“Apple calls them ‘high-definition movie rentals,’ but to people familiar with Blockbuster Video, Netflix, and HD cable box alternatives, Apple TV 2.0’s new ability to download and play back certain 720p movies is more of a “video on demand” service—with certain advantages and limitations. So how do Apple’s HD movie downloads compare with DVDs, Blu-Ray Discs, and currently available HD video on demand content? We did a direct comparison to help you see the differences,” Charles Starrett reports for iLounge.
“What impressed us about the Apple TV rental was that the video, despite needing to be sent over the Internet rather than residing comfortably on a DVD or Blu-Ray Disc, exhibited little in the way of motion blur or compression artifacts—it looked as good as could be expected from 720p, which is to say comfortably better than DVD quality, but shy of the best a Blu-Ray Disc can offer on a top TV. The Apple TV video also contained a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround audio track, which the HD cable version did not, and its sound didn’t suffer from obvious compression issues like the cable version did,” Starrett reports.
“Apple TV provides an option that’s in the upper middle of the pack on quality and the best on convenience, so long as you’re willing to pay the $229-$329 cost of entry,” Starrett reports.
Full article, with many comparison images — highly recommended — here.
Anybody know if there will be a version of the aTV software for computer? I use my Mac Mini as a TV server and would like to not have to buy more hardware… in fact, I refuse to for this.
Last night I upgraded my Apple TV and rented “Supernova” staring James Spader. The film was so awful I punished myself and my Apple TV by installing Vista.
Uhm. Yes, your mac mini can already do that stuff through itunes and Front Row. No need for an aTV box if your mini is hooked up to your TV.
Also, I think it’s interesting that the review talks about “so long as you’re willing to pay the $229-$329 cost of entry,” but ignores the $400+ cost of entry for Blu-Ray players.
@ Alex:
Front Row is comparable to aTV v1.0, not aTV v2.0, which I think is what poo wants.
HMCIV: Pretty harsh!
” . . . which I think is what poo wants.”
I would have guessed a drinky.
Also the rentals on a Mac are not HD, so using a Mini will only get you the lessor resolution movie. DVD quality I believe.
There will be no HD option for your Mini, because there’s no DVI-HDCP or HDMI connection. RIAA and the studios won’t let you get their HD otherwise. Standard Def okay, HD no way. I too, have an old Mac connected to my HD tv, and would love to use FrontRow to get HD movies like the AppleTV, but I know the best I can do is get HD podcasts, and HD photos.
I don’t have Netflix, but was considering it for HD until someone said they have a long HD movie queue. Is this true? I don’t want to be inconvenienced for any price.
@Alex “Uhm. Yes, your mac mini can already do that stuff through itunes and Front Row. No need for an aTV box if your mini is hooked up to your TV.”
————————–
No, it can’t.
The HD rentals are ONLY available directly from Apple TV. You can rent a movie from iTunes on your computer, but only in SD.
I believe that you are better off buying a PS3 + Nullriver’s Medialink software ($20) rather than an Apple TV.
The PS3 does very good 1080p upscaling from standard DVDs and is the only Blu-Ray player that will be compliant with the new Blu-Ray spec due to its internet connection and upgradable firmware.
The Medialink software turns any Mac into a UPNP compliant device. Your PS3 can then browse it directly browse your iPhoto and iTunes file folders, albums, and playlists. What it can’t do, however, is play DRM-protected files, such as iTunes purchased or rented songs and movies.
“
I don’t have Netflix, but was considering it for HD until someone said they have a long HD movie queue. Is this true? I don’t want to be inconvenienced for any price.”
——————
HD rentals from Netflix are an absolute joke.. I had all Blu-Ray titles in my queue and went for 22 days before they sent me a movie. Every single Blu-Ray title says “Very Long-Wait” which means appx. a 30 day wait. Needless to say, I cancelled my membership with them..
You will have much better luck with Blockbuster online in getting Blu-Ray titles..
