Title: VIDEO IPOD!
Description: MUST...GET...ONE..
ZeRoRaVeN - October 12, 2005 08:10 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (http://www.physorg.com/news7188.html) |
APPLE CEO Steve Jobs announced Wednesday the creation of a new, improved iPod with a 2.5-inch color display and video-playback capability.
The announcement came at invitation-only media event staged by Apple in San Jose, Calif.
The new iPod is 30-percent thinner than the previous model, with a display that is 25-percent bigger. The screen will have 320 x 240 pixel resolution and support for MPEG-4 type video files, as well as a built-in world clock and stopwatch.
A 30GB model will be available for $299 and a 60GB model for $399. The new iPods will begin shipping next week.
"Because millions of people around the world will buy this new iPod to play music, it will quickly become the most popular portable video player in history," said Jobs.
To compliment the video-playback capability, Jobs announced the creation of iTunes 6, which was made available for download immediately. The popular music store, which is known for selling songs at 99 cents apiece, will have 2,000 music videos available to download for $1.99 each.
Additionally, Jobs announced that a partnership with ABC will allow customers to purchase ad-free episodes of ABC shows for $1.99 each. Apple said each episode will take 10 to 20 minutes to download to a file about the size of six songs. New episodes will be available the next day after they are aired.
"We're doing for video what we've done for music," Jobs said. "We're making it easy and affordable to purchase and download, play on your computer, and take with you on your iPod."
"We're delighted to be working with Apple to offer fans a new and innovative way to experience our wildly popular shows," said Robert Iger, CEO of Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC.
"The people at Apple fully understand the interaction between musicians and their audience," said Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M.
Jobs also announced a new iMac model, which will be thinner than the previous model and include a batch of new software built-in, as well as a six-button, Bluetooth-powered remote control called FrontRow and a built-in iSight video camera.
The new iMacs will cost $1,299 for the 17-inch version with a 1.5 GHz processor and $1,799 for the 21-inch edition with a 2.1 GHz processor.
Adam Benjamin, semiconductor analyst at Jefferies & Co., said that Wednesday's unveilings show Apple's forward thinking.
"Apple's view is to push this thing to the next level and continue pushing ahead," Benjamin said.
"They pushed significantly ahead with iPod Nano," he said of the smaller iPod based on solid-state technology that was premiered a month ago, "and they want to continue pushing ahead with video capability."
Tim Bajarin, principal analyst at Creative Strategies Inc., wrote on his blog site TechnologyPundits that Apple is creating a coherent and interconnected line of products that will appeal to consumers.
"Apple is actually rewriting the rules of media distribution," he said. "They are creating a complete consumer digital ecosystem that will be very attractive to Mac and PC users alike, and this will only make more people think about switching from PC to Mac."
Bajarin wrote that the potential success of the ABC/Apple partnership could help foster further digital distribution of video content.
"With this move, Apple is actually showing the Hollywood producers that digital distribution of any content is safe and secure and that Apple gives them a new way to distribute their content to the entire marketplace," he wrote.
Bajarin did express doubts that consumers would want to watch full-length movies on such a small screen, but wrote that shorter TV episodes may catch on.
Apple also announced Tuesday that its quarterly earnings were $430 million, or 50 cents per share. Overall revenue for the quarter, which ended Sept. 24, was $3.68 billion, up from $2.35 billion last year but short of expectations.
After the announcement, Apple shares fell 10.5 percent in late-session trading.
Apple sold almost 6.5 million iPods over the previous quarter, a huge growth over last year's total but below expectations. Merrill Lynch had forecasted 8.5 million sales, and Goldman Sachs had expected 7.8 million.
The quarter saw Apple unveil the iPod Nano, which shipped over 1 million units in the first 17 days and was heavily back-ordered. The 2GB Nano costs $199, the 4GB model is $249.
Apple also sold 1.25 million Macintosh computers over the quarter, a 48-percent gain over last year.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International |
Http://www.apple.comGO GET IT!
