“Apple Computers [sic] has unveiled a device which will stream music and video wirelessly between televisions and computers,” The BBC reports.
“The plug-in hardware is due to be released early next year and has been given the temporary name of iTV,” The Beeb reports.
“Deals have been done with Pixar, Touchstone, Miramax and also Disney – where Apple’s chief executive Steve Jobs is also a director,” The Beeb reports.
The Beeb asks, “How do you feel about this new service? Is broadband helping Apple to compete with the big cable TV companies and DSL providers?”
Tell the BBC your views here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Stoo” for the heads up.]
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I would only buy an iTV if it had a DVD drive and stored media on it. I don’t want to run a computer and a TV just to watch a movie.
Of course ITV is a major commercial TV network in Britain, which could make marketing the iTV interesting to say the least
Hi me (?)
throw in a tuner and I’ll take one, too.
It would be nice to have my external hardrive running in my room and have the TV picking everything off of that. I think this option would be great to just chill out on the couch and with a remote pick from movies/music/photos.
Apples sneak peak is a sign of desperation as far as I can see. They think it will convince the studios to come on board. If they have not yet then this will make no difference.
I am underwhelmed with the anouncements.
Firstly, it’s not going to be called iTV, as well as being clearly stated as such it’s obvious it’s a codename just from the construction of it.
Secondly, this or any similar streaming device is not meant to replace cable, satellite, dvd etc, its just another source. You can get downloaded movies if you want, music, photos etc. In time, sure all content may become computerised from some central houshold hub or off the internet, but the technology isn’t there – for Apple or anyone else.
I would love to be able to plug in my screen to a device and then access all my media from any room in my house but the infrastructure isn’t there. Broadband couldn’t handle all that content. If I wanted to stick the tv on and just have it playing in the background it would kill my internet connection, plus it wouldn’t be live or as good quality. For fixed content, which to a certain extent TV is then a method by which it’s actually transmitted to everyone at the same time makes sense. For on demand this device (and others like it) will have their place alongside dvd, blu-ray, hd-dvd, rentals.
Apple aren’t trying to do a Microsoft and take over every aspect if the living room. They no that it’s realisitically possible on a technical basis and that people won’t commit to it on a large scale. What they’re offering is a simple, reasonably priced, high quality product that begins to bridge the computer/tv divide. It won’t do everything but it will do what it does well.
First, I will probably buy one, but not immediately. here’s what needs to happen in my mind:
Really good DVR software will need to be developed for Macs that could work with Front Row. I would love to see Beyond TV ported to the Mac. That is then installed on a Mac Mini, which is installed with iTV box. (They don’t have the same footprint by accident).
Once you have your Mini (with DVR capability) and your iTV, you know have an Apple Media Center.
And you still have the option of wiring the two together for HD transfers instead of relying on wireless.
To Chris:
iTV is just a codename… And some wanker british journalist was already moaning about how Apple wasn’t paying attention to the British market with the name iTV. It’ll be marketed as something better thought out.
To All:
I think the iTV concept is a good one. It’s much better than previous Computer to Settopbox streaming devices, because iTV is fed (painlessly) from iTunes. I would buy one… but I don’t own a TV!
Are the BBC worried that services like the iTV will disrupt their monopoly?
Their (Windows only) internet TV service has been well publicised in the UK. As yet there is no Mac version, despite paying my licence fee for the past 15+ years, and the BBC dedicated to servicing ‘minority’ interests.
I very much doubt there will be a Mac version, or any cooperation from them with Apple (hence no BBC content on the iTMS (iTS)), despite the fact that the BBC is a well known supporter and PR regurgitator of Microsoft news.
And to think, “John”, they made those announcements only for you. I bet Apple is really depressed that you’re “underwhelmed”.
Those that want a DVD and/or hard drive can just buy a Mac mini. By the time you add those things you are at that cost. Hopefully Apple will listen and add a couple of ports to the mini. I have no need for the DVD drive since I already have a DVD player and am switching to a digital media lifestyle. Having a hard drive that syncs to my computer or acts as a server would be nice though.
There seems to be a Bush attitude towards Apple. “You’re either with us or against us” kind of thing.
Well, I think the whole movies thing sucks. I think the iTV as described is a perfectly decent capable device that doesn’t do anything useful. I see it adding a device rather than replacing a device. iTunes turned my CD collection into an archive and my CD player off.
I just don’t see iTV in this guise doing that. Or rather I don’t see it happening unless there is something radical changing at the server (mac) end of things (may happen in January release). If the Mac can accept input from a bunch of media devices (Cable, satellite), can rip DVDs to a library (never gonna happen), can switch an distribute those sources via Front Row through iTV, then I think a lot of people would be interested. With this, I think it’s dead in the water.
Now that doesn’t make me Osama to Apple’s Bush, it just means I think this idea sucks.
I’ve been wrong plenty before of course, and may well be this time. I thought the mighty mouse was a terrible design, but having used it and switched off the buttons I was triggering accidentally, apart from not being able to clean the ball effectively, I love it. I thought the Mac and OS-X would have taken the consumer world by storm by now, but it’s taking a lot longer than I’d hoped.
