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Apple TV vs HTPC

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dmw16

Diamond Member
I am thinking about getting an Apple TV for my home theater setup. I want it mainly for listening to music and streaming video from my other computers.

It seems like, for the price, it is much more cost effective than building a HTPC, but maybe I am missing something.

So does anyone have comments for one vs the other? I like the easy plug-n-play nature of the Apple TV. But building a HTPC can be fun.
 
I can't claim to be very familiar with the apple TV. However, another option could be a PS3. It can stream mp3/AAC/ATRAC/wma audio, video and display pictures from other computers on a network. Add to that that you would have a fantastic blu-ray player and a game system. It can also browse the web.
 
Already have a PS3. I haven't figured out how to make a server that it can connect to, but I haven't really looked into it.

I liked the idea of being able to rent movies from iTunes and stuff too. I assume the AppleTV has a direct connection to iTunes?
 
Originally posted by: dmw16
Already have a PS3. I haven't figured out how to make a server that it can connect to, but I haven't really looked into it.

I liked the idea of being able to rent movies from iTunes and stuff too. I assume the AppleTV has a direct connection to iTunes?
Click to expand...

I honestly don't know. But the PS3 was very easy to setup for file sharing. Unfortunately I only have experience with setting it up with sharing files from Vista OS computers. If you have one, you just go into file sharing options in the network area and turn on the media center capabilites. You then set it to allow access from the PS3(or just let it grant access to anyone provided your network is secure)
 
From what I've read, the AppleTV is rather crippled and a Mac Mini (yes, I know even refurbs are in the $400s) might be a better value.

Ive got one recently and it's a really nice machine.

I would say that if you want really high quality video you're probably better off building an HTPC because even on a 37 inch LCD image the integrated graphics is slightly noisy vs. my Windows based HTPC / Nvidia codec (via Theatertek software dvd player) / XFX 7600GS video card.
 
I don't own an Apple TV, so take my comments about it with a grain of salt.

I suspect if all you want to do is use the AppleTV exactly as Apple advertises, it probably represents good value.

If price per se isn't a limiting factor, I think a lot of people would say that a Mac Mini from refurb store might end up being a better value because if there are other software / freeware htpc type programs, you'll be able to install them on the Mac Mini and not the AppleTV.
 
Originally posted by: dmw16
I liked the idea of being able to rent movies from iTunes and stuff too. I assume the AppleTV has a direct connection to iTunes?
Click to expand...

Yes, you enter your iTunes account information and you can buy/rent directly from the AppleTV. You can also search and subscribe to podcasts on the AppleTV as well as search/view YouTube videos. They also have movie trailers available in regular and HD.

Of course, the AppleTV will also stream/sync to media in your iTunes library on a Mac or Windows system.

Check this article out. He talks about putting together a Mini for HTPC operations and a little about a Mini vs. ATV.

The Mini's big advantage of course is that it is a real computer. Services like hulu.com that are web/flash based can be viewed on a Mini. Of course, the ATV is much cheaper. As low as $199 for a refurb through the Apple Store.

I canceled my Time Warner account and bought the AppleTV myself. I figured it would pay for itself in a few months of saved cable fees. I am gradually ripping my DVD library into iTunes to create my own video on demand system. The problem for me with the Mini was I just couldn't bring myself to pay for it in its current configuration. There have been rumors of an update for some time now so I decided to wait it out and see what happens with it. If Apple updates the Mini and/or adjusts the price I might still purchase one.

-KeithP
 
Personally I think its a waste for Apple TV unless you are really technologically deficieint or want no hassle.

You can build a decent htpc for $400-500 that can play back any file type and would at least allow you to add in a bd drive in the future.
 
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