Does anyone have apple TV - Blu-ray Forum

trey · 03-16-2008, 06:34 AM

I was wondering anyone one the site had an appleTV and what their opinions are

PuzZLeR · 03-16-2008, 08:22 AM

Absolutely hated it. The word "had" for Apple TV is correct - I gave it away.

It stuttered on all my H.264 files. I prefer to encode using features like CABAC and use High Profile's 8x8dct to get quality encodes and nice compression. The Main Profile without CABAC the Apple TV accepts is a joke. A complete waste of time if you're going to use H.264. You may as well stick with the old MPEG-4 if you're going to use this stupid machine - again, another waste of time.

It's Apple's way of stifling us with their restrictions on the codec to give the illusion that they own H.264. No wonder they don't support BD. It certainly won't play anything that is within good quality BD compliancy, or HD, that's for sure.

Either you use a watered down H.264 or an outdated codec like MPEG-4 ISO with Apple TV to get any performance.

Don't buy it. Better stuff is coming soon.

CRMA · 03-16-2008, 03:43 PM

My friend had no cable tv at all and got Apple Tv. He is not a die hard Hd guy. He said it worked to fit his needs. He didnt watch a great deal of tv and didnt want to get locked in with cable. He is happy.

Blu-ray Fanatic · 03-16-2008, 04:00 PM

You know what? I just wanna share this unpleasant comment with everybody.

" I don't give two sh*ts about Apple because they're anti-blu and plus their computers are not user-friendly."

Blu-ray Fanatic · 03-16-2008, 04:01 PM

Additionally, they're overrated and overpriced

cartman781 · 03-16-2008, 04:05 PM

I don't care about the video playback. I was just wondering how well it sounds as a music media center for my Audio System. Any comments

BStecke · 03-16-2008, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

You know what? I just wanna share this unpleasant comment with everybody.

" I don't give two sh*ts about Apple because they're anti-blu and plus their computers are not user-friendly."

Apple is on the board of the BDA . . . I wouldn't say they're "Anti-Blu" at all, just because they have yet to include a Blu-ray drive in any of their machines.

And there's really nothing hard about using a Mac.

statikcat · 03-16-2008, 04:23 PM

I have two Apple computers - but the Apple TV is bombing big time. You might as well just get a PS3 for way more functionality and 100$ more.

olds403 · 03-16-2008, 04:23 PM

That statement about apple computers is really uncalled for and unrelated to the topic of this thread. While I am not a fan of the apple tv I believe that apple does make good quality products that are a good value. They are certainly user friendly, I have had 2 apple computers and wouldn't hesitate to buy another. Unless you have something to contribute to the discussion you should probably not comment at all.

Mr. Joshua · 03-16-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trey

I was wondering anyone one the site had an appleTV and what their opinions are

I have AppleTV and it suits my needs. I don't have cable and no satellite service. I like the movie rental function. I can rent a movie without going out and getting one. Plus now I can rent and preview a movie before buying on blu-ray. There are a few titles I would not have purchased if I had watched on AppleTV first. As with any new technology this is in its infancy and they are adding more and more movies. Plus there are a few in the HD library and that library is getting bigger and bigger...

If the PS3 store gets to doing this I will probably drop apple tv and just use the PS3... PS3 is taking a while to get to downloading movies, tv shows and music... Anyone know when all this is coming out?

actionhank · 03-16-2008, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

" I don't give two sh*ts about Apple because they're anti-blu and plus their computers are not user-friendly."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

Additionally, they're overrated and overpriced

These 2 statements are like a attack/defend beacon all across the Web for anybody who owns a Mac.

thompson340 · 03-16-2008, 06:47 PM

I have Apple TV 40GB. Its good, I haven't had any issues with it (aside from the fact that it can't be switched off, only put in standby mode). I'm yet to try and play many videos, only a couple of South Park episodes which all ran fine. I admit I haven't used Apple TV as much since getting my PS3, but audio quality of it is good (although my sound system is far from high quality).