Wonder if I can trade in my old one..hmm...It's still in its orginal plastic..I stratched off the don't steal music stuff..except for "steal music"
:lol:
MrGuy - October 12, 2005 08:53 PM (GMT)
Sounds nice. I can watch Lost, Law and Order, and Invasion on the go! But the screen's kind of small. I'll wait until a 640x480 <_<
Hetman - October 13, 2005 06:21 AM (GMT)
Damnit, I simply don't have enough space to fit it all in! Maybe next time. :(
Zoid Soldier - October 28, 2005 09:56 PM (GMT)
an i-pod video!!! jesus theyv'e done it again. i thought the i-pod shuffle was a good place to stop!!!! <_<
ZeRoRaVeN - October 29, 2005 04:38 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (MrGuy @ Oct 12 2005, 03:53 PM) |
| Sounds nice. I can watch Lost, Law and Order, and Invasion on the go! But the screen's kind of small. I'll wait until a 640x480 <_< |
It was originally going to be bigger...that had rumors going around with a nice widescreen but I guess they dumped the plan. Someone even photoshoped a nice widescreen ipod to give people an idea...
Zelos - October 29, 2005 05:33 PM (GMT)
This is hardly original... The only thing the iPod v5 (Even Steve Jobs doesn't call it an iPod Video) has over previous MP3 players that have supported video is a larger screen and, of course, Apple's monopoly.
iRiver's h3 series of MP3 players is the first (that I can remember), and one of the most well known MP3 players supporting video playback. Unfortunately, it was quite big, bulky, and had terrible controls. Other MP3 players with video have popped up now and then, but one of the latest, and already a huge hit among DAP (Digital Audio Player) enthusiasts, is the Cowon iAudio X5. Compared to the iPod v5, it's screen is nearly half the size at a mere 1.8" and 160x128 resolution (yes, 128, not 120) with a max FPS of 15 for video. However, nearly everybody who has actually tried the video playback on it has found it to be pretty good. While I don't have one (getting one for Christmas :)) I have formatted some videos to the correct resolution and FPS and am surprised by the results. With such a low resolution, the low FPS isn't noticeable except for a few places (namely, fast action scenes where motion blurs are visible), and even though the screen size is small, I tend to look at handheld screens much closer then I do with my computer monitor.
Heh, I've even joined together the five clips of that CGI Berserk Fury/Dark Spiner/Liger Zero X vs Konig Wolf/Mad Thunder/army of Snipe Masters and formatted it correctly and it still looks great at such a small size.
The X5 has many other things that are superior to the iPod (line in recording, build in voice recording, built in radio, superior battery life, superior sound quality, built in custom equalizer, no software needed to transfer files to it, USB On The Go, better build quality, not prone to scratches, cheaper battery replacement, set pictures as a wallpaper, and the list goes on) and all that in a case that, for the normal X5, is the same size as a 20GB iPod v4. Plus, the design is better (who actually LIKES the plain, box-like shape of the iPod?) The only two major disadvantages it has are lack of ID3 database support and currently buggy support for DRM music (only available in a beta firmware, to boot). Other then that it only has a few minor disadvantages; can't listen to music while viewing pictures and no cover art support are the biggest of the minor.
Since that was all a shameless plug for the X5, why not also have a look at
iAduiophile.net where you can learn even more about it :D
MrGuy - October 29, 2005 06:50 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Zelos @ Oct 29 2005, 11:33 AM) |
| Compared to the iPod v5, it's screen is nearly half the size at a mere 1.8" and 160x128 resolution (yes, 128, not 120) with a max FPS of 15 for video. |
End post there. That alone makes it suck. I don't want a smaller screen when I'm watching videos. Who cares about all the other crap when its screen's so small? I get recording of radio and voice + basically invulnerable with my other MP3 player.
