Apple Movie Junkie » Keith Foster

Why you should watch this week’s Systm.

Keith Foster — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:21:29 +0000

System is a fantastic show over at Revision3. Every week they do some DIY geek stuff that well gets me excited, and this week is no exception. On this week’s episode Patrick and Roger start a DIY video jukebox; part 1 shows you how to rip your DVD collection and make it playable on a media extender, and of course our favorite the Apple TV. So get on over and watch or better yet download the HD version right to your Apple TV.

Update: A few months ago I wrote about a program called DVD43. If you are a PC guy like me this is a must have using DVD43 with handbrake makes ripping and encoding a snap.

Digital copies are nice… If you can use them!

Keith Foster — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:53:58 +0000

Waiting for me when I got home was a package from Amazon; inside was my Blu Ray of Wall E. Like every other movie I have with a digital copy I went to upload it to my iTunes, and what do I find? I have no activation code! So a call was made to Disney customer service and at the very start there is an option for the missing Wall E codes. I was informed by a nice recording that the fastest way to get my code was to E-mail Disney with my information so they could send me a proof of purchase form? Now I will admit that I bought the 3 disc edition because it was a gold box deal a few weeks ago. Nevertheless, what about the person who bought it for the digital copy? If Disney and other studios want us to use their overly DRM laden way then at least give us the information I need to use it, or a way to get my code in a manner or minutes, not hours, or days. How about just letting me rip over my DVDs that I pay for and own, like I do with my music(with a note that the MPAA hates it).

Sorr-E

HD Netflix streaming coming to the XBOX 360

Keith Foster — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:13:14 +0000

Engadget is reporting that the new Xbox 360 dashboard will include Netflix HD content. It was already known that the instant queue would be added, but the addition of HD content is an added bonus. According to the article it is a soft launch with only 300 titles at this time, but I think it’s safe to assume that will grow. With all of this coming what’s left for Blu Ray? The move to digitally distributed content is in full swing, and maybe this is why Apple TV is still a hobby. However boys in Cupertino need to start taking this seriously; if they want to lead the march. First thing let me buy HD movies for less the 20.00, and rent TV for a small fee.

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Its been too long. So how about a Tip, for us PC guys.

Keith Foster — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:43:05 +0000

After a bit of an absence, I’m back. The last month has been busy for me, but that’s the past time to move forward and share some Apple TV love.

A quick tip today for all of us evil PC users. As we all know one of the best parts of Apple TV is we can stream content to it. I have a 500gb external drive hooked to my PC, unhacked Apple TV, and a Apple airport extreme base station for wireless goodness. Like most of us I use Handbrake to convert my videos to the proper format, but unlike on the Mac side I can’t just pop in my DVD and let it run. Unfortunately some mojo must be done first to overcome the encryption, and while there are programs that can do it for me most take some time to give me a “clean” file. That was the case before I found DVD43, this little plug-in un-encrypts in real time. A smiley face in the system tray is yellow when not being used, pop in a DVD after about 30sec it turns green and you’re ready to go. Go into Handbrake, select the Video_TS folder, and convert away. This is extra handy when converting a TV show, because I can then select each episode individually, que them, and convert a whole disc at one time. DVD43 has cut my conversion time down by about 25%, and has resulted in less stack dump errors.

As a side note, after the last update I can’t seem to get my Apple TV to go into sleep mode. Anyone else having this issue?

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Is Apple TV getting replaced?

Keith Foster — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:01:46 +0000

TUAW is reporting a rumor that, Apple, has sent retailers an E-mail telling them to take down all Apple TV displays. With a note saying there will be a webcast kick off on September 30th. There has also been a rumor about the “brick“, a possible new Apple product. Could all of this be a run up to a Apple TV/Mac Mini hybrid? I hope so, stay tuned for more.

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Netflix to start streaming ABC and CBS shows

Keith Foster — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:49:10 +0000

Engadget is reporting that neflix has signed a deal that will allow streaming of ABC and CBS proprieties. Shows such as CSI, Disney shows including The Suite Life of Zach and Cody, and some catalogue titles like Star Trek are included in the deal. All of this starting next month; this will also be around the time of the Xbox360 update that allows Netflix steaming to the console. Intresting tid bit; every Netflix capable box on the market now, or upcoming have HD connections. I think its safe to assume that HD will be coming at some point, but when, and how much?

Remote App Update

Keith Foster — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:28:10 +0000

Apple has updated the iPhone/iPod touch remote app according to TUAW. This update is for play list creation, you can now create a genius play list from inside the app. Go forth and download, and in case you didn’t know the update is free.

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OK Apple, time to step up!

