Comments on: How Apple TV Can Survive and Become Popular

By: the12thdoctor

the12thdoctor — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:45:14 +0000

They need to bring the price down, but that’s something Apple generally has problems with. If they were willing to profit a little less per unit, they’d move more units. That’s why I was forced out of Apple for about 7 years when my old 6500 died. I couldn’t afford another Mac until the Mini came out!

By: egarren

egarren — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:02:40 +0000

I think appletv is too expensive

By: Ethan Sisson

Ethan Sisson — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 22:01:44 +0000

KShackelford, that would be incredible! I would love to have the option of “previewing” a movie for a couple of bucks if I wasn’t sure I wanted to buy it.

By: luckk

luckk — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 21:29:57 +0000

Your article revolves around how rentals might revive Apple TV. However, I think for the Apple TV to survive, it needs more than this. Currently, Apple TV acts as a conduit between your computer and the TV. It is only as good as the content it plays. This is why Apple TV failed to capture a big market share. It is too dependent on iTunes.

I think the key to Apple TV’s success is for Apple to open it up to 3rd party developers. This way, it can be independent of the content that feeds it. It can be so much more than just a conduit.

I know this because I run two Apple TV-related web sites: http://appletvhacks.net and http://appletvsource.com. I know what it is capable of. I’ve been following Apple TV since its announcement back in ‘06.

I have also written an article called “Repurposing the Apple TV” about how 3rd party developers hold the key to Apple TV’s success. It is available here:

http://appletvsource.com/content/view/464/

By: KShackelford

KShackelford — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 20:10:49 +0000

I hope they give a nice discount if you decide to buy a rented movie

Example if its $2.00 to rent and $10.00 to buy it will cost $8.00 additional dollars after renting to purchase, kinda like buying singles on iTunes.

By: Khürt

Khürt — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 19:50:28 +0000

Heres the scenario that I think will work best for most people. Apple TV with iTunes music download ( external HD to extend storage ), HD (1080p, 1080i, 720p ) quality video for rent or download. $1.99 to rent movies, $9.99 for purchase. The purchase movies or music can be burned to disk from iTunes from another PC or from SuperDrive in Apple TV device. Rentals are good for 48 hours view from time the play button is started. Purchased movies can be played from any video capable iPod (nano, classic, touch or iPhone).

That I think would be one extraordinary device.

By: KShackelford

KShackelford — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:31:53 +0000

I wish apple would go to that, but very very unlikely unfortunately.

There are also rumors netflix and blockbuster are going to movie rental boxes soon too. Should be interesting.

If netflix did that with an unlimited monthly price, then that would be amazing.

By: greyarea

greyarea — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:27:17 +0000

There is already a good model for this: Netflix. Give us multiple rentals at a monthly price (or a maximum number of rentals per month for a set price) and let us download to our heart’s content. Have an option for buying the rented movie (at a discount) and a ratings system similar to Netflix.
The key, to me at least, is user flexibility.
We’ve demonstrated that we would pay for DRM digital music (in general) if there is enough flexibility. Giving us that flexibility for rented movies is the key to this being a success.