The reason why this is a potentially exciting development is that the iPhone 3Gs would be capable of doing this... in HD.
yeah yeah, i know the pico-projector maxes out at 480p, but it's the idea that counts.
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iPhone 3GS plays HD(720p) video VERY WELL
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The reason why this is a potentially exciting development is that the iPhone 3Gs would be capable of doing this... in HD.
yeah yeah, i know the pico-projector maxes out at 480p, but it's the idea that counts.
I don't think he was implying that the iPod has HD outputs. I think his sentence was just a little awkward.
I read his post to mean that with component output available, the possibility of having HD output is possible. If someone with the kit can confirm that the Gs can indeed output 720p using component cables, that would go a long way in increasing the capabilities of the iPhone.
ft
More than that it could be capable of plugging into any HD TV via component, avoiding the need for an Apple TV entirely. 
But just because it plays 720p video does not mean the component video out is capable of 720p. We need somebody to do a test and see if the level of the detail on a screen looks like 480i or like 720p, should be quite possible to tell just from the image quality.
I'm basically saying that the real question is not whether it plays 720p, but whether it can do something useful with 720p playback, whether it can pipe it out to your HD screen!
But just because it plays 720p video does not mean the component video out is capable of 720p. We need somebody to do a test and see if the level of the detail on a screen looks like 480i or like 720p, should be quite possible to tell just from the image quality.
I'm basically saying that the real question is not whether it plays 720p, but whether it can do something useful with 720p playback, whether it can pipe it out to your HD screen!
This probably answers that question...
(From the Apple store description of the component cables)
Note: Component video output to television is supported by iPod nano (3rd and 4th generation), iPod touch (2nd generation), and iPod classic at 480p or 576p resolution; and by iPod touch (1st generation), iPhone, and iPhone 3G at 480i or 576i resolution.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB128LL/B?fnode=MTY1NDAzOQ&mco=MjE1NTI2OA
(From the Apple store description of the component cables)
Note: Component video output to television is supported by iPod nano (3rd and 4th generation), iPod touch (2nd generation), and iPod classic at 480p or 576p resolution; and by iPod touch (1st generation), iPhone, and iPhone 3G at 480i or 576i resolution.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB128LL/B?fnode=MTY1NDAzOQ&mco=MjE1NTI2OA
So now its output? Wow this thread jumps around like no other. First its playing video in HD on the iPhone, then its simply the ability to play HD video in SD on the iPhone now it goes to output.
Again, the thread title and 85% of the posts in this thread are entirely misleading. Thread continues to fail.
Even though they haven't added the 3GS into the disclaimer, they've added it into the "devices supported". Which more than likely means 3GS doesn't support HD output.
Apple cannot advertise that it plays 720p because it down converts it into a 480, which is NOT outputting at 720. Apple advertises exactly what it displays as, THAT is what matters. Who cares if it can convert the video, it cannot OUTPUT at 720, and OUTPUT is all that matters. All you are doing is trying to manipulate wording to imply something is possible that isn't. But go ahead, keep believing whatever you want.
Currently it appears to be unknown whether it can output 720p or not. You guys are just making assumptions. (and by output I mean via the component output cable and not it's own low resolution screen, incase anyone misunderstands again)
If you listen to Apple it can't even play a 720p video file... I wouldn't bother to listen to what some marketing team writes on the product label.
If you listen to Apple it can't even play a 720p video file... I wouldn't bother to listen to what some marketing team writes on the product label.
Google it then. Or wait, I will save you the trouble:
iLounge
"Notably, the new iPods are each capable of a higher maximum resolution of video output than last years video-ready model. The iPod nano and classic now output up to 480p or 576p video when connected to the Component AV Cable, while the iPod touch and iPhone output at lower 480i or 576i standards. None of these devices matches the maximum video output capabilities of the separate, HDTV-dependent Apple TV."
But I am sure you will keep being stubborn and believe what you want to believe.
iPhone 3GS technical specifications on video playback:
Video playback
Video formats supported: H.264 video, up to 1.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Low-Complexity version of the H.264 Baseline Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; H.264 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Baseline Profile up to Level 3.0 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats
http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html
I guess you will probably still say that it does not state that it cannot playback 720p.
