Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat New Apple TV for $99

New Apple TV Link here

Apple TV

** Streaming Device (no local Storage)

** Streams from iTunes, Netflix, Youtube

** Streams from your local Music Files on another home computer

** HDMI Output to HD621 for Apodizing

** Control using Remote App on iTouch or iPad

** Also Optical Out

Could be interesting device for some............

No indication of whether it will support 96/24 output. Also, no full HD output

I think the removal of local storage is a shame. One thing I like about my ATV is that I don't need a computer to be on to use it.

so far, I've not seen anything in it that couldn't be a firmware update on the current one mind.

No full HD is disappointing. Apple still ignoring blu-ray (just like M).

Wouldn't expect 96/24 as I get the feeling Steve isn't an audiophile; anyone remember the apple hi-fi? Bob needs to have words with him I think!

I think that this, like the iPod, is aimed at the lowest common denominator not the bleeding edge consumer - something that's good enough is good enough!

Chris

Hmm the specs of the video are not that great:

H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, Main Profile level 3.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats #

MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats

Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format.


Audio is perhaps a bit better

HE-AAC (V1), AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV; Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound pass-through

Interesting, apparently the airtunes (now airplay) protocol now supports video. not from itunes yet (I don't think) but from iphones/ipads to a new appletv.

Also, it looks like they're licensing the protocol to others. apparently denon will have amps with a built in airplay receiver, which is a marvellous thing. If only Meridian would do something like that.

This is not a Bluray replacement for about 100 reasons (Audio and Video quality will be miles behind)

Audio will almost definitely be 16/44 only, as per the current Apple TV

I really only posted as there are those on here who talk about using Apple Express for Music around the house.

Given the HDMI & Optical Outputs, this might be a viable alternative for some

I didn't exactly mean it as a Sooloos replacement

And remember that $99 price tag..................

As far as I am aware you could always stream video from a computer using iTunes to an AppleTV on the same network. The only limitation being that it has to be hardwired LAN or -N wireless.

I never tried it though because I didn't have -N wireless when I last thought about it.

It is an airport express on steroids, which isn't a bad thing.

AFAIK, the old appletv supports playing video's that are stored on my laptop and will stream them. however that's not the same as it streaming video as an airtunes client which I didn't think it could do.. that said, I've not tried it...

<tries it>

nope, the current ATV doesn't support video in it's implementation of airtunes.

dave

I may not look like much. But if you watch the 720p versions of the TV-Shows from iTunes (CSI, Criminal Minds etc. etc.) , although the file is only relatively small (1,5GB) the quality is very good.

I assume that this new AppleTV will be able to play them.

I beg to differ. We have the HD versions of some recent shows (incl Glee) and although the picture is good, the Dolby is incredibly compressed and frying-pan-sounding.

still good for music distribution.

i have one on order to replace my airport in the kitchen so will be able to stream video as well as audio.