Goodbye Apple TV, Playstation 3 rules!

[defender1844]

Apple is missing the boat

I have a PS3 and Mac Mini in my stereo rack. I also have a MacPro in my office. Prior to buying the Mac Mini I considered the Apple TV.

Null River is a fine solution for the PS3 with the caveat that you can't play DRM protected content.

My issue with both the PS3 and AppleTV is that to listen to music I have to have the TV on. Alternatively I could have used an airport express but when I want to critically listen to music even MP3s I want to sit on my couch with a remote and no TV on and not push stuff from my office in the other room. My solution was to share my iTunes library on my MacPro with my MacMini and use Remote Buddy on my iPhone to play songs from the MacMini which is actually getting them from my MacPro. I then got a Bel Canto e.One DAC 3 with a USB input to play sound out of the Mac Mini. The Mac Mini actually doesn't contain any of my songs or videos. They are all on my Mac Pro.

So I am happy. I can use remote Desktop from my laptop and do whatever I need to on the mac mini as far as setup or displaying power points on my TV.

EXCEPT: I am furious that Apple won't let me rent movies via iTunes in high definition without that stupid Apple TV. Obviously they won't look as good as blu ray however it would be a nice option. I am not buying that piece of junk Apple TV when a Mac Mini is a superior solution in every which way. WHY IS APPLE FORCING ME TO BUY THAT PIECE OF JUNK? Has someone figured out a way to allow the Mac Mini to trick iTunes into thinking it's a TV? I own 3 apple computers and an iPhone. I have certainly drank the Kool Aid but this infuriates me. If someone has an answer to the Mac Mini HD rental dilemma please e-mail amit at greathills.com. There is absolutely no reason I should not be able to. Even on my MacPro which has > 1080p resolution with a nice big screen, why shouldn't I be able to rent hi def for that device. I hope Sony creates their own movie rental program for the PS3. I'll be the first in line to use it. Apple is flat out wrong on this and I hope it bites them in the rear.

 

[BoulderBum]

I haven't heard anyone argue that Blu Ray isn't higher quality than Apple TV movies, but with Apple TV, the principal advantage is convenience.

Video store closed? Snowed in? Lazy? You're boned if all you have is Blu Ray, but with Apple TV you have content on-demand, they're never out of stock, and I believe the selection is already better than Blu Ray. All from the comfort of your couch.

 

[saltyzoo]

I am not buying that piece of junk Apple TV when a Mac Mini is a superior solution in every which way.

Unfortunately, this is not true. Obviously, the software is inferior on the mini, or you would not be complaining. On the hardware side, I own and use both a mini and an ATV for multimedia. Mini in the LR and ATV in the bedroom. The decoding of the ATV over HDMI is far superior to the decoding and display the mini does. I'm not sure why exactly, but the ATV is vastly superior. I'm actually planning on trading the mini in for an ATV. I think you'd be pleasantly surprised if you did the same.

 

[themanfromvlad]

You know what's keeping me from buying a PS3? The lack of a $2 IR port on it. I have an incredible home theatre setup at home, and everything is controlled with my Logitech Harmony remote. But the PS3 is compatible with any universal remotes because it lacks that feature.

I'd also want to use it to play PS2 games, but since Sony has cut out those features, it ain't going to happen. Any used 60 GB PS3 for sale?

 

[jaw04005]

Can I ask how you do this? I get very random results. I'm trying to rip my library down to VOBs but only a handful play despite being ripped in the same way.

You can get to the same result other ways, but I prefer to make sure I get it right. Here's what I do:

1. Rip DVD using Mac The Ripper. I generally rip the entire DVD in case I want some of the extras, but you could just rip the main feature.

2. Open main feature VOB in MPEG StreamClip. You must have Apple's QuickTime MPEG-2 plug-in installed ($20 from Apple Store online).

Get MPEG StreamClip: www.squared5.com

3. After selecting appropriate audio track, export as "Headed MPEG".

4. Open VLC.

5. In VLC, File - > Export, Choose Transcode/Save to File.

6. Select .MPEG file created from MPEG StreamClip.

7. Click next, as you're not transcoding video or audio.

8. Choose MPEG PS.

9. VLC will scan through file and save it out to your desktop as another .MPEG file. File should playback nicely on your PS3 even through streaming using MediaLink 1.3.1.

Most DVDs come out to around 5GB. There's no transcoding, so the file is at full quality and you've preserved the original AC3 audio track.

