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AI: Apple to add HDMI to Macs

  • 01-03-2010 8:12pm
    #1
    Sad Professor
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,693 CMod ✭✭✭✭


    Apple plans to introduce HDMI connectivity on some of its personal computers this year, embracing an emerging trend that has seen the high-definition audio/video interface crop up on an increasing number of systems from rival PC manufacturers, AppleInsider has learned.

    More specifically, prototypes of a new Mac mini — Apple's smallest and most affordable system, commonly employed by tech savvy Mac users as an ad-hoc living room media server, has been making the rounds with an HDMI port in place of its legacy DVI connector, according to two people familiar with the matter.

    The port sits besides mini DisplayPort connector and marks the first instance of full-featured HDMI connectivity on a Mac. It also represents only the second Apple product to feature the port outside of the company's fledgeling Apple TV streaming media device. Cosmetically, the Mac mini is otherwise said to look identical to existing models, with no other visible changes to its enclosure.

    http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/03/01/apple_prepping_first_macs_with_hdmi_sources.html

    I dunno about this. AI are usually very reliable... but I'll believe this when I see it.


Comments

  • #2
    aidan_walsh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,208 ✭✭✭✭aidan_walsh


    I understand why people would like it, but I don't see it happening.


  • #3
    thecommander
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,537 ✭✭✭thecommander


    Dont get the big fuss over this. A simple cable will do this for you anyway. Had my mac mini connected to my lcd for years


  • #4
    Sad Professor
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,693 CMod ✭✭✭✭Sad Professor


    thecommander wrote: »
    Dont get the big fuss over this. A simple cable will do this for you anyway. Had my mac mini connected to my lcd for years
    Agreed. But I can see where people are coming from. They have to get an adapter. There's several of them, it's confusing. Then they need a separate cable to carry the audio. It's all very un-Mac-like. HDMI isn't essential but it's convenient.

    However, I'd be very interested in seeing HDMI added to the 27 inch iMac. It would great for hooking up a Xbox 360, versus the current pissing around with 3rd party converters and crap.


  • #5
    Stainless_Steel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,155 ✭✭✭Stainless_Steel


    Sad Professor wrote: »
    Agreed. But I can see where people are coming from. They have to get an adapter. There's several of them, it's confusing. Then they need a separate cable to carry the audio. It's all very un-Mac-like. HDMI isn't essential but it's convenient.

    However, I'd be very interested in seeing HDMI added to the 27 inch iMac. It would great for hooking up a Xbox 360, versus the current pissing around with 3rd party converters and crap.

    Interesting you mentioned an xbox, is it possible to use the 27 inch iMac as an external monitor? I thought it wasnt...

    Oh and PS3 all the way!


  • #6
    Basq
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 44,200 ✭✭✭✭Basq


    I reckon they need to embrace Blu-ray first.. DVI is sufficient for most things tbh!


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  • #7
    Sad Professor
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,693 CMod ✭✭✭✭Sad Professor


    Stainless_Steel wrote: »
    Interesting you mentioned an xbox, is it possible to use the 27 inch iMac as an external monitor? I thought it wasnt...
    Yeah, the 27 inch has a video input.
    Oh and PS3 all the way!
    After the problems I've had with the 360, I'm inclined to agree. Although I do prefer the 360's selection of games.


  • #8
    aidan_walsh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,208 ✭✭✭✭aidan_walsh


    The biggest argument against HDMI on the Mac Mini IMO is the AppleTV.

    Adding HDMI to the Mac Mini would effectively solidify and validate its use as a HTPC, so I wouldn't expect to see it until Apple are also willing to kill the AppleTV and move and expand its functionality to the Mac Mini.


  • #9
    alexlyons
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,182 ✭✭✭alexlyons


    aidan_walsh wrote: »
    The biggest argument against HDMI on the Mac Mini IMO is the AppleTV.

    Adding HDMI to the Mac Mini would effectively solidify and validate its use as a HTPC, so I wouldn't expect to see it until Apple are also willing to kill the AppleTV and move and expand its functionality to the Mac Mini.

    one of the heads in apple (can't remember his name) said that Apple believe the Apple TV will be a hit, but just not yet. He said if Apple believe something will work, they'll invest in it. He says the market isn't ready for it yet but they will be soon. Think its on AI, my wording may be slightly off.


  • #10
    silvine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,132 ✭✭✭silvine


    I use a Mini Mac with Plex to connect to my HDTV. It's easy enough to do but you do need to get a few different cables, particularly for 5.1 sounds, and the settings have to be tweaked. I can see why adding HDMI would harm the Apple TV, it would make connecting the Mini Mac and using it as a HTPC simpler and a little cheaper.


