View Full Version : [APPLE TV] Apple TV versus Xbox hardware?
I was thinking of purchasing an Apple TV just for the XBMC experience. I currently have a Xbox with XBMC running on it but like the idea of having something newer with a little more cpu speed. Will I be able to play more high def videos on it, I was thinking videos ripped at 720p.
I guess I'm just trying to get a feel if this would be a usual upgrade for me to do.. anyone have any experience with this upgrade?
Thanks!
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-03, 21:45
The original xbox can play 720P videos. Just not anything over that, although skins can display at 1080i its not really suggested.
So there would be no need in upgrading?
jmarshall
2008-10-04, 01:02
AppleTV can do h264 at SD and higher (maybe some 720p stuff?)
XBox struggles with h264 at SD.
AppleTV is significantly better hardware. It's also expensive compared to an xbox.
Whether or not it will play the files you have is up for debate :)
Cheers,
Jonathan
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-04, 08:53
After thinking a long hard while about the price of a full blown 1080p HTPC, I think an Apple TV sounds like a better idea. First I only download movies, so there never over 720p. Also the Apple TV is significantly smaller than the Xbox, so that makes it a great alternative. Comparing the price on how much I would have paid on a HTPC that would support 1080p, the Apple TV pwns HTPC's. So in my opinion, if your looking for something with a little more power thats a lot smaller and isnt to expensive, the Apple TV is perfect.
And remember that refurbished AppleTVs are available from Apple for $199
I don't actually have a tv that displays 1080p, only 720p or 1080i so I guess for the price it would only make sense of buying the AppleTV and it take care of all my needs. I'm also excited to try out the new Boxee which was built on the XBMC code.
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-05, 09:01
But is ATV as flexible with XBMC as an HTPC?
Gamester17
2008-10-05, 16:47
Neither the Xbox nor Apple TV is as flexible as a HTPC which has a full operating-system underneath instead of a stripped down OS which is only there to serve a specific purpose.
In short you get what you pay for, if you require the full flexibility of a HTPC then you must be prepared to pay the price.
Neither the Xbox nor Apple TV is as flexible as a HTPC which has a full operating-system underneath instead of a stripped down OS which is only there to serve a specific purpose.
In short you get what you pay for, if you require the full flexibility of a HTPC then you must be prepared to pay the price.
IMO though, since we can successfully run Linux on the aTV with hardware accelerated video, it IS as flexible as a standard HTPC. It is also MUCH smaller than any other HTPC I've laid my eyes on.
It would be nice with some more USB ports however, but I guess a USB hub would do the trick nicely.
It also lacks a CD drive right ? and is currently limited in what it can play (h.264 Hidef wise) compared to a htpc
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-05, 21:13
But its great for streaming media, which is mainly what I want to do with it. And yes, it can only play videos up to 720p, but the skin can be in 1080p. But my question is whether
XBMC is just as good on a ATV, over an HTPC. Like does it support everything.
Gamester17
2008-10-05, 22:12
we can successfully run Linux on the aTV with hardware accelerated videoThere is currently no hardware accelerated video decoding support in XBMC (on any platform), all decoding is done on the CPU.
Then the aTV is just as crippled as any other HTPC :P Sorry, I just don't see why the aTV can't have HTPC status.
CD drive can be achieved through USB as well, been there, done that. As for the content, yes it has a weaker processor, however the actual limit is in software and can be overcome by installing a full OS X or a flavour of Linux.
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-06, 04:48
I think im still going to buy an ATV. It supports 720p and thats all that my movies are in. Is there any way currently to OC the ATV processor?
I think im still going to buy an ATV. It supports 720p and thats all that my movies are in. Is there any way currently to OC the ATV processor?
Even if there is, not sure you would want to, the box gets pretty hot just sitting there.
I put some little rubber feet under mine to give it a bit of air circulation underneath (normally sits flat !?!).
jeppster
2008-10-06, 19:50
I just wanted to mention I bought an Apple TV over the weekend, and all my H264 stuff plays perfectly compared to the Xbox which crashed. Mediastream is a little bit more sluggish than an HTPC in its navigation, but not so bad you'd notice without comparing side by side. It was a very useful upgrade from the Xbox.
I haven't searched for answers yet, but the one thing I wasn't able to get working easily was the web interface, but like I said, I haven't searched, so off I go...
Even if there is, not sure you would want to, the box gets pretty hot just sitting there.
I put some little rubber feet under mine to give it a bit of air circulation underneath (normally sits flat !?!).
The AppleTV does get hot, it's designed to get hot, the case is one big heat sink. This is normal.
Couple of tips, Nothing on top and nothing underneath that also generates lots of heat. It can be placed vertically without problem too.
I forgot to ask, can the Apple TV be networked to my pc running Vista? or do I need a mac. Thanks!
I forgot to ask, can the Apple TV be networked to my pc running Vista? or do I need a mac. Thanks!