Zelos - October 29, 2005 07:18 PM (GMT)
Maybe I should have put this at the top in bold print then:
| QUOTE |
| However, nearly everybody who has actually tried the video playback on it has found it to be pretty good. While I don't have one (getting one for Christmas smile.gif) I have formatted some videos to the correct resolution and FPS and am surprised by the results. With such a low resolution, the low FPS isn't noticeable except for a few places (namely, fast action scenes where motion blurs are visible), and even though the screen size is small, I tend to look at handheld screens much closer then I do with my computer monitor. |
While a image that small be, well, small on your computer monitor; with a handheld device you tend to hold the screen much closer to your eyes, giving the illusion that it's bigger.
Since when is video support and quality on an MP3 player its deciding factor anyways? The X5 has far superior audio quality to the iPod as well as other features that you would have found out about if you actually read my post, does that need to be in bold to?
| QUOTE |
| The X5 has many other things that are superior to the iPod (line in recording, build in voice recording, built in radio, superior battery life, superior sound quality, built in custom equalizer, no software needed to transfer files to it, USB On The Go, better build quality, not prone to scratches, cheaper battery replacement, set pictures as a wallpaper, and the list goes on) and all that in a case that, for the normal X5, is the same size as a 20GB iPod v4. Plus, the design is better (who actually LIKES the plain, box-like shape of the iPod?) |
MrGuy - October 29, 2005 08:14 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Zelos @ Oct 29 2005, 01:18 PM) |
| While a image that small be, well, small on your computer monitor; with a handheld device you tend to hold the screen much closer to your eyes, giving the illusion that it's bigger. |
Puh-lease. Unless you hold your MP3 player four inches away from your face there is no "illusion". The small screen is still a small screen no matter how you look at it. Why do you think handheld video game consoles advertise having big screens?
| QUOTE |
| Since when is video support and quality on an MP3 player its deciding factor anyways? The X5 has far superior audio quality to the iPod as well as other features that you would have found out about if you actually read my post, does that need to be in bold to? |
It's a deciding factor because they put it on, duh. Video's something the majority of people want to have on the go. A small difference in video quality is highly noticable where as a small difference in audio quality isn't. CD player's have fine audio quality. Any more "quality" is useless.
As for your post, no need to read it all the way! I can summarize it still though!
| QUOTE (Zelos) |
| lol hai guyz. Apple + iPod sux. lol i kool now rite? kool kids h8 Apple rite? ZOMG LINUX IS SUPERIOR. Chex out dis other mp3 playa that is only gewd cause i have 1. dont be like the soopid majority. |
What's funny is that I don't even own an iPod and I realize this! And by the way, those other features are frilly and utterly useless. Superior battery life? Holy crap, I may need to charge it more often! What the hell am I going to do!?
Zelos - October 29, 2005 08:55 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
| Puh-lease. Unless you hold your MP3 player four inches away from your face there is no "illusion". The small screen is still a small screen no matter how you look at it. Why do you think handheld video game consoles advertise having big screens? |
The only handheld video game system I've seen that advertises a big screen is the PSP.
I do realize that the X5's screen is small, and don't really know what else to say. However you saying the X5 sucks JUST because it has a puny screen and then not even taking into account its other features is pure idiocy.
| QUOTE |
| It's a deciding factor because they put it on, duh. Video's something the majority of people want to have on the go. A small difference in video quality is highly noticable where as a small difference in audio quality isn't. CD player's have fine audio quality. Any more "quality" is useless. |
I never said you SHOULDN'T judge something based on video. But you shouldn't judge it SOLELY on video. As I already said, the X5 has several other features that put it ahead of the iPod even if its video is worse.
If you want to get the iPod v5 based solely on the fact that its video is the best on any current MP3 player (which I do admit is true) you really need to get your priorities straight. In that case you'd be far better off getting a PMP with a 4" screen.
| QUOTE |
As for your post, no need to read it all the way! I can summarize it still though!
| QUOTE (Zelos) |
lol hai guyz. Apple + iPod sux. lol i kool now rite? kool kids h8 Apple rite? ZOMG LINUX IS SUPERIOR. Chex out dis other mp3 playa that is only gewd cause i have 1. dont be like the soopid majority. |
What's funny is that I don't even own an iPod and I realize this!
|
When did I EVER say the iPod sucks? It does not suck, it's just that there are better solutions out there. And if you had read my post, I do not have the X5 yet.
| QUOTE |
| Superior battery life? Holy crap, I may need to charge it more often! What the hell am I going to do!? |
Sure, I don't mind charging, what I do mind is the battery dying while watching a video because it only has a 2 hour battery life for videos and I had been been gone most of the day.