 

[Zwhaler]

Video store closed? Snowed in? Lazy? You're boned if all you have is Blu Ray, but with Apple TV you have content on-demand, they're never out of stock, and I believe the selection is already better than Blu Ray. All from the comfort of your couch.

I disagree. How often are you really going to have zero access to a movie rental store? And if that is the case, with a PS3, you can just play videogames to entertain yourself. Plus, I can guarantee you that there are more BluRay movies available than Apple HD rentals. BluRay titles have been around for a year and a half, the apple tv HD rentals: 3.5 months

 

[digitalnicotine]

I am furious that Apple won't let me rent movies via iTunes in high definition without that stupid Apple TV.

I wasn't aware of this, so thanks for the info. I own a PS3, and am considering getting a Mini, but now I may just get an TV instead. While I am indeed pleased with the PS3, I'm not patient, and want to be able to rent via download now, not when Sony gets around to it. After reading this thread, it seems having both is the best option for me.

Thanks OP, you provided a lot of information I wasn't aware of.

 

[AppleFan360]

I have both and enjoy both of them for different things. The Apple TV has a great interface and since I have a lot of music/videos/podcasts in iTunes, it's just better when I want to access any of that stuff on the big screen to do it thru the Apple TV. However, the PS3 also gets a lot of use for Blu-ray movies and some gaming as well, and it truly is a fantastic piece of consumer electronics. I wouldn't want to get rid of either one of them.

Same here. I have both and enjoy both for different reasons. The Apple TV is easy to use and it's fun to surf YouTube when I get bored.

 

[Eauboy]

I really love my PS3. I'm not a gamer -or so I thought- but I've really found video games to be a rewarding 'bonus' to blu-ray playback. And upscaled DVD playback is incredible.

Regarding using the PS3 as a media center I have mixed feelings. The inability to organize my music collection is annoying. I have a bunch of music on a DLNA NAS (Buffalo Linkstation) but that configuration hasn't proven to be very robust.

Does the Nullriver (?) tool have to run as a server on a networked PC/Mac, or is it a plug-in to the PS3 which can 'find' other content on the Internet?

 

[Much Ado]

I have both and much prefer my Apple TV for media content because of the GUI.

 

[snapper07]

I've got both just got apple tv and have had ps3 since launch in uk i could never get the ps3 to work every time and not all my music would play using nullriver thing and none of my movies!
I like the fact that apple tv is integrated into my mac media no reconverting things,but i have to say i prefer how the photo view works on the ps3 being able to zoom into the pics and rotate and the thing where the pics just drop onto the table top is great.
love having both ps3 for games and bluray and the apple tv for the rest!

 

[mark34]

Add me to the camp that has both and enjoys them both for different purposes.

There is NO WAY I would want to use the PS3 UI for anything other than playing Blu-Ray movies and playing PS3 games. But for those two purposes it is fantastic.

The Apple TV, for me, is a far far superior media center device and it is great to be able to add to my movie options (though I often watch Blu-Ray) by renting HD movies on Apple TV. I have an external video processor that does improve upon the Apple TV output. It is a very good picture, though, as everyone rightly notes, the Blu-Ray picture is superior.

Back to the media center capabilities of the Apple TV, I love being able to subscribe to .Mac web galleries, mine and those of friends and family. Hard to beat the Web Gallery as a means to share photos. It is brilliant.

 

[anjinha]

I disagree. How often are you really going to have zero access to a movie rental store? And if that is the case, with a PS3, you can just play videogames to entertain yourself. Plus, I can guarantee you that there are more BluRay movies available than Apple HD rentals. BluRay titles have been around for a year and a half, the apple tv HD rentals: 3.5 months

Actually a lot. I don't have a car and I don't have a movie rental store near me so iTunes rentals is the best option for me. Plus I don't play video games. And I actually don't care about BluRay or HD, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference with the TV set that I own. Not everyone wants/needs top quality movies

 

[anjinha]

Video store closed? Snowed in? Lazy? You're boned if all you have is Blu Ray, but with Apple TV you have content on-demand, they're never out of stock, and I believe the selection is already better than Blu Ray. All from the comfort of your couch.

Now I just want to be able to download junk food to eat while watching a movie. Too bad materialization isn't possible yet.

 

[KettyKrueger]

You can get to the same result other ways, but I prefer to make sure I get it right. Here's what I do:

1. Rip DVD using Mac The Ripper. I generally rip the entire DVD in case I want some of the extras, but you could just rip the main feature.

2. Open main feature VOB in MPEG StreamClip. You must have Apple's QuickTime MPEG-2 plug-in installed ($20 from Apple Store online).

