Among many other new features, Apple is including Netflix support straight into their new Apple TV. At last, they are getting the message: It's not all about their iTunes store. That's good. The truth is that many people don't care at all about the iTunes store—although maybe the $1-per-TV-episode in HD, without commercials, will fix this. The Netflix support, however, is a big point of favor of the Apple TV, just like it was for the iPad. In fact, this may be the reason why I'm finally getting one of these little boxes. Next thing you need to do, Steve: Hulu. And the Apple Store, so we can add a DiVX playback application or whatever the hell we want. Then, and only then, you will have a killer TV product. Article from Gizmodo
I've got an original AppleTV here, and I've preordered the new one. Netflix is the sole reason, really. They dumbed down the output from 1080i to 720p max. So I'm disappointed about that. The cheap rentals will be nice too.
I've had a Roku for a couple of years and it is one of the best purchases we've made. We watch a ton of Netflix on it and we use Amazon VOD to watch current non-broadcast TV shows, dropped the high priced cable and just watch the shows we want to watch, when we want to without having to fast forward through commercials. Amazon lowered many of their prices in response to apple so as long as they match enough up I'll just upgrade later to the Roku XR to get 1080P. I've never been able to get past Apples attitude that the product is always theirs and you are just paying to be able to have it.
Nearly every mfg is the same in that regard. "It's our stuff, you have no right to modify it else void your warranty". Apple is no different. I do hope that Apple can provide rentals for shows I enjoy so I can nix my cable too.
the only thing is apple's extends to the software and far beyond just voiding the warranty they work to lock it back out so you can't do it. I buy a windows based product and I can do anything I want to it and Microsoft doesn't go out of their way to try to shut my changes down or stop it from functioning. I've had a squeezebox music player for years (from way before logitech bought them out) and you can't stream any i-tunes music to it because apple locked it so only their devices could play their music. I buy the song, it's on my computer and I want to play it on a device connected to my computer but I can't because Apple doesn't approve. Wasn't there a lawsuit recently over if people could hack their iphone and install what they want on it? Not take it apart and expect apple to still warranty it but actually if apple could stop them from installing software on it. I know they are just trying to strengthen their brand but it has always cracked me up that Microsoft is the big evil company and apple is the kind, good company and yet they hold control over all their products at a level far above any other company. sorry for hijacking the thread into an apple is bad thread, but to me it affects the appeal of their products. And to me I prefer buying stuff from the littler guys like Roku. It's almost like buying your detailing products from walmart or the little guy, the little guy is more responsive and hungry for the business.
I have a TiVo that streams right from my iTunes no problem. I don't think this as blown out of proportion as you are making it. A LOT of devices are "iTunes compatible" now. That may not have been the case back when that squeezebox originally came out. Regarding the second point, you are correct in that sense but Apple has a HUGE lead in digital media rights. I think the AppleTV will provide more shows/seasons to rent/buy that Amazon On Demand will before long. It's just a matter of getting studios to sign on. iTunes Music is still 80%+ of the digital music purchased after all this time and supposedly 'better' things have come out.
