September is around the corner, not sure if I should buy or wait?

[sfilingeri]

Hi, with September coming around, I'm not sure if I should wait for a TV or just jump in and get one. I'm pretty much a newbie to the Apple world as I just purchased my first iPhone and I think I'm hooked for life!

Do you think September will bring a hardware update or most likely a software update? Even if iTunes sold 1080 movies soon (Even if apple sold them in their H.264 format for space and bandwidth concerns) couldn't the current TV handle that with a software update?


Thanks for helping out a newbie here!

 

[Diveflo]

Hi,

we're all hoping for a hardware update. Apple TV is considered an iPod for your TV, and afaik there is an iPod-event due in september.
And no, the Apple TV can't even handle "real" 720p encoded with h264 (main level instead of high, no CABAC...), so I don't think it can handle 1080p content without a hardware upgrade.

 

[geoffreak]

If nothing happens in September, consider the TV dead and either buy it or move on.

A Mac Mini is a better purchase IMO.

 

[zedsdead]

I agree. Wait until after the iPod Event.

 

[TRAG]

If nothing happens in September, consider the TV dead and either buy it or move on.

A Mac Mini is a better purchase IMO.

+1
Sure it costs more but you can buy a Mac mini now and not have to worry about upgrading that for years. And it's so expandable in terms of expandable storage, more codecs, etc.

 

[zedsdead]

+1
Sure it costs more but you can buy a Mac mini now and not have to worry about upgrading that for years. And it's so expandable in terms of expandable storage, more codecs, etc.

This is very true, but if there is a new Apple TV, it may be much more a full entertainment center (ie. Games) this time around. It could be pretty cool...or Apple could do nothing. Who knows.

 

[Aldaris]

I disagree...

I disagree with the above posts, especially the "consider it dead" statement.

Although Apple has yet to support actual 1080i/p content via iTunes Store, they do support 1080i/p via an HDMI connection, (Nay sayers can test it for themselves before crying shenanigans).

At current stance, the AppleTV is great for what it is intended to do, namely, bring your iTunes library into your own living room, family room, bedroom, den, theater room, etc.

Although many users go the MacMini route, you miss the user experience from AppleTV, the iTunes store is using iTunes, and not as simple as just using your Apple Remote, or iPhone/iPod App.

I think it'd be a good idea to wait until septembers event, but not to be heartbroken if nothing is updated.

Either way it is currently a great device, although there could be additions and refinements along the way.

I hope this helps a little bit.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

For the sake of newbies, it is important to clarify this...

Although Apple has yet to support actual 1080i/p content via iTunes Store, they do support 1080i/p via an HDMI connection, (Nay sayers can test it for themselves before crying shenanigans).

Yes, the current TV lets you choose 1080i/p for the sake of displaying the interface (lists of content, etc.) However, it won't play 1080i/p video. Any video you have- such as 1080p shot with new HD camcorders- must be significantly downconverted to play via the current incarnation of the TV. It can look better than DVD quality, but far from the quality of the same video being played back natively from the camcorder itself.

New hardware- not just a software update- will be required to play back full 1080 HD video on TV.

That said, given how close we are to the event, I would wait. Either Apple has heard the pleas for an update or not. As an owner of TV, I would love to buy a (hardware) updated version this September.

 

[randy98mtu]

I have one and love it. I want a second one for the bedroom, but I'm waiting until September. I keep meaning to try Plex on my iMac, but I haven't gotten around to it. I still feel that I'll prefer the interface on the AppleTV and expect some new features in the new hardware that will not be on the iMac (App store with games.)

I'm almost done converting my DVD's (won't matter what platform I play them on, they are comparable to the original in quality) and I'm going to move on to TV shows. Definitely waiting to hit HD content hard until the hardware gets updated.

 

[osohardy]

I too really hope they update the hardware in Sept. I like the device a lot and besides its regular uses it's turned out great for 720p24 bluray rips (esp with modded bigger HD)...but for me where it is really exposed now is HD camcorder stuff. I don't think Itunes needs to support 1080 before the ATV does for this reason...I'm sure there's increasing amount of HD stuff coming out of iMovie that needs to make it to the big screen at more than 540p. Fortunately, mine has 24p mode, but I still have to jump through a few hoops to get 720 onto the ATV. I would really love the ATV to at least make it to 720p30

 

[nutmac]

I disagree with the above posts, especially the "consider it dead" statement.

...
At current stance, the AppleTV is great for what it is intended to do, namely, bring your iTunes library into your own living room, family room, bedroom, den, theater room, etc.

I don't think the person intended to say Apple TV is dead from a practical point of view, rather, whether Apple has given up on it or not. Hardware wise, Apple TV hasn't been updated in 2.5 years. Only accessories like the Mighty Mouse and 30" Cinema Display are that old (or older).

That said, Apple is continuously Apple TV's firmware, which suggests the team is alive and well. But if Apple does not update its hardware before the holiday season, I would question their commitment to the product.

 

[sfilingeri]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I guess I'll wait for the iPod event since its just around the corner. Meanwhile this would be a good time to research ripping methods and read up here on these forums. Thanks!!

 

[MowingDevil]

I'm curious about this too. Make sense that if iTunes is selling 1080p that the ATV be able to facilitate it.