Hi,
I'm interested in getting an Apple TV, but I only have a standard definition TV with composite/s-video inputs.

Has anyone else tried this? There's a software hack to enable colour output via composite cable using the 'green' component output (Composite - AwkwardTV), but I'd like to know if anyone here has tried it. Is the image stretched? Is it decent quality? Are there black bars on the top/bottom?

Thanks

If you have a 4:3 TV, the native AppleTV interface will be all squished. Even when set to 480p/576i over component, it still runs in 16:9 and doesn't look right on a 4:3 TV.

If you hack it and run Boxee/XBMC, they support 4:3.

Ah OK, so the native interface will be squished no matter what?

I'm not a big fan of the Boxee interface, so I think I might just stick to Front Row with Perian on the MacBook if that's the case.

Thanks for your help! I had been eyeing off the refurb 40gb units, but I think I'll resist the temptation.

Originally Posted by cowgz

Ah OK, so the native interface will be squished no matter what?

I'm not a big fan of the Boxee interface, so I think I might just stick to Front Row with Perian on the MacBook if that's the case.

I haven't found out a way to get the native interface not be squished on my 4:3 TV (plugged in via component)

Originally Posted by cowgz

Hi,
Has anyone else tried this? There's a software hack to enable colour output via composite cable using the 'green' component output (Composite - AwkwardTV), but I'd like to know if anyone here has tried it. Is the image stretched? Is it decent quality? Are there black bars on the top/bottom?

I used the AwkwardTV composite software hack and it works well. Don't remember having any significant ratio issues (I've upgraded my screen since).

If you need any help with the hack let me know, I'll have some notes around here somewhere.

Regards,

JMD

Originally Posted by jmd

I used the AwkwardTV composite software hack and it works well. Don't remember having any significant ratio issues (I've upgraded my screen since).

If you need any help with the hack let me know, I'll have some notes around here somewhere.

Regards,

JMD

Thanks, but I don't think I'll spend the $270 unless I'm pretty sure that it will work without any significant issues.

The MacBook works so well through Front Row with Perian installed. I've even got it streaming video over WiFi to Front Row. I just want Apple TV to basically work like a Front Row box, but instead Apple have crippled its functionality in crucial ways (lack of codec support, lack of composite output).

The refurb units have all sold now!