52 replies to this topic

[ross549]

OK, I think I know what you are asking. I was not aware you were speaking of AV *output*.

There are a few options for the ipad- I have the composite cable set which lets me output either 4:3 or 16:9 (via a software switch) from the ipad. I doubt it is HD... and frankly, I have not used it except to see if it even worked.

However, you can also get an HDMI adapter for the iPad. I have not used, but I believe it lets you output 720/1080p video through an HDMI cable.

I don't use that, though. I have an Apple TV, which lets me stream video to the AppleTV over my wifi. I can do it from anywhere, and don't have to worry about cables. The newest iPad and AppleTV now support AirPlay at 1080p, whereas the previous ones only did 720p.

I thought you were talking about playing media on th iPad itself.

Adam

[crp]

OK, I think I know what you are asking. I was not aware you were speaking of AV *output*.

There are a few options for the ipad- I have the composite cable set which lets me output either 4:3 or 16:9 (via a software switch) from the ipad. I doubt it is HD... and frankly, I have not used it except to see if it even worked.

However, you can also get an HDMI adapter for the iPad. I have not used, but I believe it lets you output 720/1080p video through an HDMI cable.

I don't use that, though. I have an Apple TV, which lets me stream video to the AppleTV over my wifi. I can do it from anywhere, and don't have to worry about cables. The newest iPad and AppleTV now support AirPlay at 1080p, whereas the previous ones only did 720p.

I thought you were talking about playing media on th iPad itself.

Adam

I was !
The MP977 can switch display "mode" on its own output screen. 4:3 , 16:9 , as well as 3 options on "fitting" the output to the on device screen
I don't think anyone would call Coby a vanguard of technical prowess and the MP977 costs under $125 - so yeah, i would call it a demerit of the new iPad that it only does 4:3 (especially since the retina tech seems to beg for 16:9)

[ross549]

Well, 16:9 is only one of the aspect ratios used by movies these days, though it is the most common. We also have 2.83:1 and 21:9. The point is the iPad is not only a video player. It is also a web browser, ebook reader, photo/video editor, and has literally thousands of different functions. The coolest thing right now, in my opinion, is its capability to be used in the production of music. It can record music in garage band, serve as a replacement for effects pedals for an electric guitar, serve as a MIDI controller and synthesizer for a keyboard, and much much more.

Locking in the resolution to a 16:9 format is not the smart choice, especially since it is only one of three popular aspect ratios for movies. If it was designed as *only* a media player, then the 16:9 aspect ratio makes sense.

It still outputs widescreen (16:9) video to the TV using either Airplay or the various accessory cables.

Adam

[lewmur]

My portable media device (Coby MP977) has this option to let me switch between 4*3 and 16*9 whenever I want. The complaint is that the new iPad does not support 16*9 at all. Is the complaint correct?

No, it's not.  The iPad will display 16x9 but you can't change the physical shape of the screen.  That ratio remains 4x3 so when you display 16x9 you get a black band at the top and bottom of the screen, just like you did on old TVs.

[ross549]

No, it's not.  The iPad will display 16x9 but you can't change the physical shape of the screen.  That ratio remains 4x3 so when you display 16x9 you get a black band at the top and bottom of the screen, just like you did on old TVs.

That is corect, but you can double tap the video to zoom it to the top and bottom of the screen, which then crops the video along the left and right edges.

Or, you can use the various output options to put the video on the TV.

Adam

[lewmur]

That is corect, but you can double tap the video to zoom it to the top and bottom of the screen, which then crops the video along the left and right edges.

Or, you can use the various output options to put the video on the TV.

Adam

Which means you can't see the whole picture.  Face it.  This is a major flaw in the iPad and no amount of making excuses is going to change it.  The iPad is supposed to be a portable device, so saying you can watch its content on your TV doesn't make a whole lot of sense.  Creating a portable media device with a 4x3 screen was a downright stupid choice.  Period.  

edit:  In a couple of weeks, I'll be able to use my $35 Rasberry Pi to watch media content on my TV.  Makes a whole lot more sense than using an expensive iPad.

Edited by lewmur, 16 March 2012 - 01:48 PM.

[LilBambi]

OK I think there are mincing issues here.

crp, you said that your MP977 OUTPUTs 16:9 (I assume the device itself on it's own screen does not do true 16:9, just that it outputs true 16:9. Is that a correct statement?

If so, isn't that what Adam is saying too? If I read Adam's posts correctly, the iPad itself does not do 16:9 but it will do HDMI at 16:9 on OUTPUT.

Or is that not the case Adam?

[ross549]

OK I think there are mincing issues here.

crp, you said that your MP977 OUTPUTs 16:9 (I assume the device itself on it's own screen does not do true 16:9, just that it outputs true 16:9. Is that a correct statement?

If so, isn't that what Adam is saying too? If I read Adam's posts correctly, the iPad itself does not do 16:9 but it will do HDMI at 16:9 on OUTPUT.

