dave@project1982.com (David Michael Maurer) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 23:53:08 -0700

Dear Apple... Facetime needs a way of leaving a video message. Then everyone will use it.

dave@project1982.com (David Michael Maurer) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:51:47 -0800

What is the new Apple TV? This is a question I ponder often.

Here's the weird deal. I waited on HD-TV. I have waited a lot longer than the average joe. As the result I have Standard Definition monitors all over my house. When I make film or television, I deal in high-def or higher beyond film resolution. When I'm at home enjoying SNL or Alcatraz, it's usually in SD. The first question everyone asks is why???!

I mean HD sets are cheap right? Like for $200 and I can enjoy wonderful HD content on expanded cable or satellite right? I see the argument.

My answer is simple: Besides, being in love with my SD Tivo Series II (I own two of them and love Tivo), I absolutely am waiting for Apple to make a decision in the market.

Now this blog has a love hate relationship with Apple. I absolutely hate Final Cut Pro. Old versions are missing important features, new versions are laughable for professional users (yes even the latest update with a billion cameras in multicam, who cares? I only need 18 camera slots and the actual interface slows down editing for a pro). I own a copy of FCPX but will likely never use it on a project without some complete UI overhauls of the software, this was clearly designed by someone who doesn't edit professionally or understands what we professionals need.

That said, I LOVE my iPhone, iPad, Mac Mini, Titanium Mac, Mac Book Pro, Mac Book, and desktops. I'm an editor, and well, Mac OS and Apple hardware are the way to go when running my Avid Products.

So what is Apple up to? I've have been scouring the websites and thinking deeply about what I would want with an Apple Television. Assuming the screen is the best available, here's my list...

1. Television ala carte. I want to pay slightly more money to networks and brands that provide me with content I love than a broad array of channels that a cable company forces me pay for that I never watch. This does democratize entertainment but I get what I want as a consumer and potentially save money by not spending on services I don't need. This would send a massive wave through the industry and the way it does business so expect a major backlash if this is announced (see the slow to change music industry).

2. Open presentations. I want Netflix, Youtube, Vimeo, Hulu, Hulu Plus, Yahoo, Apple Store Productions, AMAZON, and FLASH video. All playable on my television. Let them compete, I'll take the high quality Apple Monitor. They can take the subscriber fees. Offer me free content to pilots and big episodes. Brands can take over independently. Vimeo and Youtube can use the integration to start charging for tv playback on a small scale for premium content opening options for independent content providers.

3. A Remote-less TV. Imagine XBox Connect but more advanced and integrated into a device. I don't ever want to have to use a remote again. Just let me gesture possibilities or even use my Apple products like my awesome iPhone to connect to my TV and choose content.

4. I want a huge hard-drive. 2 tb or larger. Store media for long periods. Attachments to iCloud or Amazon could help but this would be helpful.

5. Bluetooth optional for living room keyboard options and trackpads. I want the option to run more than video product. Games, Video Editing, Music Composition, and more should all be able to play in the ecosystem. I want to edit on my Avid in my living room from my couch, even if that material is being piped into the living room from a secondary CPU in my office.

6. Social Media Integration. I want to be able to tweet and facebook my content and share with friends when something is amazing and worth sharing.

7. Network Photo sharing directly from the box as a server. If the monitor is off, the hard drive/server is on, and I can access the data anywhere. The ultimate iPhoto, Slingbox, iTunes, and more. Directly from my house.

8. A camera built in. I want to chat, message, and share via my TV. Forget tiny telephones. If I'm at home, I could talk to a giant face on my TV directly or take business meetings with friends around the world.

9. IOS Apps for virtually anything, controllable via gesture, not touch. I want to be able to trade stocks, pay bills, watch tv, listen to music, play games, tweet, and facebook, all from one large scale device. A giant iPad with IR feeback and camera connection.

10. Thunderbolt connection for multi-media power. I want to be able to expand storage and media power for the monitor as needed. Just add a drive and make more room.

What would you want from an Apple Television? Dream big...

Project1982.com Presents THE FILMSCHOOL PODCAST