Thinking about Apple TV, but have a question.

[snerkler]

I've not considered Apple TV before as I don't think it has a lot to offer me that my PS3 can't do (for my needs). However, after buying my MBP and editing video it stores it as .mov which is unplayable with my PS3. I have found a converter and it works well. However, I was thinking I could get Apple TV and watch video straight from my MBP.

So my question is can I watch .mov video on my TV from my Mac using Apple TV? Would my TV need to be able to read .mov, or would Apple TV automatically convert it to a viewable format? Would it lose any picture quality?

Cheers.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

I've not considered Apple TV before as I don't think it has a lot to offer me that my PS3 can't do (for my needs). However, after buying my MBP and editing video it stores it as .mov which is unplayable with my PS3. I have found a converter and it works well. However, I was thinking I could get Apple TV and watch video straight from my MBP.

So my question is can I watch .mov video on my TV from my Mac using Apple TV? Would my TV need to be able to read .mov, or would Apple TV automatically convert it to a viewable format? Would it lose any picture quality?

Cheers.

1) I believe that you can, although you might have to convert the files to MPEG v4. 2) No, that's what the Apple TV does. It's like your DVD player. In comes digital, out goes audio/video the TV understands. 3) Depends on the TV, connection, etc...

 

[snerkler]

1) I believe that you can, although you might have to convert the files to MPEG v4. 2) No, that's what the Apple TV does. It's like your DVD player. In comes digital, out goes audio/video the TV understands. 3) Depends on the TV, connection, etc...

Hmm, if I have to convert to mp4 I may as well just put them on my PS3 and save myself some money. I was trying to save myself the conversion process as it can take a while for large files.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

Hmm, if I have to convert to mp4 I may as well just put them on my PS3 and save myself some money. I was trying to save myself the conversion process as it can take a while for large files.

I've added .mov files to iTunes and synced them that way before. It doesn't take long to convert them. My AppleTV isn't hooked up currently or I'd try to see what it does to them.

From the AppleTV page:

MPEG-4 video up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats​

 

[newagemac]

You don't have to convert .mov files. The Apple TV plays them natively. I have a PS3 too but trust me you probably won't be using it much other than for playing Blu Ray discs or PS3 games if you're into that. The worst things about the PS3 as a media player is the interface, the drive and fan noise, the power draw, and how long it takes to even start up and get to the content you want to access.

The Apple TV is "instant on" just like any other iOS device. No point even putting to sleep since the power draw is so small. It only uses 2 watts while playing HD video. It uses less power than a nightlight when on and not in use. And no fans, no drive, and no moving parts so it is completely silent.

 

[tbayrgs]

Straight from the Apple TV tech specs page on the Apple website (shocking place to find it, I know...)

• H.264 video up to 1080p, 30 frames per second, High or Main Profile level 4.0 or lower, Baseline profile level 3.0 or lower with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats

• 
  MPEG-4 video up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats

• 
  Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format