Apple TV

Information appliance
title=Apple TV


caption=Apple TV on display pre-release at the Macworld 2007 conference
manufacturer=Apple Inc.
type=Digital media receiver
connectivity=IEEE 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
HDMI Port
Component Video/Audio
USB 2.0cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/appletv/specs.html|title=Apple TV - Tech Specs|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2007-04-03]
media=40 or 160 GB Internal Hard disk
operatingsystem=Mac OS X v10.4.7 (Front Row-based, not user accessible.)
input=Apple Remote, iPhone, iPod touch (via (Remote)
memory=256 MB DDR2 SDRAM
cpu=Intel 1.0 GHz "Crofton"
dimensions=197x197x28 mm (7.7x7.7x1.1 in)

Apple TV is a digital media receiver device manufactured, marketed and sold by Apple. It is a network device designed to play digital content originating from any Mac OS X or Windows computer running iTunes onto an enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen television. Apple TV can function as either a home theater-connected iPod device or a digital media receiver, depending on the needs of the user. It was first announced at a special press event in San Francisco, California on September 12, 2006, by Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

The devices started shipping on March 21, 2007. [cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/03/21appletv.html|title=Apple TV Now Shipping|date=2007-03-21|work=Apple press release|accessdate=2007-04-03] This initial version shipped with 40 GB of storage. A second version with a larger 160 GB hard disk started shipping on May 31, 2007.

History

Apple TV was first announced at a special press event in San Francisco, California on September 12, 2006, where Apple CEO Steve Jobs also announced enhanced fifth generation iPods, the addition of films to the iTunes Store and the release of version 7 of iTunes. The final product name was not announced at the event, but was instead referred to by its codename iTV. [cite news|last=Cohen|first=Peter|title=Apple 'It's Showtime!' event|work=Macworld|date=2006-09-12|url=http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/09/12/showtime/index.php|accessdate=2006-09-13]

Jobs again previewed Apple TV during his January 9 keynote speech at the 2007 Macworld Expo, where he announced that Apple would begin taking pre-orders for the device. Apple TV started shipping on March 21, 2007. [cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/03/21appletv.html|title=Apple TV Now Shipping|date=2007-03-21|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2007-04-03]

A second version with a larger 160 GB hard disk started shipping on May 31, 2007. On January 15, 2008, Jobs announced a major software upgrade to the Apple TV system (dubbed 'Take Two') at the 2008 San Francisco Macworld Event. The free update removed the requirement for another computer running the iTunes software client to stream or load content to the device. The update also added the ability to rent and purchase movies and music from the iTunes Store directly from the device, as well as download podcasts and stream photos live from MobileMe and Flickr.

Features

Apple TV connects to a television or other video equipment through either High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or component video connections. The product does not come with any connecting cables in the box (other than an AC power cable), so the user must supply either a HDMI cable or component video/stereo audio cables.

Although Apple's website states that an enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen television is required, Apple confirmed to "MacLife" that the unit does work with standard definition TVs with component video connectors, [cite news|title=News Roundup: iPod Sales Mega-Milestone, Microsoft Goes DRM-Free, and More|publisher=MacLife.com|url=http://www.maclife.com/article/news_roundup_ipod_sales_milestone_microsoft_goes_drm_free_and_more|date=2007-04-09|accessdate=2007-04-09] but the picture may be vertically stretched if the TV does not support anamorphic widescreencite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/23/apple-tv-kinda-sorta-works-with-certain-4-3-sd-tvs/|title=Apple TV kinda sorta works with certain 4:3 SD TVs|first=Paul|last=Miller|date=2007-03-23|publisher=Engadget|accessdate=2007-04-11] (a video encoding technique used to optimize the vertical picture by aspect ratio). Audio is supported via a digital optical port, analog (RCA connector) audio ports, and through the HDMI port. The device connects to other computers either through an Ethernet connection, or wirelessly through the standard IEEE 802.11b, g, and n wireless protocols. A USB port is also included on the device, but is reserved for service and diagnostics.