I think video was added to the iPod not because it was needed – people use it as a music player primarily – but simply because without it, people would buy a video capable rival instead (even though they’d never use that capability).
iTV will be firmly in early adopter territory, and I don’t think it’ll be the winnder either. I think cable video on demand will win.
gagravaar said:
I very much doubt there will be a Mac version, or any cooperation from them with Apple (hence no BBC content on the iTMS (iTS)), despite the fact that the BBC is a well known supporter and PR regurgitator of Microsoft news.
===
You’re being unfair on the BBC here. They religiously report Apple news, way more than its market share would deserve. There current coverage of iTV is a case in point. Secondly, if you’ve ever watched a drama they’ve commissioned, the computers are almost always Apple’s. That said, they do try to maintain some level of independence, so you admittedly don’t see the same level of Apple fanboy drivel that you do on this site.
I don’t want to run a computer and a TV just to watch a movie.
You won’t just be watching a movie, you’ll be watching all the movies you’ve bought or ripped to your iTunes library. Not to mention browsing your music and photos too. An AV jukebox sure beats rummaging through your DVDs and CDs.
I want to want to buy one… We’re just going to have to see what the final product has to offer.
What I’d almost rather see is Apple get rights that allow purchasers of video content to burn the content to DVD. Its driving me nuts that I have to figure a way to interconnect my Mac to my entertainment system just to watch my purchased tv and movie content down there.
That’s really all I see the “iTV” box doing for me, and that’s cool, but… Why not just let me burn the content and watch it on my DVD player?
iTV (whatever) is not meant to be anything other than a conduit.
A means of easily and seamlessly passing media ( movies and TV – stored or streamed, but also photo’s, slide shows and music – if you have decent a theatre sound system etc) from a computer to a TV (and/or Home Theatre).
It is NOT going to need replacing like a computer, or adding a larger hard disk, faster processor etc.. It is simply another spoke of the digital hub.
I have a sneaking suspicion that its ease of use will quickly win hearts and minds.
The sort of product (like the iPod) that a couple years down the line is ubiquitous, and everyone thinks ‘of course, how come we didn’t think of that!’
gagravaar:
As a Mac user I have no problem with accessing BBC made content via the Internet, in fact I watch ‘Click’ via the BBC player albeit in Real Player but at least it works.
The BBC has to try and ensure any type of computer user can access content, a pity that Real Player is the only true cross platform media player in that Macintosh, Windows & *Linux* users have their versions of Real Player, whereas Windows Media Player, is Windows only and Quicktime is Windows & Mac only.
As for our own UK iTunes Music Store, none of our national broadcasters have released content onto iTMS; BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five nor Sky!
The issue of the TV Licence, yes we here have to pay an annual fee to own and watch anything that is capable of displaying, want for a better word, a TV programme made for broadcast. It is this aspect that is causing delay to TV programmes being made available online to buy, however anyone can buy a DVD of a BBC made production and this is where our TV licence law is wrong as you or I should be able, by definition, obtain a free DVD copy of say the Blue Planet or Michael Palin’s Himalaya. The TV licence made those programmes…
Perhaps you might consider as I have and are doing, writing to your local Member of Parliament complaining about the licence, it may take a while and require a large group effort, but its the only way.
Back to Apple and towards the end of Steve Jobs’ presentation ‘Showtime’ he did say that Apple hope to go International with the movie download service during 2007, that does include the UK too!
You won’t be watching movies you’ve ripped because it is illegal. When this arrives, say goodbye to Handbrake and MacTheRipper and any fair use backups you’d like to make.
And because you can’t rip your existing library easily within iTunes(should you need access to all your film as you watch them over and over just like you listen to music), doing so becomes geek territory and not consumer territory.
About burning movie DVD’s. Haven’t you guys tried to burn a music CD in iTunes?
I am sure that Steve Jobs said you will be able to do this just the same way as you do your music all in iTunes and now with iTunes 7.0 you can add stuff to your iPod from within iTunes and not via System Preferences anymore too!
Take for instance Roxio’s Toast & Popcorn applications, take the 30 day demo of each if not both and then you will see just how easy it can be should iTunes not be enough for your burning needs.
On the illegal(ish) side there’s Handbrake & Mactheripper.
Oh yes….I defer to Hywels post above about Handbrake & Mactheripper.
MW: ‘money’ as in all this is about the money, pirating robs whereas iTunes pays!
I cant beleive so many people are missing the point of iTV. Please watch the keynote. It is a simple wireless uption to get your media from your computer to you tv. I love the digital lifestyle. I cant wait to replace physical dvd’s.
I have everything digital on my computer and I want to watch and listen to it on my tv. I can either run long cables to my tv or I can go wireless with iTV. Thats all it is folks. Apple keeps it very simple.
The point is not to buy dvd’s and rip it to your computer and then watch it. The point is to buy it through itunes and watch.
I have a lot of dvd’s. Maybe I’ll spend the time to rip them into iTunes with third party software or maybe I’ll just use my old legacy dvd player. But with iTV going forward I’ll think twice about buying a phisical cd.
