I have a 42" Sony 720P HDTV, with surround. What I want to know is, I have an HD-DVD player and a BlueRay player. When I download a movie off of itunes, will it be unwatchable compared to how I usually watch movies? Also, I have a MBP, so I don't have a desktop to stream from. Any input would be appreciated.
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Is Apple TV worth it for me?
- Thread starter Anthony8720
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Well, let's put it this way. A movie bought from iTunes will have a significantly lower quality to what you'll see on your Blu-Ray's and HD-DVD's.
DVD's you rip yourself or view in a DVD player will look better than iTunes videos.
The main reason is the resolution they give you the movies in. It's shrunk as opposed to what a DVD will display at. They're not 480 pixels high.
So, iTunes movies will suck. DVD's you rip yourself won't as much. But neither will compare to your HD discs.
The AppleTV can stream from your laptop.
DVD's you rip yourself or view in a DVD player will look better than iTunes videos.
The main reason is the resolution they give you the movies in. It's shrunk as opposed to what a DVD will display at. They're not 480 pixels high.
So, iTunes movies will suck. DVD's you rip yourself won't as much. But neither will compare to your HD discs.
The AppleTV can stream from your laptop.
It won't compare to your HD sources, but it's very close to DVD on other sources. DVD's will be best, and there are some HD podcasts that look great. I have my entire Outer Limits (1960s) and Firefly episodes on mine - it's nice having some favorites at your fingertips. iTunes movies look fine, but probably not quite as good using your own DVD. Only downside, at this point, is no Dolby 5.1., just Dolby Digital. If I'm doing some "serious" viewing, I can (omg) get up and put the DVD in. A lot of the movies or TV shows I have on it don't have (or need...) DD 5.1, but I will be happy when/if they can add it.
Also, keep in mind, you can put your entire music library on the
tv and have access to it without streaming (Airtunes, or from your MBP). I also have a MBP, and it's very nice not to have it open to stream (although, it's better than AirTunes, as the interface is on the TV).
Also, keep in mind, you can put your entire music library on the
tv and have access to it without streaming (Airtunes, or from your MBP). I also have a MBP, and it's very nice not to have it open to stream (although, it's better than AirTunes, as the interface is on the TV).Thanks for all the info, perhaps it will be worth it for the music alone. I like that fact that it wont need to stream it, that makes it pretty easy for those of us without desktops. I wonder what the problem is with apple and staying with current technology. No HD, no 5.1....people who are serious about home entertainment will be turned away. I guess I'll just have to take the info you guys gave me and do some serious thinking. Thanks!
hm, yeh,, i thought about getting an Apple TV but decided against it. for me, i don't find it capable enough; ie, no dvd player, inability to buy directly from iTms, and the fact that it can only play mp4 movie files. for me, the Apple TV is no different from directly plugging my video iPod to the TV where the quality is actually fairly decent. I just couldn't justify spending $300 for the apple tv when i could simply buy the $20 ipod-tv adaptor...