  • #11
    J-blk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,906 ✭✭✭J-blk


    Sad Professor wrote: »
    Yeah, the 27 inch has a video input.

    It's effectively a pain in the a** though - Displayport only, unless you use a crazy-expensive third party adapter to get HDMI instead and connect an Xbox360 or PS3, etc. A dedicated HDMI input port on the 27" would be awesome.
    silvine wrote: »
    I use a Mini Mac with Plex to connect to my HDTV. It's easy enough to do but you do need to get a few different cables, particularly for 5.1 sounds, and the settings have to be tweaked. I can see why adding HDMI would harm the Apple TV, it would make connecting the Mini Mac and using it as a HTPC simpler and a little cheaper.

    I use a Mini with Plex as an HTPC too but I think that's something techies mostly do (especially when comparing specs/price with the AppleTV). An average Joe consumer doesn't really think that way but adding an HDMI port to the Mini would probably push more casual users away from the AppleTV. So unless Apple intends to kill the AppleTV around the same time, I don't see them adding HDMI to the Mini and keeping both products on the market...


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  • #12
    Stainless_Steel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,155 ✭✭✭Stainless_Steel


    The Apple TV is only useful if you download your media from itunes no?

    If I am correct, the Apple TV will never be a smash hit IMO.


  • #13
    J-blk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,906 ✭✭✭J-blk


    Stainless_Steel wrote: »
    The Apple TV is only useful if you download your media from itunes no?

    You could still add your own media to iTunes and sync it to the Apple TV but you always go through iTunes and you're limited in what formats are supported.

    There are "hacky" solutions like Boxee, which makes the Apple TV much more useful (and improves it as far as supported formats go) but the hardware is still underpowered for things like HD mkv files.


  • #14
    alter200
    Closed Accounts Posts: 73 ✭✭alter200


    I have an Apple TV in the bedroom

    Have patched it with ATV_USB Patchstick so it can run Boxee (which I have on mac mini in living room) or XBMC. I find Boxee sluggish on the ATV but XBMC runs fine. Am streaming my media from Mac Mini downstairs and all works fine

    ATV nice and small, silent (although it runs very hot to touch) and it's nice having one single HDMI cable carrying sound and video to TV

    Bought a refurbished one from apple - think about 160 euro. Works great. Patching also allows media to be accessed via external USB drives (I think, by default, USB port on ATV used only for diagnosis, patching etc)

    Works for me


  • #15
    Sad Professor
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,693 CMod ✭✭✭✭Sad Professor


    alexlyons wrote: »
    one of the heads in apple (can't remember his name) said that Apple believe the Apple TV will be a hit, but just not yet. He said if Apple believe something will work, they'll invest in it. He says the market isn't ready for it yet but they will be soon. Think its on AI, my wording may be slightly off.
    Apple are so full s**t sometimes. The problem with the Appletv is easily fixed: lower the price and un-cripple it. There ya go, Apple, instant hit. In the meantime everyone will get a Mac mini or WDTV Live instead.

    Apple could do all of this but they won't. They aren't interested in the Appletv for the same reason they were so reluctant to add radio to the iPod. They'd much rather you spent time sitting in front of a 27 inch iMac buying iTunes content instead of watching non-Apple provided television. So the Appletv will remain a "hobby" until iMac screens get big enough and they can get rid of it.

    Apple know the future is in downloaded content. And having already successfully invaded our pockets with the iPhone and iPod, they now have their sights set on our living rooms. And they have no interest in sharing them with Sony, etc. This is why I'll be surprised to see them add HDMI.


  • #16
    fuelinjection
    Closed Accounts Posts: 458 ✭✭fuelinjection


    My Acer laptop has a blueray writer and HDMI output built in. All for 1000 euro.

    While I really like my iPod, Apple have always been all about the marketing and for example you get no AC power charger with the iPod so they can sell it in a sexy small box. The instructions were pure marketing - looks great but you learn nothing about how iTunes works or how to structure your music/video library.

    I will buy something if it meets what I need for the price but Apple dont do the technical or user-friendly side very well. Look at how many accessories you have to buy for an iPhone against a Nokia 5800.


  • #17
    Stainless_Steel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,155 ✭✭✭Stainless_Steel


    fuelinjection wrote: »
    I will buy something if it meets what I need for the price but Apple dont do the technical or user-friendly side very well. Look at how many accessories you have to buy for an iPhone against a Nokia 5800.

    Agree partly with you. But I think user friendliness is Apple's strong point.

    Regarding the iPhone and accessories...I have mine a few months and only both a protective case so far....but that doesnt really count


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