Yes the AppleTV can be networked with a Vista machine without problems.
kirbypuckett
2008-10-06, 23:43
And remember that refurbished AppleTVs are available from Apple for $199
If you live near a Target the recently discontinued the Apple TV and it's down to $160 at their retail stores (website still lists full price). This is for the 40gb model.
I noticed that the other day as I'm considering purchasing an Apple TV even though I already have an XBox. The XBox is slowly becoming outdated and even though the ATV isn't an end all save all, it seems like it'll be nice for me. All I do is stream my media. The XBox wouldn't go to waste, I'd just use it in my bedroom.
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-08, 00:31
For $160 you would have to be crazy to pass that up! Even if I don't use it as a primary HTPC, it would definitely come in handy in other rooms!
KevinSartori
2008-10-08, 05:07
Yep, I just picked one up myself at Target. You really can't beat that price. Heck, the refurbished ones are $199! 'Course, I'm running Windows, so I can't get XBMC on it yet, but I'm patiently waiting...
turbinez
2008-10-08, 05:26
man i wish i new this, i bought a brand new one at apple for $229 arghh!!!!!
I looked at one of the local Targets tonight and couldn't find one. I am not sure if they sold out or I just couldn't find one. I am not sure where they would display this product. I will check some other targets tomorrow.
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-08, 14:05
It might just be a local sale by him.
$199 for a refurb???? gesssss apple sux!
160 bucks for a new one sounds more like it!
They're still to expensive in the UK to consider for me... £200! and no big step from the Xbox...
KevinSartori
2008-10-08, 17:50
My understanding is that Target has put AppleTV on clearance because they won't be carrying it anymore. That's not too surprising. I don't think I know anybody who actually knows what one is. Heck, if it weren't for XBMC, it would be totally off the radar for me too. I couldn't find it at first either and had to ask for help. At my local store, they keep all of the Apple stuff in a locked glass case (with the iPods and such). If you can't find it, ask! Or even better, do what I did and call ahead first!
Hey where'd you guys get them? I'm calling all the target stores in Seattle and they're like 'we've never sold apple tvs'
kirbypuckett
2008-10-08, 21:27
When I went to Target the guy said they didn't have them, I asked him if he was sure and he said yes. Then he asked me if I ever heard of the Apple Store, I just smiled, said thanks and started to walk away, but my friend said "He doesn't mean a TV, but a device" -- the clerk thought I meant an actual TV. I explained the device in more detail, but he still had no idea what it was.
Anyways, as previously mentioned, the Apple TVs are kept with the iPods and what not. They're locked up though. Two Targets in the Pittsburgh, PA area had them w/ an orange sticker noting the $160 clearance price.
Someone on Slickdeals.net mentioned that Target drops prices frequently on discontinued products. I spoke w/ a clerk yesterday and he said price drops usually take effect on Wednesdays. As soon as I get a chance I'm going to give them a call and see if it dropped today.
Use this to locate one:
DCPI: B000MQNMQ6
Stock Checker: http://schumanfamily.com/old/fatw...etasin.php
http://www.target.com/Apple-TV-40...B000MQNMQ6
Thanks for the info. I checked out my target and they were out, so I went ahead and got a new one from Best Buy.
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-16, 20:44
I wonder if they will be any cheaper when black friday rolls around. Im scared to wait that long though, because they will probably run out!
kirbypuckett
2008-10-16, 23:35
I'm not sure if I like the aTV
I think im still going to buy an ATV. It supports 720p and thats all that my movies are in. Is there any way currently to OC the ATV processor?
personally my suggestion is if you have the cash i would purchace a macmini or a Shuttle small forfactor pc. They are both very small and not noticable around your entertainment system. also i have seen them both run xbmc and it run flawlass because you have a kick ass procceor to handle just about anything. I plan on purchasing one down the line when i get some cash to replace my xbox.
I got my appletv as a gift about a year ago, it is a nice piece of device but lacks the hardware for hardcore movie watchers
I wasn't going to find a solution for ~$200 that is small, quiet, comes with a remote, with hdmi and optical outputs. Sure, you can spend more and get something faster and some day I probably will but so far, I have zero complaints using the atv for xbmc. I'm extremely happy with it.
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-18, 23:39
personally my suggestion is if you have the cash i would purchace a macmini or a Shuttle small forfactor pc. They are both very small and not noticable around your entertainment system. also i have seen them both run xbmc and it run flawlass because you have a kick ass procceor to handle just about anything. I plan on purchasing one down the line when i get some cash to replace my xbox.
I got my appletv as a gift about a year ago, it is a nice piece of device but lacks the hardware for hardcore movie watchers
Im 16 and without a job its hard to afford anything over $200 lol. If I can find a Target or Bestbuy that has one, im buying it. Also I have done my research on HTPC's, any thing that I could have build would have been more expensive then this, wich is rare for an Apple product!
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-19, 00:39
Ok, just got off the phone with about 15 stores. No one has any ATv's in stock... Also the one Target I called said that was because they knocked the price down to $114, I dont know if he an idiot of if its true. Either way, no I have to shell out the $230... It was funny though because every store I called thought it was an Apple brand television, so it took like 15 minutes to explain it to them, lmao.
