one if :

1) They put in some good hardware such as Ion platform and we can do more stuff on it, such as gaming and use apps from app store (I don't really care about gaming tbh but if Apple would like to see how the gaming market would work for them it's a good chance)
2) They put in a built-in blu-ray (or just DVD) player.
3) An HD tuner.
4) Also not very important but apple should understand that it's no longer 1999 and hard disks cost like 80$ for 750GB. They should put 160gb for base model and 320gb for high-end.
5) Pricing same as now, I consider it severely overpriced now as most it's uses involve paying for something (renting a movie etc.)

P.S I know that the only thing that stands a chance is 5 maybe 4 too..

 

[ftaok]

I guess I don't ask for much...I'd be ecstatically happy simply with live Games on MLB.TV. That's it. I'd never ask for another thing ever again...

I will second that. MLB.tv is one piece of my "Cancel-Comcast" plan. Right now, I don't have a great way to watch internet material on my big screen. From time to time, we connect the wife's MB, but if she's using it, I'm not.

I've been patiently waiting for the next rev of the mini for this task, but an aTV with app or plug-in features would be great. I'm sure that MLB could work up an aTV application.

For me Apple Tv is preety useless now, I would consider one if :

1) They put in some good hardware such as Ion platform and we can do more stuff on it, such as gaming and use apps from app store (I don't really care about gaming tbh but if Apple would like to see how the gaming market would work for them it's a good chance)
2) They put in a built-in blu-ray (or just DVD) player.
3) An HD tuner.
4) Also not very important but apple should understand that it's no longer 1999 and hard disks cost like 80$ for 750GB. They should put 160gb for base model and 320gb for high-end.
5) Pricing same as now, I consider it severely overpriced now as most it's uses involve paying for something (renting a movie etc.)

P.S I know that the only thing that stands a chance is 5 maybe 4 too..

Yeah, I think 1, 2, and 3 are pipe-dreams ... for various reasons.

As for #4, the $80, 750GB drive you mention is a 3.5" desktop class drive. aTV's use 2.5" laptop drives which are both, more expensive and less capacious. Now, if they made the box bigger and allowed for a 3.5" drive, then I'm all for it.

ft

 

[rfrankl]

Just take $1B of the $28B cash and buy TiVo and incorporate that into the AppleTV with a Blue Ray drive. They will sell like hotcakes.

 

[ftaok]

Just take $1B of the $28B cash and buy TiVo and incorporate that into the AppleTV with a Blue Ray drive. They will sell like hotcakes.

Was that a joke?

If by hotcakes, you mean lead filled hotcakes tethered to the ground, then yes, you're right.

If Apple were to integrate Tivo and BD into an aTV, it would cost at least a $1000. Quality BD players run about $300 or so. A TivoHD runs $600 (with lifetime). An aTV runs $230.

ft

 

[BaldiMac]

i Would Really only buy an Apple TV if
1) it was more like the slingbox
2) it was more like the slingbox

Why not just buy the slingbox?

 

[voodoofish]

I'd buy one in the UK if it were the equivalent of $400 dollars for a 40Gb version...

huh? you know according to google $400 is £289, and you can get a 40GB Apple TV off of Amazon.co.uk for £195? Even when £1=$2 last summer then that means you could still get the 40GB version for less than $400 in the UK....

 

[Tilpots]

Was that a joke?

If by hotcakes, you mean lead filled hotcakes tethered to the ground, then yes, you're right.

If Apple were to integrate Tivo and BD into an aTV, it would cost at least a $1000. Quality BD players run about $300 or so. A TivoHD runs $600 (with lifetime). An aTV runs $230.

ft

So you're saying your against BTO options?

Some people want a Mac Mini, some people want a Mac Pro. Some people want an iPod Shuffle, some people want the iPod Touch. Some people want the current TV, some people want a TV device with all the options. If they're willing to pay for it, what's the problem?