Remote control

Apple TV comes with the standard Apple Remote, although compatible universal remotes are known to work.cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/2006/05/features/multimediamini/index2.php|title=My multimedia Mac mini|first=Christopher|last=Breen|authorlink=Chris Breen|publisher="Macworld"|date=2006-05-31|accessdate=2007-04-21] Apple TV can optionally be paired with one particular remote to prevent conflicts from other IR-capable devices.cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304991|title=Pairing and Unpairing the Apple Remote with Apple TV|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2007-04-21]

Out of the box, the default setting is unpaired which means any Apple Remote works with the device. Apple plans to continue offering new features through automatic software upgrades, leaving the door open to further utilization of its hardware capabilities and new software developments. [cite web|url=http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/04/25/apple_to_build_new_features_into_iphone_apple_tv_free_of_charge.html|title=Apple to build new features into iPhone, Apple TV free of charge|date=2007-04-08|publisher=AppleInsider|accessdate=2007-04-29]

On July 10, 2008, Apple released "Remote", a free application that allows for a Wi-Fi-based remote control of the iTunes library on the Apple TV and computers of the Mac line using Apple's line of devices with iPhone OS 2.0 (currently the iPhone and iPod touch), on the App Store [cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/10/apples-remote-control-application-for-itunes-and-apple-tv/|title=Apple's Remote: turns your iPhone into a WiFi remote control|first=Thomas|last=Ricker|authorlink=Thomas Ricker|publisher="Engadget"|date=2008-7-10|accessdate=2008-07-14] . That same day, Apple released the Apple TV 2.1 software update that added both recognition for the iPhone and iPod touch as remote control devices and support for MobileMe [cite web|url=http://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/10/apple-tv-2-1-update-goes-live-adds-mobileme-support/|title=Apple TV 2.1 update goes live, adds MobileMe support|first=Cory|last=Bohon|authorlink=Cory Bohon|publisher="The Unofficial Apple Weblog"|date=2008-7-10|accessdate=2008-07-14] .

ynchronization and streaming

In synchronization mode, Apple TV works in a similar way to the iPod. It is paired with an iTunes library on a single computer and can then synchronize with that library, copying content to its own hard drive. After syncing, Apple TV is not required to remain connected to the network for the device to continue functioning. [cite news|title=Apple TV bridges gap - sort of|publisher="The Washington Post"|url=http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070408/BUSINESS/704080425/1003|date=2007-04-08|accessdate=2007-04-13] Sync modes include "automatic" for synchronizing all iTunes content to the hard drive (in a specific priority), or "selected content" to only synchronize specified content.cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iTunesWin/7.1/en/2601.html|title=iTunes for Windows 7.1 Help: Syncing your Apple TV with iTunes|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2007-04-14]

However, syncing iTunes content to Apple TVs hard drive is not required, and Apple TV can also function as a peer-to-peer digital media receiver, streaming content from iTunes libraries and playing the content over the network.cite web|url=http://arstechnica.com/reviews/hardware/appletv.ars/|title=Apple TV: an in-depth review|first=Jacqui|last=Cheng|coauthors=Ecker, Clint|date=2007-03-27|publisher=Ars Technica|accessdate=2007-04-02] Streaming performance of movies and TV shows purchased from the iTunes Store over an 802.11g wireless network was described by CNET's John P. Falcone as "impressive".cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/03/27/apple.tv/index.html|title= Review: Apple TV best for iTunes addicts|first=John P.|last=Falcone|date=2007-03-27|publisher=CNN|accessdate=2007-04-03] Apple TV also includes the unapproved wireless-n standardcite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/2007/01/features/80211n/index.php|title=Inside 802.11n|first=Glenn|last=Fleishman|date=2007-01-18|publisher="Macworld"|accessdate=2007-04-13] for streaming 720p High-definition video (HD) content.cite web|url=http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/apple-inc-apple-tv/|title=Apple Inc. Apple TV|first=Jeremy|last=Horwitz|date=2007-03-23|publisher=iLounge|accessdate=2007-04-13]

