[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
Kevin, Like you, I use wireless for one of my squeezeboxes only - and it's the only one that ever gives me any trouble - and then not very often at all. It's a v1 squeezebox though so the buffer isn't so big. I think you're right about the iso issue in DVD assist. I bought the mac and started ripping afterwards so it wasn't really a problem for me. It may be possible to do a bulk convert, but I don't know how you'd feel about that if you've got a lot of stuff ripped (and/or use if for other things). There's some speculation about what the next version of front row might support, but my view is that Apple are so tight about their existing protection systems that they're not likely to allow you to play ripped content other than via some kind of iTunes import or similar. -- xio xio's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2382 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
There's some speculation about what the next version of front row might support, but my view is that Apple are so tight about their existing protection systems that they're not likely to allow you to play ripped content other than via some kind of iTunes import or similar. Agreed. I don't see any large company (e.g., Apple, Microsoft) that has an investment in DRM and relationships with RIAA and their ilk doing that. I expect to end up using 3rd party software, though I haven't decided what yet. MediaCentral looks promising, though. Kevin -- Kevin O. Lepard Happiness is being 100% Microsoft free. ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
rfrost;172303 Wrote: Remember that with AppleTV, you still need a DVD drive and some way to control that, and good luck trying to install any codecs on it that are not blessed by Steve. AFAIK, you can plug USB devices into the new Apple Airport, essentially making it a 802.11n NAS box. Not sure if a DVD drive would work, but you can certainly plug in USB drives to act as your music server. I agree Apple is a closed shop, but I must admit that it doesn't bother me after having used many pieces of their software over the years as well as Open Source packages. If it works, then it's fine by me. The Open Source nature of SB is attractive, but to most people that just means free. The proprietary nature of Apple solutions simply doesn't bother the mass market - hence the rise of the iPod. I don't think too many people who have Slim boxes will change to Apple, owning a SB involves so much commitment to make it work that you are reluctant to give up on that investment, especially if you have used FLAC. I'm thinking about it because I use Apple Lossless, but I need to hear the AppleTV first through my DAC. It's much more likely that someone new to the market will look at all the options and go for the recognised brand, especially if they think it's an iPod for the home. -- CardinalFang CardinalFang's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=962 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
xio Thanks for your comments. I've been considering using dvd assist, and I'm glad that it works well. My understanding is that it only works with VIDEO_TS folders, though, and not .iso's correct? My house is hardwired too. Wireless is nice and I actually use it successfully for one of my Squeezeboxes, but I basically have a wires work attitude.. My current issues with the Mini are more future proofing. I think with their announcements, waiting for the Mini to have their 802.11n (pre-n) implementation is worth it. The g stuff is obviously going to fall away now. And getting the Core 2 Due would be nice, too. I don't really need more power than that for running the Mini as a HTPC, as you know. Kevin -- Kevin O. Lepard Happiness is being 100% Microsoft free. ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
I recently bought a mac mini for the main functions of what apple tv would provide. Given the relatively small price difference and the huge difference in flexibilty I can't see why the apple tv would appeal to anyone with a technical background, particlarly as you have the remote and front row stuff as standard with the mini. That said, I guess the non-technical market is rather larger... -- xio xio's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2382 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
Nostromo;172100 Wrote: Jack of all trades, master of none. But they aren't different trades, it's all playback of media via codecs. Adding some video circuitry shouldn't alter audio playback as long as PSUs and other critical circuits are adequate. iPods were sometimes used at HiFi shows as music sources, I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the AppleTV yet. On the other hand, the sound quality of all MP3 players has been noted to have fallen off over the years as cheaper components have been substituted, the iPod Vn2 is reckoned to be the best sounding (I still have mine, although battery life is short). We'll find out soon enough, they ship in a couple of weeks. I'm very interested in one fed into a DAC, iTunes is far more family friendly than Slimserver and all they have to do is build something with reasonably low jitter. -- CardinalFang CardinalFang's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=962 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
On 1/20/07, CardinalFang [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: the iPod Vn2 is reckoned to be the best sounding (I still have mine, although battery life is short). I'm never sure about iPod version numbers - i've got a 10gb with the touch scrollwheel. Assuming that the mechanical scrollwheel is v1 then i figure i'm on the same as you. I got sick of the poor battery life and bought a replacement battery from eBay. I can't remember the capacity but I bought the highest available and get about double the life i used to which makes a huge difference. Getting the case open was a faff but I got there eventually. ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
I recently bought a mac mini for the main functions of what apple tv would provide. I agree. I'm on the verge of getting one for just that function. I'm just holding out for it to have 802.11n and a Core 2 Duo in it. I'm disappointed that it wasn't updated with those features at MacWorld. I figure it will happen soon, though. I can't imagine they're selling well now that essentially everything is 802.11n (well, pre-n). I was disappointed that there is no VOB or MPEG2 support in Apple TV. That makes it a total non-starter for me. I guess the non-technical market is rather larger... That seems very likely. Kevin -- Kevin O. Lepard Happiness is being 100% Microsoft free. ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