“I believe that you are better off buying a PS3 + Nullriver’s Medialink software ($20) rather than an Apple TV.”
——————
I have a PS3 and an Apple TV. I love both of them..
The PS3 is fabulous for gaming and Blu-Ray movies. However, the online services, the interface, and the ease of use for photos, music and renting do not hold a candle to Apple TV.
ATV + Dedicated BR player or PS3 ( gamers ) is the best way to go.
ATV = All your Music, All your Photos, All your PodCast including High Def PodCast ( thousands and thousands of choices ), All Your Music Videos, All your TV Shows, All your Streaming Radio and your personally owned DVD Rips, HD Rentals with DD and Airtunes to boot. All on that little tiny player that is so quiet, you won’t even notice its there. Unlike that XBOX monstrosity’s fans annoying the hell out of you.
You know, I’m quite happy with my Comcast digital TV service with all the movie channels and using the HD OnDemand w/DVR.
I can see everything in HD. Right now, no waiting 22 days. No 24 hour restriction on my DVR and OnDemand stuff is available for months (should I forget to record or fail to finish a movie/show).
By far that is the best, if priciest option.
Now all I need is to add a MacMini so I can watch my pr0n easier.
And can the PS3 + Medialink directly browse YouTube, Podcasts and Movie Trailers? I’m betting not, tho I don’t know…
Anyone out there know?
I find it very curious that they won’t let you rent HD versions from within iTunes or buy a HD version. I doubt it will be any harder to crack a downloaded HD movie than to crack one on a disk.Seems like everyone (Apple & the studios) is just missing out on another potential revenue stream.
Most people will not replace old DVDs with BR or iTunes Downloads. But once people get HDTVs, they are going to want the HD version of movies they buy. If I can’t buy it from Apple, I’ll buy it somewhere else.
When the AppleTV and the Apple rental system natively supports 1080p and lossless audio I’ll consider it. Not before.
With the leading edge being 1080p for over 2 years the AppleTV needs to catch up.
Yeah forgot to add more!
ATV + Dedicated BR player or PS3 ( gamers ) is the best way to go.
ATV = All your Music, All your Photos, All your PodCast including High Def PodCast ( thousands and thousands of choices ), All Your Music Videos, All your TV Shows, All your Streaming Radio and your personally owned DVD Rips, Movie Trailers SD, Movie Trailers High Definition, YouTube for endless laughing fits with hundreds and thousands of videos, .Mac Photo Sharing LIbrary, Flikr Photo Sharing, HD Rentals with DD and Airtunes to boot. All on that little tiny player that is so quiet, you won’t even notice its there. Unlike that XBOX monstrosity’s fans annoying the hell…..
It looks like the HD Cable is the worst of the four in comparison.
no way is HD Cable worse than regular DVD.
You know… it’s not and either/or proposition.
Why do people insist on acting like the future of entertainment delivered to your TV is going to be one thing or another.
As for predicting what’s going to succeed, I’d be careful about predicting the future. After all, where’s our flying cars and moon bases?
“And can the PS3 + Medialink directly browse YouTube, Podcasts and Movie Trailers? I’m betting not, tho I don’t know…”
The PS3 has a web browser but it doesn’t have a YouTube icon, but I don’t know how much that’s worth.
The PS3 and XBOX360 were both built to be media centres as well as game machines. I think Apple is going to have a hard time convincing people to buy an AppleTV when they have a games console that can do the same things, particularly when Sony and Microsoft have such a big head start.
Beside apart from Apple fans does anybody know what the AppleTV is? It doesn’t exactly have a big profile.
“With the leading edge being 1080p for over 2 years the AppleTV needs to catch up.”
That probably has more to do with bandwidth than anything else.
Maybe in a few years (5?) when fiber to the curb is standard.
720p looks great on my 42″ plasma.
Maybe not so great on a 60″ LCD.
@me
Look above. I just listed most of what ATV can provide. Theres more but you can see why ATV 2 is so awesome right now.