Practical Technology comments that using the built-in streaming capabilities of Apple TV negates the need for more storage [cite web|url=http://practical-tech.com/entertainment/do-you-really-need-to-upgrade-your-apple-tvs-hard-drive/|title=Do you really need to upgrade your Apple TV’s hard drive?|author=sjvn|date=2007-04-10|publisher=Practical Technology|accessdate=2007-04-13] and Macworld's Christopher Breen says the "cramped" space and slow synchronization on the 40 GB model would be an issue if not for Apple TV's good streaming capabilities.cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/2007/03/reviews/appletvrev/index.php|title=Apple TV|first=Christopher|last=Breen|authorlink=Chris Breen|date=2007-03-30|publisher="Macworld"|accessdate=2007-04-22] Third-party functionality extends streaming beyond the home network to enable streaming of Apple TV content across the Internet.cite web|url=http://appletvsource.com/content/view/82/1/|title=SlingPlayer for Mac finally available|date=2007-04-30|publisher=Apple TV Source|accessdate=2007-04-30]

Apple TV can stream content from up to five computers/iTunes libraries and five Apple TVs can be linked to the same iTunes library. On a single network, iLounge's Jeremy Horwitz tested "two Apple TVs with one computer, multiple computers with one Apple TV, and multiple computers with multiple Apple TVs" and all tests passed successfully. However Jeremy did note that syncing multiple Apple TVs simultaneously in the same environment might cause network slowdowns.

With the 'Take 2' software update announced by Steve Jobs at Macworld 2008, Apple TV is capable of acting as a pure stand-alone device, no longer requiring a computer running iTunes on Mac OS X or Windows to stream or sync content to it. The update allows users to access the iTunes store directly through the Apple TV and purchase music, movies, and television directly. At the same announcement, Apple unveiled movie rentals through iTunes, which can be streamed/synced from another computer running iTunes or downloaded directly.

Look and feel

Apple TV presents a simple interface based on the Front Row software for Mac OS X 10.4+ computers. Content is organized into six groups (Movies, TV Shows, Music, YouTube, Podcasts, and Photos), and is presented in the initial menu along with options that allow the user to change "Settings" and "Sources". These initial menu options then lead to other submenus. The included Apple Remote is used to navigate through the menus by using the up or down buttons and selecting options with the play button. The left/right buttons are used to perform rewind and fast-forward functions while viewing video content, but also perform previous song/next song functionality when selecting audio-only content. The remote does not control audio volume on Apple TV.

Aside from "Movies" and "TV Shows" content, the "TV Shows" options allows the user to sort contents by show or date and the "Movies" option also allows the user to view movie trailers for new releases, just as the Front Row software does on a Mac. All video content, including movies, TV shows, music videos, and video podcasts, includes bookmark functionality. Apple TV automatically bookmarks video content midstream to continue playback at a later time.cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/2007/03/firstlooks/atvdiary1/index.php|title=Apple TV Diary: Out of the box|first=Christopher|last=Breen|authorlink=Chris Breen|date=2007-03-22|publisher="Macworld"|accessdate=2007-04-20] The "Music" submenu offers similar options to those found on an iPod, presenting the available music sorted by Artist, Album, Songs, Genres, and Composers, as well as offering a shuffle option and listing available audiobooks. As categories are selected with the remote, animated album art is displayed on the side of the display for the contents of the selected category. While playing "audio-only" content such as music and audio podcasts, Apple TV periodically moves album art and content info on the TV display to prevent burn-in on video displays.

