What would you do to change Apple TV?

[VirtualRain]

• 1080p full bandwith hardware to future proof it
• basic hardware expandability- for example, use a standard ram card for onboard ram, which could be upgraded to a larger size for those users that would want more "buffer" and UI throughput
• open software platform so others can build software options that Apple chooses not to add
• app store through which such software can be distributed
• open hardware platform so others can build hardware options (like a BD drive, DVR functionality, etc) for those who want such features
• normal USB jacks (note that's plural)
• a bigger box more toward "normal" sizes of AV gear, creating the internal space for 3.5" drives (note that's plural), maybe some internal USB jacks so that a company like Elgato could build a USB DVR bit of add-on hardware that would fit inside the box and show only as relevant ports on the back (just like internal computer cards in a desktop, but using a USB port to keep it low cost).
• "advanced" menu option so that geekier users can selectively configure certain functions (like how much of a streamed video should be transferred before starting playback, server based media storage (direct) access, etc)

The above list shouldn't add much to the current price, as they could still package a base unit with minimal specs, and leave it to those users who want more storage, more ram, BD drive, DVR functionality, etc to BUY those options as add-ons. We know from many competitor products in the marketplace that the 1080p platform can retail at well below current TV pricing. And there are plenty of AV hardware examples in bigger boxes that retail well below TV pricing as well. So the 2 key hardware adjustments (for Apple to make) in my list look doable without having to jack up the price of the next-gen TV. Everything else is mostly software, shifting some of that software development to outside programmers probably hungry to create and/or port great apps for the platform.

Frankly, I'd pay several times the current TV price for the above. But I'm convinced Apple could deliver it at about the current price and still make the Apple margin.

You're basically describing a Mac Mini with Plex... it does all of that except for the 3.5" drives (which you can easily add with FW800 enclosures).

In fact most people here are describing various attributes of a Mac Mini... The AppleTV is for for the average joe consumer... if you want more than that, why not get a Mac Mini and run Plex?

 

[afd]

I would like it to pop popcorn and make toast.

I think there's enough heat for this to work already...

1 Apps, or at least a browser.

2. Access to more streaming content i.e. iPlayer.

3. a power button.

4. more codecs

5. Access to usb drives.

6. faster processor / more RAM

7. Apple to start developing and promoting it properly. If you mention it to anyone you have to explain what it is and does.

I know some of the above you ca already get by hacking, but when I tried it the box crashed about half the time I used it, so I put it back to the way it was.