New Apple TV's?

[AeroStud1026]

Hey guys,

I've been researching ATV for quite some time and I want to buy one. However I know by the end of the month Apple will probably have a new release on the MB's and MBP's......does anybody know if ATV's will be updated that time? or another date?

Also another question, I'm figuring the apple tv streams content from your itunes on your personal computer to the device which plays on your tv....so whats the purpose of having the 40 and 160GB HD's?

 

[marcusgee]

I haven't heard any definitive news on a refresh of the ATV line. I have heard rumors--and those are indeed rumors, with no corroboration whatsoever--that Apple may be refreshing the Mac Mini line to include ATV-like functionality, perhaps combining the two products. Again, though, you don't want to take that to the bank, because those kinds of stories are always buzzing around.

As for the HD size, a lot of people go for the cheaper model because they stream exclusively. I got the 160GB version because I wanted to sync all my kids' movies so they could browse and pick their flicks without seeing the likes of Alien and The Exorcist popping up, since I don't keep iTunes running all the time.

 

[AeroStud1026]

Thanks for posting, also......would I get better results if I buy a Mac Mini and hook that up to my HDTV through the VGA port on the back of my HDTV? If I do that, im pretty sure Mini's will get updated by the end of the month so i'll wait for that....if not....i'll get the ATV.....however I am still concerned that when I buy it, apple will re release it with better features...maybe 1080p support? last year I bought my MB October 9th, by the 31st they released all new MB's....I just don't want that to happen again with an ATV purchase....thanks

Matt

 

[ipedro]

tv 3.0

While I don't think we'll see any new hardware coming to the tv any time soon, I find that there is reason to believe that new software will be revealed at either of two points in the next few months: a pre-Christmas event or at MacWorld.

The best indication that the tv team is hard at work on a big project with a tight schedule is the delay we saw this month in updating tv to include the features of iTunes 8. All iPod and iPhones across the line received the update instantly. tv did not.

There doesn't seem to be a concerted effort at maintaining the current Take 2 version. Because I don't see Apple abandoning the tv platform because of its strategic importance to the continued success of the iTunes model, this can only mean that the team is working on a separate version of the software.

Expect tv 3.0 within 3 months or less.

 

[mpshay]

There are a bunch of threads on TV vs Mini. I started with a mini hooked up a 46" Samsung LCD and eventually went with an TV for a few reasons. 1) connection was simpler (HMDI vs DVI & digital audio) With the mini I always had to have the receiver on for sound now if I want I can just use the TV 2) less maintenance, easier use for the family 3) was able to use the mini elsewhere

 

[AeroStud1026]

While I don't think we'll see any new hardware coming to the tv any time soon, I find that there is reason to believe that new software will be revealed at either of two points in the next few months: a pre-Christmas event or at MacWorld.

The best indication that the tv team is hard at work on a big project with a tight schedule is the delay we saw this month in updating tv to include the features of iTunes 8. All iPod and iPhones across the line received the update instantly. tv did not.

There doesn't seem to be a concerted effort at maintaining the current Take 2 version. Because I don't see Apple abandoning the tv platform because of its strategic importance to the continued success of the iTunes model, this can only mean that the team is working on a separate version of the software.

So your saying that you don't think new hardware for tv will be coming out however new software updates will be? I'm assuming then these software updates will be available to all tv owners then

Expect tv 3.0 within 3 months or less.

So your saying Apple probably won't come out with new hardware, but they will come out with new software? So I'm assuming the new software will be available all all tv owners regardless of when they bought their tv?

 

[ipedro]

Yes, that's what I'm suggesting.

I can't see Apple alienating it's entire established base of users on a platform that hasn't taken real hold just yet. The logical strategy would be to continue fortifying that base while growing it. This means keeping all current users on the cutting edge without giving them opportunities to abandon the platform due to upgrade requirements.

Also, the present hardware is perfectly capable of handling the demands of the majority of the currently available media. 720p will be the norm for digital distribution for a while until 20Mbit connections become widespread across the markets that Apple is targeting.