As for Apple the statements against Apple. Not having user friendly computers, are you comparing this to Windows? Because you obviously haven't actually bothered to sit down and use a Mac for longer than 2 minutes if you think its not user friendly, its more straightforward to use (and a lot smoother than an equivalent specced Windows computer). And when you say Apple are anti-blu, you clearly aren't as much of a BD fanatic as you like to think you are, because you aren't aware that Apple are in the BDA. Wasn't really worth you posting in the thread as you contributed nothing to it.

gavomatic57 · 03-16-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olds403

That statement about apple computers is really uncalled for and unrelated to the topic of this thread. While I am not a fan of the apple tv I believe that apple does make good quality products that are a good value. They are certainly user friendly, I have had 2 apple computers and wouldn't hesitate to buy another. Unless you have something to contribute to the discussion you should probably not comment at all.

They're made in China like every other piece of IT equipment. Their laptops are made by Asus yet Apple charge £200 more for the same spec. They deserve to have only captured 5% of the market in the 30 years they've been around. Their new macbook air has a problem managing its heat too. I don't have a problem with their computers per-se, or their Unix distro, but I do have a problem with the company, their ingrained arrogance and Steve Jobs. They're big on hype and short on engineering.

As far as AppleTV is concerned, the idea of my content being locked to itunes, the lower audio & visual quality and the minimal cost difference between it and a PS3 just isn't appealing.

sokrman14 · 03-16-2008, 10:17 PM

If you want something like apple TV, check out vudu. It is much better than apple TV.

mastertang · 03-16-2008, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

You know what? I just wanna share this unpleasant comment with everybody.

" I don't give two sh*ts about Apple because they're anti-blu and plus their computers are not user-friendly."

I'd call them blu-reluctant. I'm not even going to comment on the second part. I don't like Apple for some of the retarded crap they do. I like Apple computers because I can't stand using windows.

Galley · 03-17-2008, 02:06 AM

I've had a 160 gigger since the Macworld announcement. I use it to listen to my 16,000 audio files, watch several HD podcasts and other video content. I will soon begin ripping my TV Show DVDs. The quality is excellent. I've only rented one film, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. The image quality was actually quite good, but at $5 a pop, I won't be renting too many. Having access to YouTube and the iTunes store from my living room is great.

Farscape1 · 03-17-2008, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

You know what? I just wanna share this unpleasant comment with everybody.

" I don't give two sh*ts about Apple because they're anti-blu and plus their computers are not user-friendly."

oh Geez.... Once again some one with an "God like opinion" they are not anti-blu there just guarding there HD Download BS. As far as there computers not being user friendly, they are a lot easier to use than a Microsoft/PC piece of "shit"..... LOL I been a programer on Microsoft machinery for longer than I can remember, I own both platforms and if you can't figure Mac OS out your in trouble.

LOL

Now back to the topic on hand, Apple TV is ok, there HD download codec is fair, not nowhere as good as a Blu-Ray disc on a 92" screen. I had a chance to test this and I will stick with Blu-Ray, but Macs, especially there Mac Pros need Blu-Ray players because of Final Cut Pro HD etc... This will really come in handy with all the HD Camcorders out there.

cartman781 · 03-17-2008, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galley

I've had a 160 gigger since the Macworld announcement. I use it to listen to my 16,000 audio files, watch several HD podcasts and other video content. I will soon begin ripping my TV Show DVDs. The quality is excellent. I've only rented one film, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. The image quality was actually quite good, but at $5 a pop, I won't be renting too many. Having access to YouTube and the iTunes store from my living room is great.

How did your music sound through you audio system? Can you compare it to CDs? I am thinking of getting one strictly for music

Blu Haze · 03-17-2008, 04:14 AM

There are pics on some MAC site which compare Apple Tv HD DVD and Blu ray and HD DVD they Blu and HD kick both out of the water.

PuzZLeR · 03-17-2008, 04:35 AM

Continuing from my post in #2... (yeah I'm the guy who hated the Apple TV and gave it away...)