Thanks for this thread, I was able to get one at my local Target (07080). The price was marked down to 114.98. This is my first Apple product and hope it does a better job than my aging Xbox.
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-21, 05:12
Does anyone know how long this sale lasts? The idiots by me are... well just idiots.
kirbypuckett
2008-10-21, 05:23
Does anyone know how long this sale lasts? The idiots by me are... well just idiots.
It's not a sale, it's clearance.
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-21, 06:06
It's not a sale, it's clearance.
Honestly, I dont know the difference. Either way how long does this last?
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-22, 04:08
I know this is way OT, but the BestBuy next to me said they would match Targets price if I can get an ad of some sort. Now do any of you have a flyer or target ad with the price advertised? You can PM me as to stop spamming this thread.
kirbypuckett
2008-10-22, 17:31
Honestly, I dont know the difference. Either way how long does this last?
When an item is marked as "Clearance" at almost any retail outlet it means they're trying to get rid of it. They'll drop the price at certain intervals until it's gone.
A sale is when an item is discounted for a select period of time, but it will eventually return to full retail price.
Apple never really puts their products on sale -- I worked retail for a while and I can never recall an Apple product being on sale. The only time a price was marked down from MSRP was when it was discontinued.
You'll have almost zero luck in getting Best Buy to price match Target's price. I would suggest going to the store and having them call Target and ask them to confirm the price, however, BB will probably ask them if they have any in stock and when they respond "No" you'll be out of luck again.
kirbypuckett
2008-10-22, 17:33
I'd like to note that these are going quickly, there's none left in the Pittsburgh area. I snagged the last one for my mom as a Christmas gift. Hopefully XBMC is something she can use w/ ease.
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-23, 02:32
When an item is marked as "Clearance" at almost any retail outlet it means they're trying to get rid of it. They'll drop the price at certain intervals until it's gone.
A sale is when an item is discounted for a select period of time, but it will eventually return to full retail price.
Apple never really puts their products on sale -- I worked retail for a while and I can never recall an Apple product being on sale. The only time a price was marked down from MSRP was when it was discontinued.
You'll have almost zero luck in getting Best Buy to price match Target's price. I would suggest going to the store and having them call Target and ask them to confirm the price, however, BB will probably ask them if they have any in stock and when they respond "No" you'll be out of luck again.
Im so confused right now, that im just going to pay an extra hundred. Half of the people I talk to say that Target doesnt sell Atv's in stores, it also says this online. But on the Target website it says they cost $229, full price. So I called the customer service and they said thats because clearances arent franchise wide, but rather restricted to an area, and also not online. But the sales rep at BB said if I can get written proof that Target put their Atv's on clearance, then they will match it. But since no one at any Targets down here in Detroit is smart, they dont believe me that the Atv is not an actual screen, so they cant help at all. The funny thing is that every store thinks its some sort of TV, even when I typed Apple TV in on ebay on the first page there was a big red apple with a TV mounted in it. This was a horrible name choice, lol.
kirbypuckett
2008-10-23, 22:29
Im so confused right now, that im just going to pay an extra hundred. Half of the people I talk to say that Target doesnt sell Atv's in stores, it also says this online. But on the Target website it says they cost $229, full price. So I called the customer service and they said thats because clearances arent franchise wide, but rather restricted to an area, and also not online. But the sales rep at BB said if I can get written proof that Target put their Atv's on clearance, then they will match it. But since no one at any Targets down here in Detroit is smart, they dont believe me that the Atv is not an actual screen, so they cant help at all. The funny thing is that every store thinks its some sort of TV, even when I typed Apple TV in on ebay on the first page there was a big red apple with a TV mounted in it. This was a horrible name choice, lol.
Tell Target the SKU or Product number that's specific to their inventory and they can see what it is. Target employees carry around those scanners that have the ability to search not only their stores database but all stores in the area.
CASHMON3Y
2008-10-24, 03:19
Tell Target the SKU or Product number that's specific to their inventory and they can see what it is. Target employees carry around those scanners that have the ability to search not only their stores database but all stores in the area.
They said its an online only item, and no Targets in the world can carry them in the store because Apple said so.
kirbypuckett
2008-10-24, 20:54
They said its an online only item, and no Targets in the world can carry them in the store because Apple said so.
Sounds like a 5 year old answered the phone.
raydevos
2008-10-25, 13:50
I've been using XBMC on XBOX for ages (it was named XBMP :rolleyes:). Since I was not happy anymore with XBOX HW (big and slow), I bought an atv 6 month ago, but in no way can a hacked frontrow be compared to XBMC. So the atv went back to its box.
I've just installed XBMC on my atv last week. It's a perfect HW for XBMC (up to 720p), I love it.
Thanks a lot Davilla. :;):
porkozone
2008-10-30, 08:21
I have an XBox running XBMC, but am considering upgrading to an AppleTV with XBMC. Once I get XBMC onto the AppleTV, is it possible to share the AppleTV's drive over the network, so the XBox XBMC can stream videos from the AppleTV?