I am NOT trying to convert anyone here! I am merely trying to inform people that there is another choice since it seems everybody goes and buys an iPod because they know of nothing else! I never attacked you in any way, and yet here you are, trying to rip me to shreds!
I do NOT mind if you go and buy an iPod v5. I do NOT mind if you go and buy an iAudio X5. Stop attacking me in a blind hatred just because I am suggesting another choice that may not appeal to you. It appeals to me, and several other people, and perhaps maybe someone else on here who does not know of it yet.
König Warrior - October 29, 2005 09:04 PM (GMT)
Ok, I think we need to calm down a little in here.. I don't want this to turn into war of the mp3's.
Zelos is just stating his opinion and noting other options, not saying iPod is bad or you need to change.
MrGuy just believes the iPod Video/v5 is a better choice, if that's all he cares for, then that's fine.
That sums up this debate, now, the topic is to discuss the iPod Video, I suggest it get back on the track of doing that.
ZeRoRaVeN - October 29, 2005 09:18 PM (GMT)
It was partially about that....
| QUOTE |
H.264 video: up to 768 Kbps, 320 x 240, 30 frames per sec., Baseline Profile up to Level 1.3 with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4 and .mov file formats
MPEG-4 video: up to 2.5 mbps, 480 x 480, 30 frames per sec., Simple Profile with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4 and .mov file formats |
They don't seem to support wmv...no surprise since it's microsoft....hmm looks like if you get it you'll have to convert any wmv you want to watch of course...guess mpeg-4 is your best bet...
MrGuy - October 30, 2005 12:22 AM (GMT)
Lmao. Blind hatred. You obviously take things too seriously :rolleyes:
As for the iPod Video... I may ask for it for Christmas after seeing my friend's.
ZeRoRaVeN - October 30, 2005 11:42 PM (GMT)
I want to use it to watch Naruto episodes, though I imagine the subtitles would be near impossible to read, and with the 2 hr battery with video playback I probably wouldn't be watching much even if I could read. I want portability dammit, I want to be able to watch anime during my lunch period...and at night whent my parents don't know... :D
Earthbounder 5.0 - November 13, 2005 11:25 PM (GMT)
My friend has one in my biology class. It's pretty tricked out actually becuase the screen is large and the damn thing is so thin at the same time, it's impossible.
I'm sticking with a nano kthxbye.
ZeRoRaVeN - November 13, 2005 11:27 PM (GMT)
I haven't actually seen a actual one, is it really that big? Big enough for you to see the subtitles on anime subs?
I still have my ol' oversized ipod Photo..
Atrophy Within - November 18, 2005 09:29 PM (GMT)
o.0 People are too obsessed with music and movies these days... Seriously, put the Ipods down and go fishing or something.... Go visit grandma, or volunteer in your community.... there are better things to do than watch tv on a tiny *** screen. >.>
Hetman - November 20, 2005 05:52 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Selbstmord-Fuchs @ Nov 18 2005, 03:29 PM) |
| o.0 People are too obsessed with music and movies these days... Seriously, put the Ipods down and go fishing or something.... Go visit grandma, or volunteer in your community.... there are better things to do than watch tv on a tiny *** screen. >.> |
Welcome to the selfish comtemporary society of today. Don't go suggesting crap when you know we're not going to do it. ;)
@ZeRoRaVeN: Are you watching the 22-episode fillers of Naruto?
@MrGuy: Haha, damn straight. =D
ZeRoRaVeN - November 20, 2005 05:54 AM (GMT)
I rarely watch Naruto, in fact I beyond episode 1 I haven't watched it, I like to read manga, great for drawing and they're usually the ones that came first. Who doesn't love the bonus pages in the back of the manga books? XD
I see lycan is a very good girl.