Looking to buy- two questions

[Boise Jim]

OK, I'm almost 100% committed to buy an TV, but I have two questions.

1) I don't have a wireless router (no need, as it sits next to my iMac), so can I sync my media via Airport in my computer to the TV?
Also, because of the lack of the wireless router, when I want to rent movies, or download any music, I was just going to run an ethernet cable and do it this way (hardwired). It sounds like this will work, but if not, I'm all ears.

2) For all you out there that got an TV and ditched your cable or satellite, does this really work in the practical sense? Did you get an HD antennae for your locals, and are you using something like Hulu for all other shows?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[spice weasel]

You're going to want to set up a home network if you get an Apple TV.

You can - and in fact it is recommended that you do - sync your iTunes library and your Apple TV over ethernet the first time you do it, because it will take quite a bit of time (and even more if you buy the 160 gig model). But without a network, you are going to have to run a long ethernet cable from your computer to your AppleTV in order to use it. And then you won't be able to connect to the internet on your computer (because your ethernet port will already be taken up by your Apple TV).

The Apple TV is made to get content from your iTunes library on your computer to your television. Without a home network, it really doesn't work without a whole lot of plugging and unplugging and hassle. Your network need not be wireless, but it doesn't make much sense for it not to be.

As for ditching cable, I am in the same boat as you so I can't help you there. For me the biggest issue is getting clear OTA picture quality with an antenna. Hulu on Boxee works pretty well for an alpha release, but it's not even 480p and it is Flash. This weekend I plan on buying a good antenna and trying it out before I cancel my cable subscription. Maybe I'll go for a week or two with no cable to see how I like it.

If someone figures out a way to get Netflix streaming on the Apple TV, I'll drop Comcast cable in a heartbeat

 

[Boise Jim]

OK, so I got the networking thing figured out (a buddy of mine is an Apple Certified Tech., and he walked me through it).

Now, I'm really interested in ditching my satellite, and would love to read how people are successfully doing it.

 

[basesloaded190]

OK, so I got the networking thing figured out (a buddy of mine is an Apple Certified Tech., and he walked me through it).

Now, I'm really interested in ditching my satellite, and would love to read how people are successfully doing it.

lots of threads about people ditching cable/satellite. do a search and you will find plenty of reading