Or is that not the case Adam?

You are correct. You can *output 16:9 video to a TV via any of the various video output adapters.

[ross549]

Which means you can't see the whole picture.  Face it.  This is a major flaw in the iPad and no amount of making excuses is going to change it.  The iPad is supposed to be a portable device, so saying you can watch its content on your TV doesn't make a whole lot of sense.  Creating a portable media device with a 4x3 screen was a downright stupid choice.  Period.  

edit:  In a couple of weeks, I'll be able to use my $35 Rasberry Pi to watch media content on my TV.  Makes a whole lot more sense than using an expensive iPad.

Lewmur, let's be fair. It is not a flaw, but a design choice. Apple made this tablet to do much more than just watch movies, so a 16:9 aspect ratio is not going to be ideal in all situations.

It was a design *choice*, not a flaw. The ability to use the tablet successfully in portrait mode is much more important to me than having edge to edge 16:9 video.

Adam

[lewmur]

Lewmur, let's be fair. It is not a flaw, but a design choice. Apple made this tablet to do much more than just watch movies, so a 16:9 aspect ratio is not going to be ideal in all situations.

It was a design *choice*, not a flaw. The ability to use the tablet successfully in portrait mode is much more important to me than having edge to edge 16:9 video.

Adam

BS.  It's a design flaw.  Pure and simple.  There are no real advantages in having a 4x3 screen on a pad.  I read books in portrait mode on both my HP TP and my 7" Android pad.  You are just making excuses.  And the vast majority of Web pages are designed to be viewed  on a widescreen.  

It goes without saying that it was a "choice" made by Apple.  That doesn't make it a good choice.  Despite the rumors to the contrary, Steve Jobs did NOT walk on water.

[LilBambi]

Let's be respectful of each other's opinions as Highlanders. Take issue with the item, but not another's opinion. There are better ways to address an issue, or a perceived issue without being in someone's face about their opinion.

Being totally inflexible does no one any good.

[LilBambi]

I also do not think there is anyone here, even among those that appreciate Apple products that thinks Steve Jobs was some sort of Holy person.

He was a shrewd business man with an eye for design.

I personally do not like many things Apple does, or Steve Jobs did. But I can say the same thing about Bill Gates and Microsoft, or any other combo for a huge company that has basically lost touch with anything about their users/buyers except how to draw them to the buying table and be happy about it despite their better judgment.

This really is not unique to Apple. I have lived through it with IBM, Intel, Sony, Microsoft, and now Apple. There are a few more too but I can't think of them at the moment.

[securitybreach]

I personally do not like many things Apple does, or Steve Jobs did. But I can say the same thing about Bill Gates and Microsoft, or any other combo for a huge company that has basically lost touch with anything about their users/buyers except how to draw them to the buying table and be happy about it despite their better judgment.

This really is not unique to Apple. I have lived through it with IBM, Intel, Sony, Microsoft, and now Apple. There are a few more too but I can't think of them at the moment.

Agreed

[LilBambi]

BTW: I am one of those that appreciates Apple products; just not their pricing structure LOL!

I also love Android, WebOS, and KDE Sparkle too and so much else in technology!

[LilBambi]

I am also one that would buy an iPad if I could. I would also buy an Amazon Fire, HP Slate (if they were still available), Kindle, Nook (already have one of those - thanks Josh!) and Transformer, and that really cool $100 tablet that Josh just got.

I just love technology! But I have to say, Apple made it beautiful and although I bristle at their 'borders' and 'boundaries' I am not locked into ONLY having Apple products if I could afford others as well.

[crp]

OK I think there are mincing issues here.

crp, you said that your MP977 OUTPUTs 16:9 (I assume the device itself on it's own screen does not do true 16:9, just that it outputs true 16:9. Is that a correct statement?

If so, isn't that what Adam is saying too? If I read Adam's posts correctly, the iPad itself does not do 16:9 but it will do HDMI at 16:9 on OUTPUT.

Or is that not the case Adam?

  No, the MP977 will output to its on device screen in 4*3 or 16*9 , you can choose. There are in additions other options about fitting the screen-to-video or video-to-screen (much like in msWindows with WMP, etc.) .  In addition, the MP977 has output options - analog and HDMI, with the same video frame options.
The MP977 also has eBook capabilities.
Saying that the new iPad had to be 4*3 because it does "more than just video" is just jabberwocky to me. But hey, if someone thinks that is a legitimate reason, cest la vie. But do consider that the  inexpensive, stupid MP977 can manage 4*3 and 16*9 just fine.

[LilBambi]

Cool. Nice to know there are so many nice alternatives to choose from.

