Apple TV, take 2 brings HD movie rentals to the living room

by Darren Murph posted Jan 15th 2008 at 12:58PM

After waiting for what seems like ages, Apple has finally admitted that the Apple TV wasn't exactly a hit. Better yet, it's hitting back with the Apple TV, take 2 (same box, new firmware), which enables users to rent movies directly on their HDTVs in high-definition with full 5.1-channel Dolby surround sound (but only on "select" films). Announced today at Macworld, owners will be able to rent HD movies (still no 1080i/p) for $3.99 and $4.99, and there are reportedly 100 HD titles to choose from starting today. So, what's the admission price? $229 and shipping in two weeks, but best of all, existing Apple TV owners will be entitled to all the fancy extras as well courtesy of a free update that'll be available as a free automatic download in a fortnight.

Filed under: Media streamers, Apple

Tags: apple, apple tv take 2, AppleTvTake2, atv, breaking news, BreakingNews

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Highly Ranked

HD Tom @ Jan 15th 2008 1:36PM

I'm interested. Not going to run out and buy one just yet, but I'm intrigued. Sounds like an extremely easy setup! That alone will score points. I've yet to be disappointed w/ anything Apple I've ever bought.

Neutral

Alex @ Jan 15th 2008 1:46PM

Finally 5.1 sound out of the box. Hopefully I'll still be able to run some of the hacks but I have my doubts since it doesn't look like Front Row anymore. HD movie rentals sounds sweet. I'd assume the HD movies will be 720p and some varient of MPEG4 as AppleTV can't do 1080p.

Neutral

Ideal D @ Jan 15th 2008 1:58PM

Man... if only companies would do a NETFLIX type all you can watch subscription type service w/ a monthly fee, i'd be all over digital distribution.

Neutral

namtastic @ Jan 16th 2008 5:37PM

And so you're not using Netflix's streaming library.... why?

Oh right. You're on a Mac. *sigh*

Highly Ranked

Jeff Bernstein @ Jan 15th 2008 2:01PM

Keep in mind that the technical specs of the box have not changed. Only the firmware has changed. As such, we are still stuck with 720p@24fps. It can not do 720p60 nor any 1080 resolution.

Neutral

cckrobinson @ Jan 15th 2008 2:02PM

Boring!!

What no hardware updates, come on Apple. Unless the software update includes a major firmware improvement you are still looking at a max resolution of 720p/24 at 5Mbs. It will probably look fine a 32" display but that's about it. I won't be connecting one to my DLP projector anytime soon.

I was really hoping for some major updates or possibly a merge of the Mac Mini and AppleTV. Maybe next year.

Highly Ranked

clads01 @ Jan 15th 2008 2:13PM

interesting note on the specs page:

"8. Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound is not available with all HD rentals."

http://www.apple.com/appletv/specs.html

Neutral

JimC @ Jan 15th 2008 2:19PM

How large of a download are we talking for one of these movies?

Neutral

Mike S @ Jan 15th 2008 2:45PM

I'm waiting to see the Netflix + LG set top box. I already have Netflix and if I can get a media extender with Netflix Watch Now I am SOLD!

Neutral

LA26 @ Jan 15th 2008 2:33PM

I was looking for news on Blu-Ray drives coming to Macs....

2008 Keynote = Failed.

Apple looks more and more lil a mini-sized Microsoft everyday.

Neutral

Dave @ Jan 15th 2008 2:47PM

I wonder how long Microsoft's XBLM will take to match these prices?

Highly Ranked

Andy @ Jan 15th 2008 2:54PM

XBLM already has these prices. $5.00 for HD, $4.00 for SD. Apple, welcome to 2006.

Neutral

Keith @ Jan 15th 2008 6:38PM

I agree I would use the Live service more if the cost was a bit lower and I didn't have to wait so long for the download. I have to say the ATV is more appealing now but not there yet, now if I could use it has a front end has a DVD streamer I would be SOLD.

Highly Ranked

Mike Botros @ Jan 15th 2008 5:04PM

@ Keith

The Live service starts playing when it's downloaded enough for a steady stream. You don't have to wait "so long" for downloads. The wait should be about the same between the XBLM service and the iTunes service.

Highly Ranked

Scaught @ Jan 15th 2008 3:03PM

Yeah, sorry Apple, I don't think I will be swapping out my Blu Ray player from my 56" 1080p set anytime soon.

Highly Ranked

MrLuna @ Jan 15th 2008 3:20PM

Are you serious? why is it that anything 'Apple' gets such hype, when all they release is already old by the time they do it.

Sure they did it better (although last) with the iPod, but the iPhone has nothing on other smartphones, and now this?

Microsoft has been doing this AND better with TV shows/Game Videos/Short films/trailers in both HD/SD since 2006. Not to mention you can play DVDs, games, download games AND add HD-DVD to the same box called: Xbox 360.

Like said above, welcome to 2006 Apple.

Neutral

EJNelly @ Jan 15th 2008 5:45PM

I completely agree with you. So much Apple hype, so little wow factor.

Neutral

EJNelly @ Jan 15th 2008 5:52PM

Actually, re-reading your post I disagree with the part about the Ipod doing it better. The Ipod was marketed extremely well, but I feel the Sansa does it better. The 8GB Sansa costs the same as the 4GB Ipod, 16 same as 8, etc. plus has expandable memory, voice recording, and FM tuner.

