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Apple TV is a digital media receiver that plays digital audio and video either streamed or downloaded from a networked Mac or PC running iTunes or from the iTunes Store directly. The Apple TV connects to your telelvision and can play both enhanced digital and high-definition video content. The Apple TV connects to your home network through the integrated Ethernet adapter or the integrated wireless B/G/N adapter. If you have a Mac with Airport Extreme hardware then no router is necessary as the Apple TV and Mac will be able to communicate directly with one another wirelessly. At Macworld 2008, Steve Jobs announced the a significant software upgrade dubbed "Take 2" that turns the Apple TV into a standalone player able to stream and download from iTunes directly. The Apple TV was originally available in a 40 GB and 160 GB version retailing for $229 and $329 respectively. However, as of September 14, 2009 only a 160 GB version is available for $229

Where to Buy

Apple TV
MSRP $229.00
Release date March, 2006
Brand Apple
love it
want it
have it
tag it
Pros & Cons21
Reviews27
Details
Buy It3
Competitors18
Comments3
twitter

Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
26 reviews
52
negative
mixed
positive
9 positive
7 mixed
10 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

Pros:
Do you agree?
Integrated wireless
+18agreedisagree

Plays high-definition content
+15agreedisagree

Small footprint and sleek styling
+10agreedisagree

Rent movies and TV directly
+9agreedisagree

Stream and download from iTunes directly with Take 2
+8agreedisagree

Includes access to YouTube
+8agreedisagree

Good output connectivity
+6agreedisagree

Plays increasing library of audio and video (including HD) podcasts
+4agreedisagree

XBMC can be easily installed
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
Limited to iTunes
+13agreedisagree

24 hour movie rental time window
+6agreedisagree

Xbox with XBMC is cheaper and is more flexible
+5agreedisagree

No DVR functionality
+5agreedisagree

Limited video format compatibility - no AVI, DivX, XviD
+5agreedisagree

Small, unergonomic remote
+4agreedisagree

No Web browsing
+3agreedisagree

Cannot play 1080p MKV files or bluray backups.
+1agreedisagree

Cannot purchase HD movies as it is only allowed to rent.
0agreedisagree

latest firmware eliminates boxee functionality
0agreedisagree

Gets extremely hot while running - cannot conceal in cabinet
0agreedisagree

Clunky interface
-8agreedisagree


28 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!

Details

Features

  • Synchronize our stream media content from iTunes running on your network
  • Ethernet and 802.11n wireless networking
  • Access to the iTunes store including movie rentals
  • High-Definition video support
  • Outputs: 1 x HDMI (audio and video), 1 x Component, 1 x Optical Audio S/PDIF, 1 x RCA audio
  • USB 2.0 port reserved for service and diagnostics
  • Includes Apple TV remote
  • Stream YouTube directly
  • Format support: video, audio, photos, podcasts
  • Up to 5 Mbps video streaming of HD content from iTunes store
  • Choice of 40 GB or 160 GB hard drive
  • price: $229 (40 GB), $329 (160 GB)
  • price: $229 (160 GB)
  • Footprint: 7.7 by 7.7 inches (197 by 197 mm)
  • Height: 1.1 inches (28 mm)
  • Weight: 2.4 pounds (1.09 kg)

Synchronization and Streaming

Syncing is accomplished in a similar fashion to iPods, select the kind of content you want to sync with the Apple TV (newly purchased, favourites, etc) and the system will fill up its hard drive automatically. If the hard drive is full or the content hasn't been synced to the Apple TV you can stream the content to watch or listen in real time.

Take 2

Take 2 is the new software upgraded announced at Macworld 2008 on January 15th, 2008 that removes the restriction of a Mac or PC running iTunes to use the Apple TV. It can now operate as a standalone box that can both stream and download media content from the iTunes online store. At the same time, the iTunes store has been upgraded to allow for movie rentals (including HD movies) to both iTunes running on a computer or to the Apple TV directly. Other upgrades in the Take 2 firmware upgrade include the ability to stream YouTube video directly from the Apple TV user-interface.