Get MPEG StreamClip: www.squared5.com

3. After selecting appropriate audio track, export as "Headed MPEG".

4. Open VLC.

5. In VLC, File - > Export, Choose Transcode/Save to File.

6. Select .MPEG file created from MPEG StreamClip.

7. Click next, as you're not transcoding video or audio.

8. Choose MPEG PS.

9. VLC will scan through file and save it out to your desktop as another .MPEG file. File should playback nicely on your PS3 even through streaming using MediaLink 1.3.1.

Most DVDs come out to around 5GB. There's no transcoding, so the file is at full quality and you've preserved the original AC3 audio track.

you are a legend!

Worked a treat, can't believe I've spent TWO WHOLE weeks trying to get Vobs to play with no luck.

Thanks again.

Well, back on track, I've done the same as the op, AppleTV Take 2 was far too buggy, the UI was so glitchy and slow. Hence my reason for dumping it.

I like the UI of the PS3, I can now (thanks to Jaw!) scroll through my movies at a ultra-fast rate! Seriously, it's super fast! Plus I now have a blu-ray player and the best games machine around if I fancy a dabble.

The PS3 does cost more but you get more bang for your buck.

Saying that, I'm sure Apple will release some uber-add-on that will make the Apple TV far more attractive than it is now....blu-ray add on perhaps? TV tuner? I'd settle for a non-buggy UI!

Anyways, thanks again for the guide.

Peace out.

 

[petvas]

You can get to the same result other ways, but I prefer to make sure I get it right. Here's what I do:

1. Rip DVD using Mac The Ripper. I generally rip the entire DVD in case I want some of the extras, but you could just rip the main feature.

2. Open main feature VOB in MPEG StreamClip. You must have Apple's QuickTime MPEG-2 plug-in installed ($20 from Apple Store online).

Get MPEG StreamClip: www.squared5.com

3. After selecting appropriate audio track, export as "Headed MPEG".

4. Open VLC.

5. In VLC, File - > Export, Choose Transcode/Save to File.

6. Select .MPEG file created from MPEG StreamClip.

7. Click next, as you're not transcoding video or audio.

8. Choose MPEG PS.

9. VLC will scan through file and save it out to your desktop as another .MPEG file. File should playback nicely on your PS3 even through streaming using MediaLink 1.3.1.

Most DVDs come out to around 5GB. There's no transcoding, so the file is at full quality and you've preserved the original AC3 audio track.

That was great! Thanks. Is there a way to add subtitles?

 

[pprior]

I assume that is SD only, not for HD/bluray ripping, right?

 

[Zwhaler]

Actually a lot. I don't have a car and I don't have a movie rental store near me so iTunes rentals is the best option for me. Plus I don't play video games. And I actually don't care about BluRay or HD, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference with the TV set that I own. Not everyone wants/needs top quality movies

Agreed, in your case the TV is far superior.

 

[err404]

I am furious that Apple won't let me rent movies via iTunes in high definition without that stupid Apple TV.

While I partially agree, their are real technical reasons for this. The audio in the HD file format used by Apple can't play correctly on a stock Mac. You would only get stereo sound, even if your Mini is plugged in via the optical port. This needs to be addressed in QT before they can open HD rentals to the general Mac audience. This is probably a low priority for Apple right now seeing as they are so limited in HD content in the first place. Be patient I'm sure it's not some grand conspiracy, but more that the dev teams are spread very thin. It's only a matter of time.

 

[defender1844]

Interesting

While I partially agree, their are real technical reasons for this. The audio in the HD file format used by Apple can't play correctly on a stock Mac. You would only get stereo sound, even if your Mini is plugged in via the optical port. This needs to be addressed in QT before they can open HD rentals to the general Mac audience. This is probably a low priority for Apple right now seeing as they are so limited in HD content in the first place. Be patient I'm sure it's not some grand conspiracy, but more that the dev teams are spread very thin. It's only a matter of time.

I really hope you are correct. However stereo sound is fine and not worth delaying high definition rentals to non Apple TVs. I think Apple is trying to force us to use the Apple TV when the Mac Mini is a much better overall solution. Again, I hope you are right and this will help me be a little more patient.

 

[h1kar1]

Well im the other way around

I have had ps3 since the begining it does what it does great blueray movies are by far the best and the upconvertion is great also.

I have bought a appletv about 4-5months ago so still kinda new to it.
you buy appletv for the orginatianal reason.

I like having covers and having every thing orginized and easy to get to.

the ps3 lacks this and realy don't see it happening anytime soon.
yes you can orginize by foldor and what not.