"YouTube" support was added with the ability of receiving direct streams from YouTube in the version 1.1 update on June 20, 2007. [cite web|url=http://www.macnn.com/articles/07/06/20/apple.tv.11/|title=Photos of AppleTV update: YouTube, security|date=2007-06-20|publisher=MacNN|accessdate=2007-06-30] The 1.1 update also added parental controls to control access to YouTube content. [cite web|url=http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/10329/|title=The Complete Guide to Apple TV 1.1 Software and YouTube|first=Jeremy|last=Horwitz|date=2007-06-20|publisher=iLounge|accessdate=2007-07-16] Under the "Podcasts" section, both video and audio-only podcasts are supported. TWiT's Leo Laporte notes that the podcast support in the Apple TV puts podcasts on the same level as other media [cite web|url=http://www.twit.tv/92|title=TWiT 92: The Tiki Gods|authorlink=Leo Laporte|first=Leo|last=Laporte|coauthors=Mann, Syverson, Gamble, Macpherson of Tiki Bar TV|date=2007-03-26|publisher=TWiT|accessdate=2007-04-03] and media companies have already begun producing Apple TV-compatible video podcasts.cite web|url=http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/13243/|title=washingtonpost.com launches high-definition video podcasts via Apple iTunes for Apple TV|date=2007-04-10|publisher=MacDailyNews|accessdate=2007-04-11] The "Settings" option lets the user pair the device with a remote, update the system software, and configure various video and audio settings. The "Sources" option is for pairing the device with other computers, whether for syncing or streaming. Both options require the user to enter a code in iTunes to authorize access.

The ability to access pictures from .Mac and Flickr was added to the Apple TV with the 'Take 2' software update in February 2008.

Content support

Content has to be in certain formats to play on the Apple TV. It supports video encoded with either the H.264 video codec for a maximum resolution of 720p (up to 1280x720 pixels) at 25 frame/s or the MPEG-4 video codec for a maximum resolution of 720x432 (432p) or 640x480 pixels at 30 frame/s. Audio can be encoded with AAC (16-320 kbit/s), MP3 (16-320 kbit/s, with VBR), Apple Lossless, AIFF, or WAV audio codecs. It also has support for files encrypted with the FairPlay Digital Rights Management technology. For photos it supports the JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, and PNG image file formats. Attempts to sync unsupported content to Apple TV will result in iTunes error message(s) because iTunes supports more formats than Apple TV.cite web|url=http://www.rogueamoeba.com/utm/posts/Article/appleTV-2007-03-22-21-30|title=AppleTV Surprises And Impressions|first=Paul|last=Kafasis|date=2007-03-22|publisher=Rogue Amoeba|work=Software's Under the Microscope|accessdate=2007-04-03]

Apple TV supports content purchased or rented from the iTunes store. A user can purchase iTunes Store content from Apple TV itself or stream/sync purchased/rented content from a Mac or PC running the iTunes software client.

Apple TVs audio chip supports 7.1 surround sound, [cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/2007/03/firstlooks/atv_hacks/index.php|title=Hacking Apple TV|first=Dan|last=Frakes|date=2007-03-28|publisher="Macworld"|accessdate=2007-04-23] and some High Definition rentals from iTunes are offered with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. [cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/appletv/rentals.html|title=Apple TV - HD Movie Rentals|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2008-01-29] In 2007, the Apple TV only officially supported Dolby Pro Logic simulated 5.1, though unofficially the full 5.1 Surround Sound digital discrete works if a 5.1-capable receiver is connected via the optical cable to Apple TV and the audio content is encoded as lossless. [cite web|url=http://www.roughlydrafted.com/RD/RDM.Tech.Q1.07/147048D8-D8B7-45E7-9A97-3CD5B4C2B75A.html|title=Ten Myths of the Apple TV: 5.1 Audio|first=Daniel|last=Eran|date=2007-03-27|publisher=Roughly Drafted|work=Roughly Drafted Magazine|accessdate=2007-04-03] [cite web|url=http://appletvsource.com/content/view/64/1/|title=Get Dolby Digital output from Apple TV without hacking|date=2007-04-16|publisher=Apple TV Source|accessdate=2007-04-20]