Media Playback

While the name of the device is Apple TV, there is more than video that is supported. All the media content that is stored in your iTunes library, including music videos, music, photos, and podcasts can be played back. Audio/Visual playback is accomplished through one of two means, either through HDMI (cables sold separately) or through component output (cables sold separately). Optical out is supported for 5.1 surround sound. All media playback is limited to formats that are officially supported by iTunes, though there are hacks appearing on the Internet that open up the Apple TV to play a wide variety of alternative file types.

What's in the box

  • Apple TV
  • Apple Remote
  • Power cord
  • Quick Start guide

 

Submit a link

Articles

YouTube on Apple TV and iPhone

written by Omar Jun 20, 07

Apple TV videos

written by Omar Mar 28, 07

Discussions

Is Apple TV any good?

last post by Omar Jan 18, 07

This report was started January 18, 2007 at 9:12 pm by Omar
with the last edit occurring Thursday, 7:13 PM by Yale
This page has been viewed 3040 times, with 272 edits by 32 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

Apple TV | 160GB Hard Drive

• Apple TV with 160GB Hard Drive - MB189LL/A

• TV Wireless 160GB Media Receiver

UPC: 885909179404

EAN: 885909179404

MPN: MB189LL/A

Apple TV | 40GB Hard Drive

• Apple MA711LL/A TV with 40GB Hard Drive

• TV Wireless 40GB HD Media Receiver

UPC: 885909129256

EAN: 885909129256

MPN: MA711LL/A

Competitors

Apple TV is ranked 3rd among it's competitors.  See the top picks in Media Streamers »

Suggest a new competitor to add to the list of competing products.
If the product hasn't yet been added to ProductWiki, submitting it here will also start the product report.

Comments

1.  avatar Erik said:

I want a combination of digital cable, Apple TV, Archos TV+, and my XBMC. The ingredients of my ideal digital media set-top-box:

2 cups traditional TV programming
1 cup of Apple's minimalistic industrial design and UI
1 cup XBMC format compatibility
1 cup HD format support
1/2 cup Archos TV+ DVR and web browsing
1 tbsp. online movie/TV rentals
1 lb. uTorrent

Mar 07, 2008 10:32am
2.  avatar GT-D said:

yeah it sounds like this is too limited to be very appealing... But hey, I have my TV hooked up to my computer already so it isn't a big deal.
Mar 10, 2008 10:29am
3.  avatar captaincondor said:

Just purchased this over the weekend. I am really enjoying it. I have it hooked up via HDMI running at 1080p. Rented my first HD movie with it and thought it was great. Simple enough my mother can use! I really like the UI especially compared to my WMC. Searching is much easier too.
Erik i would but your recipe if it came in a nice compact unit
Aug 17, 2008 10:27pm
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Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

captaincondor

avatar
August 17, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
80
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
1 con
love itlove it
have ithave it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Plays high-definition content
  • Small footprint and sleek styling
  • Rent movies and TV directly
  • Stream and download from iTunes directly with Take 2

Cons

  • No DVR functionality

Comments

"Just purchased this over the weekend. I am really enjoying it. I have it hooked up via HDMI running at 1080p. Rented my first HD movie with it and thought it was great. Simple enough my mother can use! I really like the UI especially compared to my WMC. Searching is much easier too.
Erik i would but your recipe if it came in a nice compact unit"
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Erik

avatar
March 7, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
50
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
7 cons
want itwant it

Pros

  • Integrated wireless
  • Plays high-definition content
  • Small footprint and sleek styling
  • Rent movies and TV directly
  • Stream and download from iTunes directly with Take 2
  • Includes access to YouTube
  • Good output connectivity

Cons

  • Limited to iTunes
  • 24 hour movie rental time window
  • Xbox with XBMC is cheaper and is more flexible
  • No DVR functionality
  • Limited video format compatibility - no AVI, DivX, XviD
  • Small, unergonomic remote
  • No Web browsing

Comments

"

I want a combination of digital cable, Apple TV, Archos TV+, and my XBMC. The ingredients of my ideal digital media set-top-box:

2 cups traditional TV programming
1 cup of Apple's minimalistic industrial design and UI
1 cup XBMC format compatibility
1 cup HD format support
1/2 cup Archos TV+ DVR and web browsing
1 tbsp. online movie/TV rentals
1 lb. uTorrent

"

Competitors

Erik prefers Roku Netflix Player, Vudu Box over Apple TV
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

iambored8907

avatar
May 28, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
46
negative
mixed
positive
6 pros
7 cons
want itwant it

