Using the Apple TV couldn't be easier. Start by downloading a movie from the iTunes store. The Apple TV syncs with your computer via AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi. Grab some snacks, fire up the TV and start watching: it's that easy.
iTunes Integration
The Apple TV's internal 160GB hard drive serves to hold a copy of your iTunes library. This gives you ready access to all of your digital media, even when your computer is powered down. Up to 200 hours of video, 36,000 songs or 25,000 photos can be stored on the hard drive.
High-Def Movie Rentals
The Apple TV puts the iTunes movie rental service at your fingertips. Both HD and SD rentals are available of new and classic catalog releases. Prices range from $2.99 to $4.99 per rental. Once you start watching a film, you'll have 24 hours to finish it before the rental expires. You can start watching the movie at any time within 30 days of renting.
Multiple Library Support via Streaming
What if you have multiple computers with iTunes in the house? Or if your library is over 160GB? Or if a friend is visiting with his MacBook and wants to watch a video from his library? The Apple TV is up to all of these tasks; it can wirelessly stream media from any number of iTunes libraries.
YouTube on Your Tube
We've all been amazed at the vast library of free video clips that are available to watch on YouTube. Up until now you've been forced to watch these clips on a computer monitor; the Apple TV allows you to watch them on your HDTV. Do you want to watch Michael Jordan's shot over Craig Ehlo or another classic sports moment? Perhaps you have a craving to rewatch a classic TV commercial, such as the Apple "1984" Superbowl spot. There's a good chance that you can find it on YouTube.
YouTube support is not included in the current Apple TV firmware. Apple has stated that a mid-June software update will add the most current and popular YouTube videos. The full YouTube catalog will be on the Apple TV by Fall 2007.
iPhoto and Adobe Photo Streaming
Mac users will be able to stream photos from an iPhoto library to the Apple TV. Windows users who use Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Album for photo organization will be able to do the same. This gives you an easy way to browse through your digital photo albums.
HDTV Connectivity
The Apple TV features standard output for widescreen HDTVs. These include component video, HDMI, RCA stereo audio and digital optical audio outputs. You'll even be able to transmit digital picture and sound over a single cable using HDMI. No cables are included with the Apple TV, allowing you to choose the right one for your television as an accessory.
CPU
Intel
Hard Drive
160GB
Ports
1x HDMI 1x Component Video 1x Digital Optical Audio 1x Stereo RCA Audio 1x RJ-45 10/100 Mbps Ethernet 1x USB 2.0
Infrared
1x Integrated IR Receiver
Wireless Networking
802.11n AirPort Extreme
Supported Video Formats
H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store): Up to 5Mbps, Progressive Main Profile (CAVLC) with AAC-LC audio up to 160Kbps (maximum resolution: 1280 by 720 pixels at 24fps, 960 by 540 pixels at 30fps) iTunes Store purchased video: 320 by 240 pixels or 640 by 480 pixels MPEG-4: Up to 3Mbps, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160Kbps (maximum resolution: 720 by 432 pixels at 30fps)
Supported Audio Formats
AAC (16 to 320Kbps); protected AAC (from iTunes Store); MP3 (16 to 320Kbps); MP3 VBR; Apple Lossless; AIFF; WAV
Supported Image Formats
JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PNG
TV Compatibility
Enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen TVs capable of 1080i 60/50Hz, 720p 60/50Hz, 576p 50Hz (PAL format), or 480p 60Hz
System Requirements
Computer: Mac or PC Operating System: Mac OS X 10.3.9; Windows XP Home/Professional SP2 Software: iTunes 7.6 Hardware: Wi-Fi (AirPort Extreme, 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n) or 10/100Mbps Ethernet