 

[Fonzijr1964]

Why not just buy the slingbox?

its not iPhone computable yet and my never be

 

[ftaok]

So you're saying your against BTO options?

Some people want a Mac Mini, some people want a Mac Pro. Some people want an iPod Shuffle, some people want the iPod Touch. Some people want the current TV, some people want a TV device with all the options. If they're willing to pay for it, what's the problem?

And some people want an xMac, some people want a Verizon iPhone, and some people want a Mac Tablet ...

By no means am I against BTO ... but the reality (IMHO) is that it doesn't make financial sense for Apple to make all sorts of BTO options for the aTV. There's just too many SKUs and parts for them to stock. Let's face it, Apple isn't Dell. They can't build an insane number of custom aTVs and hope to make money.

Besides, these kinds of BTO being mentioned for the aTV would require a bigger overall box for the aTV ... and we know how Apple hates wasted space.

A more likely plan would be for Apple to open up the aTV software/hardware to allow third-party devices/applications for the aTV. Put a couple of active USB ports on the back for BD-drives and/or tuners. Open up the OS so that you can use an HDHomeRun and EyeTV devices directly on the aTV.

I think this is more likely than Apple offering any more than two or three levels of aTV.

Hey, if the market for this stuff was bigger, then yeah, by all means allow for my customization. But the HT/computer marketspace is small.

ft

 

[BaldiMac]

So you're saying your against BTO options?

Some people want a Mac Mini, some people want a Mac Pro. Some people want an iPod Shuffle, some people want the iPod Touch. Some people want the current TV, some people want a TV device with all the options. If they're willing to pay for it, what's the problem?

BTO options? Adding a Blu-Ray drive or a DVR are hardly what Apple would consider BTO options. You are talking about two completely different product lines.

Three different markets. Blu-ray player, stand alone dvr (not from cable or satellite provider), and AppleTV. None of these markets are very successful. In fact, I would probably bet that Apple with the AppleTV has made more money that any one company in the other markets on hardware sales.

Offering all three options on a "BTO" basis would completely eliminate any economies of scale that Apple could hope to take advantage of. According to tear down analysis, the AppleTV has the lowest margins of any Apple product, probably ever.

As I said before, I think bandwidth and licensing are what is keeping the AppleTV from succeeding as more than a hobby. People don't necessarily want blu-ray, they want high quality HD video. Once home internet connections can support that (20 Mbps or so), Apple can supply it with downloads.

Of course, that part also depends on licensing from the studios. Apple is slowly growing their video business (300% growth in AppleTV in the last year). At some point, they are hoping to have enough influence in the industry to be able to convince the studios to allow higher quality downloads, larger library availability, access to live content streams, and other IPTV functionality.

All of the functionality that you get with a blu-ray or a dvr can be duplicated and exceeded through downloads. But only if bandwidth and the content producers allow it.

 

[Tilpots]

Check out Dish's ViP 922 which is said to be coming out this Spring.

It's a DVR, Slingbox, OTA Tuner, 1080P capable (and downloadable) player, it's got widgets and can connect to certain internet sites. This beats the pants off the current TV. The only thing it doesn't have is a Blu-Ray Player, but if you can watch 1080P On-Demand Movies, who needs a Blu-Ray player?

When this thing hits the market, Dish get's my money, not Apple. It's expected to cost about $200 (lease, I believe) with a two year subscription. I'll be saving about $50 bucks a month from my current TWC. I'll have more content than Apple or TWC provides and I'll spend less money getting it.

Apple needs a plan for their living room device. The current TV doesn't cut it and the sales prove it. People want all-in-one devices. They don't want to connect 3rd party hardware. It doesn't have to be the smallest device ever made, it just has to work.

And as for all this movie studio and "business model" talk, it's garbage and doesn't hold weight. The business model is to make money. Make a device that people want and let them play all means of content, then people will buy it. The content providers want their content viewed. They wouldn't try to hold a revenue source back. It's illogical. The more eyeballs, the more money they make.