Friend A: “Have you seen <really good movie>”
Friend B: “No. Is it any good ?”
Friend A: “I think so. I have it on DVD, why don’t you take it with you… Give it back nextr week ?”
Friend B: “Great. Thanks”
——
Friend A: “Have you seen <really good movie>”
Friend B: “No. Is it any good ?”
Friend A: “I think so. I bought it last night.”
Friend B: “Could I borrow your copy ?”
Friend A: “No. I’m afraid not, due to the DRM that protects us as consumers from sharing things with our friends and rippng off Hollywood. Why don’t you buy it off iTunes too. It’s only $12.99 !”
theres an extreme amount of FUD comments on the ‘iTV’ forum of the beeb. Most of the negative comments are from the UK. Ok its a uk based site but fck n hell. In the UK it seems like ‘doom and gloom’ is a law not a choice.
Friend A: “Have you seen <really good movie>”
Friend B: “No. Is it any good ?”
Friend A: “Yes, you should check it out.”
Mac4lfe: The point is not to buy dvd’s and rip it to your computer and then watch it. The point is to buy it through itunes and watch.
Yes I agree with that, the problem is for us here in the UK who will not be able to do that for TV programmes. I completely understand that the iTunes movie store is for the purpose of buying and watching – that’s a given when it comes to movies as opposed to TV programmes.
Don’t forget you can buy a CD and rip it into iTunes, there is no reason as far as I know why that won’t be the same for movies. Maybe I am wrong, either way I won’t really know until the UK iTMS movie store opens for business sometime next year so I can try that out.
Thinking iTunes downloaded movies and iTV really aren’t that great, BTW, does not mean ‘not getting it’.
It possibly means that we really do get it, but forgot to drink our kool aid / dimmadome farms milk before the announcement.
iTV = airport express video
If you want DVR capability, get a Mini and hook it up to your HDTV (you wouldn’t need a Mini and an iTV… it’s one or the other).
The delay in releasing the iTV is to make it 802.11n compatible. Apple wants to make sure it is compatible with the final n specifications, due out 1st Q ’07.
The question is why the demonstration showed HD content streaming to the iTV when iTunes movies are standard TV resolution. Was Steve streaming from a blue-ray equiped Mac?
Not sure if the capability is there but if like a normal CD with iTunes you could import your DVD’s then you would have a major idea for a media organizer. All you need is lots of hard drive space to store the countless DVD’s that most people have. This would displace the DVD player in the living room.
If iTV will play ripped DVDs then it might be useful, otherwise I don’t see the point. But to do that, I’d need to buy a huge external drive to hold my entire DVD collection. 7.5 GB per DVD x 50 disks = large drive. Then I’ve got to rip all the DVDs = many hours.
So basically, I’m suppose to spend $299 on iTV, and spend another $299 on a hard drive, and spend countless hours ripping my DVD collection? As cool as it sounds to have instant access to all my DVDs, I think it’s too expensive and too time consuming. Sorry Apple. I’ll have to take a pass on this one.
Friend A: “Yes, you should check it out.”
The subtext being
i : I have it on DVD, but I don’t trust you to give it back. You should check it out.
ii : I don’t have it, I saw it at the cinema/at Friend C’s house. You shoould check it out.
iii: I’d lend you my copy, but, well, it’s complicated. I have a copy that I can watch, but you can’t watch it, cause, ah jeez, it’s complicated. This iTV thing though, Wow ! Maked things so much easier.
Even if you could rip all your DVDs to a server. What value is there in it ?
As has been said, it’s a lot of drive space, plus there’s the iTV itself to buy.
Now it would be nice to watch slideshows, photos and home movies wirelessly, but is it worth the money ? To me no, to others, yes, which means iTV is a good thing.
I have nothing against the device, or what it can and cannot do, or people buying it. I just don’t think it’s a big market, just like LCD photo frames don’t sell and UMD movies for PSPs didn’t sell.
But if it’s primarily to watch movies, then I think people are making a mistake, and being ripped off (which is their choice, of course). Just because someone is happy to be ripped off doesn’t mean they aren’t getting ripped off and being stuck by The Man.
If it’s primarily about BUYING movies (renting is another thing – credit TwenyBensons for that thought), then honestly, I think DVDs are a much medium.
I should confess that I buy movies online, on DVD, and I’m happy to be ripped off a little, because though it’s more expensive than Blockbusters, it’s not THAT much more expensive for older movies, and it’s a lot more convenient having the postman deliver them than being tied to rental times and late return penalties.
I won’t buy the first revision but probably a later one.
Apple is now officially a consumer electronics company, including computers, that also sells software.
Dirk
All I have to buy is the iTV. I already have the computer, the movies, the pictures and the music. My laptop has a 150gb hard drive and each movie I rip is about 2gb so do the math.
At some point someone will make a simple home server to store all my media and I will just stick in a closet and forget about it while everything will be streamed wirelessly around my house including signals to the iTV.
Most of you will want one once you go to your friends house and see it in action.