Apple planning to launch iTunes HD videos?
updated 04:50 pm EDT, Thu October 4, 2007
Apple iTunes HD Leak
Apple intends to revitalize its flagging Apple TV hub by launching HD video downloads on iTunes, according to a rumor from a source which in the past accurately described the iPod touch in advance of its launch. A "selection" of the movies and TV shows available from the company's store would receive a significant step up in resolution from today's videos, which are currently limited to the maximum 640x480 size officially supported by the iPhone and all existing iPod models. Apple is stocking up on supplies of its media hubs in anticipation of increased demand spurred by the HD videos, says the purported insider.
While many of the details were left out of the alleged leak, the 40GB and 160GB Apple TV models on sale now support playback of widescreen videos as sharp as 720p (1280x720), qualifying as HD-capable. Apple's September iPod refresh also introduced a new component video output cable that would theoretically support HD video, although the existing lack of support by current Apple handhelds would limit its usefulness with iTunes HD content.
If accurate, the claim would have Apple make the announcement sometime before the end of the month, coinciding closely with the company's expected October release of Mac OS X Leopard.
About Time
10/04, 05:24pm reply
This is the reason i don't buy more. I've stopped because the res sux!
But don't be fooled thinking I'll be paying more! NOPE! $1.99 for a music video is fine, but the res has to be very much improved.
MiMiC
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2007
Bring It On
10/04, 05:41pm reply
Yep, the price needs to remain $1.99 and the res needs to be upped to 1280x720.
MacnTX
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2004
I'll wait thanks
10/04, 05:53pm reply
I'm waiting (and hoping) for Apple to release an updated Apple TV that has gigabit ethernet, bigger internal hard drives and external hard drive support, and supports 1080p.
Pismo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2006
Audio?
10/04, 06:16pm reply
720p would be highly welcomed, but I would like multi-channel audio to go along with it. Stereo (or non-discrete surround sound) is so 90's.
Filburt
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
1080p
10/04, 06:28pm reply
Also agree - Apple needs 1080p. Other parts of Apple TV are cutting edge (like the interface, and 802.11n), but why not 1080p?
curmi
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
hd-capable
10/04, 06:45pm reply
"as sharp as 720p (1280x720), qualifying as HD-capable."
abc and fox broadcast in 1280x720, and nobody says those to channels are broadcasting hd-capable...
this is not good journalism!
there's HDTV, which is always 16:9 widescreen and min. resolution of 1280x720 and there's EDTV/SDTV, all resolutions below 1280x720, in 4:3 or 16:9....
smokeonit
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2005
TV Shows and Movies
10/04, 06:55pm reply
I am Waiting for them to bring TV Shows and Movies to all of there stores.. Australian Store is still lagging far behind the rest of the world once they release some Movies of TV Shows maybe they will have more uptake of the Apple TV...
MRsneezy
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Joined: Apr 2007
@ Pismo
10/04, 08:23pm reply
...i'm with ya, but let's not forget PVR functionality too!
roberto
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Joined: Jun 2007
HD podcasts
10/04, 08:54pm reply
I have compiled a list of over 100 HD podcasts. It is available at http://hd.appletvsource.com
luckk
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Joined: Nov 2005
@ pismo
10/04, 08:56pm reply
you want a pony with that, too?
rok
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Joined: Mar 1999