Apple TV Doesn’t Have a PVR
So Apple finally unveiled its Apple TV device, formerly known as iTV. But where’s the PVR functionality? Can you believe Apple launched it without any time shifting? Especially when days before the announcement, 64% of people voting on ZDNet.com said that PVR functions were the most important thing about the Apple TV.
Essentially, Apple TV is a yet another box that you’re going to have to connect to your TV right next to your cable/satellite box, DVR, DVD player, sound system and possibly a game system.
On the good side, Apple TV does have 802.11b/g/n wireless connectivity, USB, Ethernet card, 40GB hard drive and the ability to stream to 5 different PCs or Macs in your network. You can also download movies directly from the Apple TV or using media from your home computers. Having access to your digital music library is also nice.
Downside? No TV tuner, no PVR. And what about DRM? Will it be restrictive like the iPod? No support for Hi-Def or 1080p. It also doesn’t play Divx or WMV files, which, let’s face it, sucks. And the price ($299) is way too much money for an unnecessary piece of hardware.
I don’t need another box, I need fewer. I’d like my PVR and cable box in one. Do I need Apple TV to download movies, and access my music? My Tivo can already access Internet radio and my MP3 collection on my home network for free (or for about $12.95/month).
Overall, I think Apple TV is full of hype and false promises. Apple should be trying to lead the way, rather than making a device that is targeted to, well, nobody. Apple TV is a product whose time has come and gone.
Tip: Take a 360 view of the Apple TV.
Update: PVRWire points out that you can get the same funtionality as Apple TV with media extenders like Netgear’s EVA700 or even DIY media centers.
Update #2: Here’s my latest post on what other bloggers are saying about the Apple TV.
January 11th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
[...] 2. Sling also announced the SlingCatcher, which it calls the ?Reverse Slingbox? since it delivers movies from the PC to the TV. (Similar to the Apple TV.) [...]
January 22nd, 2007 at 6:26 am
I think at that price point & feature set, many ‘users’ will be able to install & use apple tv effectively. No, it doesn’t have the feature set of a mini, mythtv, or media center - but it will be an important step.
http://www.applehdtv.net