Why you should get AppleTV

January 10, 2007 By

Michael Markman has the best reason that I should be pushing Apple TV. Sold me! I’m getting one anyway.

Oh, and lots of broadcasts are done in 1080i. Yeah, no one is broadcasting in 1080p yet, but the difference between the two is very small (I can tell the difference between 720p and 1080i, but it’s a lot harder to see the difference between 1080i and 1080p).

Filed Under: 1

http://www.planetkevin.com/ kevin

hey, why don’t you have an image anywhere in your rss feed? i’m trying to make a nice looking news-reader, but when it gets to your feed, it gags when searching every rss element and attribute known to man. please, man. just a head shot. thanks~
http://www.planetkevin.com kevin

hey, why don’t you have an image anywhere in your rss feed? i’m trying to make a nice looking news-reader, but when it gets to your feed, it gags when searching every rss element and attribute known to man. please, man. just a head shot. thanks~
http://digitalhell.wordpress.com/ Digital Hell

Kevin, shouldn’t you make your newsreader work with all feeds instead of getting the blog author to add an image? Otherwise, what’s going to happen when you subscribe to another feed which doesn’t have an image anywhere in the RSS feed?

Just a thought. Don’t mean to be rude
http://digitalhell.wordpress.com/ Digital Hell

Kevin, shouldn’t you make your newsreader work with all feeds instead of getting the blog author to add an image? Otherwise, what’s going to happen when you subscribe to another feed which doesn’t have an image anywhere in the RSS feed?

Just a thought. Don’t mean to be rude
http://www.almostageek.com/ ET

I agree! All I want/need is something that will play my iTunes content on my TV. DL.TV, ScobleShow (with ever improving sound I hope), Diggnation, Hak5.org, and all my other favorites!!! I am sure there will be a hack to play other video formats in the future but for now I am okay with Apple’s.
http://www.almostageek.com ET

I agree! All I want/need is something that will play my iTunes content on my TV. DL.TV, ScobleShow (with ever improving sound I hope), Diggnation, Hak5.org, and all my other favorites!!! I am sure there will be a hack to play other video formats in the future but for now I am okay with Apple’s.
http://www.idespisemicrosoft.com/ Hash

Heh … OK, Let’s get Robert to push a few more Apple products.

Video iPod – Cause I want to take my Scoble show on the road.

24″ iMac / MacBook / Cinema Displays – Cause the Scoble show looks so much kewler on a Mac than a PC / Windows Laptop.

iPhone – So I can call or email Robert when I am on the road AND not miss out on the Scoble show. Plus read this blog.

Airport extreme – So I can stream the Scoble show over my home network at 802.11n speeds.

Anyone want to make the case for OSX 10.5?

C’mon folks .. I know y’all can come up with more/better stuff. We can’t always be serious on these boads. Need to have fun sometimes.

Hash
http://www.idespisemicrosoft.com Hash

Heh … OK, Let’s get Robert to push a few more Apple products.

Video iPod – Cause I want to take my Scoble show on the road.

24″ iMac / MacBook / Cinema Displays – Cause the Scoble show looks so much kewler on a Mac than a PC / Windows Laptop.

iPhone – So I can call or email Robert when I am on the road AND not miss out on the Scoble show. Plus read this blog.

Airport extreme – So I can stream the Scoble show over my home network at 802.11n speeds.

Anyone want to make the case for OSX 10.5?

C’mon folks .. I know y’all can come up with more/better stuff. We can’t always be serious on these boads. Need to have fun sometimes.