First, my friends, look over the damning discussion of this item on engadget: http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/itv-becomes-apple-tv/. I ordered one such unit the same day Stevie announced it, then looked at the specs and realized that it was just another Apple gimmick to keep people bound to the iTunes, iPod, and iTunes Music Store bundle. Believe me, I've been an Apple user for 20 years now and I spend hours each day on my Apple computer, but I've become wary of the ways Jobs seeks lock-in. Just look at the messy and annoying DRM at the core of all of the Apple entertainment technologies. Worse, Apple could have offered a credible replacement for those dreadful set-top boxes we are usually forced to lease from the cable providers, but the Apple TV simply isn't a credible solution to that. Slim has been heroic in support of open-source and fair-use solutions for content, and it remains largely agnostic with respect to formats and platforms. Bravo! I'm building essentially the entertainment hub Apple TV claims to be. It's pretty simple: take an old but not ancient laptop, load linux or a hacked MacOSX on it, run Slim as either server-client or just client, attach a Pinnacle HD Pro tuner stick on it, etc. For the real expert, try mythtv. Also consider the forthcoming Netgear EVA8000 which will have far better capabilities than the Apple device, and will prolly cost a good bit less. Also consider the new variant on the SlingBox. Remember that with AppleTV, you still need a DVD drive and some way to control that, and good luck trying to install any codecs on it that are not blessed by Steve. -- rfrost rfrost's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=5532 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
Kevin - in terms of VOB support I'm using the dvd assist hack to fool the dvd player. It's slightly (but only slightly) tedious to set up but frankly works like a dream when you're up an running. For my own purposes, the wireless stuff isn't even activated - due to home improvements works (;-)) I have cat5e running around the house. All dvd's etc are ripped and stored on a linux box in a cupboard and the streaming works just fine. I've not found a problem with the core due performance to need the extra power - what sort of apps are you looking to run? (or is it just future proofing?) Also figured if I got brave in future I could stick mythtv on it. -- xio xio's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2382 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
sc53;171532 Wrote: You mention the Dell 17--Would any LCD computer monitor work, or does it need HDMI in? It's not straightforward to convert from HDMI to RGB - there aren't aren't any converter cables that I'm aware of and you usually need a converter unit that adjusts for the differnt frequencies and signal types. It would probably be cheaper to get a small HD TV like one of the Sharp Aquos 15 ones on Amazon. -- CardinalFang CardinalFang's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=962 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
Probably won't sound as good as the Squeezebox. Does it even have a digital out? -- Nostromo Nostromo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6322 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
Nostromo;171981 Wrote: Does it even have a digital out? I don't know the answer, but I'll bet it won't, 'cause then (e gads) you could make a copy of it -- rupped SB2 (Elpac PS) fed wifi on Flac and SN ESB Link DAC III Audible Illusions M3A Sunfire Stereo Sig Martin Logan SL3 rupped's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=305 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
Nostromo;171981 Wrote: Probably won't sound as good as the Squeezebox. Does it even have a digital out? 'Optical audio out' (http://www.apple.com/appletv/connect.html) Do you know of any indicators why it wouldn't sound as good? -- CCRDude CCRDude's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=8478 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
Nostromo;171981 Wrote: Probably won't sound as good as the Squeezebox. Does it even have a digital out? Yes, it does. Optical only, I believe. My big thing about the Apple TV is the TV part. I have to turn the TV on to use it. So, even if it sounded as good as the SB, I wouldn't be happy. I like to turn on my stereo and SB, and just start listening. Now, for watching TV, the Apple TV sounds interesting. Too bad I'm out of inputs to my receiver. Eric -- kolding kolding's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=31 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
Do you know of any indicators why it wouldn't sound as good? Jack of all trades, master of none. -- Nostromo Nostromo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6322 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
But in this case I thought it was jack of several trades, master of a few. Scientifically speaking of course. -- Scott -- On Jan 19, 2007, at 4:02 PM, Nostromo wrote: Do you know of any indicators why it wouldn't sound as good? Jack of all trades, master of none. -- Nostromo -- -- Nostromo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php? userid=6322 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
maurice;170855 Wrote: With the AppleTV, I will need the TV on to act as the display. A disadvantage for AppleTV. I was thinking about a music only solution and get a 17 LCD monitor to mount on the wall next to the AppleTV. Then you'd get a streaming solution with a good display for $299 (Apple TV) + $179 (new 17 at Dell - could be a lot cheaper if you went for a used one). -- morberg morberg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=8757 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
You mention the Dell 17--Would any LCD computer monitor work, or does it need HDMI in? -- sc53 sc53's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=8690 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
720p is why I'm not thrilled about the Apple TV. I have an airport express already for music. On 1/11/07, Jazz1 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Zaphilosophile;169383 Wrote: i am curious to know what other members think of the new apple tv media streaming box? obviously there are many differences between the sqeezebox and appleTV such as the dependence on itunes - a TV - a Computer etc. however they are obviously similar in function i.e. streaming music wirelessly. what do you think of all the hype around this box? how much of a competitor do you reckon it is? cheers, I love my SB, but I'm a Machead, so the AppleTV thing's audio capabilites along with the FrontRow like video menu holds some allure. Of course, it would have to sound as good or better than SB3, and handle Internet radio with aplomb before it would trip my trigger. One other thing I don't have is an HD t.v. and I'm wondering if AppleTV requires that. I'm having trouble figuring that one out. With only S-Video in on my Sony XBR 61 rear projection (old) t.v. I think I'm out of luck anyway. I like seeing album art you see. -- Jazz1 Jazz1's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6623 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
[slim] Re: Apple TV Competition?
Zaphilosophile;169383 Wrote: i am curious to know what other members think of the new apple tv media streaming box? obviously there are many differences between the sqeezebox and appleTV such as the dependence on itunes - a TV - a Computer etc. however they are obviously similar in function i.e. streaming music wirelessly. what do you think of all the hype around this box? how much of a competitor do you reckon it is? cheers, I love my SB, but I'm a Machead, so the AppleTV thing's audio capabilites along with the FrontRow like video menu holds some allure. Of course, it would have to sound as good or better than SB3, and handle Internet radio with aplomb before it would trip my trigger. One other thing I don't have is an HD t.v. and I'm wondering if AppleTV requires that. I'm having trouble figuring that one out. With only S-Video in on my Sony XBR 61 rear projection (old) t.v. I think I'm out of luck anyway. I like seeing album art you see. -- Jazz1 Jazz1's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6623 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31559 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
