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Why would Apple think that selling 640×480 “near DVD quality” films at DVD prices is a good business move? As we are all getting ready for HD movies and hardware to get finalized, Apple has to muddy the waters with releasing sub-par content. Amazon’s unboxed is acceptable, offering bit-rates at over 2Mb — better than any NTSC SD broadcast, but still not HD. But Apple, geez — I’m still in shock over this… I’ll post more thoughts as Steve Jobs releases more info during the Apple Event in San Francisco.
UPDATE #1: – iTV (codename) announced for Q1 2007, apparently it will have HD support. It will be half the size of a Mac Mini and offer wireless component video, optical audio and HDMI ports. I’m getting the feeling that they are building extenders. Following the MSFT model of Media Center (iTunes) and iTV (XBOX 360) pulling from that. Pricing will be $299, it seems a bit high compared to an XBOX 360 since the basic XBOX package is $299 and seems to be much more powerful than the announced iTV. Again, not really impressed with Apple’s direction, architecturally, having iTunes as your “server” and purchasing UI and linking iTV to it seems a bit messy. I still like the idea of having a dedicated server (MCE) and using extenders to play that content back or using the extender (xbox 360) and streaming content to it directly.
View Comments (4)
I think that a primary reason as to why its only 640x480 is that bandwidth may cost too much if they would go to HiDef content. Also, who would want to sit there and download the movie they want to watch now for 2+ hours? It's already going to take 30 mins on a 5 mb conn to download the movie.
Personally, I think they'll push HD movies when Hi Def DVDs are more popular, although now would be a great time ' to push it and get the market early... I'd pay $1 or $2 more for a higher quality movie... especially if its in HD.
Also, Apple doesn't care about videophiles just as much as they care about audiophiles, its just not where the market is at.
Side Note: I'm aware that although videophiles are the minority, they are totally more prevalent than audiophiles...
I think that a primary reason as to why its only 640x480 is that bandwidth may cost too much if they would go to HiDef content. Also, who would want to sit there and download the movie they want to watch now for 2+ hours? It's already going to take 30 mins on a 5 mb conn to download the movie.
Personally, I think they'll push HD movies when Hi Def DVDs are more popular, although now would be a great time ' to push it and get the market early... I'd pay $1 or $2 more for a higher quality movie... especially if its in HD.
Also, Apple doesn't care about videophiles just as much as they care about audiophiles, its just not where the market is at.
Side Note: I'm aware that although videophiles are the minority, they are totally more prevalent than audiophiles...
I'm with Danny here. I kind of think Apple's hand was forced because the assumption is that iTunes and ipods are such a big hit certainly that popularity will carry over to movies. Franky I don't see it happening. Music comes in nice 4 minute(avg) snippets and can be consumed while doing other tasks. Movies require your eyes and your ears to be engaged. I just don't know if people really need to purchase a sub-DVD quality movie on a whim. Netflix sends me discs very quickly and I can keep them as long as I need to.
The iTV product as it has been shown to me is completely overpriced. It's a fairly dumb box that simply accepts a signal wirelessly and sends it to the TV. Knowing Apple it'll have a limited amount of codec support. I think 3rd party options will be better from companies like Slim Devices. Apple's solution will look slick but in the end the more functional device will be from a 3rd party. Mark my words.
I'm with Danny here. I kind of think Apple's hand was forced because the assumption is that iTunes and ipods are such a big hit certainly that popularity will carry over to movies. Franky I don't see it happening. Music comes in nice 4 minute(avg) snippets and can be consumed while doing other tasks. Movies require your eyes and your ears to be engaged. I just don't know if people really need to purchase a sub-DVD quality movie on a whim. Netflix sends me discs very quickly and I can keep them as long as I need to.
The iTV product as it has been shown to me is completely overpriced. It's a fairly dumb box that simply accepts a signal wirelessly and sends it to the TV. Knowing Apple it'll have a limited amount of codec support. I think 3rd party options will be better from companies like Slim Devices. Apple's solution will look slick but in the end the more functional device will be from a 3rd party. Mark my words.