Keith Foster — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:23:52 +0000

As pointed out last week Real Networks now has a legal DVD copying solution. So where is Apple on iTunes DVD ripping? This would be a benefit to the consumer and to Apple; because, they [Apple] could not only drive sales in the same why they do with music, you give the consumer an easy option with media they already own. I get the idea behind not doing it: they want to drive sales of the video store, but if the move to HD and digitally distributed media has shown one thing its people hate to double dip. It’s one thing to ask someone to pay $9.99 for music(a tape or an LP, you know records they made them) they have owned for years VS 9.99 to 14.99 for an SD download of a movie they most likely bought for less. Apple is obviously trying to get a lock on the video market with the AppleTV, iPods, and the video store. By adding in video ripping, much in the way they did with audio, you will drive sales of device and content. So come on Apple give us what we want, an easy and legal way to rip DVDs we already own to iTunes.

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Its been slow so some random Mon…err Tuesday thoughts.

Keith Foster — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:49:37 +0000

Update: An Apple event is now scheduled for next Tuesday September the 9th.

First off, did all of you see that Comcast is now starting their 250gb a month Cap? If you have been a reader of this site, you may remember, I wrote about this a few month ago. At the time I felt the move was to hold off digital distribution, IP TV, and on demand services such as Apple TV. I still do, and some of the things I wrote about are also talked about on Twit (This week in tech) episode 158. Jim Louderback and Leo Laporte seem, both of whom have a heavy stake in online media, to share my sentiments. Both have far more experience in this area than I do, and I found the converstion very intresting you should take a listien.

Second, with the iPod revisions on the horizon (as early as next week according to some,) still no talk of the future of Apple TV. I am convinced that Apple will do more with the Apple TV in the next few months, but the question is when. While I still dont subscribe to the Apple TV as a TV bit, a new version or updated fetures set has to be coming along, right. I am starting to think that Apple will not add “DVR” fuction, but what about opening it up for something like Elgato Eye TV ?(Credit to this thread on Mac rumors for the idea). Now you could in theory get a tuner card, record to your MAC/PC, convert the video to a proper iTunes format, then use iTunes to catalog the recording. As I have said before the only way to make the Apple TV the iPod of the living room is to make it easy for everyone.

iTunes Unlimited rumor, will it include video?

Keith Foster — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:19:36 +0000

By now I am sure you have heard the rumor about iTunes unlimited. If not the short version is Apple might unveil an iTunes subscription service; for a fee you can download all the music you want, but you don’t get to keep it unless you pay for it. I’m not a fan of this model, I like to buy my music not rent it, but I can see the appeal to some. If Apple could somehow bundle in video I would be all for it, yet it seems to be long shot. Movies, maybe you could make the case that you’re monthly or yearly fee covers X movies a month. TV, what I want, on the other hand is a pipe dream. I can’t see how apple makes the case to the networks to let this happen; honestly, the networks hate DVRs because we can skip ads, and watch shows over and over and they don’t see a dime of it. If Apple did come out and say for 150.00 a year I can music, TV, and Movies (with caps on video most likely) I would sign up day one. What do you think, any chance Apple gives video with a subscription plan?

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White Screen of death?

Keith Foster — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:46:22 +0000

So here it was a Saturday night we have some friends over, and want to watch a movie. What a better chance to show off my Apple TV to some people who, I could see, buying one at some point. We all decided to watch Harold and Kumar click to rent, and after a few minutes it’s ready to watch. I press play and get…… nothing, a white screen, I can forward the chapters, but nothing no sounds no video. After a few moments of cussing, restarting, and getting the “this is why I netflix” from people around me, I pop over to the Apple support forums and found this. After a full reset (unplugging the Apple TV for 30sec) I was able to get the movie to play. In fairness this is the first time I have tried to watch while downloading; normally I download before I go to work and it runs smooth. The most frustrating part was on Sunday when I wanted to watch systm, and had to reset my Apple TV to my PC, my question is will this happen the next time also? According to what I read over at Apple support this seems to be an issue since the last firmware update, and some people have had this happen 3-4 times over the last few weeks. How about all of you, have you had this also?

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PS3 Play TV, coming soon to the UK.

Keith Foster — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:16:13 +0000

Raise your hand if you know about the PS3 Play TV…. Long story short it’s a USB tuner to turn the PS3 into a PVR, also allowing you to copy over to a PSP (while I can’t find confirmation it may also allow streaming to the PSP). You might be asking why do I care, this is an Apple TV site. True, but it underlines why Apple needs to roll out Apple TV V2. Recent price drops have blu ray drives right near the 100.00 mark, and that’s retail for you and I. ATSC/Qam tuners are cheap and Apple can build the software for a PVR. So I think you can see where I’m headed with this, right? Apple TV + Blu Ray + PVR + streaming and importing to iPods . All for under the price of a 40gb PS3, Apple will have its iPod for the living room. I still stick by the idea of two versions of the ATV one for you main TV like above, and cheaper less functional units for around the house.

