Version: 2008

October 12, 2005 10:12 AM PDT

Apple unveils video iPod, new iMac

  • 262 comments
SAN JOSE, Calif.--Apple Computer on Wednesday unveiled its long-rumored video iPod, as well as a new iMac and an updated version of iTunes that lets users buy music videos, TV shows and movies.

The iPod has "been a huge hit for us, so it's time to replace it," Apple CEO Steve Jobs said as he showed off the new video-capable MP3 player at an event here. "Yes, it does video."

The music players, which come in black or white with a 2.5-inch screen, will be available in a 30GB model for $299 and a 60GB version for $399. The new devices hold up to 15,000 songs, 25,000 photos or more than 150 hours of video, Apple said.

Apple products

Jobs kicked off the event by revealing a new iMac G5 desktop computer that will be similar to the current model but thinner. The 17-inch 1.9GHz goes for $1,299; the 20-inch 2.1GHz model is $1,699. The iMacs will come with a built-in, Webcam-style iSight camera with still and video capabilities, and a new Apple remote that lets consumers control music, photos and video from 30 feet away.

At the gathering, Jobs used the tiny white remote control like an oversize iPod Shuffle to play a Black Eyed Peas video and an "Incredibles" DVD and also to play home movies and photos.

The new lineup of features for iMac and iPod finally point the company more directly at the living-room space that Microsoft has attempted to carve out with its Media Center edition of Windows. Jobs introduced the iMac's new remote control and multimedia functions, called Front Row, saying they would enable people to experience music, video and photos "from the sofa."

However, the differences between the two platforms remain striking. Media Center PCs plug directly into a television or a television input device such as a cable TV box, allowing the devices to record television shows much like a TiVo digital video recorder, for example.

FAQ
Some details behind Apple's announcement
Following the announcement of new iMacs and a video-capable iPod, CNET News.com responds to some questions.

Many of today's Macs (and the new iPod) have a TV-out connection, but not a TV-in connection. Jobs highlighted only the ability to watch video on the iMac and iPod, without mentioning watching the programming on a television.

Indeed, for now, the video highlighted by Jobs is best suited for small screens, although Apple's software enhances the quality significantly for watching on a large screen. The 320-by-240 resolution can be expanded for a full-screen LCD (liquid-crystal display) TV or computer monitor, but will not have the quality of a DVD.

The cost of content
Then there's cost. With the new version of iTunes, unveiled five weeks after the debut of iTunes 5, consumers can buy non-burnable music videos for $1.99.

Tim Deal, an analyst with Technology Business Research, said he's unsure how consumers will take to the per-video cost.

"While I can appreciate the cool factor of portable video content, the price is a little difficult to digest," he said. "I think consumers are accustomed to seeing music videos for free from services such as Yahoo Launch and Comcast On Demand. Apple should give the videos away and charge for exclusive content only.

Related video
Steve Jobs shows off iPod with video
Jobs unveils latest iMac
Video comes to iTunes

"This will, however," Deal added, "be a real boon for video podcasting and provides another distribution channel for independent content."

In addition to music videos, consumers will be able to purchase TV shows one day after their initial broadcast. Offerings will include ABC television's "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" and the Disney Channel's "That's So Raven." It will take 10 to 20 minutes to download an episode, Jobs said. Each will cost $1.99 and will be ad-free.

Disney Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger took the stage with Jobs to introduce the sales of Disney- and ABC-owned TV shows through iTunes.

"We believe this is a breakthrough," Iger said. "This provides a

CONTINUED: ...
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Add a Comment (Log in or register) Showing 1 of 4 pages (262 Comments)
new ipod
by kaotica October 12, 2005 10:55 AM PDT
i hope there will be a software update for the current 60GB to allow it to "see" video
Reply to this comment
Yep
by hemen thacker October 12, 2005 10:58 AM PDT
iTunes 6.0 will allow you to copy videos.
not likely
by superd23 October 12, 2005 11:03 AM PDT
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the old ipods to play video
because it's not gonna happen.
View all 2 replies
new ipod
by kaotica October 12, 2005 10:55 AM PDT
i hope there will be a software update for the current 60GB to allow it to "see" video
Reply to this comment
Yep
by hemen thacker October 12, 2005 10:58 AM PDT
iTunes 6.0 will allow you to copy videos.
not likely
by superd23 October 12, 2005 11:03 AM PDT
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the old ipods to play video
because it's not gonna happen.
View all 2 replies
Apple strikes again!
by ZP October 12, 2005 11:39 AM PDT
WOW! I was just looking at the specs for the new iMac and I have to say that this is totally a Windows Media Center killer!!! It's amazing that Apple doesn't have a bigger user base. Maybe this will change things. Also the new iPod is really cool. I own a PSP and wish the thing had a video out. But I can still play the few games for it. I think I might have to get me a new video iPOD.
Reply to this comment
PVR app. included??
by technewsjunkie October 12, 2005 12:31 PM PDT
Yeah, with a 30 foot viewing distance this is partially aimed at the
living room.