Video playback
Video formats supported: H.264 video, up to 1.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Low-Complexity version of the H.264 Baseline Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; H.264 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Baseline Profile up to Level 3.0 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats
http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html
I guess you will probably still say that it does not state that it cannot playback 720p.
We've had people in this thread proving in plays 720p files, even though the specs say it does not. Remember, that list is written by marketing guys not engineers.
uberamd, that article says Published: Monday, October 29, 2007.
It has nothing to do with the 3gs.
Considering all this, we really don't know if it outputs 720p or not.
uberamd, that article says Published: Monday, October 29, 2007.
It has nothing to do with the 3gs.
Considering all this, we really don't know if it outputs 720p or not.
I don't understand the issue here. Sure, the thread title could have been worded differently, the OP even said as much.
Threads morph over time as others chime in with their ideas and opinions. The fact that this thread may have started out with the idea that the iPhone could play HD on it's own screen and then morphed to focus on outputting HD via component is not surprising. It happens all the time.
The issue now - in my mind - is whether the iPod 3Gs can output 720p through component cables or the dock connector.
Whether the iPod 3Gs can display HD on its screen is irrelevant, because we all know that it can't.
The listed specs on the component kit are irrelevant since they are old and don't necessarily pertain to the 3Gs.
The listed specs on the 3Gs may or may not be relevant. The OP has proven that the 3Gs can playback 720p video files ... something the previous iPhones could not do. (I sorta liken it to the fact that the aTV can play files with bit rates higher than 5 Mbps, which is the listed max bit rate)
Even if it's proven that the 3Gs cannot output 720p, the fact that it can playback those files is good. More flexibility is a good thing, in this case. If users choose to have two (or more) encodings of their videos, then fine. Some folks would prefer to have one file for all of their devices.
However, if it is proven that the 3Gs can indeed output 720p video, then that's the real exciting development. The 3Gs will be more useful to a subset of users.
I don't see how this is a "fail".
iPhone 3GS & iPod Touch 3G > AppleTV
Apple's TV business has been held back by the AppleTV device. It's quite expensive.
If the 3rd generation iPod Touch and iPhone3GS could output 720p to a TV - then it would be easy to include all the functionality of the AppleTV into a free "FrontRow" App.
Then everyone who owns the iPod or iPhone would also become "instant" AppleTV owners. No need to buy an extra set top box. Instead they'd just need an HDMI dock and a remote.
C.
Apple's TV business has been held back by the AppleTV device. It's quite expensive.
If the 3rd generation iPod Touch and iPhone3GS could output 720p to a TV - then it would be easy to include all the functionality of the AppleTV into a free "FrontRow" App.
Then everyone who owns the iPod or iPhone would also become "instant" AppleTV owners. No need to buy an extra set top box. Instead they'd just need an HDMI dock and a remote.
C.
The Apple TV is $229, which is in my opinion not very expensive. I have had mine for about a year and a half, issue free. I love it. I convert my DVD's and TV Shows to Apple TV format, and I have a digital library, readily available in my living room for anyone to use and enjoy.
Yeah, I love mine too. But they have not sold in big numbers.
In other words. The AppleTV is no iPod.
Do you think Apple might sell more movies if every iPod touch included a free AppleTV?
C.
Seems, at 30fps can handle only 720p.
http://www.samsung.com/global/busin...wnloads/systemlsi/s5pc100_brochure_200902.pdf
http://www.samsung.com/global/busin...wnloads/systemlsi/s5pc100_brochure_200902.pdf
It should be obvious that most people don't think they're watching 1280x720 pixels on a 480x320 screen. That's simply math. There are two important things that could come from this finding.
1. iPhone and iPod touch could allow users to download one video file for all devices. If the video decoder hardware is efficient, it may not kill the battery much faster.
2. iPhone and iPod touch could get an HD connection out to the TV. Maybe not with current cables or docks, and maybe not until the iPod touch is announced.
