Newbie Setup ??'s

[Minuteman3]

Greetings all!!

I am thinking of getting an Apple TV as a replacement for our Netflix subscription. Here's my usage: A couple of times a month, we'll rent a movie. Probably in HD. Not interested in digitizing DVDs, etc. Probably watch a total of 4-5 films a month.

Occasionally we'll buy a movie. Very occasionally.

Reason I'm moving off of Netflix is (1) they're raising the cost for Blu-Ray rentals and (2) I'd like the convenience of getting a movie from iTunes more quickly than in the mail. Also, we sometimes go several months without watching any movies so I always felt like I was paying something for nothing!!

My main question is how the basic Apple TV system works. I downloaded the manual and the setup looks very easy. What's a bit unclear to me is the relationship with iTunes and my PC (where my iTunes library resides). Do I (or can I) order movie rentals or even a purchase a movie directly off the Apple TV, or do I get them on the PC and then stream them to the Apple TV?

I'd prefer a system where I don't have to leave the PC on just to watch a movie!!

Thanks in advance ... sorry for being so basic!!

Cheers!!

Ken

 

[The Mad Hatter]

Greetings all!!

I am thinking of getting an Apple TV as a replacement for our Netflix subscription. Here's my usage: A couple of times a month, we'll rent a movie. Probably in HD. Not interested in digitizing DVDs, etc. Probably watch a total of 4-5 films a month.

Occasionally we'll buy a movie. Very occasionally.

Reason I'm moving off of Netflix is (1) they're raising the cost for Blu-Ray rentals and (2) I'd like the convenience of getting a movie from the iTunes more quickly than in the mail. Also, we sometimes go several months without watching any movies so I always felt like I was paying something for nothing!!

My main question is how the basic Apple TV system works. I downloaded the manual and the setup looks very easy. What's a bit unclear to me is the relationship with iTunes and my PC (where my iTunes library resides). Do I (or can I) order movie rentals or even a purchase a movie directly off the Apple TV, or do I get them on the PC and then stream them to the Apple TV?

I'd prefer a system where I don't have to leave the PC on just to watch a movie!!

Thanks in advance ... sorry for being so basic!!

Cheers!!

Ken

From what I understand, you don't necessarily have to link the ATV to iTunes on a computer, but you should for backup purposes. You can download, via the ATV's interface from the iTunes Store, directly to your ATV. I can't say positively, as mine is linked to my HPMS, and runs 24/7.

HTH

 

[Bye Bye Baby]

Yes- the ATV can function without a computer. But the small HD makes it hard to store things.

 

[iOrlando]

PC doesn't need to be on for Apple TV.

You actually should rent the movies directly from Apple Tv and not PC anyways.


and yes. Netflix pays to have only if you have the time to watch at least one movie every weekend.

 

[Scarpad]

If you only watch a few movie rentals a month the Apple TV sounds perfect for you and it sounds the 40gb version would be enough, but you might want to splurge and get the 160. HD movies are about 4-6 gigs so you could fit a few on the 40gb before its full. The Apple TV DL's them directly to its internal drive from the itunes store so you do not have to have the Computer on.

Another option you might want to consider is Vudu I had one of these and they were pretty nice, $149 for the box w/250gb HD. The HD Rentals are about a buck more $5.99 vs $4.99 but they are in full 1080p and their HDX rentals are comprable to blu ray.

 

[NeGRit0]

If you you decide on AppleTv, i suggest trying to find a used 40GB. They can be had for quite cheap, and if you find you really like it and that you are running out of room to upgrade the hard drive is fairly easy. So save money by getting the 40GB cause you can always upgrade the HD later if need be.

I personally love my AppleTv, but i hardly use it becuase im rarely home.

 

[Minuteman3]

Thanks very much for the input ... looks to me like an Apple TV will work perfectly!!

Cheers!!

Ken