When I mean that Apple doesn't support blu, it has nothing to do with their stance in the BDA - that was just token support because, as a company in its industry, it basically *had* to support one format, even though it is averse to both.

Apple TV was really an element of Apple politics, not a quality product for the consumer. When H.264 was first standardized in 2003 Apple jumped on it and created a whole world around it, which includes a "standard within a standard" called QuickTime Compatibility. This is marketing, and this is how Apple is giving the impression that H.264 is *their* codec - to also further tighten their hold on the downloading purchases market to themselves...

They widen QT compatibility every few months, and on their site they state: "Advancements to the H.264 codec."

Read it again. Doesn't is sound like they "own" the codec?

Well, it just so happens that H.264 is an open standard and it can do so much more and BD (and even HD-DvD) proved it. No wonder Apple doesn't like these disc formats. Apple TV was an attempt to tighten their image on them "owning" H.264, and digital assets, and machines like BD kind of piss on the Apple parade.

Anyway, having said that, Apple can keep their politics with their "mighty" Cr-Apple TV. I don't want a machine that plays just mp3's and other chitsy stuff. And I want good quality hi-end video, not that cheap watered down version of the H.264 codec just so they can maintain their propaganda...

But fortunately other companies aren't being territorial. They are only interested in giving the consumer what he/she wants. I'm getting myself a Popcorn Hour, which easily kicks Apple TV's ass. Another good machine to look into is the Ziova ClearStream CS615. These are machines the Apple TV should have been.

03-16-2008, 06:34 AM	#1
trey Active Member Member since:Jan 2008	Does anyone have apple TV I was wondering anyone one the site had an appleTV and what their opinions are

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03-16-2008, 08:22 AM	#2
PuzZLeR Member Member since:Mar 2007 Location:Toronto Ontario Canada	Absolutely hated it. The word "had" for Apple TV is correct - I gave it away. It stuttered on all my H.264 files. I prefer to encode using features like CABAC and use High Profile's 8x8dct to get quality encodes and nice compression. The Main Profile without CABAC the Apple TV accepts is a joke. A complete waste of time if you're going to use H.264. You may as well stick with the old MPEG-4 if you're going to use this stupid machine - again, another waste of time. It's Apple's way of stifling us with their restrictions on the codec to give the illusion that they own H.264. No wonder they don't support BD. It certainly won't play anything that is within good quality BD compliancy, or HD, that's for sure. Either you use a watered down H.264 or an outdated codec like MPEG-4 ISO with Apple TV to get any performance. Don't buy it. Better stuff is coming soon.

03-16-2008, 03:43 PM	#3
CRMA Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Home Theater Gallery:22 Blu-ray collection:156 Blu-ray reviews: 46 Trading Score:1	My friend had no cable tv at all and got Apple Tv. He is not a die hard Hd guy. He said it worked to fit his needs. He didnt watch a great deal of tv and didnt want to get locked in with cable. He is happy.

03-16-2008, 04:00 PM	#4
Blu-ray Fanatic Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2007 Location:San Antonio Blu-ray reviews:1	You know what? I just wanna share this unpleasant comment with everybody. " I don't give two sh*ts about Apple because they're anti-blu and plus their computers are not user-friendly."

03-16-2008, 04:01 PM	#5
Blu-ray Fanatic Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2007 Location:San Antonio Blu-ray reviews:1	Additionally, they're overrated and overpriced

03-16-2008, 04:05 PM	#6
cartman781 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Sep 2007 Location:In a van down by the river Blu-ray collection:2074 DVD collection:257 Digital collection:18 Blu-ray reviews: 7 Trading Score:99	I don't care about the video playback. I was just wondering how well it sounds as a music media center for my Audio System. Any comments

03-16-2008, 04:23 PM	#8
statikcat Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Washington, DC Blu-ray collection:67	I have two Apple computers - but the Apple TV is bombing big time. You might as well just get a PS3 for way more functionality and 100$ more.

