“Because of reports from retailers that the AppleTV’s advertising material was to be destroyed, a rumor has managed to seep its way through the Interwebs that the AppleTV is being replaced,” Michael writes for Apple Gazette. “It was further fueled by the fact that there is a webcast being presented to retailers on September 30th.”
“The reason for the destruction of the advertising material could be as simple as the fact that the licensing for the tvs and movies has expired – or that Apple wants new advertising material to reflect current movie releases, and the new fall television shows,” Michael writes. “That info by itself is nowhere near an indication that the entire device is being tossed out the window and replaced by something else.”
“The webcast does pose some intriguing possibilities, though. Could there be some new features coming to the existing AppleTV that retailers need to be aware of? We know that the AppleTV needs a software update to make it possible to download HD TV show,” Michael writes.
Full article here.
I’d be suprised if its a new AppleTV. two new releases in one year. Strange for apple. Maybe a memory bump. MAYBE THE FABLED Blu-Ray ATV oooooooo!. It’s more than likely just the advertisement issue.
It would have helped if Apple would share a little good news while share holders are be crushed. They do not know how to say buy back but they do know how to say “Just one more thing”!
But $50 of chips on a Mac mini and we have a Mac mini DVR.
They are changing its name to be more Sony-like. It will now be called the XVJ-9324.
Please commit this to memory and use it henceforth.
I hope it isn’t a “whole new AppleTV”, I am just hoping for a software upgrade. I don’t want to buy a new box, I just want more features in a new OS that fills in the gaps in the current offering.
Didn’t Steve Jobs say HD now on your computer?
I just looked to the podcast concerning that, and he did not say also on tv.
I’d say the tv is being killed.
After February 17, 2009, full-power television stations in the USA will broadcast in digital only. That’s less than five months from now.
Introducing the ultimate mash/up: Apple TV incorporated into a new 42-inch, Apple Cinema HD Display. Finally, the Apple TV becomes what it was always meant to be: a TV.
Open the flood gates of internet TV to stream HD video into the hungry eyes of the teeming masses. Hazzah!!
I highly doubt they would dump the entire device, regardless of its success, the thing hasn’t exactly failed. It was a device never intended to compete on the same levels as Mac’s, iPod’s and the iphone, they never expected it to or pushed it accordingly. It gives them a reasonable foot in the door of a market that will doubtlessly take off and allows them to improve the existing design or bring out something entirely different to push on further. If the product had become embarassing then maybe, but it hasn’t.
How about just opening up the USB port so I could plug in an EyeTV to add DVR functionality. I know it goes against the “buy all your media off itunes” but aTV will never take off without DVR functionality. Especially with so many broadband companies adding caps to downloads now.
The Apple TV is a niche device. Only those with HDTV’s would even consider one and, since marketing is nearly absent, few people know it exists.
Fortunately, even if Apple drops the device, I still get to keep mine
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If there’s no blu-ray, i’m not buying one. I don’t have cable tv, satellite, or antenna. I watch videos. I don’t need PVR. I’m either buying an apple-tv with blu-ray or a PS3.
And for those of you who keep insisting physical media is dead and that download “HD” content is the future, answer me this:
Tell me which is better quality:
* 2 hour movie in h.264 at 1920×1080 and 1GB file size
or
* 2 hour movie in h.264 at 1920×1080 and 30GB file size
Which is going to look better on your 1920×1080 HD TV?
The contract expiration with studios doesn’t make any sense. Apple just welcomed back NBC and its catalogue.
Software upgrade is also an unlikely reason, as that one would have to be a significant change in order to make all previous advertising material obsolete.
It just might be a hardware/software refresh, without the MWSF-type presentation.
i think since iphone is well on its way, that apple will now start to focus on apple tv. hopefully that means, more content, HD, apps (weather, games etc), internet browser (yes i know its an app).
Here’s what I hope Apple does:
(1) Announce a deal with the major studios that lets them offer live broadcasts of sports and news for free (with ads), just like the cable companies and on-air broadcasters. In HD.
(2) Add DVR capability, just for the streams in #1.
I want an Apple DVR that can replace my ReplayTV eventually without any BS crippling or elimination of functions to cowtow to a bunch of media corp crybabies. It’s got to be HD, work with Digital Cable, and allow me to still access my OnDemand content.
Of course, while I’m wishing upon a star, how about the iTunes Store stream the 10 or so tv channels that I watch. That way I can dump cable altogether.
NHL Network
Versus
NHL Center Ice (all 10 channels)
Fox Sports South – Middle/West TN
CNN, CNN Headline, Fox News, etc
Sci-Fi Channel
…Just a new Brick in the Wall…
MacMac,
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Too funny!
And true too!
I think they are just going to make it……..you guessed it, SNAPPIER!
makes sense to combine the mini and appletv. to expand the capability of my appletv (and free it from being connected to my laptop) i’ve contemplated on getting a mini – solely to expand the storage space and have a dedicated itunes library. not only is that expensive for such limited use, but the minis have seen a significant update since the dark ages (in tech years).
Let’s keep in mind, Steve Jobs is the biggest shareholder in Disney. Which owns ESPN (think about ESPN360), ABC (any show on the network). Now image, being able to watch shows just a we do now with ESPN 360, but you are require to have AppleTV.
I agree with nrrdgrrl. The only reason i haven’t gone this route and eliminated cable/DirecTV is that I won’t have the option to watch my local pro sports teams. If I can stream those, then I’m in and will completely stop paying the cable and/or satellite companies.
anybody have any ideas how to get something like NESN (gotta have my Red Sox) without cable or satellite?
b –
Go Sox. You can get MLB.TV online streaming video of the games for $15/mo… radio feeds for a lot less… like $15/season.
The Apple TV has ALREADY received a software update to deal with HD files. Mine was installed a few days ago, and I’m watching trailers in HD (haven’t bought anything yet). Hasn’t anyone noticed?
“Introducing the ultimate mash/up: Apple TV incorporated into a new 42-inch, Apple Cinema HD Display. Finally, the Apple TV becomes what it was always meant to be: a TV.”
Just what Apple needs in the product line in a soft economy. Replace a $300 device with a $2000 device.
“The contract expiration with studios doesn’t make any sense. Apple just welcomed back NBC and its catalogue.”
They don’t mean the actual movies and shows on iTunes, they mean the license to use the images in the ATV marketing materials.
Clear the Decks, incoming “Brick”!
Apple want’s to dominate the movie download world just like it dominates the music download world. Can’t wait.
Here’s what I think would be great-
Apple combines the Mini and ATV into a MiniPro and…
kills the computer monitor.
Why have this whole separate screen? If you do, why should you have to buy it in a separate section of Best Buy than the other screens?
So Apple’s new consumer line of screenless Macs are built to just plug into TVs, and the software is included to make that Mac the true hub of your digital lifestyle.