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Buy An ATV Today Or Wait Until MacWorld?
- Thread starter MadDoc
- Start date
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Hardware wise, I really don't see what Apple can do to make it better. Its basically a functional hard drive (basically what an iPod is) with Front Row on it. A kick ass software update can really make it worth owning.
Its entirely possible that the Apple tv will be a 1st generation product for quite a while without any major updates to the hardware.
A screen won't do ****, a memory upgrade to 200 GB is possible, forget about using it as a Tivo or something like that.
Some HD content on iTunes will make people rush out to buy it, not any hardware update.
I just bought a 160 GB model and I feel confident in my decision. If you get a good deal on one (which basically has best buy offering a BIG discount) then get it.
I really just wish it made navigating my photo's easier like an iPod and sync iPhoto events.
Its entirely possible that the Apple tv will be a 1st generation product for quite a while without any major updates to the hardware.
A screen won't do ****, a memory upgrade to 200 GB is possible, forget about using it as a Tivo or something like that.
Some HD content on iTunes will make people rush out to buy it, not any hardware update.
I just bought a 160 GB model and I feel confident in my decision. If you get a good deal on one (which basically has best buy offering a BIG discount) then get it.
I really just wish it made navigating my photo's easier like an iPod and sync iPhoto events.
go ahead and buy it- unless you ure not satisfied with harddrive space, because POSSIBLY they will upgrade the hd. probably not, probably just a software update with itunes rental or whatever which everyone will be able to get. if ure dying to have it go get it, if not..why not wait to be safe?
I'm going to wait to see what MW brings. If there's an update, great. If not, then I'll buy then with fair confidence that it'll be money worth spent.
I'm already eyeing a firewire external HD to use for all my DVD's so they're in one place.
I'm already eyeing a firewire external HD to use for all my DVD's so they're in one place.
I agree, and I think the rumor about Apple's deal with Fox about movie rental will drive a new version of Apple tv. I'd wait if I were in the market--you might be pleasantly surprised on the 15th.
Yeah, exactly. I bought a 40 GB refurb just before Christmas to tide me over, because the rumors were looking like a new one might not come out till late next year. But then again, maybe nothing will... and I wanted to start using it.
There were rumors that there would be accessories that would be able to use the usb port. Things like HD DVD Player, TV tuner, External Hard drive, etc. But this would only require a software update, nothing major. I can see apple doing it this way to increase ATV sales(They would not have to design a new ATV and that would save in R&D), get 3rd parties involved, and create a new source of revenue. Those were the rumors, I have not heard anything since then.
Seeing as Mac world isn't too far away now, I would hold out and see what happens. They could just be updated the software with the new rental store. Or they could release a new model, bigger HD, faster internal specs, maybe a bump to 1080p who really knows what to expect. I've had my 40GB 
TV since day one and love it. My whole family loves it, it's simple and easy, I use it everyday. So if you don't care about having the latest model then pick it up now. Or just wait a few weeks and see what MacWorld brings.
TV since day one and love it. My whole family loves it, it's simple and easy, I use it everyday. So if you don't care about having the latest model then pick it up now. Or just wait a few weeks and see what MacWorld brings.
The way I see it, sales aren't brilliant so something needs to change, probably at Macworld. I'm personally waiting for Apple to include a Digital TV tuner (called Freeview here in the UK - using DVB-T). And a HD-DVD or Blu Ray player. Then I will buy one for every room in the house. What i don't want is a TV remote, DVD player remote, freeview/hard disc-recorder remote and an Apple TV remote. I want my Apple TV to be my TV, TV recorder, photo album, duke box and movie collection.
Software wise, A link to the (hopefully) new movie rental store is a MUST.
Software wise, A link to the (hopefully) new movie rental store is a MUST.
iTunes Radio
The killer application for me that I am hoping will come with the next revision of withTV is the ability to listen to internet radio. Anyone else listen to internet radio?
The killer application for me that I am hoping will come with the next revision of with
TV is the ability to listen to internet radio. Anyone else listen to internet radio?itunes can play internet radio
so apple tv should be able to as well I assume. I currently use a Roku Soundbridge which i love. I'm waiting till MacWorld next week before I buy an
apple tv. I currently use Netflix but want the convience of downloading via internet rentals and playing on my hdtv. I also want the picture viewing that atv provides. an appletv with a blue-ray disc drive would be killer too but not sure thats coming. this coming year we will see netflix with a set top box for playing downloaded movies on hdtv and likely to see some more from cable companies. this market will be coming on strong later in the year is my guess.
so apple tv should be able to as well I assume. I currently use a Roku Soundbridge which i love. I'm waiting till MacWorld next week before I buy an
apple tv. I currently use Netflix but want the convience of downloading via internet rentals and playing on my hdtv. I also want the picture viewing that atv provides. an appletv with a blue-ray disc drive would be killer too but not sure thats coming. this coming year we will see netflix with a set top box for playing downloaded movies on hdtv and likely to see some more from cable companies. this market will be coming on strong later in the year is my guess.
