We're not big on rumor-mongering here at PVR Wire, and I'm personally not big on plugging Apple products that
haven't even been released yet (or even designed yet, for that matter). However, our chums over at Engadget have pointed out that Apple has apparently put the 60GB iPod (ie. the "video capable" one) on its 'at risk' list -- a designation the company provides to retailers to give them a heads up that a product may be in short supply in the near future. So, if you're thinking of purchasing one of the recently-released video-capable iPods, you might want to hang off for a couple of weeks for the latest Apple hype-fest.
Of course, the announcement could be for any number of reasons, not least of all because Apple are planning to release an upgraded version of the device. Naturally, Apple fanatics everywhere are giving themselves unhealthy doses of the hot flushes in anticipation of the 'One True Video iPod', which may, or many not actually arrive.
Hmm.... I wonder if they'll ever release one that can actually record video in addition to playing it back?
1. "I wonder if they'll ever release one that can actually record video in addition to playing it back?"
Since it has a Firewire port, if they add 5C DRM support it could record the original MPEG-2 stream directly from a cable receiver, HD tape player or other HD tuner, and playback in full resolution on a Firewire/iLink equipped TV. The file would be huge, though. And to play it back on the iPod it would need MPEG decompression. Not likely.
Adding video input and compression to the iPod would increase the cost tremendously, and reduce its halo effect of pushing people to buy Macs to keep their 'pods company. Apple can easily offer video input for Macs if they want to get into that market.
So don't hold your breath.
Posted at 5:50PM on Mar 21st 2006 by CupertinoSlim