ATV2 (720p resolution)

[Zeneth]

Hi guys and girls.

I am looking to purchase the new ATV2 - here in Australia.

I understand the max resolution is 720p. "Apple say this is a happy medium of quality and streaming speed..."

I also understand the ATV2 can be modded to 1080p by replacing the wifi card with a particular Broadcomm card.

I want to run the ATV2 over my existing Wireless N network.

If i perform this mod, does this mean the only option I have to enable streaming from my online itunes library is via the hardwired CAT5 ethernet cable - from my home internet router/modem?

Also, does this mean I cannot utilise the AirPlay functionality (wirelessly stream Videos from iPad, iPhone onto the ATV2 unit)?

Zeneth

 

[Ritsuka]

The mod was for the first generation AppleTV.

 

[Zeneth]

Thanks for reply,

ATV1 and ATV2 has 720p.

Why was the Broadcomm mod only considered for ATV1 and not ATV2 with both having the same resolution spec?

Zeneth.

 

[heliocentric]

Thanks for reply,

ATV1 and ATV2 has 720p.

Why was the Broadcomm mod only considered for ATV1 and not ATV2 with both having the same resolution spec?

Zeneth.

they are totally different...the first apple tv is like a scaled down computer and the 2nd is like a scaled up phone with out the screen (has the same cpu as the iphone 4).

the atv 2 is a lot more powerful and can handle a much higher birate. This means it can play back video that is of higher quality than on the 1st apple tv.

the broadcomm wouldn't fit in the 2nd apple and their would be no connections for it either.

thanks

 

[Zeneth]

thanks for reply.

I still consider myself a noob so forgive my ignorance, but why are new TV's loaded with 1080p resolution capability when it is not utilised by companies such as Apple? What was the whole point of technology going to 1080p HD? Why did I just buy a new 54" plasma with 1080p resolution if I can't utilise the latest technology, i.e by ATV2 at 720p?

Does the much higher BR (@ 720p) compensate for a lower BR at 1080p?

Can I also ask what these figures are :
ATV2 BR (@720p) ?
ATV1 or WD Live BR (@1080p) ?

What would I be missing out on (resolution, colour, pixelation, etc.) when viewing streamed HD movies from Itunes (@720p) on my new 1080p 54" Plasma?

THank you

Zeneth

 

[heliocentric]

thanks for reply.

I still consider myself a noob so forgive my ignorance, but why are new TV's loaded with 1080p resolution capability when it is not utilised by companies such as Apple? What was the whole point of technology going to 1080p HD? Why did I just buy a new 54" plasma with 1080p resolution if I can't utilise the latest technology, i.e by ATV2 at 720p?

Does the much higher BR (@ 720p) compensate for a lower BR at 1080p?

Can I also ask what these figures are :
ATV2 BR (@720p) ?
ATV1 or WD Live BR (@1080p) ?

What would I be missing out on (resolution, colour, pixelation, etc.) when viewing streamed HD movies from Itunes (@720p) on my new 1080p 54" Plasma?

THank you

Zeneth

Apple choose 720p because it takes less bandwidth to stream the file to the apple tv.

of course you wont be utilising the full potential of your new screen if you just use 720p videos with it, but is there a lot of difference in quality? The answer is maybe, depends on viewing distance and the quality of the 720p video.

if you want the best video just use bluray, if you don't mind losing a little bit of quality but appreciate the connivence of streaming use apple.
tv

 

[benoitgphoto]

Apple choose 720p because it takes less bandwidth to stream the file to the apple tv.

of course you wont be utilising the full potential of your new screen if you just use 720p videos with it, but is there a lot of difference in quality? The answer is maybe, depends on viewing distance and the quality of the 720p video.

if you want the best video just use bluray, if you don't mind losing a little bit of quality but appreciate the connivence of streaming use apple.
tv

This 720p vs 1080p makes me laugh. Reading forums here and on Apple, many people complain about slow download times and long waiting time before starting to play. Many of those people have slow DSL internet connection or unreliable wlan...and those are the same saying OH...why should I buy the crippled 720p Apple Tv compared to competitors at 1080p...