I still prefer an iPad, HP WebOS Slate, or an Android ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich) tablet personally. Since they all can do so much more than a high-definition video, music, photos, and text device. I wouldn't mind a 7" screen though. That MP977 does have some decent specs though:

Features

    Experience high-definition video, music, photos, and text on a gorgeous 7" LCD screen
    Advanced processing supports 1080p video in a wide range of popular formats
    Connect and enjoy in Full 1080p on your HDTV*
    Includes 4 GB or 8 GB of internal flash memory
    Expandable memory with optional microSDHC card
    Convenient remote control included
    Calendar App included
    Integrated stereo speakers and 3.5 mm headphone jack
    USB 2.0 Hi-speed for fast file transfers
    Rechargeable lithium-polymer battery (2200 mAH)

[ross549]

Saying that the new iPad had to be 4*3 because it does "more than just video" is just jabberwocky to me. But hey, if someone thinks that is a legitimate reason, cest la vie. But do consider that the  inexpensive, stupid MP977 can manage 4*3 and 16*9 just fine.

Exactly. It is consumer preference. Apple thought consumers would not mind a 4:3 screen all that much. It seems that many do not, judging by the sales numbers.

There are no real advantages in having a 4x3 screen on a pad.

And that is your opinion. I disagree with it, but it does not make it either of us wrong. It is preference, and if you prefer 16:9, that's fine. I just don't think I would like reading books or do other page-based tasks on a 16:9 screen in portrait mode. i think the 4:3 ratio works better.

Also, calling it a flaw is not fair at all. It was a choice by Apple. A flaw would be the screen not working as designed.


For what it is worth, I don't expect everyone to like the iPad. There are times when I don't like it either. However, my opinion is that APple did a fantastic job designing the hardware, and the build quality is second to non. No one else even comes close.

Also, I do not plan to upgrade to the new iPad, because the improved screen is the only upgrade that really matters to me, and I do not think it is worth the 200.00 or so that it would cost to upgrade (which includes selling the iPad 2 for a good price, which may not be possible anymore.)

Adam

[lewmur]

And that is your opinion. I disagree with it, but it does not make it either of us wrong.

Saying that "everyone is entitled to their own opinion" is stating the obvious.  But equating that with "everyone's opinions are equally valid", is a logical fallacy.   Your only argument in favor of 4x3 is you find it "easier to read" in that format.  Now that is a "personal choice".  I prefer to read in 16x9 landscape.  But that "personal preference" just doesn't stand up to all the reasons why a "portable media platform" should have a "widescreen" when the vast amount of the media for the device is created to be viewed in that format.   And the fact that there are a gazillion lemmings willing to follow wherever Apple leads, doesn't negate that fact.

Edited by lewmur, 17 March 2012 - 11:01 AM.

[LilBambi]

I think you both have adequately stated your opinions.

Please move on. Nothing further can be gained from continuing that part of the discussion.

[Urmas]

Apple offers refund to Australian buyers of new iPad  --(Reuters)

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has taken legal action to ensure Apple makes consumers aware its third-generation iPad cannot connect to a 4G mobile data network in Australia due to technical incompatibility.

Apple agreed to post warnings that its new iPad "is not compatible with current Australian 4G LTE networks and WiMAX networks" over the next week.

In documents lodged with the court, the ACCC says Apple advertised that "iPad with WiFi can with a SIM card, connect to a 4G mobile data network in Australia, which it cannot do".

Australia, Europe... in fact, that "technical incompatibility"... Grrr. Let me rephrase this: iPad's built-in mobile broadband modem is "technically compatible" with U.S. and Canadian (and possibly Japanese) 4G networks ONLY. Why? Because it only works with 700 & 2100 MHz frequencies (reserved for 4G mobile data in North America) and NOT with 800, 1800 & 2600 MHz (in use pretty much everywhere else.)

OK, fine, 4G is a new thing, and there are no modems out there (yet) capable of dealing with BOTH frequency sets... but how difficult would it have been to equip devices to be sold in Europe/Australia/etc. with a right kind of modem?

Worse, yet: they (Apple) advertised that feature. Not only in Australia. They did it here as well.

[ross549]

Is LTE that widespread in Europe? I don't think it had much of a start in Austrailia yet, from what I've read.....

Adam

[Urmas]

Is LTE that widespread in Europe?

Define Europe.  

Here in Finland, 4G networks (three nationwide operators) currently cover the largest cities, and -- according to operators -- 60 % of the population will be within 4G coverage by the end of this year. That coverage is based on 2600 MHz band, because 800 MHz "part" of the networks (needed for rural coverage) will be built from 2013 onwards.

[LilBambi]

I think I read an article recently that said that about 90% of Europe doesn't work with LTE.

Any carrier's 4G LTE isn't compatible with many rural areas in the USA too.

[ross549]

LTE radios (the transceiver in the iPad, for example) are not really fully developed like 3G. Apple including the 4G radio in the iPad is an interesting move, considering the radio is only configured for North American LTE bands. The iPad is global 3G compatible. It may be until the next iPad before we see global compatibility of LTE. It is not only the radio that must be properly engineered, but also the antenna system[s].

So why did Apple release a product that was not globally compatible? Hmmm......

Adam