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October 2008, good time to buy an AppleTV?

serpico

serpico

macrumors regular
Original poster
Sep 19, 2004
114
0
Vancouver, BC
Are there any updates coming soon to the hardware? I was thinking of picking one up on Friday when I visit the Apple Store. I haven't read anything recently on the topic and still learning about what can be done with it. This forum has been a great help so far on specifics like converting all my avi's to stream or save on the AppleTV.

I currently use a xbox 360 to play my avi files burned on a dvd-rw. It's a bit noisy and I'm missing all my itunes media sitting on my imac. My wife wants to keep things simple and clean in the family room too, so not looking into media pc's, etc to fill the room. I think the AppleTV is perfect for what we need so I'm wondering if there were any hardware updates soon.
 
Um, pretty tough for anyone on this forum to tell you. Who knows ? Personally, I doubt it. For the money, its a good buy if you ask me (which you didn't ;) ). Every new feature has come courtesy of a software update, which is nice for those of us who have the very first models. We are still up to date. But, as with all Apple products, you never know. Apple keeps that stuff pretty close to the vest.
 
I was just asking in case I missed a rumor or something. I haven't followed that dates of when the last one came out, but I recall a software update came out and changed the menu from the old front row. I guess I should start converting those avi files to a compatible format for the AppleTV. :rolleyes:
 
I'd be happy with a gigabit ethernet port hardware upgrade. Maybe one of the new nVidia GPUs for h.264 decoding as well... of course, since the AppleTV runs off of 10.4.x code, that wouldn't make any difference.
 
Of course nobody can really say for sure, but I just do not see apple upgrading the apple tv hardware anytime soon... or ever.
 
Well it depends on a few things.

1. Do you have Apple drmed media that can only be played back from a compatible Apple device?
2. Do you want to use Apple TV's services? I.E. rent and buy movies.
3. Are you willing to go through a few steps to get your media onto a streamer?

Seeing as how you are using an xbox to stream media I'm guessing you are willing to go through a few extra steps.

Then you should look into Popcorn Hour. It is much much better than the Apple TV. Popcorn Hour can play most media files, unlike the Apple TV. Price wise, if you are looking at the 160gb version they will be priced similarly except the Popcorn Hour is much more flexible.

If you have Apple drmed media it is possible to strip the drm so you can play it back on your Popcorn Hour as well.
 
serpico said:
I was just asking in case I missed a rumor or something. I haven't followed that dates of when the last one came out, but I recall a software update came out and changed the menu from the old front row. I guess I should start converting those avi files to a compatible format for the AppleTV. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

There seem to be no updates coming... You are safe to buy one. And you will LOVE it.
 
I'm not locked into much of Apple's purchases, music is what I buy most and that is easy to convert. I use what is best for my needs, be it from Apple or anyone else. It does get in the way with compatibility sometimes, but the AppleTV is so small and perfect for the family room. And keeps the wife happy.

I think I read that there was a way to play avi files but not sure if it was a codec to download for Quicktime, or an actual hack to the AppleTV. This would save time from converting avi files.
 
...any day is a good day to buy one ;)

Having recently ditched cable to rely on the Apple TV for 100% of our family content, I can tell you you'll love it. It's a bit ahead of it's time, but once you're used to it, it will be hard to go back to the stone age.
 
serpico said:
I think I read that there was a way to play avi files but not sure if it was a codec to download for Quicktime, or an actual hack to the AppleTV. This would save time from converting avi files.
Click to expand...
I have installed Boxee on my aTV, so I can play AVI files right now. The interface is not as smooth as the original Apple parts of aTV, which are still there, but on the rare occasions I receive a divx file, I don't have to worry about conversion. Supposedly Boxee can even play them from network locations, but I've never tried that.
 
Boxee looks interesting and I'll probably install it when I pick up the AppleTV. Saw a presentation a few weeks ago on a podcast. Very nice.
 
serpico said:
Are there any updates coming soon to the hardware? I was thinking of picking one up on Friday when I visit the Apple Store. I haven't read anything recently on the topic and still learning about what can be done with it. This forum has been a great help so far on specifics like converting all my avi's to stream or save on the AppleTV.

I currently use a xbox 360 to play my avi files burned on a dvd-rw. It's a bit noisy and I'm missing all my itunes media sitting on my imac. My wife wants to keep things simple and clean in the family room too, so not looking into media pc's, etc to fill the room. I think the AppleTV is perfect for what we need so I'm wondering if there were any hardware updates soon.
Click to expand...

Serpico,

Just go ahead and buy one, you won't be dissapointed!

Watching podcasts, having friends easily streaming their music over, and of course photo slideshow make the Apple TV a must for anyones living room.

I've owned one since it came out and I just love it! :)
 
Thanks for all the input. Ease of use is important for the family, I don't want to be rebooting a PC if something crashes! Just want people to easily figure the menu out and all. :D
I'll try Boxee first before I start converting all my avi files to another compatible file.
 
Converting files for playing on appletv is easy as pie. Just get it, you won't be disappointed, if you are, return it.. simple as that.
Mo
 
if you don't want it, don't return it. Send it to me!

If you find a good deal, let me know. I need one. :p I'm waiting til black friday
 
its in the states. day after thanksgiving stores open at like 4-5am and have hugeeeee sales to get rid of inventory/get moneyyyyyy.

i think canada has something similar
 
Thanks. Not yet reached New Zealand yet I guess. I too am going to buy :apple:TV soon, thought I might wait until the Macworld conference in San Francisco early 2009. I am new the apple world but understand that :apple:TV was first announced here a few years ago. Chances of an update announcement then????
 
I too ditched my cable for a la carte iTunes movies and TV shows, about 6 months ago and I absolutely love it. So much in fact that I am now looking to buy a second Apple TV for my bedroom. :)

I really wish Apple would push this product more. So many "regular folks" I talk to have no idea what "Apple TV" is but are impressed when I tell them all it can do. I really love this product...
 
Jobs said the Apple TV will remain a hobby in 2009, so I imagine no hardware updates are coming.

Software wise it probably will see updates (it better soon, because this is the most unstable and sluggish release to date).
 
An Apple TV combined with Boxee/XBMC is ideal for media playback. I bought one 4 weeks ago and love it. I considered the Popcorn Hour but if music playback is a priority then the ATV was recommended more than it. I also only paid £189 delivered from the Apple Refurb Store for the 160gb model.
 
BoulderBum said:
Of note is that even in the last revision, the original hardware didn't change (everyone just got a software update).

I say buy it now if you're ever hoping to. Apple products never go on sale: http://www.slate.com/id/2156030/.
Click to expand...

That article is almost 2 years old. But I know what you're saying.

If they're not on sale on black friday, then I'll pay regular price. Hey, you never know. I don't need it now, so I don't mind waiting.
 
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