 

[heliocentric]

This 720p vs 1080p makes me laugh. Reading forums here and on Apple, many people complain about slow download times and long waiting time before starting to play. Many of those people have slow DSL internet connection or unreliable wlan...and those are the same saying OH...why should I buy the crippled 720p Apple Tv compared to competitors at 1080p...

the choice is clear...if you want 1080p don't get an apple tv

 

[Zeneth]

thanks guys.

as per my original post, i do understand Apple has made the consious and probably sensible decision to go with 720p to achieve best quality vs speed equation when streaming.

i am trying to read between the lines of your posts, and ask you to confirm if the higher BR (@ 720p) compensates for a lower BR at 1080p?

Also, can someone please advise what these bitrates are:
ATV2 BR (@720p) ?
ATV1 or WD Live BR (@1080p) ?

Thank you,

Zeneth

 

[Zeneth]

....of course you wont be utilising the full potential of your new screen if you just use 720p videos with it, but is there a lot of difference in quality? The answer is maybe, depends on viewing distance and the quality of the 720p video.

...ignoring the ATV for a minute and assuming ideal world whereby the same video is streamed one after the other, at the same viewing distance with the same WLAN, same viewing device with same calibration, etc......but at different resolution...

Stream 1 - 720p
Stream 2 - 1080p

what differences would exist in PQ between Stream 1 and Stream 2?

Zeneth.

 

[heliocentric]

...ignoring the ATV for a minute and assuming ideal world whereby the same video is streamed one after the other, at the same viewing distance with the same WLAN, same viewing device with same calibration, etc......but at different resolution...

Stream 1 - 720p
Stream 2 - 1080p

what differences would exist in PQ between Stream 1 and Stream 2?

Zeneth.

the 720p would have less pixels that the 1080p one....

thats the only difference

 

[jlasoon]

the atv 2 is a lot more powerful and can handle a much higher birate. This means it can play back video that is of higher quality than on the 1st apple tv.

Does anyone know what the bitrate limit is for the ATV2. I've thrown quite a bit a it, and it has yet to stutter.

 

[heliocentric]

Does anyone know what the bitrate limit is for the ATV2. I've thrown quite a bit a it, and it has yet to stutter.

i read somewhere its in the 30s for 720p content...

 

[cmoore49]

I know I am going to get flamed here but I have a Pioneer Elite 151 plasma and I have to say that the 720p looks very good. I also have an oppo blu ray and have to say there isn't a huge difference. There is some but not enough to cry over.
Let the flaming begin!

 

[heliocentric]

I know I am going to get flamed here but I have a Pioneer Elite 151 plasma and I have to say that the 720p looks very good. I also have an oppo blu ray and have to say there isn't a huge difference. There is some but not enough to cry over.
Let the flaming begin!

no flaming required i would say!

beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that...

 

[BigBrocktoon]

I agree. The ATV looks great in 720p on my Sony XBR! The only time it has trouble is with SD stuff that was originally 50hz, like British TV shows. Then, it looks very bad.

 

[jlasoon]

I know I am going to get flamed here but I have a Pioneer Elite 151 plasma and I have to say that the 720p looks very good. I also have an oppo blu ray and have to say there isn't a huge difference. There is some but not enough to cry over.
Let the flaming begin!

I have the exact same setup, I never use the BluRay player, its sitting there collecting dust. I think we've watched 2 movies on it. My appleTV 2 on the other hand is used by the whole family for hours on end everyday. Great little machine if you ask me. The quality difference is minuscule and not worth the hassle of BluRay.

 

[ftaok]

i read somewhere its in the 30s for 720p content...

I've just tested a 720/60p clip and it worked. The original source material was ESPNHD recorded using the Hauppauge HD-PVR and converted using Handbrake.

Quicktime shows the bit rate at about 5 Mbps.

I've also played 1080p videos at 24 and 30 fps on the aTV2. Of course the output resolution is 720p.

 

[mouthster]

I agree. The ATV looks great in 720p on my Sony XBR! The only time it has trouble is with SD stuff that was originally 50hz, like British TV shows. Then, it looks very bad.

Try Season 1 of Dr. Who (2005) over Netflix Instant-play.... Ouch...