5 things I love about the Apple TV
As some of you know I have been using a couple of Apple TVs at my house for the last several weeks. Last week I posted about the 5 things I hate about the device. However, overall I actually like the Apple TV (which I know is comforting to some of you rabid Apple fanatics).
So…here are the 5 things I love about the Apple TV
- Podcasts become more usable. I’ve watched many podcasts on my computer and/or iPod, but the Apple TV makes it much more convenient to watch a video podcast. Now that I can easily watch a video podcast on my TV, it seems just as common and accessible as TV programming.
- Easy to configure/setup. Like many Apple devices…the Apple TV is extremely simple to setup, plug-in and configure out of the box. This is a significant advantage over some other devices that require a more complex setup process.
- Content looks great in both SD and HD. The downloaded movies and TV shows from iTunes look great in my opinion on the Apple TV. Video podcasts will vary in quality, but that is the choice of the producer and not a limitation of the device.
- It’s reliable. I’ve watched or listened to many hours of TV content, video podcasts, movies, music or photos on multiple Apple TVs. With the exception of some sluggish responsiveness on the menu occasionally the devices have been remarkably reliable.
- It will work as a platform to distribute the Gospel. We have had an Apple TV version of our podcast available for a few months now. It is now relatively easy to distribute video content to people’s living room television. Now you don’t have to have the expense, complications or “shot gun:” approach of a television ministry to have a “television ministry”…AND…it is just as easy to deliver this content to someone in Berlin, Germany as it is in Las Vegas, NV.
There are certainly improvements that can be made that I outlined in my previous post, but all-in-all I think it is a good start for a set-top box that connects the TV to Internet delivered content.
Additionally, we are looking at using Apple TV devices to distribute/playback the LifeKIDS curriculum in individual rooms at our campuses. With a couple of additional features (more screen saver options and a repeat video function)…it would make a great digital sign playback device with wireless connectivity.
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Great assessment of the strong points, Bobby.
I agree with you on the video-loop feature being important to open the door for yet another use for Apple TV. Perhaps just as important as looping would be the ability to create “video playlists” that would even further expand this function. Additionally, I would like to see Apple implement a way to use Keynote presentations on it.
I also agree that the screensaver options could be expanded, though I think the standard ’saver it comes with is quite cool for those of us who use it heavily for photos.
I know apple is known for it’s simplicity but for this device to be used more effectively I think a remote with more functionality is necessary.
I noticed my TiVo now has the ability to share home videos with other TiVo users. This could be a great tool as well. Upload a video of a class or a sermon and let small group leaders and/or campuses download the video to their TiVo and play it whenever they meet.
Great Post! I really agree with you on the point you made in this post and in the one about the 5 things you hate: AppleTV needs a “loop video feature.”
I’m in the same boat. If it had a feature like that, we would likely buy 2 or 3 of them right away to put into use as digital signage….
Knowing apple, there will be a software update to fix this soon, or they will introduce this feature in the next generation.
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