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Apple TV, featuring Apple TV.

Keith Foster — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 02:41:28 +0000

I got this article in my Google alerts today, and well I started to think about this idea. This is not the first time I have run across this idea, but I’m on vacation so I have more time to ponder it. While I don’t put this outside the realm of possibility, I don’t see it happening for a few reasons.

Cost is the biggest as we can assume there will be an Apple tax; fact is you can buy a good 50” TV for under a thousand dollars now add on an Apple TV, and for a bit over 1,200 you can have the whole set up. If Apple were to make an all in one I would expect to see the 37” – 52” range, LCD, LED backlighting, with a high contrast ratio. That all adds up, and I would think even at the 37” spot you’re looking at 1,800.00 MSRP at a minimum.

Another issue, is there a market? I would argue no, people who want an Apple TV already have one, or more than likely at least have an HDTV so no need for a new one. Who would go out and buy at new TV just because an Apple TV is pre-installed on the set?

Even if Apple decided to go this route they would still sell the set top box. I still stick by my idea of the Apple TV “nano”( for a better lack of terms) that would be like the one we have today, but cheaper. Along with the Apple TV DVR that would included and ATSC tuner, min 250gb HDD, and some kind of time shifting software, the ability to stream out to iPod’s and iPhone’s would be nice also (ala Sling). As a side note a few new patent flings suggest maybe. Hold tight ATv fans because I think we will get something in the fall, question is what.

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LG to rollout a Blu-Ray player with Netflix streaming

Keith Foster — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:42:30 +0000

Over at Engadget they are reporting that LG’s new BD3000 will be able to stream Netflix instant watch. You will be able get HD movies on Blu ray and some SD content via netflix for under 500 bucks. It’s becoming more and more apparent people are embracing the idea of downloadable content for entertainment, and that’s a good thing for Apple TV fans. I hope with more companies jumping on streaming and DL content Apple might take the ATv more serious than a “hobby”. Let’s hope the product transitions coming in September have something special in store for all of us Apple TV fans, or Apple might be on the outside looking in.

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Do you still need cable?

Keith Foster — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 19:16:09 +0000

I came across an article on reuters uk asking this very question. As a subscriber to dish network, and as someone who has watched his bill slowly increase over the years it’s a good question. Like the article I would love ala cart pricing for cable and satellite and believe this is the future and we need it now. As I looked over my channels on dish I found 10 that I watch enough I would want to keep. Add in my wife and son we might have 25 total; keep in mind this does not count the networks that I get free over the air.

Apple has yet to make the ATv the iPod of the living room and has an opportunity to do so, but how? I think we all believe it time for an update something with a bigger hard drive and an ATSC tuner would help, also a bit more processing power, and wireless N. You could sell 2 flavors of the Apple TV; Apple TV “DVR” and Apple TV nano; the nano could act has a rental only, and offer SD output with a small HDD much like the one out today, but for half the cost. The “DVR” model should have all of the above, minimum 250gb with an ATSC tuner (QAM also would be a nice addition), and 1080p. Keep in mind the iPod was not as ubiquitous until the mini hit the streets and made the iPod experience affordable for everyone.

If Apple can get more ATVs in the home maybe just maybe, much like the music industry, we could have some real change in how we get TV. I for one think Apple could lead the way and would like to see it. Honestly I have bought more music in the last few years because of iTunes and my iPod; make things easy and affordable and the masses will follow.

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PS3 VS. Apple TV VS. Blu-ray….. Fight!

Keith Foster — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:13:23 +0000

Here we have it, a comparison of two HD download services, with Blu-ray being the standard to shoot for. As you know by now Sony updated the Playstation Store with video rentals. Not the first console maker to do so as Microsoft has the Live video store up and running, for some time now. First impressions. The PSN store is easy to navigate but the UI feels old and dated, yet a big improvement over its first iteration. The rental process was easy. Find movie, hit button, confirm and you’re on your way. The issues I have so far are the DL speed. The movie took 5 hours for 100% download and I average 7mb down. Yes you can start watching after a few minutes but still. File size is also an issue; Sony is using an H.264 AVC codec and it was over 7gb. (Side note: This is a good reason for the entertainment companies to get behind no bandwidth caps, along with video DLs, online gaming, and demos to name a few things this would push your allotted bits.) Before I get to the “results” I have to say a few things; my screen caps are done with a point and click Fuji digital camera, my display has not been professional calibrated, nor do I think I’m a know it all videophile. I’m just a guy who likes HD and loves his AV toys. That being said, on to contest.

Blu-ray. By far the “winner” (if there was a winner), it has the best color, bet sound, and action scenes flow well. I think all of us knew that Blu-ray would outshine both downloads so this is no shock.