Hash
http://www.idespisemicrosoft.com/ Hash

Oops Boads = Boards in Comment #4
http://www.idespisemicrosoft.com Hash

Oops Boads = Boards in Comment #4
Joe

I didn’t think the i/p matters for broadcast. The video comes down at resolution X, the interlaced and non-interlaced is the way the video is displayed on the screen (two scans per single frame, or one).
Reality distortion again?
Joe

I didn’t think the i/p matters for broadcast. The video comes down at resolution X, the interlaced and non-interlaced is the way the video is displayed on the screen (two scans per single frame, or one).
Reality distortion again?
http://michaeldotnet.blogspot.com/ Michael.NET

Robert:

You realize that 720p is displayed FASTER which means it’s far better for moving pictures. I bet all those screens you can see the difference on are using slow moving or static images. Or maybe it’s because Oompa-Loompas are better
http://michaeldotnet.blogspot.com Michael.NET

Robert:

You realize that 720p is displayed FASTER which means it’s far better for moving pictures. I bet all those screens you can see the difference on are using slow moving or static images. Or maybe it’s because Oompa-Loompas are better
Pingback: Apple’s New Toys « Thinkings of an Old Baby Boomer
http://scobleizer.com/ Robert Scoble

Michael: I know that is true technically, but Discovery Channel is 1080i and I never had a problem following a cheetah chasing down a zebra and eating it.

And football in 1080i is better than 720p.

Translation: resolution trumps refresh rate.
http://scobleizer.com/ Robert Scoble

Michael: I know that is true technically, but Discovery Channel is 1080i and I never had a problem following a cheetah chasing down a zebra and eating it.

And football in 1080i is better than 720p.

Translation: resolution trumps refresh rate.
Niker

I’ve read a lot of comments to the Scoble posts regarding Apple TV. The strangest thing is that nobody noticed Apple TV can play 1080i just like XBox. Not 1080p, but 1080i yes.

from Apple Tv specs on apple.com
TV compatibility
* Enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen TVs capable of 1080i 60/50Hz, 720p 60/50Hz, 576p 50Hz (PAL format), or 480p 60Hz
Niker

I’ve read a lot of comments to the Scoble posts regarding Apple TV. The strangest thing is that nobody noticed Apple TV can play 1080i just like XBox. Not 1080p, but 1080i yes.

from Apple Tv specs on apple.com
TV compatibility
* Enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen TVs capable of 1080i 60/50Hz, 720p 60/50Hz, 576p 50Hz (PAL format), or 480p 60Hz
http://www.podcastdirectory.com/ Andrew

My debate now is now a Mac Mini v. Apple TV. Sure there is double the cost, but I was thinking of having the Mac Mini perform some other scripts and tasks while not playing home movies. I’m assuming both will have about the same capabilities (Macs need about 2ghz to push 1080p so I read somewhere so both the mini and Apple tv won’t cut it).
http://www.podcastdirectory.com/ Andrew

My debate now is now a Mac Mini v. Apple TV. Sure there is double the cost, but I was thinking of having the Mac Mini perform some other scripts and tasks while not playing home movies. I’m assuming both will have about the same capabilities (Macs need about 2ghz to push 1080p so I read somewhere so both the mini and Apple tv won’t cut it).
Mujibur

Oh and BTW Scoble, there will not be broadcast 1080p for many, many years as it’s not part of the ATSC standard. You may be able to download 1080p shows but even then, we’ll need way better bandwidth than we have today.

I thought you’d know something of ATSC.
http://deleted Mujibur

Oh and BTW Scoble, there will not be broadcast 1080p for many, many years as it’s not part of the ATSC standard. You may be able to download 1080p shows but even then, we’ll need way better bandwidth than we have today.

I thought you’d know something of ATSC.
http://sektormedia.org/ Aaron

Someone pointed that out in the other thread. Though this is in large part an argument of theory as most items published on either platform right now is and will be 720.
http://sektormedia.org Aaron

Someone pointed that out in the other thread. Though this is in large part an argument of theory as most items published on either platform right now is and will be 720.
Herm

Broadcasts in 1080i !!

I don’t what it is, but I “wont” it.
Herm

Broadcasts in 1080i !!

I don’t what it is, but I “wont” it.
http://www.idespisemicrosoft.com/ Hash

@#9 “… following a cheetah chasing down a zebra and eating it.”