Pros

  • Integrated wireless
  • Small footprint and sleek styling
  • Rent movies and TV directly
  • Stream and download from iTunes directly with Take 2
  • Includes access to YouTube
  • Good output connectivity

Cons

  • Limited to iTunes
  • 24 hour movie rental time window
  • Xbox with XBMC is cheaper and is more flexible
  • No DVR functionality
  • Limited video format compatibility - no AVI, DivX, XviD
  • Small, unergonomic remote
  • No Web browsing

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Robb Lincoln

avatar
September 23, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
67
negative
mixed
positive
8 pros
4 cons

Pros

  • Integrated wireless
  • Plays high-definition content
  • Small footprint and sleek styling
  • Rent movies and TV directly
  • Stream and download from iTunes directly with Take 2
  • Includes access to YouTube
  • Good output connectivity
  • Plays increasing library of audio and video (including HD) podcasts

Cons

  • 24 hour movie rental time window
  • No DVR functionality
  • Limited video format compatibility - no AVI, DivX, XviD
  • Small, unergonomic remote

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

SasquatchPDX

avatar
June 4, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
67
negative
mixed
positive
8 pros
4 cons
have ithave it
love itlove it

Pros

  • Integrated wireless
  • Plays high-definition content
  • Small footprint and sleek styling
  • Rent movies and TV directly
  • Stream and download from iTunes directly with Take 2
  • Includes access to YouTube
  • Good output connectivity
  • Plays increasing library of audio and video (including HD) podcasts

Cons

  • Limited to iTunes
  • 24 hour movie rental time window
  • Limited video format compatibility - no AVI, DivX, XviD
  • Small, unergonomic remote

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

bryce.watana

avatar
December 27, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
36
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
7 cons

Pros

  • Integrated wireless
  • Plays high-definition content
  • Rent movies and TV directly
  • Includes access to YouTube

Cons

  • Limited to iTunes
  • 24 hour movie rental time window
  • No DVR functionality
  • Limited video format compatibility - no AVI, DivX, XviD
  • Small, unergonomic remote
  • No Web browsing
  • Cannot purchase HD movies as it is only allowed to rent.

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

karlonordo

avatar
June 4, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
73
negative
mixed
positive
8 pros
3 cons
have ithave it
love itlove it

Pros

  • Integrated wireless
  • Plays high-definition content
  • Small footprint and sleek styling
  • Rent movies and TV directly
  • Stream and download from iTunes directly with Take 2
  • Includes access to YouTube
  • Good output connectivity
  • Plays increasing library of audio and video (including HD) podcasts

Cons

  • 24 hour movie rental time window
  • Xbox with XBMC is cheaper and is more flexible
  • No Web browsing

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Manzabar

avatar
June 3, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
45
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
6 cons
want itwant it

Pros

  • Integrated wireless
  • Plays high-definition content
  • Small footprint and sleek styling
  • Stream and download from iTunes directly with Take 2
  • Includes access to YouTube

Cons

  • Limited to iTunes
  • 24 hour movie rental time window
  • Xbox with XBMC is cheaper and is more flexible
  • No DVR functionality
  • Limited video format compatibility - no AVI, DivX, XviD
  • No Web browsing

Competitors

Manzabar prefers XBMC Media Center over Apple TV
Manzabar prefers Apple TV over Roku Netflix Player
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Fila

avatar
September 16, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
11
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
8 cons

Pros

  • Small footprint and sleek styling

Cons

  • Limited to iTunes
  • 24 hour movie rental time window
  • Xbox with XBMC is cheaper and is more flexible
  • No DVR functionality
  • Limited video format compatibility - no AVI, DivX, XviD
  • No Web browsing
  • Cannot play 1080p MKV files or bluray backups.
  • latest firmware eliminates boxee functionality

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

fractalhorizon

avatar
July 1, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
9 pros
0 cons
love itlove it
have ithave it

Pros

  • Integrated wireless
  • Plays high-definition content
  • Small footprint and sleek styling
  • Rent movies and TV directly
  • Stream and download from iTunes directly with Take 2
  • Includes access to YouTube
  • Good output connectivity
  • Plays increasing library of audio and video (including HD) podcasts
  • XBMC can be easily installed

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No
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