Bluray

PS3. Maybe there is a reason for the file size, but the movie didn’t seem as “sharp” overall. The quality is good. You can see it in the screen cap looking around the webbing on the mask, how the black lines seem to soften. The color was nice, not as deep as the Blu-ray version, but it had pop. The backgrounds seems to suffer the most from compression. Look over Spiderman’s shoulder and you can see what I’m talking about, around the far buldings and in the sky. Also the sound was in Stereo not Dolby Digital. Thats a thumbs down in my book, and it cost .50 more to rent

PS3

Apple TV. What can I say that hasn’t been said before about he quality of HD titles from Apple; you get more of the same. I have always felt the Colors are a bit warm on the Apple TV (Both my Apple TV and PS3 run to my onkyo 605 then out to my TV, all over HDMI, so its not the display) but the movie seems sharper. Apple however gives you 5.1Dolby Digital and is .50 less.

Apple TV

Both the PS3 and Apple TV offer good quality from what I have seen. For me 5.1 and slightly shaper images makes the Apple TV edge out the PS3. What am I saying, of course 5.1 sealed the deal. However the PS3 is not a bad choice. I hope to see titles include surround sound, and we can find a way to speed up downloads.

Update – Here is a direct link to the three images at our ATVJ Flickr page.

PS3 now offering HD rentals

Keith Foster — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:15:46 +0000

UPDATE #1 - Around 11:30pm EST the store was live. I played around with it a bit, the user interface is good not the best UI, but it works. From what I saw there are approximately 52 titles in HD to rent. There are a handful of TV shows nothing in HD that I saw. I have rented Spiderman from Apple TV, I will rent it from the PS3 store tonight, and compire them both to my Blu Ray copy. Stay tuned for that Apple V Sony showdown.

According to Kotaku Sony today, at their E3 press conference, announced the PS3 video store. SD rentals will be 2.99, and HD 5.99, with SD purchases setting you back 14.99 no mention was given to HD purchases. TV shows will be available for 1.99 no mention if they will be in HD or not. Sony stated that the store would go live tonight, but as of 9:30 EST nothing is showing up on the Playstation store. Rentals and purchases will be transferable to the PSP and can be placed on multiple devices. They have strong studio support with titles from MGM, FOX, Disney, Warner, and Lion’s Gate.

So what does it all mean for all of us Apple TV lovers? For one the rental download market it here and legitimate (all of us knew it, but it seems to be going mainstream) and competition is heating up. As I said the other day Apple needs to start treating the ATV less like a hobby. I hope that we hear of some new features coming out of Cupertnio.

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Netflix streaming coming to XBOX 360

Keith Foster — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:15:12 +0000

Microsoft, at there pre E3 news conference, announced that Netfilx streaming will be coming with the next dashboard due in the fall. It was also announced today that NBC / Universal tiles will be available on the Xbox live market place in HD. This includes NBC TV shows and some universal catalog movie titles. While this is good news for Xbox 360 owners (like me) I hope Apple has some news regarding the Apple TV soon. Competition is a good thing, but it’s heating up lets get some new fetures and maybe a lower price?

Full run down at Engadget

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It’s update time!

Keith Foster — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:56:36 +0000

Update 3 – The Unofficial Apple Weblog has a ~~thorough~~ walkthrough of the new 2.1 update with screenshots.

Update 2 – We’ll be consolidating and listing all of the additions to Apple TV later today. Needless to say this update packed a little more of a punch for Apple TV then most thought would happen.

Update 1 – It appears that with this MobileMe update Apple has also updated the My Photos area of Apple TV. By selecting an album under My Photos you now get a list of thumbnails, similar to what you might see in iPhoto. Can anyone else confirm this as a new feature?

Well the day is here, and Apple is making sure that all parts are in place for the iPhone 3g. So what does that mean UPDATES!!! Engadget is reporting iTunes 7.7 in now available. iLounge has info on the Apple TV update that gives support for MobleMe, and remote function from your iPod touch or iPhone. iLounge also has a little blurb about the remote app. So go and update to your hearts content.

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Little news on Apple TV, should we worry?

Keith Foster — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:14:39 +0000

With little news, or even rumors in the pipe I have had very little to post about. So should we as ATV owners worry about the future of our beloved means of video streaming? Roku seems to be the main competition right now, but currently is limited to what Netflix can stream. Xbox360 has downloadable content and you can get it in HD; but, storage is an issue even if you have the 120gb HDD, and don’t get me started on the MS “points” system. The Xbox also integrates well with Vista media center, and there is the long standing rumor of Netflix software for the 360. I doubt Apple will throw in the towel anytime soon but we need more features, more studios, more HD (TV Rentals would be nice), or maybe partner with Netflix? I like the idea of Netflix streaming to the Apple TV, but that would hurt sales of movies and shows so I doubt Steve would go for it. So what should Apple do next?

Let’s talk about it in the fourms.

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