Cough … Cheetahs normally chase Antelopes. Hence the need for speed. Zebras are too big for ‘em. Lions chase Zebras.

Robert has been watching Discovery but not paying attention. :-p
http://www.idespisemicrosoft.com Hash

@#9 “… following a cheetah chasing down a zebra and eating it.”

Cough … Cheetahs normally chase Antelopes. Hence the need for speed. Zebras are too big for ‘em. Lions chase Zebras.

Robert has been watching Discovery but not paying attention. :-p
colin

Pah – it’s an xbox 360 without the um games and the 1080p
colin

Pah – it’s an xbox 360 without the um games and the 1080p
Angel

How big of a difference do you see when watching football (720p vs. 1080i), Robert? Please realize that ESPN HD is in 720p, unlike what you’ve stated before. Just like the majority of content on Xbox Live, unlike what you’ve stated before. I just find it hard to believe that in a fast-moving sport like football, you actually think an interlaced picture (1080i) looks better than progressive (720p).

It’s amazing that the most experts and sports networks like ESPN, recognize that progressive is better for fast-moving action, but you somehow believe that 1080i looks better. Brilliant.
Angel

How big of a difference do you see when watching football (720p vs. 1080i), Robert? Please realize that ESPN HD is in 720p, unlike what you’ve stated before. Just like the majority of content on Xbox Live, unlike what you’ve stated before. I just find it hard to believe that in a fast-moving sport like football, you actually think an interlaced picture (1080i) looks better than progressive (720p).

It’s amazing that the most experts and sports networks like ESPN, recognize that progressive is better for fast-moving action, but you somehow believe that 1080i looks better. Brilliant.
http://www.latenitemash.com/ danielmcvicar

its the iTunes feed into your TV that will make the difference. I will make sure and reformat all my projects on iTunes for AppleTV. Windows Media Center could work remotely, but this will make it easy and popular, just like the iPod did with MP3s.

And now I can lay back with some popcorn and enjoy some Scoble Shows.
http://www.latenitemash.com danielmcvicar

its the iTunes feed into your TV that will make the difference. I will make sure and reformat all my projects on iTunes for AppleTV. Windows Media Center could work remotely, but this will make it easy and popular, just like the iPod did with MP3s.

And now I can lay back with some popcorn and enjoy some Scoble Shows.
Stanley

Uggh. Not more blogosphere echo chamber stuff where “A list” bloggers get off talking back and forth with each other…
Stanley

Uggh. Not more blogosphere echo chamber stuff where “A list” bloggers get off talking back and forth with each other…
DAG

“from Apple Tv specs on apple.com
TV compatibility
* Enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen TVs capable of 1080i 60/50Hz, 720p 60/50Hz, 576p 50Hz (PAL format), or 480p 60Hz”
That doesn’t imply the unit will handle 1080i content, just that it will work with that kind of TV

This is what formats it supports
Video formats supported:
H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store): 640 by 480, 30 fps
LC version of Baseline Profile; 320 by 240, 30 fps
Baseline profile up to Level 1.3; 1280 by 720, 24 fps
Progressive Main Profile. MPEG-4: 640 by 480, 30 fps, Simple Profile

Otherwise, 1080 display is an up-converted image. Most good HDTVs have this feature built in. The best you will get is 24FPS 720P.
DAG

“from Apple Tv specs on apple.com
TV compatibility
* Enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen TVs capable of 1080i 60/50Hz, 720p 60/50Hz, 576p 50Hz (PAL format), or 480p 60Hz”
That doesn’t imply the unit will handle 1080i content, just that it will work with that kind of TV

This is what formats it supports
Video formats supported:
H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store): 640 by 480, 30 fps
LC version of Baseline Profile; 320 by 240, 30 fps
Baseline profile up to Level 1.3; 1280 by 720, 24 fps
Progressive Main Profile. MPEG-4: 640 by 480, 30 fps, Simple Profile

Otherwise, 1080 display is an up-converted image. Most good HDTVs have this feature built in. The best you will get is 24FPS 720P.
Goebbels

I love how Scoble claims to be such an HD expert and connoisser, but he’s WRONG the majority of the time.