What I'd like to have Apple include is a Tivo like application "iPVR"
for instance that would schedule and record TV. Better yet, have it
encode it for iPod playback, additionally.
View reply
Wait for the price drop
by ejcrist October 12, 2005 12:33 PM PDT
Comparing the Apple to a Media Center is fine, but the Apple is still WAY more expensive than Tivo.

I paid $200 for my 81 hour TIVO that also plays my MP3s through my stereo and displays my photos on my HDTV. I can transfer recorded video to my laptop or other home computers, burn to DVD and schedule recordings on my TIVO from a web site.

$200 vs $1200??
View all 5 replies
Apple strikes again!
by ZP October 12, 2005 11:39 AM PDT
WOW! I was just looking at the specs for the new iMac and I have to say that this is totally a Windows Media Center killer!!! It's amazing that Apple doesn't have a bigger user base. Maybe this will change things. Also the new iPod is really cool. I own a PSP and wish the thing had a video out. But I can still play the few games for it. I think I might have to get me a new video iPOD.
Reply to this comment
PVR app. included??
by technewsjunkie October 12, 2005 12:31 PM PDT
Yeah, with a 30 foot viewing distance this is partially aimed at the
living room.

What I'd like to have Apple include is a Tivo like application "iPVR"
for instance that would schedule and record TV. Better yet, have it
encode it for iPod playback, additionally.
View reply
Wait for the price drop
by ejcrist October 12, 2005 12:33 PM PDT
Comparing the Apple to a Media Center is fine, but the Apple is still WAY more expensive than Tivo.

I paid $200 for my 81 hour TIVO that also plays my MP3s through my stereo and displays my photos on my HDTV. I can transfer recorded video to my laptop or other home computers, burn to DVD and schedule recordings on my TIVO from a web site.

$200 vs $1200??
View all 5 replies
Just Ordered Mine!
by October 12, 2005 11:44 AM PDT
The 60gig jump is a nice touch...I never thought I would ever fill my 20gig, but it only took a few months. This will be a nice upgrade. (Also, did you see the new multimedia dock w/ remote! That is gonna be the edge over the comp.)
Reply to this comment
Just Ordered Mine!
by October 12, 2005 11:44 AM PDT
The 60gig jump is a nice touch...I never thought I would ever fill my 20gig, but it only took a few months. This will be a nice upgrade. (Also, did you see the new multimedia dock w/ remote! That is gonna be the edge over the comp.)
Reply to this comment
video format
by chuchucuhi October 12, 2005 11:49 AM PDT
I'm assuming some type of protected quicktime here or something? Can one encode their own videos on it? So many questions and of course so little information. The biggest thing I hate about press releases in tech.
Reply to this comment
Some info
by October 12, 2005 11:54 AM PDT
The videos available through itunes will be protected (non burnable), but can be copied to upto (I believe) 5 other computers and unlimited ipods. As for adding your own media, you can use any number of software programs to convert video to MPG4 (most cell phones are already using this format, and there are already collectives of video out there).
I assume it's MPEG-4
by technewsjunkie October 12, 2005 12:27 PM PDT
It's got to be MPEG-4 for the codec.

Good question though about the DRM technology and encoding
you own video. I definitely want to put my OWN video projects on
it!
Video Format
by stevenwbuehler October 13, 2005 10:57 AM PDT
The format used in the new iPod is H.264, which is extremely high quality with very small file size. It is supported in QuickTime version 7.
From iPod tech specs on Apple website...
by October 13, 2005 4:26 PM PDT
The new iPod supports the following video formats:

* 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.
QT 7 Pro
by October 15, 2005 11:10 AM PDT
To encode your own movies to H264 (or other codecs), all you need
is QT7 pro. the upgrade is $30. Pretty cheap for such great
software.
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/
AppleStore.woa/wo/StoreReentry.wo?productLearnMore=D3380Z%
2FA
video format
by chuchucuhi October 12, 2005 11:49 AM PDT
I'm assuming some type of protected quicktime here or something? Can one encode their own videos on it? So many questions and of course so little information. The biggest thing I hate about press releases in tech.
Reply to this comment
Some info
by October 12, 2005 11:54 AM PDT
The videos available through itunes will be protected (non burnable), but can be copied to upto (I believe) 5 other computers and unlimited ipods. As for adding your own media, you can use any number of software programs to convert video to MPG4 (most cell phones are already using this format, and there are already collectives of video out there).
I assume it's MPEG-4
by technewsjunkie October 12, 2005 12:27 PM PDT
It's got to be MPEG-4 for the codec.

