To Apple TV or Not to Apple TV...that is the question.

[spiderhole]

I'm seriously considering getting an Apple TV, mainly for playing our itunes library...but the movie rental and other features would be a nice bonus. We current use a Roku Soundbridge which works well, but my wife has not warmed up to it for mp3 playback because of the lack of a warm&fuzzy UI. I checked out a demo unit at an apple store today, and the music browsing interface with cover art is EXACTLY what she needs. However, there are several other concerns I have before taking the plunge (especially since they charge a 10% return fee).

Here are some questions...

1. Are there any issues browsing/playing an itunes library on a WinXP PC from that computer's HD?

2. Does it work with non-apple/airport wireless networks (i.e. netgear wireless G)?

2. Can it play internet streaming radio stations. This is a BIG one and from what I understand ATV v1 could NOT do this without the help of 3rd party software (which might be broken by Take2).

3. Will it output digital and analog audio signals simultaneously. Another biggie for my setup. Also, can you set it up so your VIDEO is HDMI but the audio is either analog or optical?

5. Can you simultaneously output component and HDMI video signal?

6. Is the music browsing interface the same on Take2 as it is in V1? The store didn't have Take2 yet, but I really liked how it worked.

any info appreciated.

 

[speakerwizard]

1) no
2)yes
3) no, just podcast and youtube (lots of radio shows available as podcasts shortly after airing though
5) dunno
6) once you get into menus they are pretty much identical as before, its just the main menu that has changed - shared librarys are handled slightly differently though

 

[frankiepdx]

My Roku has dust on it for the exact same reason. I'm loving mine. Especially with the new update.

Found mine used for $150. Maybe you should try that route or a refurbished if you need money savings as an incentive.

 

[spiderhole]

Thanks for the reply. On the subject of internet radio, it sounds like some people are saying that with Take2 you can add a radio station to a playlist in itunes and access that via the ATV. However, the reports seem sketchy at best.

In response to the "shared librarys are handled slightly differently" comment...does this mean you have to navigate through MORE menus in order to access them? I wan't something as streamlined as possible to maximize W.A.F. (Wife Appreciation Factor)

 

[speakerwizard]

with regards to the shared librarys you no longer go to the sources but under (eg) music the bottom it says shared and they list under there - i only share from one library so i dont know if you have multiple shared if they combine or promp you to choose after that stage, you might wanna check out the tour video on apple.com : http://www.apple.com/appletv/guidedtour/

 

[spiderhole]

Speakerwizard,

Have you tried playing an internet radio station from a playlist in your itunes library on atv2 yet? I'm talking about accessing it from the atv, btw...not by playing it from the computer via airtunes.

Thanks,
m

 

[speakerwizard]

i havnt, i might try it tomorrow or day after though (working shifts) and get back to ya.