So do you guys think it is safe to go and buy an Apple TV at this point in the game??...of course i'd buy it off eBay, as you'd have to be a fool to pay $300 for it.
It's going to be tough holding back for the next week until MacWorld.
The reason I might just get it now is because I haven't heard one single rumor about the damn thing, so I figure why not, the Apple TV already serves my needs.
Come to think of it, if Apple comes out with one next week, it's going to cost me $300 (I assume) and I can't afford that.
My mind just went in a million directions....Screw it I'm buying Apple TV TODAY!
It's going to be tough holding back for the next week until MacWorld.
The reason I might just get it now is because I haven't heard one single rumor about the damn thing, so I figure why not, the Apple TV already serves my needs.
Come to think of it, if Apple comes out with one next week, it's going to cost me $300 (I assume) and I can't afford that.
My mind just went in a million directions....Screw it I'm buying Apple TV TODAY!
I'd definitely wait. They could upgrade the hardware to support 1080p (who knows if the current iron can do it?), or drop the price. They'll likely ship a software upgrade for the current models, but less than a week away, I'd totally wait.
And if "netflix blows"...where else can I get so much video content so cheap and without having to even leave my house?
And if "netflix blows"...where else can I get so much video content so cheap and without having to even leave my house?
I'd wait for two reasons:
- If Apple does update the TV with features you want, you'll likely regret not waiting.
- If Apple does update the TV with features you could care less about, chances are the old units on eBay will get cheaper since folks who have TV units now will find something they want in the new model and will be auctioning off their old units to buy the new one, increasing supply.
Worst case, Apple does nothing, and you'll pay the same price on eBay for a unit after MacWorld as before.
Their rental service is fantanubulous!
Their on-line movie download is a neat service, but wont work with anything but MS IE
If Apple is going to rescue this product, they NEED to add the following at MW 08. Otherwise, it will be a dead product. (Keep in mind that I love my Apple TV and use it to view my movie library - all converted to MP4 file for ATV.).
1- True HD (1080p) resolution - Would require new hardware
2- iTunes Rentals (this looks like a slam dunk) BUT they need to improve quality and add HD content - Software only update
3- Now that the format war has been decided (and Apple has backed the winner since day 1) an integrated BluRay DVD player would make this a far more popular device and would further increase Apples market presence to non-apple consumers - Either new integrated hardware or "add-on" component (like the X-box 360 HD-DVD player - Bad choice Bill!)
4- True Surround Sound (7.1 Dolby Digital or THX-Certified) - Software should take care of this as hacks have already been able to produce 5.1
1- True HD (1080p) resolution - Would require new hardware
2- iTunes Rentals (this looks like a slam dunk) BUT they need to improve quality and add HD content - Software only update
3- Now that the format war has been decided (and Apple has backed the winner since day 1) an integrated BluRay DVD player would make this a far more popular device and would further increase Apples market presence to non-apple consumers - Either new integrated hardware or "add-on" component (like the X-box 360 HD-DVD player - Bad choice Bill!)
4- True Surround Sound (7.1 Dolby Digital or THX-Certified) - Software should take care of this as hacks have already been able to produce 5.1
I love mine, wrote a review (see below) I can't see a hardware update but I really am hoping for a software update. Was it this time last year they announced the Apple TV ? I can remember the announcement, slight delay and then everything being over shadowed by the iPhone and Leopard.
I think Apple have had their hands full with the iphone etc - I am hoping they have found time for a second update that will boost the Apple TV
In the UK the content on iTunes is not great, I find that EyeTV is the best combo for Apple TV.
Review here : http://www.digmo.co.uk/hardware/apple-tv-review-love/
Dig
www.maccreative.net
I think Apple have had their hands full with the iphone etc - I am hoping they have found time for a second update that will boost the Apple TV
In the UK the content on iTunes is not great, I find that EyeTV is the best combo for Apple TV.
Review here : http://www.digmo.co.uk/hardware/apple-tv-review-love/
Dig
www.maccreative.net