Good question though about the DRM technology and encoding
you own video. I definitely want to put my OWN video projects on
it!
Video Format
by stevenwbuehler October 13, 2005 10:57 AM PDT
The format used in the new iPod is H.264, which is extremely high quality with very small file size. It is supported in QuickTime version 7.
From iPod tech specs on Apple website...
by October 13, 2005 4:26 PM PDT
The new iPod supports the following video formats:

* 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.
QT 7 Pro
by October 15, 2005 11:10 AM PDT
To encode your own movies to H264 (or other codecs), all you need
is QT7 pro. the upgrade is $30. Pretty cheap for such great
software.
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/
AppleStore.woa/wo/StoreReentry.wo?productLearnMore=D3380Z%
2FA
what kind of remote?
by lwvirden October 12, 2005 12:14 PM PDT
Is it a bluetooth remote (given that bluetooth is built in)? The pictures I've seen give me the impression it is infrared; that would be too bad,
I think, since that means you have to be pretty much line of sight for it, right?
Reply to this comment
what kind of remote?
by lwvirden October 12, 2005 12:14 PM PDT
Is it a bluetooth remote (given that bluetooth is built in)? The pictures I've seen give me the impression it is infrared; that would be too bad,
I think, since that means you have to be pretty much line of sight for it, right?
Reply to this comment
I'm going to sell my current iPod for the new one!
by technewsjunkie October 12, 2005 12:24 PM PDT
I gotta have it! Even if it's teeny.
I'd love to be able to pull it out if my pocket and show people my
video projects, just to give them a flavor of the project.

Definite cool factor.
Reply to this comment
I'm going to sell my current iPod for the new one!
by technewsjunkie October 12, 2005 12:24 PM PDT
I gotta have it! Even if it's teeny.
I'd love to be able to pull it out if my pocket and show people my
video projects, just to give them a flavor of the project.

Definite cool factor.
Reply to this comment
no firewire support on video ipod
by Don Key October 12, 2005 12:34 PM PDT
with each new ipod video, you get some free lube... since steve jobs loves to F over older mac users.

(macs only started shipping with usb 2.0 1 1/2-2 years ago)
Reply to this comment
Yeah, legacy support would be nice...
by M C October 12, 2005 12:47 PM PDT
But that would mean an increase in size for the iPod.

I'm sure they didn't make the decision lightly - it basically concedes defeat for Firewire.
bend over for Jobs
by chris_d October 12, 2005 12:48 PM PDT
No kidding. I have a 3-year-old Mac. It's a notebook so I can't just slap a PCI USB 2.0 card in there. I guess Jobs expects me to go buy a new Mac with the iPod. That, or I could wait several hours for music to download over the USB 1.1 connection. Instead, I just won't be buying this new iPod.
View reply
no firewire support on video ipod
by October 12, 2005 1:26 PM PDT
You're kidding, right? I have 3 iPods (all using FireWire for
lightning fast uploads), a G5 1.8Ghz and a new iBook G4...
wouldn't trade 'em "up" for anything - plus a Bronze
keyboard PB and a vintage Performa 6400/200 all still in
working order.

AND I am an older mac user myself. Must be I like the way
Jobs has been F ing me over all these years!

Seriously -- if you take good care of the Macs you've got,
they'll take good care of you. So don't get all in a twist over
these new babies and the changes.
View reply
Doesn't fly...
by October 13, 2005 1:50 AM PDT
>>with each new ipod video, you get some free lube... since
steve >>jobs loves to F over older mac users. (macs only started
>>shipping with usb 2.0 1 1/2-2 years ago)

Funny that you say that. Mac users have the slowest upgrade
cycle among PC users for exactly the opposite reason. Why is
that, pray tell? Perhaps because their macs remain exceptionally
functional even into late life?? I have an original TiBook
500mhz. Aside from the slow processor, it's still basically
cutting edge. Wifi, large screen, USB, Firewire, DVD...

