Mac Computer Users Group

Every once and awhile, I venture over to a Mac Users Group meeting, even though I don't own an Apple computer anymore. My reason for going is usually out of curiosity in regards to a new product that Apple has recently debuted. I did use Apple products when I was teaching, we had some Apple computers in the lab, but I've always been more interested in PCs than Macs. I decided to check out tonight's meeting because the key presentation - a demo of Apple's new Apple TV - looked interesting. The device is compatible with Macs and PCs and it basically is a wireless streaming device that allows you to transport your saved videos, music, JPEGS, pod casts, etc., from iTunes, to a HD TV. It has several limitations as to it's use, i.e. no support for HD DVDs or Blue Ray, but it does have an HDMI output, and when the source is of high quality, it does a good job of streaming videos and the like at a quality that is quite good. It's relatively simple to hook up and will work using an Ethernet connection, or as mentioned, wirelessly over a G/N network. I took my little Samsung camcorder with me to the meeting, so I captured a few seconds of the presentation to post to the blog. Take a look...

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/jimdaviselkgrove/?action=view&current=SMOV0039.flv