Apple TV and File Conversion

[terryj]

Just glancing at some of the Apple TV threads over at Macfixit.com.
One of note to our group:

Translating video so it plays on the Apple TV

Not all video playable by iTunes can be played on the Apple TV. The Apple TV can only handle video in specific formats. To ensure video is compatible, translate it using one of the following tools:

VisualHub
QuickTime 7.1.5 (use the "Export to Apple TV" function)
Note that exporting video in the Apple TV-designated format can be a time-consuming process.

MacFixIt reader Michael Salesin writes:

"I have an iMovieHD file which is 1080i, runs about an hour and is 46GB. I converted it to a full copy quicktime file (.mov) which turned out to be 44.41 GB. i then converted that into a m4v file for the apple tv and that turned out to be 1.77 GB. the process on a Dual-processor G5 2.66 GHz machine took over 6 hours but the end result is really great. I haven't tried any 3rd party software to do the conversion."

[terryj]

More undeer .ted's musings, things are looking up:
Apple TV hackable, components replaceable, Perian can be installed.

[willrob]

I'm hoping that Apple will introduce hardware acceleration for video compression at the NAB conference in April. And I'm also hoping someone comes out with a PCI card for my Mac Pro so I can also partake.

I don't see a lot of average users spending 6 hours converting files. The TV may flounder if iTunes store doesn't start renting films, new releases in particular.

[ssj2_goha]

Well personally I can rip/convert a dvd to AppleTV compatibe video in almost realtime... 1/3-1/2 realtime for 2 pass video.