Aside from content obtained from the iTunes Store, Apple included an "Export to Apple TV" option in an update to their QuickTime software that was released days before Apple TV started shipping. This allows content in some formats that the device doesn't support to be re-encoded into accepted formats for playback on the device. [cite web|url=http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/quicktime-gains-720p-apple-tv-high-definition-export-mode/9658|title=QuickTime gains 720P Apple TV high-definition export mode|first=Jeremy|last=Horwitz|date=2007-03-18|publisher=iLounge|accessdate=2007-04-03] Applications which make use of QuickTime to export media also have access to the "Export to Apple TV" option, for example iMovie. [cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305173|title=Export your iMovie projects to use on Apple TV|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=2007-02-21|accessdate=2007-04-03] Some third-party content conversion tools also provide "Export to Apple TV" options and "Macworld" has created a guide for using the tools to convert media to Apple TV-compatible formats.cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/2007/04/secrets/atv_videoconvert/index.php?lsrc=mwrss|title=Convert video for Apple TV|first=Jonathan|last=Seff|date=2007-04-13|publisher="Macworld"|accessdate=2007-04-20]

pecifications

Modifications and hacks

As soon as the Apple TV was released, users began examining it to see if it could be modified. Hacks were available for Apple TV within days of the release. Apple is not currently preventing users from installing Apple TV hacks, but users are warned that applying hacks will void the product's warranty. [cite web|url=http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2007/04/05/apple-denies-meddling-with-apple-tv-hacks|title=Apple denies meddling with Apple TV hacks|date=2007-04-05|first=Jacqui|last=Cheng|publisher=Ars Technica|accessdate=2007-04-11]

News sites were reporting that some users had worked out how to upgrade the hard drive on their Apple TVs, [cite web|url=http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/diy-apple-tv-hard-drive-upgraded-to-120gb-246567.php|title=DIY: Apple TV Hard Drive Upgraded to 120GB|date=2007-03-23|publisher=Gizmodo|accessdate=2007-04-03] add AC-3 (Dolby Digital) 5.1 channel support, [cite web|url=http://forum.awkwardtv.org/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=127|title=AC3 Passthrough success?|date=2007-05-21|publisher=AwkwardTV.org|accessdate=2007-07-22] add support for other codecs, [cite web|url=http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/apple-tv-hacked-to-run-xvid-divx-to-follow-246588.php|title=Apple TV Hacked to Run XviD, DiVX to Follow?|date=2007-03-23|publisher=Gizmodo|accessdate=2007-04-03] , allow the AppleTV to display Composite (non-HDTV) color output [cite web|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauricio_Pastrana#Apple_TV_Hack|title=Apple TV Hack: Composite Video] and create Front Row plugins. [cite web|url=http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2007/04/09/plugins-for-the-apple-tv-rss-and-perl-scripts|title=Plugins for the Apple TV: RSS and Perl scripts|date=2007-04-09|first=Jacqui|last=Cheng|publisher=Ars Technica|accessdate=2007-04-11] AppleTVHacks.net and FatWallet.com offered a US$1000 reward for an external USB drive hack to utilize the USB "service port". [cite web|url=http://www.appletvhacks.net/2007/04/08/1000-bounty-for-external-usb-drive-hack/|title=$1000 Bounty for External USB Drive Hack|date=2007-04-08|publisher=Apple TV Hacks|accessdate=2007-04-18] On July 28, 2007, the USB hack was released for version 1.0 of the Apple TV firmware; it does not work on the "YouTube" version 1.1 firmware. [cite web|url=http://www.appletvhacks.net/2007/07/28/usb-patch-released-hallelujah/|title=USB patch released. usb patch released hallelujah!|date=2007-07-28|publisher=Apple TV Hacks|accessdate=2007-08-01]

