Why get an Apple TV?

[lipskidder]

Maybe I don't have the right equipment so I don't feel a need but why do people want the Apple TV? Is it just so they can view movies from iTunes? Why not use a DVD player? Is it for the music of iTunes and you have a great sound system connected to the TV? I think I may be not understanding the use?

[pinkoos]

For me (and I'm still in the testing stages right now...can't get video to stream), it's to have instant access to all my concert DVDs as well as my sons' Baby Einstein and Thomas DVDs.

We have a 5 disc DVD changer, but even with the changer loaded, it takes time to switch between discs and, of course, one has to manually enter the discs into the changer when changing. Add to the fact that the DVD changer is in another room separate from the TV, having an Apple TV makes even more sense (for us).

That being said, if it doesn't work the way I want it to, it will go back to Costco.

Having audio and photos as well is gravy. The main purpose I envisioned was for the video. Additionally, though ripping/encoding took A LOT of time, if everything works out, it will be worth the effort (to me).

[davemchine]

I have an eyehome which provides the same basic functionality. My number one use is listening to music. I have my entire iTunes library available at my stereo, via remote control, including playlists. My number two use is for watching video's of tv shows. I rarely use the other features.

Dave

[Microman]

Does Costco sell iTV? or did I read that wrong?

[pinkoos]

[quote Microman]Does Costco sell iTV? or did I read that wrong?
The Houston one does: $289 ($10 less than retail).

[davemchine]

I checked and the costco in Yakima, WA does not carry the iTV so it must be in certain areas only. Or maybe it just hasn't gotten to me yet.

dave

[Robert M]

Lip,

I've wondered the same thing... Here's a thread about it that pretty much sums up my opinion...



In the end, nobody was able to refute my point that it is an expensive toy with a very limited set of features. I wouldn't even consider buying one until Apple expands its features significantly, i.e. let it serve as a DVR, play CDs and DVDs, etc.

Robert

[davemchine]

It really depends on how you want to access all of the media stored on your computer. If you want it all available right now, no waiting, and you want it convenient then the appletv (or an eyehome) is the way to go. If you don't mind waiting while dvd's are burning and you don't mind the resulting clutter, then that method is certainly cheaper (break even would be what, 500 dvd's?). It really depends on a person's needs.

pinkoos brings up a good point about the kids movies. If they could all be played via the appletv it would be much better than the alternative of always having dvd's outside of their cases, scratched etc.

Dave

[GeneL]

If anything I'd buy a Slingbox.

As I understand it, Slingbox can stream all my TV content (Digital HD PVR) to any computer or video enabled cellphone.

It would be nice to be able to receive high quality streaming video on my Treo 755 and perhaps, one day, on a MacBook.

[deckeda]

lipskidder --- I have no such thing but I want one for several reasons. I want to rid the living room from DVDs, just as I have of CDs. Serve it all up from the Mac. Browse for movies while sitting on my keister, not scanning a shelf.

Playing a movie that you've ripped is, to me, far more enjoyable than playing the DVD. I absolutely hate all of the nannyism FBI warnings, previews and farting around with the main menu. Just start the friggin' movie NOW. This is especially advantageous if you have kids who want to watch the same title like every day. Some of the Disney releases are downright awful with their menu system.

There are several ways to do what I've described, but Apple TV is the only currently available box that elegantly integrates with the Mac. But as Robert M illustrates, if you want it to additionally do more standard stuff like be a DVD player or make recordings it's not for you.