Dante Posted September 12, 2006 Posted September 12, 2006 Apple have unveiled a device which will stream music and video wirelessly between televisons and computers. The plug-in hardware is due to be released early next year and has been given the temporary name of iTV. As well as announcing updates of its best-selling iPod music players, Apple also launched a new service allowing users to download films. Deals have been done with Pixar, Touchstone, Miramax and also Disney - where Apple's chief executive Steve Jobs also a director. Living rooms The new box - about the size of three stacked CD cases and selling for $299 (£160) - is intended to plug the final connection between computer systems and home entertainment. For some time Microsoft has sold "Media Center" PCs, which are intended to sit in living rooms. But the machines have failed to reach critical mass. Although several devices exist to pipe satellite and cable TV to computers, it has so far proved difficult to persuade users to make the connection in the opposite direction. Apple's system is intended to make that easier, for both PC and Mac users. Stored music can also be piped to stereo systems and controlled via the TV. "Pretty much whatever kind of setup you've got, iTV fits in," Mr Jobs said. "Now, you can get great content online. It's playing now on a computer near you. You can play it on an iPod near you and it is coming to a TV near you." 'Competition' The system could prove a challenge not only for other computer makers - but for broadband firms too, said senior analyst Ian Fogg from Jupiter Media. "Broadband could become a trojan horse that enables companies like Apple to compete with cable tv companies and DSL providers that want to offer TV as well," he said. "Companies like NTL have an existing TV business, which is facing new competition. BT has a plan for TV and Sky has moved into broadband too. "If Apple can deliver movies and TV easily, then that could be a big problem for them. "By announcing iTV well in advance of its release, something the firm rarely does, Apple is building momentum as it seeks deals with more movie studios." Films for download Apple's move into movie downloads - priced at a minimum of $12.99 (£6.93) for new releases and $9.99 for older films - comes several days after Amazon's launch of its own system, Unbox, aimed only at PCs. In a presentation in San Francisco, Apple chief executive officer Steve Jobs said the films would be sold at "near-DVD quality". It was unclear whether - as is still the case with TV downloads - films would be available only to US customers. I wonder if ITV will sue apple if they keep the name? BBC.
blender Posted September 12, 2006 Posted September 12, 2006 Apple understand People want accessibility rather than HD. Still think the wii could do this. This kind of tech is already available but I guess the interface is what will differentiate it
Guest Jordan Posted September 12, 2006 Posted September 12, 2006 Theres been Windows Media Centre set top boxes and extenders for about 3 years now. If MS with all their money can't get it to catch on, I don't think even Apple can get it to work. Alot of people just don't want this kind of intergrated system.
Shorty Posted September 12, 2006 Posted September 12, 2006 Sounds like a total rip off of the Sling box, which has been around for a long time now. And I also think Britain's "Independent Television" (ITV) might have something to say about the name when it gets here :/
blender Posted September 12, 2006 Posted September 12, 2006 you can get nice fancy ones that automatically retrieve digital radio streams ect. I'm sure apple are going to have a fancy interface and make this mass market indeed.
Guest Jordan Posted September 13, 2006 Posted September 13, 2006 Pictures I still think MCE looks nicer...
Chanser Posted September 13, 2006 Posted September 13, 2006 Guys the iTV name is just a codename. I doubt ITV will do anything unless Apple make iTV as it's final name.
Haver Posted September 13, 2006 Posted September 13, 2006 Theres been Windows Media Centre set top boxes and extenders for about 3 years now. If MS with all their money can't get it to catch on, I don't think even Apple can get it to work. Alot of people just don't want this kind of intergrated system. The theory behind this unit is that everything is cohesive, an Apple experience from beginning to end. You grab content from the iTunes store with your iMac and then instantly send it over to the iTV and Boom. Pirates of the Caribbean in your front room without leaving the house. There's a market for this stuff if it works and it's done right.
mike-zim Posted September 13, 2006 Posted September 13, 2006 i agree i would love to have one once i buy my house. so we will see.
Dcubed Posted September 13, 2006 Posted September 13, 2006 Woah, nice interface! (Much better than MCE IMO) This'll probably be much bigger than it too (Much cheaper than any extender I've seen) I've heard it supports all HD resolutions too including 1080p! (MCE only goes up to 1080i)
Recommended Posts