Particular attention was paid to the device's operating system, which had been described by Walt Mossberg before the release as "a modified version of the Mac operating system." Users worked out how to access the device remotely through SSH, [cite web|url=http://www.appletvhacks.net/2007/03/24/applications-running-on-the-apple-tv/|title=Applications running on the Apple TV|date=2007-03-24|publisher=Apple TV Hacks|accessdate=2007-04-03] how to get Apple TV's version of Front Row running on other Apple computers, [cite web|url=http://www.appletvhacks.net/2007/03/27/apple-tv-running-on-a-macbook/|title=Apple TV running on a Macbook|date=2007-03-27|publisher=Apple TV Hacks|accessdate=2007-04-03] and how to install regular versions of Mac OS X v10.4 [cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/31/apple-tv-running-full-version-of-os-x/|title=Apple TV running full version of OS X|first=Ben|last=Drawbaugh|date=2007-03-31|publisher=Engadget|accessdate=2007-04-03] or Linux [cite web|url=http://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/10/linux-on-apple-tv/|title=Linux on Apple TV|first=Erica|last=Sadun|date=2007-04-10|publisher=The Unofficial Apple Weblog|accessdate=2007-04-11] on the device.

Initially, hacking required physical changes to the hardware; the bottom rubber panel must be removed (which is near impossible to do perfectly) and the hard drive connected to a computer. This leaves the rubber not fully connected and a sticky residue on the bottom metal. It is an aesthetic barrier to modification. [cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/57079/2007/03/appletvharddrive.html|title=Upgrading Apple TV's hard drive|first=Dan|last=Frakes|date=2007-05-30|publisher="Macworld"|accessdate=2008-03-21] Nevertheless, the community-created "Patchstick" project enabled Apple TV owners to add software modifications since spring 2007. All a user had to do was download a Patchstick image to a USB drive and reboot the Apple TV from the drive. [cite web|url=http://appletvhacks.blogspot.com/2007/04/patchstick-working-unlocks-atv-in.html|title=Patchstick Working - Unlocks ATV in minutes|author=staff|date=2007-04-18|publisher=blogspot|work=Apple TV Hacks blog|accessdate=2008-03-21]

In 2007, Mauricio Pastrana found and published [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQNFCjKrVlc How to use your Apple TV under Composite with color] ] [ [http://www.mauriciopastrana.com/2007/10/04/hacking-appletv Hacking AppleTV: Como usar tu aTV en una tele normal] ] a way to enable the Apple TV to output color through composite video [ [http://www.tuaw.com/2007/10/08/found-footage-apple-tv-composite-hack-in-full-color/ TUAW (unofficial Apple weblog) : Found Footage: Apple TV Composite Hack in Full Color] ] . Albeit not a product-changing modification, this hardware-based hack, which requires inexpensive hardware to trick the built-in operating system, [ [http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/10/18/eb_apple_tv_composite_hack/page2.html Reghardware: How to get colour composite-video from an Apple TV] ] enabled users with non-HDTV TV sets, for which the AppleTV was originally designed [ [http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2007/1/9/6543 Ars at Macworld: Questions about the AppleTV] ] , to connect Apple TVs to them [ [http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2007/10/apple-tv-hacked.html Wired Blogs: Apple TV Hacked to Output Full Composite Color] ] .

The Apple TV 1.1 update removes any hacks that are installed. The device can easily be re-hacked, but support for remote file system mounting is removed along with RemoteManagement, AppleFileServer and many other components. [cite web|url=http://www.awkwardtv.org/?p=51|title=AppleTV Software Updated|author=staff|date=2007-06-21|publisher=AwkwardTV.org|accessdate=2007-07-16] By late June, hackers restored most capabilities that were lost after the update. A "safe update" process was created to retain Apple TV network and USB capabilities by manually installing updated files from AppleTV 1.1 (such as the YouTube player) onto an AppleTV while retaining the 1.0 kernel. [cite web|url=http://wiki.awkwardtv.org/wiki/June_20_2007_Patch_%28aka_the_YouTube_Patch%29|title=June 20 2007 Patch (aka the YouTube Patch)|author=staff|date=2007-07-08|publisher=AwkwardTV.org|accessdate=2007-07-16]

