apple news/media reports
03/02/2006, 6:35pm, EST
Thursday, March 2nd
Apple not trying to replace TiVo
Apple says it is not trying to replace TiVo--the popular subscription service that allows users to record video from their television. Despite many rumors of a DVR-enabled Mac mini--by both analysts and Apple rumor sites--and what many analysts believe is the logical next step "into the livingroom," users will have to wait--maybe for a long time--for an Apple-branded software DVR solution for Macs. Because the size makes it perfect for families to use in the livingroom, many have speculated that Apple would use its Front Row software to control DVR-like functions on the Mac; however, Apple's Senior Vice President says that adding video recording functionality would have made the Mac Mini too complicated, according to The USA Today. "We're not trying to replace the TiVo," he says. "This is about taking the media from your computer and accessing it via the TV."
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So lets say Apple does do DVR. Sales go down on iTMS, networks start pulling out, TV content goes down, popularity goes down, Apple loses marketshare. Yeah, great long term strategy.. LOL!!
I dont have tivo, but I hear nothing but excellent things. Why try to compete. They will leave it to 3rd party people.
This is mostly about iLife and nothing more. They keep building and building the product line and iLife is always at the center.
besides, the new Mini is still way too under-powered to be a DVR. Needs to house a full size 250GB drive and damn.. an we get a real video card?
To me, this does not necessarily mean that there won't be some other entertainment center box sold by Apple that will have DVR capability. The mini, after all, has a fairly low-capacity laptop hard drive and no room for a tuner. I am looking for something with dual-tuners and lots more storage for an under-the-set box. This would hold movies from the rumored movied download service as well as record TV.
apple's strategy is 100% clear... they are going to sell tv and movies direct to consumer via itunes.
some day, there will be a version front row that lets you buy shows from 10-foot view. some day, there will be movies in front row. some day there will be a movie subscription service so apple can rent you movies like netflix.
but there will never be a mac with a tv tuner card... ever.
it's just too messy... too complicated... it's not apple's style... they are going direct to consumer... there's no mystery, no hidden agenda... they have already communicated it.
So, Apple could follow the same paradigm and charge a monthy fee to record your television, or you could buy programs individually off the iTMS.
check it out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macintosh_TV
"Ever" came and went and you missed it.
El Gato doesn't really work with DirecTV or external cable/satellite boxes because it can't change channels. Not providing an IR or serial interface is a huge problem.
Changing channels manually is just a weak solution in 2006.