Anyone know about Apple TV

[pozmans]

I've been pondering for a few months, whether or not to buy Apple TV. Currently I have to use an HDMI from my laptop to my tv so it's quite annoying having to move my laptop to the lounge all the time.

I've got a few Apple products and want to stream series and movies to my tv. I'm not sure about all the capabilities of the current model but all I really want is to stream (nothing more, nothing less).

I've read a few articles stating that the new Apple Tv's going to be unveiled at WWDC in June. Will the new model be radically different? But then again, I doubt i'll actually need the extra functionalities...

I know I'm being quite impatient as the price for the old models will fall, but R999 on Takealot/Incredible is decent seeing as though the normal retail at all stores is R1299. Could I get it cheaper anywhere else?

Also, sorry for the noob question but if i bought it overseas, I wouldn't have any regional issues right? I have a couple friends travelling in Dubai and the US who can get it for around R850 so might just ask them to get it?

 

[bwana]

Most places are retailing the Apple TV for R999 these days.

 

[Cicero]

You'd still have region issues. But nothing signing up to Unotelly or a similar DNS service can't fix.

AppleTV's are pretty awesome for sure, especially if you only have Apple devices. I set up my brother in laws one, and its pretty badass. He uses it to stream pics from his phone, play Apple radio, Netflix, Hulu.

If you dont only have Apple devices and have a few Androids as well, you could investigate buying a Chromecast. They're cheaper, and once set up are super versatile.

 

[Gambit]

I have an Apple TV and we use it every day for Netflix, Hulu and air playing Mac's, iPhone and iPads. It is a great device but I would personally wait to see what is announced at WWDC on the 6th of June. The current Apple TV 3 is really old hardware (iPad2 processor) and rumours are it will get a major overhaul with unveiling at WWDC. I'm guessing it will get it's own app store with games being a major draw card with the updated hardware.

 

[The_Other_Guy]

For the R150 difference I wouldn't bother with one from abroad. I have mine setup with Unotelly and stream from Netflix and Hulu without issues. I prefer the PS3 Netflix interface, but the Hulu+ is about the same. Searching is crap with the remote, but there is a crappy iPhone/iPad app that allows you to type through that device's keyboard making life a lot easier - you connect through Airplay.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Don't.

Start using Plex instead.

To make everything that you've "acquired" iTunes compatible will be a nightmare and exercise in frustration.

I assume by stream you meant locally on your network from your Mac/PC to your TV, not from the internet?

 

[Darko]

Don't get one now. Wait for the Dev Conference in June, where they will most certainly announce a new one.

 

[zippy]

If you have an ipad and an iphone, then you should get an apple tv. If not, then stay away from an apple TV.

 

[vinodh]

If you have an ipad and an iphone, then you should get an apple tv. If not, then stay away from an apple TV.

Not necessarily. I have a Nexus 5 and an Apple TV and I can airplay videos perfectly fine.

 

[Flashgear]

Use Netflix and Hulu and iTunes radio everyday on mine. Awesome little thing.

 

[StonerStuart]

I love my Apple TV, I can mirror with the iPhone, iPad and MacBook, basically any Apple device. If you use windows you can watch movies from your iTunes library on the Apple TV. There are a few issues that piss me off about it, namely the formats supported by iTunes is limited. It will play .MP4's with no issue. I would rather buy it here in SA for the warrantee.

I think that the new model will have wireless AC, I can't think of many other improvements. I can't see them adding a USB port for external storage since it's Apple and they are asswholes! If you've got a Time Capsule or a NAS Drive you can set up your iTunes Library on it and then you can watch your movies and series when your PC is off. I have had my two for well over three years now and I've honestly had no issues. If you have the Apple devices it is a must have.

 

[shadow_man]

Roku is way better. I sold my Apple TV and replaced with a Roku.

Roku is by far the better device, the interface is better and it runs Plex nicely with a better interface.

 

[GreyBush]

I have one, can stream HD 3D movies through it no problem. I use an app called Air Video, plays anything on the hard drive.

Roku is way better. I sold my Apple TV and replaced with a Roku.

Roku is by far the better device, the interface is better and it runs Plex nicely with a better interface.

It's nearly double the price.

 

[shadow_man]

I have one, can stream HD 3D movies through it no problem. I use an app called Air Video, plays anything on the hard drive.



It's nearly double the price.

In what world are you living?

$99 for the Roku 3 - thats the same damn price as the Apple, hardly DOUBLE - https://www.roku.com/products/compare

Even shipping with Amazon you should come pretty close to the NORMAL Apple price of R1299 (not the R999 on special currently).

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streamin...ie=UTF8&qid=1431688371&sr=1-2&keywords=roku+3

 

[zippy]

I love my Apple TV, I can mirror with the iPhone, iPad and MacBook, basically any Apple device. If you use windows you can watch movies from your iTunes library on the Apple TV. There are a few issues that piss me off about it, namely the formats supported by iTunes is limited. It will play .MP4's with no issue. I would rather buy it here in SA for the warrantee.

I think that the new model will have wireless AC, I can't think of many other improvements. I can't see them adding a USB port for external storage since it's Apple and they are asswholes! If you've got a Time Capsule or a NAS Drive you can set up your iTunes Library on it and then you can watch your movies and series when your PC is off. I have had my two for well over three years now and I've honestly had no issues. If you have the Apple devices it is a must have.

I run my iTunes on a Mac Mini. I have the mini taped to the back of my Sony smart tv. Its always on. The Apple TV is a great device. If you have other Apple devices. Occasionally I even download a movie for £4.99 rental.

 

[krycor]

Don't get it.. don't do it.. you will regret it..


But get one in 2 months time..

There is likely going to be a refresh at the WWDC2015 / june 7th? this year and everyone is speculating it has to do with the addition of HomeKit. If possible, wait for it.. as this will likely mean a further drop in prices for current model (and 2nd hand units too) and Apple ecosystem growing quickly with other device interfacing. Seems to me like the Apple Tv will become the automation/home kit centre as everything else they produce is mobile (iphone, ipad, macbook).

For me the 'main' feature i want is the AirPlay Mirroring/Extension. I use Plex + Hulu + Netflix directly on the Tv and getting an AirPlay server to run on VM for Tv for ad-hoc broadcast to Tv or Stereo. The Airplay feature tho is useful at the office/home office because then you don't need to plug in the HDMI cable I see there is a Raspberry Pi Airplay Server project but not sure if it works the way i want to use it.

 

[NiTeD]

In what world are you living?

$99 for the Roku 3 - thats the same damn price as the Apple, hardly DOUBLE - https://www.roku.com/products/compare

Even shipping with Amazon you should come pretty close to the NORMAL Apple price of R1299 (not the R999 on special currently).

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streamin...ie=UTF8&qid=1431688371&sr=1-2&keywords=roku+3

Apple TV is $69 in the US.

 

[vinodh]

Apple TV is $69 in the US.

That's only recently. Previously the Apple TV was priced at $99 as standard.

 

[Dolby]

Also remember your files need to be a certain format, codec, container to work.

It doesn't understand any of music and around 60% of my movies. It is very basic - but at least it is inexpensive.

Check classifieds and you may find guys selling them cheap to get real media streamers

 

[vinodh]

Also remember your files need to be a certain format, codec, container to work.

It doesn't understand any of music and around 60% of my movies. It is very basic - but at least it is inexpensive.

Check classifieds and you may find guys selling them cheap to get real media streamers

The Apple TV works perfectly fine with the H264/X264 codec with the MP4 container. It also works with MP3's, M4A's and WAV files for music.