Apple TV, is it as good as they say?
Discussion
I love them.
I use it for a mixture of things:
(1) Streaming from my Hackintosh via itunes, once I have re-encoded in to m4v (using handbrake). I've tried it with bitrates up to 2700kps AND it will 'pass-thru' audio so preserving all the surround sound if needed.
(2) Netflix
(3) Youtube
Our sky box is literally only used now for the soaps and for a bit of News in the morning - rest of the time the ATVs are used by the kids. OK, Netflix shows tend to be a bit older but the bonus is it's all ad-free, so the kids can watch a few episodes back to back of whatever programmes they are into.
I am continuing to use Sky to provide my fibre BB because in dealing with them in the past they have been the most hassle-free provider I have used, eg engineers turn up on time etc. But there's is nothing on Sky telly now that I can't get down the pipe.
I use it for a mixture of things:
(1) Streaming from my Hackintosh via itunes, once I have re-encoded in to m4v (using handbrake). I've tried it with bitrates up to 2700kps AND it will 'pass-thru' audio so preserving all the surround sound if needed.
(2) Netflix
(3) Youtube
Our sky box is literally only used now for the soaps and for a bit of News in the morning - rest of the time the ATVs are used by the kids. OK, Netflix shows tend to be a bit older but the bonus is it's all ad-free, so the kids can watch a few episodes back to back of whatever programmes they are into.
I am continuing to use Sky to provide my fibre BB because in dealing with them in the past they have been the most hassle-free provider I have used, eg engineers turn up on time etc. But there's is nothing on Sky telly now that I can't get down the pipe.
If you've got Android devices, this might work for you http://thenextweb.com/google/2013/07/24/google-unv...
Just announced, it's a $35 HDMI stick with wifi, running a basic version of chrome, so you can send video from whatever android (and iOS but its more limited) thing you've got.
Just announced, it's a $35 HDMI stick with wifi, running a basic version of chrome, so you can send video from whatever android (and iOS but its more limited) thing you've got.
LeeMad said:
i have beamer on my laptops, right click a video file and "open with..." shows the option of beamer. up it pops on the tv then close the beamer window on the laptop.
There is an add on you can use for safari that will send html5 video to Apple TV via airplay, which is quite useful. It is called click to plugin, and there is a media add on.
TheHeretic said:
Interesting. Basically android version of Apple TV. Cheap too.
Pretty much. I wish they would do a competitor to the airport express though. The Q was a good concept but was too expensive with a built in amp when most people already have a hifi so don't need a device that expensive.If there were good alternative options then it would push development much more and result in better products IMO.
Tycho said:
TheHeretic said:
Interesting. Basically android version of Apple TV. Cheap too.
Pretty much. I wish they would do a competitor to the airport express though. The Q was a good concept but was too expensive with a built in amp when most people already have a hifi so don't need a device that expensive.If there were good alternative options then it would push development much more and result in better products IMO.
TheHeretic said:
Tycho said:
TheHeretic said:
Interesting. Basically android version of Apple TV. Cheap too.
Pretty much. I wish they would do a competitor to the airport express though. The Q was a good concept but was too expensive with a built in amp when most people already have a hifi so don't need a device that expensive.If there were good alternative options then it would push development much more and result in better products IMO.
swerni said:
Have a look at google,chromecast,
I got one for my wife who's always watching Netflix on her laptop.
Cheap as chips, easy to set up and use.
Well worth a look
Not for travel, it can't connect to most hotel wifi. Could take your own travel router and setup a network but a lot of mucking aboutI got one for my wife who's always watching Netflix on her laptop.
Cheap as chips, easy to set up and use.
Well worth a look
thehawk said:
Not for travel, it can't connect to most hotel wifi. Could take your own travel router and setup a network but a lot of mucking about
For travel you really don't want anything that relies on wifi for playback I guess 
. Bandwidth is usually very limited.If it's just for Netflix, chromecast is a great choice and doesn't take up any space underneath the TV.
I use mine in combination with Play Music, Youtube and Plex and it's been brilliant. Extremely easy to set up and use.
ZesPak said:
For travel you really don't want anything that relies on wifi for playback I guess . Bandwidth is usually very limited.
If it's just for Netflix, chromecast is a great choice and doesn't take up any space underneath the TV.
I use mine in combination with Play Music, Youtube and Plex and it's been brilliant. Extremely easy to set up and use.
It is more to do with the multiple screen logons to the network that cause the problems (i.e. after you've connected to WiFi you then have to log in).. Bandwidth is usually very limited.If it's just for Netflix, chromecast is a great choice and doesn't take up any space underneath the TV.
I use mine in combination with Play Music, Youtube and Plex and it's been brilliant. Extremely easy to set up and use.
The only way I've managed it is to spoof the Mac Address of the chrome cast on a computer, login, and then switch on the chrome cast. This was purely to see if I could get it to work, as I just stream things on my computer ...
boxst said:
It is more to do with the multiple screen logons to the network that cause the problems (i.e. after you've connected to WiFi you then have to log in).
I know, I was just pointing out that, even when getting it connected, it would still be pretty useless in that environment. A nice android HDMI stick with a filled SD card is my preferred media player on the move.
Had my ATV3 a couple weeks now.mainly Netflix and AirPlay streaming from couchtuner & losmovies
Wondering if its worth getting a jail brocken ATV2 for the extra content. Could someone enlighten me on the benefits and use XMBC etc, I don't know anybody with it so thought id ask the PH masses
What channels/shows are available on XMBC ?
Wondering if its worth getting a jail brocken ATV2 for the extra content. Could someone enlighten me on the benefits and use XMBC etc, I don't know anybody with it so thought id ask the PH masses
What channels/shows are available on XMBC ?
J18NHS said:
Had my ATV3 a couple weeks now.mainly Netflix and AirPlay streaming from couchtuner & losmovies
Wondering if its worth getting a jail brocken ATV2 for the extra content. Could someone enlighten me on the benefits and use XMBC etc, I don't know anybody with it so thought id ask the PH masses
What channels/shows are available on XMBC ?
To be blunt, it allows you to stream illegally uploaded TV programs as well as a variety of 'proper' uses like being able to play most file formats. It isn't worth paying the premium for an ATV 2 (I just sold mine on eBay for £150). Get someone like Amazon Fire TV or the other devices mentioned above.Wondering if its worth getting a jail brocken ATV2 for the extra content. Could someone enlighten me on the benefits and use XMBC etc, I don't know anybody with it so thought id ask the PH masses
What channels/shows are available on XMBC ?
boxst said:
To be blunt, it allows you to stream illegally uploaded TV programs as well as a variety of 'proper' uses like being able to play most file formats. It isn't worth paying the premium for an ATV 2 (I just sold mine on eBay for £150). Get someone like Amazon Fire TV or the other devices mentioned above.
Maybe looking into the Nexus play? I just sold my atv for more than I bought it years ago. Gassing Station | Computers, Gadgets & Stuff | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff