Anyone have feedback on Apple TV?

Einstein73 · 06-11-09, 09:25 AM

I'm wondering if anyone has Apple TV and what they think of it. Thinking about buying it for our system downstairs.

Superman07 · 06-11-09, 03:21 PM

Can you be more specific on what you'd like to use it for?

Spiky · 06-12-09, 12:41 AM

It takes the same space as a Mac Mini and is about 1/100th as useful. But some people love it.

al_bundy · 06-16-09, 02:10 PM

one review i've read said to buy a X-Box 360 instead. more functionality, less price

cseyer · 06-16-09, 02:19 PM

I don't have an Apple TV, when I was looking for a media device I settled on the Linksys Media Extender. The media extender's now appear to be going defunct although I have used mine quit a bit it isn't perfect and doesn't play all formats. I don't know what the perfect solution is, I like the popcorn hour (www.popcornhour.com) box based on my reading reviews and the forums. At least it seems well supported and continues to have updates.

GizmoDVD · 06-16-09, 05:19 PM

My AppleTV is hacked to play all sorts of video files - even Boxee and HuLu.

cko · 06-23-09, 07:04 PM

If you use iTunes and the iTunes music/video store, then AppleTV can be a nice way to access your media. Basically, it's the only easy way to access and play iTunes FairPlay DRM material with a media center device. It can also playback Apple Lossless Audio encoded music tracks if you have used that format to rip into iTunes. If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, you can also get a free app from apple that gives you a cool touchscreen remote control with songlists onscreen, etc. It will also access your iPhoto and Aperture photo libraries to display on TV.

But, for playing back other random media formats, photos not in iPhoto, etc. it doesn't do that well. But hacking it for Boxee will open that up for you.

Also, it only outputs 720p if that is an issue.

06-11-09, 09:25 AM	#1
Einstein73 New Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 4	Anyone have feedback on Apple TV? I'm wondering if anyone has Apple TV and what they think of it. Thinking about buying it for our system downstairs.

06-11-09, 03:21 PM	#2
Superman07 DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 3,861	Re: Anyone have feedback on Apple TV? Can you be more specific on what you'd like to use it for? __________________ "Chuck me!" "Hey, I'm Eddie. How do you like me so far?" - Keen Eddie I've seen him. He's like fire, and ice, and rage. Like the night, and the storm in the heart of the sun. He's ancient and forever. He burns at the center of time and sees the turn of the univrse.

06-12-09, 12:41 AM	#3
Spiky DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 5,482	Re: Anyone have feedback on Apple TV? It takes the same space as a Mac Mini and is about 1/100th as useful. But some people love it. __________________ Ignorance vs Bliss --Wizdar

06-16-09, 02:10 PM	#4
al_bundy DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Transfatfreeville Posts: 22,215	Re: Anyone have feedback on Apple TV? one review i've read said to buy a X-Box 360 instead. more functionality, less price

06-16-09, 02:19 PM	#5
cseyer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bloomington, IN Posts: 817	Re: Anyone have feedback on Apple TV? I don't have an Apple TV, when I was looking for a media device I settled on the Linksys Media Extender. The media extender's now appear to be going defunct although I have used mine quit a bit it isn't perfect and doesn't play all formats. I don't know what the perfect solution is, I like the popcorn hour (www.popcornhour.com) box based on my reading reviews and the forums. At least it seems well supported and continues to have updates. __________________ My DVD's

06-16-09, 05:19 PM	#6
GizmoDVD DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Southern CA Posts: 21,244	Re: Anyone have feedback on Apple TV? My AppleTV is hacked to play all sorts of video files - even Boxee and HuLu. __________________ HD DVD = XA1, A30 / 351 Discs Blu-ray = LG BD390 / 263 Discs (As of 9/13/09) XBL: SharpWoodenStke

06-23-09, 07:04 PM	#7
cko Cool New Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 33	Re: Anyone have feedback on Apple TV? If you use iTunes and the iTunes music/video store, then AppleTV can be a nice way to access your media. Basically, it's the only easy way to access and play iTunes FairPlay DRM material with a media center device. It can also playback Apple Lossless Audio encoded music tracks if you have used that format to rip into iTunes. If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, you can also get a free app from apple that gives you a cool touchscreen remote control with songlists onscreen, etc. It will also access your iPhoto and Aperture photo libraries to display on TV. But, for playing back other random media formats, photos not in iPhoto, etc. it doesn't do that well. But hacking it for Boxee will open that up for you. Also, it only outputs 720p if that is an issue.