Apple MA711LL/A TV with 40GB Hard Drive [OLD VERSION] by Apple Computer
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Our Price: $349.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $85.95 (click here) Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Apple MA711LL/A TV with 40GB Hard Drive [OLD VERSION]
Digital camera Review: Apple TV is UNBELIEVABLY FANTASTIC!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I just had my Apple TV delivered to me via FedEx, and in less than 20 minutes I was watching and listening toeverything I have on my iMac... right on my t.v.!!! Everything that Apple has said about this little silver box is 100% true! I haven't had any hiccups or problems with this amazing little invention. I do not know how easy this set up would be with a non-Apple machine (is there really such a machine? HA) but if you have an Apple, and a wireless network (again, mine is an Apple Extreme with N speed) it couldn't be easier. I have about 200 movies in my iTunes library, and as soon as it is turned on, Apple TV automatically sees all the files, and I can play any of my movies. Works the same with your music or your photos or your television shows. I prefer to wirelessly have access to everything, but you can sync to have it on the Apple TV. I highly recommend this for anyone who is an Apple fan, a movie buff, a music lover... and you have a nice a/v set up in your main TV room. Works like a charm! Totally a FIVE STAR product for sure.Digital camera Review: Apple could've done so much better...
Summary: 3 Stars
This is an interesting but flawed device. Most of those flaws derive from the iTunes Store's disappointing and expensive movie format. Let's start with the lack of scene selection, a feature we take for granted in DVD's. How hard would it be for Apple to provide what even the lowest-budget DVD offers? In this context, AppleTV is totally retro, taking you back to the days of the VCR. Then there's the pause problem--if you stop a movie, a dialog box with just 2 options appears: "resume playing" or "start from beginning." That's it. So finding a favorite scene requires a lot of fast-forwarding or rewinding.
And don't forget the absurd time limitation on rented films: You have to watch it within 30 days and once you press "play" you have just 24 hours to watch it before your investment vanishes. Finally, the pricing is just plain nasty...especially when compared with NetFlix
Another area of disappointment is the interface, usually an Apple strength. A clunky "find the letter" set up makes the task of searching for content or entering data extremely tedious. I'm amazed that Steve Jobs approved this thing. Perhaps it happened while he was on sabbatical because he's always been such a stickler for elegant interfaces.
The instructions provided with Apple TV illustrate the cable connections well but don't do a very good job of explaining how it relates to your Apple computer.
OK, so what's good about AppleTV? I'm having a great time exploring the endless realm of YouTube on my large screen TV and in sharing iPhoto pictures with family and friends.
Digital camera Review: Apple scores another home run.
Summary: 5 Stars
I installed the Apple TV in my home theater yesterday. It took less than 5 minutes and it was up and running, dowloading the media content from my IMac G5 into its own hard drive. The HD picture quality is amazing. I am using the hdmi connection through my Pioneer receiver which has hdmi switching capability. Even so, I am also using a Radiient Technologies Automatic 4x1 hdmi switch (this switch is the best on the market though a little pricey - also available through Amazon). There are no compatibility issues.
It works seamlessly with mac computers... I don't know how it would work with a PC. This is a GREAT product. One more thing - spend the extra $100 and get the 160GB model. You'll eventually need the storage.
Digital camera Review: Apple tV
Summary: 4 Stars
Apple TV is a very cool item. It allows you to watch or listen to any media from your Mac computer. It connects both wired or wirelessly and works very smoothly. For anyone who is considering dropping their cable due to the cost of it, you can buy and rent movies via itunes as well and buy TV as you go. For someone like me who only watches a few shows, it is perfect. I can still watch the shows I love (standard def TV shows are 1.99 and high def are 2.99) and save a bundle.
The interface is not very Apple- it is awkward and a bit not-user-friendly but overall I love this product. The coolest thing is making movies in iMovie and then being able to watch them on my 55 inch TV- the quality is awesome and they look so professional!
Digital camera Review: AppleTV
Summary: 4 Stars
The GOOD:
For our first HDTV, I did not want to wait for the cable company to come out and install an HD Box. Since I did not have a BRay Player, this was a quick solution to have HD content on my TV right out of the box.
Its installation is simple and it found our macbooks easily.
No monthly fee --although you could spend $$ on buying TV shows, movies and rentals if you wanted.
An easy hack allows more content from sites like Hulu, Jooks, et cetera. The amount of content, especially tv shows, on sites like Joost are just mind-blowing.
We are strongly considering canceling cable now!!
The BAD:
iTunes has very limited HD movies for rent/purchase.
Sometimes it hangs or goes slowly--this could be my internet connection.
The HD TV shows can be as expensive as the DVDs (but you can watch them before the DVDs come out)
It supports only 60hz whereas my TV is 120hz...don't know if this matters.
Not sure the surround sound is true Dolby or DTS surround.