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curtis
05-20-2008, 11:07 AM
I was just wondering if anyone here uses Apple TV, and your thoughts.

Netflix/Roku just announced this device. The cost is incredible, and viewing is unlimited as long as you have an unlimited Netflix account(which start at $8.99/mo).

http://www.roku.com/netflixplayer/

Audio and video quality are variable depending on internet speeds with the Netflix box. With Apple TV, since the content is downloaded and not streamed, you always get the same high quality.

What do you guys think?

curtis
05-20-2008, 11:30 AM
oops...forgot the link....

http://www.roku.com/netflixplayer/

and I added it to the first post.

curtis
05-20-2008, 11:58 AM
Did some more research....

Until they start streaming HD, the audio is only stereo.

dallas
05-20-2008, 04:03 PM
I beleive the vid quality of AppTV was subpar, and hence failed miserably at launch.

Have they released a better versin yet?

curtis
05-20-2008, 04:06 PM
I beleive the vid quality of AppTV was subpar, and hence failed miserably at launch.

Have they released a better versin yet?
I have not read that. AppleTV also offers HD content.

I have played with the interface at the local Apple Store, but I have not actually seen content.

Mitch G
05-20-2008, 05:06 PM
Audio and video quality are variable depending on internet speeds with the Netflix box.


Curtis, did you read this somewhere? I assumed the netflix stuff was downloaded and then played. In fact, I figured that was part of the reason for putting the watch now movies on the queue - so that it could download "overnight" so to speak.

Also, I believe a good number of the AppleTV movies are stereo as well - the exception being *some* HD movies are 5.1.


Mitch

curtis
05-20-2008, 06:23 PM
Curtis, did you read this somewhere? I assumed the netflix stuff was downloaded and then played. In fact, I figured that was part of the reason for putting the watch now movies on the queue - so that it could download "overnight" so to speak.

Also, I believe a good number of the AppleTV movies are stereo as well - the exception being *some* HD movies are 5.1.


Mitch
Yup.....
http://www.roku.com/netflixplayer/frequently-asked-questions/

Unlike AppleTV, the unit has no storage, just a 64mb buffer.

Mitch G
05-20-2008, 07:14 PM
Interesting. The lack of a hard drive or massively larger buffer could be a real problem. I look forward to reading some reviews.


Mitch

bdfin
05-20-2008, 07:41 PM
I don't have an ATV but have thought about one. I think some of the earlier issues were software related and have be fixed with version update. Could use it to stream music too obviously if you had one. I do have a roku wireless streaming device for music I'm not using at the moment but it worked well when I was using it and apparently they are making the netflix hardware. The part that would nix it for me would be the minimum recommended connection speed of 1.5 m. I get that now but it could be close at times. The ATV's can be had for around 199.00 so not that much more. But if you have the ultrafast internet connection it could be ok. Will have to wait for some to take the plunge and get first hand results.

dallas
05-21-2008, 03:22 PM
I have not read that. AppleTV also offers HD content.

I have played with the interface at the local Apple Store, but I have not actually seen content.

Last I checked, the HD was low quality. In the beginning even the SD was horrible.

robruffo
06-11-2008, 02:34 AM
Buy Blu-Ray player. better, get a Ps3, you can play games too.

Apple TV really is a joke.

P Seastrand
06-11-2008, 09:09 AM
I have a Media Center PC in my living room connected to my HD TV. I use Netflix via a third-party plug in to view the Netflix movies and it works out quite well. It's not DVD quality, but close -- close enough to watch those b-list flicks.

Netflix definitely does not download, then view -- it's streamed only. They install a browser Active-X client that handles the security and interface. The client determines the network speed and then chooses a bitstream that matches. So, depending upon your download speed, the quality can vary.