[www.forumsovetov.ru]

As someone who owns one of those I assume that the major difference is that the AppleTV actually works / always sees your network / doesn't crash.

I've had an AppleTV and now have 3 different WD streaming devices, the Apple was no more realiable than the WD's.

[HexcewlyRette]

That doesn't have Hulu or iTunes.

Yes it does have Hulu.


3rd Gen AppleTV is a good product. 2nd gen was rubbish. Main shortfall was 720p. That is why any player, even with some short comings was better. I have a WDTV Live player that I got over the AppleTV Gen2 because it has been doing 1080p since 2009, of which it wasn't until Gen3 coming out this year AppleTV does 1080p. The interface is kinda rubbish, but it worked and played any format I threw at it. Not sure how capable AppleTV is with formats.

Though the new WDTV Live is really nice, and has a great UI imo. I think I would still get a WDTV because I am not a big fan of Apple's UI, and I very much dislike iTunes. Also not a huge fan on Apple's profit margins.


For those who like to hack, the WDTV is extremely hackable and has a lot of dev support. If you no longer need it for its main purpose, you can have it do any number of things, at least the older ones.

[HenriRow]

What advantage does AppleTV have over this?

AirPlay and a ton faster and more polished.

The WD supports a ton more formats.

However, if you jailbreak the AppleTV, you can run XBMC and throw anything you want at it. (No jailbreak for ATV 3rd gen though)

[wp6Eg2Fm]

AirPlay and a ton faster and more polished.

The WD supports a ton more formats.

However, if you jailbreak the AppleTV, you can run XBMC and throw anything you want at it. (No jailbreak for ATV 3rd gen though)

ATV1 was vveerrryyy slow running anything. I ran Boxee on it back in the day. Zzzz...

The thing is, it really doesn't need jailbreaking (ATV3). It's pretty bloody good - the 1080p iTunes films are very very good. Even Hulu looks great - Comedy Central looks better than on Cable.

[d1Bc25UP]

Also not a huge fan on Apple's profit margins.

What kind of neo-conservatism is this? Just because the profits are not from war?

[Gerribase]

What kind of neo-conservatism is this? Just because the profits are not from war?

That puzzled me too.

[tipokot]

What kind of neo-conservatism is this? Just because the profits are not from war?

He's bungle wrapped in an American flag.

[Hmntezmb]

The interface is more polished... Other than that? Nothing.

You've just described Apple.

[strollerssfsfs]

As someone who owns one of those I assume that the major difference is that the AppleTV actually works / always sees your network / doesn't crash.

Nah the Apple TV can still be a pain in the ass at times. I've had several problems with "an error occured loading this content" messages. Apple we refund you in these situations though.

[inownsuipsy]

ATV1 was vveerrryyy slow running anything. I ran Boxee on it back in the day. Zzzz...

The thing is, it really doesn't need jailbreaking (ATV3). It's pretty bloody good - the 1080p iTunes films are very very good. Even Hulu looks great - Comedy Central looks better than on Cable.

Never had the first one but I have two 2nd gens and a 3rd gen in the main room. I haven't watched anything off of iTunes but Netflix looks quite nice on it.

I really wish the ATV could see my music on my NAS without jailbreaking.

[Kk21pwa9]

You've just described Apple.

Stick with medicine and stay away from user experience!

[CHyLmxDr]

Apple's stock is at a all time high right now, $603bn and climbing. News is rife that they've struck a deal with some major networks to create a set top box that does live TV and DVR as well as integrating PPV (iTunes) and streaming. Could be really really big.

It could be, it really depends who or how many 'some' is. If they could pull in all the big four and have iTunes alongside that they could be onto a winner. In face anyone who can do that will be onto a winner because the field is a complete minefield at the moment. Right now you could have a Roku, an Apple TV, a PC and one of those WD devices and you still wouldn't have all bases covered.

• Hulu Plus carries shows from NBC but if you have a box like Apple TV you can't watch shows like 30 Rock and Jimmy Fallon on them.
• NBC chooses to only stream those shows on PCs. Vudu on the other hand can't stream HD to PCs due to the studios.
• Hulu Plus doesn't carry shows from CBS but CBS will stream show their shows on their website.
• Except they can't stream The Mentalist or 11th hour because Warner Bros refuses to allow them to.
• Don't bother looking for it on, iTunes, Amazon Instant, etc. they won't license it there either.

I reckon the appetite is there for a complete service but I'm not sure the networks what to release their grip on programming.

[TeapseTic]

^^ You're absolutely right. What's completely bonkers is that you can watch some shows on Hulu the website completely free (like The Simpsons) but if you have Hulu+, which is paid, you can't. Doh.

Apple could buy out the biggest 5 networks and still have enough change for Netflix and a movie studio or 3. It probably won't happen, but I wouldn't put it past them to create their own content (like Netflix are). The TV studios need to figure things out fast. I really wish HBO would do an online only subscription.

[Cvo1iRT0]

I really wish HBO would do an online only subscription.

Same here, even if it was ad-subsidized.

Cable providers would flip a ****, I'd assume.

[DeronBoltonRen]

Cable providers would flip a ****, I'd assume.

It is most likely precisely that. Cable and satellite providers pay Time Warner beaucoup bucks to carry their networks.

Providers like being the only way to get HBO so they draw in subscribers, Time Warner loves the large volumes of fairly consistent money from all the carriers.

[55Beaphable]

So glad I've not given them any of my money, never bought an Apple product and I refuse to use iTunes, couldn't be happier.

[dhYTvlAv]

So glad I've not given them any of my money, never bought an Apple product and I refuse to use iTunes, couldn't be happier.

Everyone knows and is highly impressed.

[SallyIsNice5]

So glad I've not given them any of my money, never bought an Apple product and I refuse to use iTunes, couldn't be happier.

As you have never used or bought an Apple product, your opinion is about as useful as a ducks, or Sparafucil's.

[horaAppagob]

Everyone knows and is highly impressed.

I doubt everyone knows, so I keep reminding you guys now and again of my amazing achievement.

[Ekrbcbvh]

I doubt everyone knows, so I keep reminding you guys now and again of my amazing achievement.

Oh yeah, I have never shopped at a WAL*MART.

And, I have never seen Titanic.