Apple gave us computers, gave us phones, and now its Apple TV time. When the concept of Apple TV first surfaced, it was a large belief that Apple TV will not be much more than a fad to this computer and phone mogul.
Unboxing
As with any Apple product it is really needless to say that the superb packaging of this device just makes the unwrapping that much sweeter.
The tiny, black and shiny, 0.6 pound unit no bigger than 3.9” x 3.9,” comes with its very own sleek and ultrathin Aluminum remote, power cord, and manual. All are cradled in the Apple iconic white box.
Hardware
Before we list what Apple TV has in terms of hardware, let us point out the one piece of hardware you will not find inside; a spinning hard drive. Apple took this out of the equation in order to optimally use the minimal space within the super small casing. But don’t be fooled about its power, with a custom A4 processor similar to that in the iPhone 4, iPad and newest iPod touch, Apple TV is kept cool even during rigorous usage.
Being mindful of a variety of users, although this device is a newer technology that uses HDMI (cable sold separately), there is also an optical audio out for those who have older receivers. And of course the other two built in ports are for Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Even though main purpose for Apple TV is to be a streaming set-top box, but in case you are wondering is does have 8GB onboard storage, and 256MB of RAM.
Software
The Apple TV can support H.264, MPEG-4 and M-JPEG, and has a maximum resolution output of 720P (anything above 720P from iTunes is automatically downscaled). As for the audio formats, the supported ones include AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV, and even Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound when its passes through a compatible receiver.
The setup of the Apple TV really couldn’t be easier. All it takes is a connection to your network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, the entry of the needed info using the remote, i.e. network password. Then you’re prompted to set up the Apple TV with an iTunes account. The connection to the iTunes account allows instant purchasing of content.
Content
If you wonder why you need to link the Apple TV to the iTunes account, keep in mind that iTunes offers the biggest selection of digital movie and TV purchases and rentals. Although the TV content rented directly from the Apple TV is only available from Fox, ABC, BBC and Disney networks.
iTunes Movie and TV Show Rentals
- HD Movie
1280 x 720 (maximum)
Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound (not all titles)
New releases – $4.99
Library titles – $3.99 - SD Movie
720 x 480 anamorphic (maximum)
Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound (not all titles)
New releases – $3.99
Library titles – $2.99 - HD TV Show
1280 x 720 (maximum)
Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound (not all titles)
$0.99 - SD TV Show
720 x 480 anamorphic (maximum)
Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound (not all titles)
$0.99
Free Media Streaming
It’s great to have the shows start within seconds, and to enjoy the HD quality of the picture. You don’t necessarily have to purchase from iTunes to benefit from Apple TV. If you have a Netflix account then you will have full access to searching and streaming just like you would from a Netflix website or XBOX 360.
Conclusion
The Apple TV’s amazing little size and great connectivity power makes is the best in its class, and we highly recommend it for your home theater experience (provided you don’t have an XBOX 360 where you can already watch Netflix and Zune contents). It’s a simple and easy device, going for a cool $99, its definitely an affordable luxury.
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I agree, there is still plenty of room for improvement, the current cost and simplicity of use makes Apple TV a great product. I’ve had my Apple TV for a few months now and I still really like it and I use it almost every other day.
Apple has introduced a few software updates, one of them includes Airplay, which is worth mentioning as it has potential to be a gamechanger technology. Moreover, there has been significant activity on the “jailbreaking” front for the Apple TV.
Airplay is Apple’s system of transmitting video / audio wirelessly between compatible devices. Apple TV, the iPhone and iPad are all Airplay compatible. This has proven to be particularly useful feature as I can stream videos from my iPad to the Apple TV and have them appear on my TV.