I think another thing to look at here is the Zune HD.
I haven't typically been a fan of the Zune and I don't think it's really pushed Apple to make any advances in their iPod brand. However, the new Zune HD is supposed to output 720HD through a dock connector. While not a killer feature, it definitely has its appeal.
1. iPhone and iPod touch could allow users to download one video file for all devices. If the video decoder hardware is efficient, it may not kill the battery much faster.
2. iPhone and iPod touch could get an HD connection out to the TV. Maybe not with current cables or docks, and maybe not until the iPod touch is announced.
I think another thing to look at here is the Zune HD.
I haven't typically been a fan of the Zune and I don't think it's really pushed Apple to make any advances in their iPod brand. However, the new Zune HD is supposed to output 720HD through a dock connector. While not a killer feature, it definitely has its appeal.
that's the whole point of the thread IMO
oh, and I believe there are already some phones outputting HD videos, Samsung Omnia HD and some HTC.
I don't think anyone said the iPhone's screen magically becomes denser with a higher resolution. It already downscales 640x480 videos, right? Maybe there still aren't cables for it to output HD videos, it doesn't mean it's impossible, this isn't science fiction.
That is because NTSC uses a 29.97 fps, which is what most US TVs uses as standard. PAL uses 25 fps. 60 fps will screw up because it doesn't sync with the US TV standard.
I have admitted potential areas where this thread 'may' be misleading multiple times. I am not even going to try to deal with this issue of thread being fail etc...
And it is nature of the thread to change its topic as it moves on and even this changed topic is still under the umbrella of same topic: playing HD in some form or the other. Whilst there has been no explicit statement from Apple about iPhone 3GS being capable of HD etc., we have seen some potential rumors about change in composite cable line up....
Yet another possibility: this capability could be left unlocked for the previewing purpose on the iTunes store or to negate the need to make separate conversion for the iPod and iPhone....
Remember it could very well be possible that Apple can use this as the ultimate weapon against famous Zune HD. Zune HD is coming out in September, iPod refresh is in September. Other than well publicised rumor about camera, iPod Touch need +alpha. HD playback and output would be such plus alpha. As well as instantly clearing up the hype about Zune HD...(Let's be honest, it's external is one of the ugliest.. if Apple can match it's features it's gamed done.)
And it is nature of the thread to change its topic as it moves on and even this changed topic is still under the umbrella of same topic: playing HD in some form or the other. Whilst there has been no explicit statement from Apple about iPhone 3GS being capable of HD etc., we have seen some potential rumors about change in composite cable line up....
Yet another possibility: this capability could be left unlocked for the previewing purpose on the iTunes store or to negate the need to make separate conversion for the iPod and iPhone....
Remember it could very well be possible that Apple can use this as the ultimate weapon against famous Zune HD. Zune HD is coming out in September, iPod refresh is in September. Other than well publicised rumor about camera, iPod Touch need +alpha. HD playback and output would be such plus alpha. As well as instantly clearing up the hype about Zune HD...(Let's be honest, it's external is one of the ugliest.. if Apple can match it's features it's gamed done.)
Didn't bother to read most of the thread...but the issue at hand is that we aren't sure if we can store videos on the iphone and then play them back on another screen with full 720p...correct? Kind of like using a media player that stores and plays hd content.
It would indeed be a sick feature...having to convert it to a iphone supported format...not so much. It seems almost everything is half-arsed these days. My PS3 nor 360 can handle video larger than 4gigs due to limitations on the file system they use.
There is no issue. iTunes won't load the video to the 3GS therefore the video isn't in the iPod application. The video must be loaded onto the device by other means, like the Air Sharing app. But the video then plays back in the basic iPhone media player window which does not send video out the dock connector. So until 720P videos can be loaded into the iPod application, they will not playback on another screen.
The only thing that works right now is playing back a 720P file at 480x320 on the device. The only current benefit to that you can encode video once for all devices without degrading the 720 HD content. Until I find a longer video, I can't test battery implications.
..but we do not know the bitrate that it playsback, im assuming that it still plays it at the original quaility, but at a lower res.