Analyst: Apple TV to see slow start
updated 12:20 pm EDT, Tue March 20, 2007
Slow Apple TV start?
Apple's new Apple TV set top box designed to stream media wirelessly from a computer to a TV is likely to see an initial sales spike from die-hard Apple fans, according to research firm Piper Jaffray, followed by a slowdown as general consumers find out what the device does and warm up to its usage. "As was the case in the early days of the iPod, Apple resellers in our checks expect Apple TV will need to be more fully understood by consumers before it turns into a major contributor," said Piper Jaffray senior analyst Gene Munster. "Almost all (95 percent) resellers in our sample said they expect Apple TV will have a minor impact on business in the near term (the next 1-2 quarters), with Apple faithful buying in an initial surge and others spending some additional time figuring out what Apple TV is." Munster noted however that most Apple specialist stores are optimistic about the long-term prospects for Apple TV, but are aware that it may take some time for the product to find itself in the eyes of the average consumer.
Oh c***!
03/20, 12:49pm reply
What do you mean, a slow start! These things need to be able to boot up in 30 seconds, at least. Not 5 minutes. Apple needs to get moving on this stuff!
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
nice.
03/20, 12:50pm reply
let's just troop out the conventional wisdom by the usual suspects to decide what's going to become of a product that never existed before.
that'll work.
jpellino
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 1999
HDTV required
03/20, 01:02pm reply
The biggest drawback I see is that a HDTV is required. I guess I'll be using my mini-DVI to composite-RCA cable a while longer til I can afford both an HDTV and ?TV
windsurfer_nyc
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2004
But no recording
03/20, 01:07pm reply
Apple TV will not be a player until it adds DVR/PVR capability. May not be a failure, but if it had Titan TV-Tuner-Eye TV type software built in, it would be awesome
dynsight
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
Apple TV
03/20, 01:25pm reply
I'm just hoping that I can play a DVD from my computer through Apple TV at some point. Would remove one more piece of gear from the family room, and free up another set of inputs.
sailin74
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2002
Ironic device
03/20, 01:55pm reply
As windsurfer pointed out, Apple TV is a strangely marketed device. It requires newer TVs (widescreen EDTV or HDTV) yet it does not include features that home theater enthusiasts expect like 1080p and Dolby Digital (AC-3). Aside from Apple fan boys and those looking for iPod-on-a-box (music, photos, and videos purchased from iTunes Store), I don't get this device.
Filburt
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
filburt: yep
03/20, 02:10pm reply
I agree. The initial response to Apple TV would surely be greater if those features were included. The lack of AC-3 support is particularly hard to figure. My understanding, though, is that not many TVs accept a 1080p signal at this point (most max out at 1080i) so perhaps Apple deliberately gave themselves some room to improve the unit feature-wise. I'm a rabid Apple fan, but have no interest in the first iteration of this product.
notehead
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Joined: Aug 2001
upnp
03/20, 02:10pm reply
No upnp, no support for other codecs means no purchase from me.
Sondjata
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2000
Rippers First
03/20, 02:36pm reply
I suspect the first enthusiasts for this device will be the folks with the collection of ripped DVDs (via their Netflix subscription). ;-)
ChasmoeBrown
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2006
re: but no recording
03/20, 02:56pm reply
I'm tired of these "It must have a PVR to be successful" comments. No, it does not need a PVR? And what kind of tuner should it have? With the market moving to proprietary digital cable and satellite, why would you invest in analogue cable technology?
Most people who have widescreen TVs also have proprietary HD cable or satellite decoders. Why put in an analogue PVR in a device where most of your customers can't use.
The MacTV doesn't have to have everything. Next, people will be complaining it doesn't have a built-in DVD player.
If you want the extras, buy a Mac mini and an eyeTV. If you want a device to watch your iTunes media on a TV, buy the MacTV.
hayesk
Professional Poster
Joined: Sep 1999