Your argument doesn't fly unless you really believe that the
lawsuit brought against apple that it would support ancient
legacy systems is a true indicator of it's malicious nature. Apple
is great at keeping old computers running like new. Sometimes
it just messes up. (great men will inevitably be plagued by great
mistakes)
View reply
no firewire support on video ipod
by Don Key October 12, 2005 12:34 PM PDT
with each new ipod video, you get some free lube... since steve jobs loves to F over older mac users.

(macs only started shipping with usb 2.0 1 1/2-2 years ago)
Reply to this comment
Yeah, legacy support would be nice...
by M C October 12, 2005 12:47 PM PDT
But that would mean an increase in size for the iPod.

I'm sure they didn't make the decision lightly - it basically concedes defeat for Firewire.
bend over for Jobs
by chris_d October 12, 2005 12:48 PM PDT
No kidding. I have a 3-year-old Mac. It's a notebook so I can't just slap a PCI USB 2.0 card in there. I guess Jobs expects me to go buy a new Mac with the iPod. That, or I could wait several hours for music to download over the USB 1.1 connection. Instead, I just won't be buying this new iPod.
View reply
no firewire support on video ipod
by October 12, 2005 1:26 PM PDT
You're kidding, right? I have 3 iPods (all using FireWire for
lightning fast uploads), a G5 1.8Ghz and a new iBook G4...
wouldn't trade 'em "up" for anything - plus a Bronze
keyboard PB and a vintage Performa 6400/200 all still in
working order.

AND I am an older mac user myself. Must be I like the way
Jobs has been F ing me over all these years!

Seriously -- if you take good care of the Macs you've got,
they'll take good care of you. So don't get all in a twist over
these new babies and the changes.
View reply
Doesn't fly...
by October 13, 2005 1:50 AM PDT
>>with each new ipod video, you get some free lube... since
steve >>jobs loves to F over older mac users. (macs only started
>>shipping with usb 2.0 1 1/2-2 years ago)

Funny that you say that. Mac users have the slowest upgrade
cycle among PC users for exactly the opposite reason. Why is
that, pray tell? Perhaps because their macs remain exceptionally
functional even into late life?? I have an original TiBook
500mhz. Aside from the slow processor, it's still basically
cutting edge. Wifi, large screen, USB, Firewire, DVD...

Your argument doesn't fly unless you really believe that the
lawsuit brought against apple that it would support ancient
legacy systems is a true indicator of it's malicious nature. Apple
is great at keeping old computers running like new. Sometimes
it just messes up. (great men will inevitably be plagued by great
mistakes)
View reply
Cnet LOVES rumors, so why no speculation on Pixar-Disney reunion?
by M C October 12, 2005 12:37 PM PDT
I mean, it should be an obvious topic that could keep a reporter (who might otherwise be saddled with the task of finding actual news) busy for days!
Reply to this comment
Because there is no way...
by Earl Benser October 12, 2005 1:37 PM PDT
... that Pixar would make a damn fool move like that.....


And even the dumbest reporter could figure that out by lunchtime.
View reply
Cnet LOVES rumors, so why no speculation on Pixar-Disney reunion?
by M C October 12, 2005 12:37 PM PDT
I mean, it should be an obvious topic that could keep a reporter (who might otherwise be saddled with the task of finding actual news) busy for days!
Reply to this comment
Because there is no way...
by Earl Benser October 12, 2005 1:37 PM PDT
... that Pixar would make a damn fool move like that.....


And even the dumbest reporter could figure that out by lunchtime.
View reply
I doubt they'll play on your 4G, but you can store them...
by M C October 12, 2005 12:40 PM PDT
...in hard disk mode.
Reply to this comment
Sorry-meant to be a reply to
by M C October 12, 2005 12:40 PM PDT
nm
I doubt they'll play on your 4G, but you can store them...
by M C October 12, 2005 12:40 PM PDT
...in hard disk mode.
Reply to this comment
Sorry-meant to be a reply to
by M C October 12, 2005 12:40 PM PDT
nm
And one mor thing....
by winmanjr October 12, 2005 12:48 PM PDT
The Emac is gone from the Apple Store web site.
Reply to this comment
Education only
by jasonemanuelson1 October 12, 2005 1:08 PM PDT
Only education channels get it now, from what I understand.
View reply
And one mor thing....
by winmanjr October 12, 2005 12:48 PM PDT
The Emac is gone from the Apple Store web site.
Reply to this comment
Education only
by jasonemanuelson1 October 12, 2005 1:08 PM PDT
Only education channels get it now, from what I understand.
View reply
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