In my option it more work then its worth getting movies onto the ps3
no don't get me wrong if you have a ps3 then it might be worth it if you dont have a appletv

but i have both and will go for the appletv to keep my movies orginized and watch them.

they both have the ups and downs. i rarly playgames on it and rarly rent blueray dvd's so i used appletv more nowa days.

Appletv interface is new and fresh.
PS3 interface is still playing catch up to 360..

 

[saltyzoo]

I really hope you are correct. However stereo sound is fine and not worth delaying high definition rentals to non Apple TVs. I think Apple is trying to force us to use the Apple TV when the Mac Mini is a much better overall solution. Again, I hope you are right and this will help me be a little more patient.

In no way is the mini a better overall solution, as I've already mentioned before, which is pretty significant. But beyond what I've already said it goes against everything Apple has ever done to offer a complicated mechanism (mini + frontrow or whatever) rather than a simple "it just works" (apple tv) solution.

 

[KettyKrueger]

You can get to the same result other ways, but I prefer to make sure I get it right. Here's what I do:

1. Rip DVD using Mac The Ripper. I generally rip the entire DVD in case I want some of the extras, but you could just rip the main feature.

2. Open main feature VOB in MPEG StreamClip. You must have Apple's QuickTime MPEG-2 plug-in installed ($20 from Apple Store online).

Get MPEG StreamClip: www.squared5.com

3. After selecting appropriate audio track, export as "Headed MPEG".

4. Open VLC.

5. In VLC, File - > Export, Choose Transcode/Save to File.

6. Select .MPEG file created from MPEG StreamClip.

7. Click next, as you're not transcoding video or audio.

8. Choose MPEG PS.

9. VLC will scan through file and save it out to your desktop as another .MPEG file. File should playback nicely on your PS3 even through streaming using MediaLink 1.3.1.

Most DVDs come out to around 5GB. There's no transcoding, so the file is at full quality and you've preserved the original AC3 audio track.

One last thing, is there a way to add artwork to these new mpeg files? iTunes won't have it!

Also, the time code (when you press select) is way off, is there a way to correct that, or is that the price I have to pay for lovely mpeg files?

 

[RexDevious]

Kind of missing one of the features of ATV

I too am going through the long, slow process of ripping a massive DVD collection for itunes AppleTV or iPods.

The main point of ripping them, is to be able to get to movies or TV shows *quickly* - without having sit through 10 minutes of FBI warnings, previews, and ridiculously fancy menu renderings before I'm allowed to see the content I paid for.

My main beef with ATV (it was a present, I wouldn't have bought one) was that it doesn't support 4:3 aspect ration HD TVs - and I got one specifically because most of the content I watch is 4:3 (like Family Guy, South Park, ect) and 16:9 is already filmed in a way that it can be trimmed to 4:3 without losing much.

But one nice thing about the Apple "System" - is that it does do a rather good job of keeping things synchronized - something I don't know you can do with a PS3. Like, if I've ripped a 10 seasons of South Park and want to watch one I haven't seen in recently - it doesn't matter whether I watched it on iTunes, an iPod, or ATV - it keeps what's been watched in synch - even saving your place if your watching a longer movie. And of course, you can tack on descriptions - very good if you have a lot of content.

Lastly, ATV supports shared libraries. You can share your movies with your neighbour, or vice versa, using either any computer running iTunes, or ATV.

The rental feature isn't a big deal for me yet, as I already have more (and better) movies and TV shows ripped than the whole Apple Store offers for rental.

Yes, the Apple "system" is flawed. But historically, they're more likely to get this right before other companies. Sony is very innovative, but somehow never quite gets enough market traction to become ubiquitous - which even in imperfect systems vastly increases the likely hood that other companies will fill in the gaps with other products, and that your system can interact nicely with other peoples.

That said, Apple has always done a disappointing job with gaming. If gaming is remotely important to you - explore other options.

 

[defender1844]

In no way is the mini a better overall solution, as I've already mentioned before, which is pretty significant. But beyond what I've already said it goes against everything Apple has ever done to offer a complicated mechanism (mini + frontrow or whatever) rather than a simple "it just works" (apple tv) solution.

I find the need to keep the TV on to listen to music via Apple TV to be a huge turnoff. With the mini, I am still sharing the same iTunes content from a MacPro and I can use the iPhone and Remote Buddy as a remote and the TV stays off. Far superior to keeping a TV on all the time and using the Apple TV remote.

Simply allow iTunes to rent movies in HD on the mini and let the market decide.