3 posts tagged “apple tv”
I have heard a lot of theories as to why the release of the apple TV has been delayed. Some have said that they are having problems getting FCC approval (which usually takes 4-6 weeks) while others have suggested that there are a shortage of key Apple TV components. I believe that all of these theories, although plausible, are incorrect.
I believe that the Apple TV is being delayed because Apple intends to introduce HD content for the launch of Apple TV. The lack of HD content in the iTunes store could adversely effect sales and adoption rates for the Apple TV. Who is going to want to buy a media hub to stream less the DVD quality video to your large flat panel display when you could just pop a DVD into your existing player.
Now I know the lure of the Apple TV may be the ability to watch podcasts on your TV but, the podcast audience alone is not large enough to support the device and help Apple obtain market share. There are too many options out there for people seeking HD content on their TVs. One could pony up the $200 for an HDDVD add on to your X box 360 and up converting DVD players are very inexpensive these days. My point, Apple TV can't succeed without HD content and that is what is holding up the release of Apple TV. Apple knows that it will kill the product before it launches without offering HD content on the release date, or relatively soon after. If they don't, only Mac Fan boys (and Girls), such as myself will adopt the product and, their chance of grabbing a substantial portion of the market will dwindle away.
With the Apple TV soon to launch, I have found myself asking several questions. Most importantly, would I buy one? The answer is very simple, it depends.
For me, it comes down to one point. When will Apple deliver HD content via iTunes. For the consumers with large flat panel displays, the current "near DVD quality" just won't cut it. I for one, have turned into an HD snob. I refuse too watch SDTV for one reason. It looks horrible. The expanded/streched/whatever viewing format looks bad. The native aspect ration of SDTV waists an enormous amount of HD screen real estate. Additionally the pixelation is an eye sore.
So, will I buy an Apple TV. Yes, once they offer at least 720P. Once that occurs I will be happy to purchase an Apple TV and will likely abandon my digital cable service to boot. For the amount of TV I watch, it would be much cheaper to buy my programming a la carte. In addition, there will be no need for a DVR. An HD antenna would fill in that small void for live sports programming (although I watch those events sparingly).
All being said, I am curious what others think about Apple TV and if and why they are planning on buying one. It is strange that this product requires an HDTV yet Apple does not offer HD content. I am sure that iTunes will offer HD content in the future. But why would I want an Apple TV before that date. I would love to hear from anybody reading.
Well, where should I begin. I cannot believe it. The iphone is more than I expected. When I was watching the keynote I was literally shouting with excitement. The AppleTV was about what I had expected, and to be honest, was disappointing. With all the other companies fighting to serve our content on our living room displays, there are a lot of impressive features out there. The 40GB HD was a nice surprise but, why is the USB port on for service? I didn't expect DVR functionality, but it would be pretty nice. I can stream my content wirelessly but do I want to watch 640X480 on my 50" display? Also, do I want to invest in a product which is dependent upon a non-ratified wireless standard?
Once all of the excitement died down I was able to really reflect on the Macworld announcements. The most apparent thing is that it was not much of a Macworld. Computers weren't really discussed at all. This was quite a disappointment. Personally, I am desperately waiting the release of both Leopard and the Octo. I would really like to upgrade to an updated cinema display as well. But, nothing about any of these. I can't believe that they didn't even mention Leopard at all.
The iPhone is a very exciting product. I have been waiting for it for quite some time now. I am proud to say that I have turned down 6 months of offers for more minutes with T mobile to remain out of contract. I will be one of the first people in line for two iPhones, one for me and one for my fiance. That being said, there are some things that the iPhone seems to lack. First, no GPS! It seems like this is something that they should be able to get in there. Are they going to get a full version of iChat to offer voice over IP? Will third party developers be able to develop for the slimmed down OS X? There are a lot of questions still to be answered.
For now I think that I will be holding off on AppleTV. Although I can watch some of my favorite podcasts in HD (Macworld), it is not worth it until iTunes offers HD support. And why didn't apple announce some HD content for iTunes. If microsoft can offer it via Xbox, I am sure that iTunes can offer HD content.
All in all the iPhoneWorld expo offered three things. We have AppleTV (next month), an iPhone in June, and Beatles songs on iTunes. I still can't believe that there is nothing for me to buy today. Well, I'll be waiting for Octos, Leopard, and Cinema Displays (with integrated iSight).
The last comment I have to make: Did you feel the disappointment in the room when Jobs announced that the phone wouldn't be shipping until June?