03-16-2008, 04:23 PM	#9
olds403 Active Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Michigan	That statement about apple computers is really uncalled for and unrelated to the topic of this thread. While I am not a fan of the apple tv I believe that apple does make good quality products that are a good value. They are certainly user friendly, I have had 2 apple computers and wouldn't hesitate to buy another. Unless you have something to contribute to the discussion you should probably not comment at all.

03-16-2008, 06:47 PM	#12
thompson340 Member Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Herts, UK Blu-ray reviews:1	I have Apple TV 40GB. Its good, I haven't had any issues with it (aside from the fact that it can't be switched off, only put in standby mode). I'm yet to try and play many videos, only a couple of South Park episodes which all ran fine. I admit I haven't used Apple TV as much since getting my PS3, but audio quality of it is good (although my sound system is far from high quality). As for Apple the statements against Apple. Not having user friendly computers, are you comparing this to Windows? Because you obviously haven't actually bothered to sit down and use a Mac for longer than 2 minutes if you think its not user friendly, its more straightforward to use (and a lot smoother than an equivalent specced Windows computer). And when you say Apple are anti-blu, you clearly aren't as much of a BD fanatic as you like to think you are, because you aren't aware that Apple are in the BDA. Wasn't really worth you posting in the thread as you contributed nothing to it.

03-16-2008, 10:17 PM	#14
sokrman14 Special Member Member since:Mar 2006 Location:Omaha, NE Home Theater Gallery:9 Blu-ray collection:32 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:1	If you want something like apple TV, check out vudu. It is much better than apple TV.

03-17-2008, 02:06 AM	#16
Galley Power Member Member since:Apr 2007 Location:Greenville, SC 4K collection:117 Blu-ray collection:634 DVD collection:41 Digital collection:1 Blu-ray reviews:4 Trading Score:7	I've had a 160 gigger since the Macworld announcement. I use it to listen to my 16,000 audio files, watch several HD podcasts and other video content. I will soon begin ripping my TV Show DVDs. The quality is excellent. I've only rented one film, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. The image quality was actually quite good, but at $5 a pop, I won't be renting too many. Having access to YouTube and the iTunes store from my living room is great.

03-17-2008, 04:14 AM	#19
Blu Haze Expert Member Member since:Mar 2008	There are pics on some MAC site which compare Apple Tv HD DVD and Blu ray and HD DVD they Blu and HD kick both out of the water.

03-17-2008, 04:35 AM	#20
PuzZLeR Member Member since:Mar 2007 Location:Toronto Ontario Canada	Continuing from my post in #2... (yeah I'm the guy who hated the Apple TV and gave it away...) When I mean that Apple doesn't support blu, it has nothing to do with their stance in the BDA - that was just token support because, as a company in its industry, it basically had to support one format, even though it is averse to both. Apple TV was really an element of Apple politics, not a quality product for the consumer. When H.264 was first standardized in 2003 Apple jumped on it and created a whole world around it, which includes a "standard within a standard" called QuickTime Compatibility. This is marketing, and this is how Apple is giving the impression that H.264 is their codec - to also further tighten their hold on the downloading purchases market to themselves... They widen QT compatibility every few months, and on their site they state: "Advancements to the H.264 codec." Read it again. Doesn't is sound like they "own" the codec? Well, it just so happens that H.264 is an open standard and it can do so much more and BD (and even HD-DvD) proved it. No wonder Apple doesn't like these disc formats. Apple TV was an attempt to tighten their image on them "owning" H.264, and digital assets, and machines like BD kind of piss on the Apple parade. Anyway, having said that, Apple can keep their politics with their "mighty" Cr-Apple TV. I don't want a machine that plays just mp3's and other chitsy stuff. And I want good quality hi-end video, not that cheap watered down version of the H.264 codec just so they can maintain their propaganda... But fortunately other companies aren't being territorial. They are only interested in giving the consumer what he/she wants. I'm getting myself a Popcorn Hour, which easily kicks Apple TV's ass. Another good machine to look into is the Ziova ClearStream CS615. These are machines the Apple TV should have been.

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