Neutral

Galley @ Jan 15th 2008 3:20PM

Refurbished prices have dropped as well.
40GB: $179.00
160GB: $279.00

I ordered a 160 gigger. :-)

Highly Ranked

Dave @ Jan 15th 2008 3:29PM

I thought Microsoft XBLM charges $6 for high def not $5.

Highly Ranked

Andy @ Jan 15th 2008 3:47PM

Yeah, I just checked. I was wrong. You're right about the price error. Sorry, please don't kill me thru the internets...

Neutral

DrXym @ Jan 15th 2008 4:02PM

The Apple TV is such a turd of a device I have to wonder who would buy it. It's a dumb client to iTMS and little else. For only a little more you can buy a 360 or PS3 which offer far more functionality. Or even a TIVO which is hooked up to Amazon Unbox.

At least they finally gained a clue after a full year that requiring a PC to sync iTMS content to an Apple TV is a stupid, stupid design.

I think Apple are going to find it tough to succeed with movies. There is too much competition and most of them offer far more compelling solutions.

Neutral

zander106 @ Jan 16th 2008 1:34PM

"For only a little more you can buy a 360 or PS3 which offer far more functionality."

Only a little more? I grant that those products have more functionality, but to get an XBox 360 with hard drive you have to spend at least $349, while the PS3 starts at $399. A 50% premium over the AppleTV is not inconsequential, particularly when you're talking about a $120 difference.

My main beef with the AppleTV is that they require a widescreen TV with component inputs. No wonder sales have been slow on the product -- they're probably cutting out a solid majority of consumers out there with that hardware decision.

Highest Ranked

Mike Peluso @ Jan 15th 2008 5:18PM

Apple will get it right, but they are held back by the same thing that every other service provider is held back by: The studios. No studio will give the consumer what we want: Unlimited subscription service with Netflix depth of library, high quality audio/video with NO DRM at a reasonable monthly fee. Until studios are forced to do this through market forces or legislation the products we purchase and the services we subscribe to will be horribly gimped.

Neutral

Tristan @ Jan 15th 2008 5:26PM

The AppleTV does was it is mean to do extremely well and with extreme ease, I know there are other products out there that have more features for less money, but this is the ONLY device I have been able to get my dad to consistantly use, all other devices fall short when it comes to user interfaces!

As somebody mentioned earlier, Apple doesn't always come to the game early, but when they do, the expierience is what makes it!

(I have a Vista Media box and a MacPro, 2 AppleTV's and 2 360's, so I am talking from expierience, but the AppleTV is the only device my dad will touch!)

Neutral

Dean @ Jan 15th 2008 6:49PM

I find the 360, and DirecTV's HR20, so difficult to use for playing music, or viewing photos, from my computer, that I'm definitely interested in Apple TV. Now that I can rent HD movies with it, I may finally buy one.

Neutral

EJNelly @ Jan 15th 2008 7:09PM

Really, I've had almost no problems streaming music and viewing photo's on my 360. I run into the occasional networking problem, but since it's over a network I expect that.

Neutral

Lakeonaut @ Jan 15th 2008 7:11PM

I would think that most people with HDTVs can get HD movies on-demand from their cable or satellite or IPTV provider. Furthermore, the bandwidth available for downloading movies-on-demand is, in most cases, far greater than what's available on the internet connection from the same provider.

Therefore, the movies from itunes are going to take longer to download than movies-on-demand.

Neutral

mitchman @ Jan 15th 2008 11:48PM

I think the key thing here is that Apple (once again) is making a complicated task (HD) simple for the masses. Sure it's easy for you to watch HD on your (insert your personal setup here), but how simple would it be for someone not as hi-tech as you?

My mother turned 85 this year and she loves the look of our new hi-def TV (Pioneer). She wants one, but I'm concerned she'll never figure out the complicated remotes that come with most TV's and DVD players. Because AppleTV using a on-screen interface the remote can be MUCH simpler, hence making the whole product easier to use for the technically challenged.

Yeah it's not perfect (no 1080), but it's a big step in the right direction and we don't have to worry about Blu-Ray vs HD DVD format wars. :)

Neutral

Joe T. @ Jan 16th 2008 8:33AM

I think you're spot on. Closer, but not quite there. I believe that in 2008 we'll see many more devices with this functionality, but if they're not easy to use, they'll never be purchased.

And my mother still has a dvd player sitting in a box because she can't figure out a dvd menu.

Neutral

Ordeith @ Jan 16th 2008 1:10PM

I don't know. My 4 year old daughter seems to handle the 360 both in and out of MCE mode just fine.

Neutral

Dallas H. @ Jan 16th 2008 12:23PM

Now that Apple TV is actually useable, does anyone make a RF Remote so you don't need line of sight to the device like the IR remote provided by Apple requires?

Neutral

Joe T. @ Jan 16th 2008 12:29PM

There's lots of RF options for putting equipment out-of-sight. Head over to AVS or Remote Central for some options. Of course, a hard-wired IR repeater system will be superior to RF if you use any sort of remote macros.

Neutral

NCMacMan @ Jan 22nd 2008 4:54PM

I just tried renting a movie over the weekend on my PC through iTunes which was connected to my 37" 1080i LCD. It was a standard def movie for my kids, and I started to play it within 10 seconds of renting the movie.

Granted, this was not hi-def, but instead of waiting 2 days for Netflix or going to Blockbuster it was definitely worth it.

PS - I have a mid-grade DSL line. The movie had no hiccups what-so-ever.

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