“ESPNHD along with sister network ABCHD use the 720p HD line standard because the ABC executives proposed a progressive ‘p’ signal resolves fluid and high speed motion in sports better, particurally during slow motion replays.”
Goebbels

I love how Scoble claims to be such an HD expert and connoisser, but he’s WRONG the majority of the time.

“ESPNHD along with sister network ABCHD use the 720p HD line standard because the ABC executives proposed a progressive ‘p’ signal resolves fluid and high speed motion in sports better, particurally during slow motion replays.”
http://www.itchmerry.com/ MRKisThatKid

I’ve never understood why they even decided to even create a 1080i standard. Only CRT’s can display an interlaced signal, all fixed pixel devices have to de-intelace it, basically meaning convert the interlaced signal to a progressive one. It both degrades the picture even further and is processor intensive.

Though I do agree that a max res of 720p is pretty weak.
http://www.itchmerry.com/ MRKisThatKid

I’ve never understood why they even decided to even create a 1080i standard. Only CRT’s can display an interlaced signal, all fixed pixel devices have to de-intelace it, basically meaning convert the interlaced signal to a progressive one. It both degrades the picture even further and is processor intensive.

Though I do agree that a max res of 720p is pretty weak.
http://scobleizer.com/ Robert Scoble

Goebbels: I was wrong. Thanks. But I’m pretty sure I’ve seen some football games in 1080. Now I’m wondering.

Certainly explains why Discovery Channel looks so stunning.
http://scobleizer.com/ Robert Scoble

Goebbels: I was wrong. Thanks. But I’m pretty sure I’ve seen some football games in 1080. Now I’m wondering.

Certainly explains why Discovery Channel looks so stunning.
Goebbels

And the only football game I’ve seen in 1080 (last year’s Super Bowl… my friends thought they were showing off their new TV — I, a football nut, was pissed!) looked like shit in comparison to what is on CBS (when they are HD) and ESPN.
Goebbels

And the only football game I’ve seen in 1080 (last year’s Super Bowl… my friends thought they were showing off their new TV — I, a football nut, was pissed!) looked like shit in comparison to what is on CBS (when they are HD) and ESPN.
Goebbels

Oops, don’t want to cause confusion.

I mean I prefer ABC’s and ESPN’s use of 720p. 1080i (CBS and NBC) definitely looks crappier. (And it’s CBS who doesn’t broadcast all games in HD at all.)

“Certainly explains why Discovery Channel looks so stunning.”

How does the fact that you aren’t sure about it and CAN’T actually tell the difference explain its “stunning”? You make me laugh. I don’t have an HDTV, but I have watched plenty of sports and blurring, strobing, and delacing can be apparent in 10801. I would imagine any highspeed or slow motion Discovery content would be equally affected… if you could actually tell. Ha, ha, ha.
Goebbels

Oops, don’t want to cause confusion.

I mean I prefer ABC’s and ESPN’s use of 720p. 1080i (CBS and NBC) definitely looks crappier. (And it’s CBS who doesn’t broadcast all games in HD at all.)

“Certainly explains why Discovery Channel looks so stunning.”

How does the fact that you aren’t sure about it and CAN’T actually tell the difference explain its “stunning”? You make me laugh. I don’t have an HDTV, but I have watched plenty of sports and blurring, strobing, and delacing can be apparent in 10801. I would imagine any highspeed or slow motion Discovery content would be equally affected… if you could actually tell. Ha, ha, ha.
http://jdrants.blogspot.com/ JD

I don’t watch video podcasts, so for me it’s a non-issue. Music and videos…..I prefer to use WMP vs iTunes just due to the silo approach (ala AOL) mentioned above. I have much more freedom by NOT using iTunes and its walled off world. For me, using a media center extender (or XBOX 360) works a lot better for me.

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