Apple TV up close

I am under the impression this product has a hard drive in it, making it a potential Tivo-like device. With the networking capabilities and a hard drive it could be part of a distribution network like bit torrent, but legal. Could content be put on the drive by Apple even if you didn't order it? For example, if a popular new movie was being released it could be put on the drive beforehand and if you order it, boom you have it already.

The Apple TV is going to be amazing. I found a community already, if your going to get one check it out. http://www.appletvusers.com

@ dwilsonh - nope, HDMI cable sold separately. I like monoprice.com for very cheap cables :) I know that expensive cables are allegedly better, but I've never seen a real difference side by side with an overpriced Monster cable and an el-cheapo cable from a reputable online dealer.

For those wondering, they're Sony Bravia X series TVs (stunning looking pieces of hardware with that glass bezel).

I'm curious, if this thing is all about HD content, what HD content are we going to be viewing? If the iTunes store doesn't even sell HD content, where the hell is everyone getting this HD video in mpeg4 and h.264? Even if the iTS was selling HD videos, that's an expensive way of doing things, and totally useless to those outside the US who don't have access to the iTS videos.

Laurie, can you verify that the HDMI cable comes with the Apple TV? It looks as if it is color coded to match the device. I am sure one can find cheaper HDMI cables online, but here in Northern Virginia, USA, they sale for $50 to $150.

A 40GB drive? Are hard drives still made in such small capacity? Even the cheapest Mac Mini has 50% more.

MP3s which are the 'bread and butter' format of digital music and iTunes/iPod plays them. Why can't this thing play DivX/XviD files which are the 'bread and butter' of digital video.

Without MP3 support, iTunes and the iPod wouldn't be where they are today and this will hold true for the Apple TV without support for the most common forms of digital video.

If Apple supported these formats (and Video TS) I would buy one straight away but for now I will be sticking with my Mediagate MG-350HD with a 320Gb hard drive in it.

M.

@ Daan "Does anyone know what brand / model those TVs are?"

They are all Sony ;)

Can it replace my DVD player? Is there a "DVD" option on the menu? In other words, can I drop a DVD in my Mac, and stream the DVD to the Apple TV (*without* having whip out the ole HandBrake)?

Yup, those are XBR's, I got one.