Firstly when using optical out into decent hifi DACs, the difference between a SB and AppleTV is diminished massively, the big SB being an exception, but then it is around 7 times the price.
Secondly, why are people bitching and moaning that people shouldn't have to hack the AppleTV to work? Apple stated from day one it was designed to be used with HDTVs. They never mentioned or implied it could be used with anything else. Therefore if the idea of work rounds or hacks disturbs you, don't purchase the damn device.
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Why the hubub?
Firstly when using optical out into decent hifi DACs, the difference between a SB and AppleTV is diminished massively, the big SB being an exception, but then it is around 7 times the price.
Secondly, why are people bitching and moaning that people shouldn't have to hack the AppleTV to work? Apple stated from day one it was designed to be used with HDTVs. They never mentioned or implied it could be used with anything else. Therefore if the idea of work rounds or hacks disturbs you, don't purchase the damn device.