The same happened with AppleTV "Take 2" (the 2.0 update), where all hacks were erased upon update. However, many options have surfaced [ [http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/13/hacktv-take-2-the-appletv-hack-upgrade-liveblog/ HackTV Take 2: The AppleTV Hack Upgrade Liveblog] ] which allow for the full feature set to be reinstalled [ [http://wiki.awkwardtv.org/wiki/Take_2_Safe_Update Take 2 Safe Update] ] . The most common method used to install the hack is the patchstick. [ [http://www.tuaw.com/tag/patchstick/ aTV: plug and play Apple TV hacking] ]

Limitations

Functionality

Concerns were raised about the Apple TV when it was originally released regarding the dependency on connectivity to a home computer via iTunes. Although users can view YouTube as well as movie and TV previews directly through the Internet, most functionality used to depend on content originating from an iTunes-connected home computer. Some of Apple TV's competitors could download movie content directly from the Internet, but an Apple TV user could not purchase or download iTunes content directly from Apple TV until the January 2008 update, which now allows all Apple TVs to download content from the iTunes Store directly without the use of a computer. Apple's Mac mini in many ways is a more expensive, and fuller featured substitute that addresses many issues of past and current AppleTV models.

Other concerns have been expressed about the lack of personal video recorder capabilities on Apple TV, Apple TV does not contain a TV tuner, but a tuner and PVR capability can be applied on the connected home computer through a third party. The PVR software will connect to iTunes, enabling scheduled HDTV recordings to automatically appear on Apple TV for playback. [cite web|url=http://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/18/elgato-releases-eyetv-2-4-update|title=Elgato releases EyeTV 2.4 update|first=Erica|last=Sadun|date=2007-04-18|publisher=The Unofficial Apple Weblog|accessdate=2007-04-20]

Some people feel that the Front Row interface is lacking standard iTunes functionality, including rating items, synchronizing from more than one computer, shuffling, interrupting a shuffle, displaying a video timeline, [cite web|url=http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/29/apple-tv-what-you-cant-do/|title=Apple TV: What you can't do|first=David|last=Chartier|date=2007-03-29|publisher=The Unofficial Apple Weblog|accessdate=2007-04-04] Internet radio support, and games. [cite web|url=http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2007/03/07/apple-tv-might-have-games-eventually|title=Apple TV might have games, eventually|first=Justin|last=Berka|date=2007-03-07|publisher=Ars Technica|accessdate=2007-07-21]

Content

Apple TV is seen by some to have limited out-of-the-box support for video and audio codecs, although Apple TV supports the same MP4 and H.264 codecs the video iPod and iPhone do. [cite web|url=http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/the-complete-guide-to-ipod-video-formats-and-display-resolutions/|title=The Complete Guide to iPod, Apple TV and iPhone Video Formats|first=Jesse David|last=Hollington|date=2007-07-13|publisher=iLounge|accessdate=2007-07-22] Media conversion tools are available, but conversion "almost always" involves a loss of quality as well as the time and effort costs to perform the conversions.

Image quality of Apple TV content has also been noted as a concern. 1080i or 1080p HD content (e.g. content originating from HD cameras) must be downgraded in quality for use on Apple TV. Users without the technical knowledge to convert HD content to lower quality may have to resort to downloading low-quality iTunes Store movie content.cite web|url=http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/04/08/100bus_appletv001.cfm|title=Apple TV's shortcomings make the Xbox 360 a better choice|first=Peter|last=Svensson|date=2007-04-08|publisher=heraldnet.com|accessdate=2007-04-10] [cite web|url=http://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/05/ap-disses-apple-tv/|title=AP disses Apple TV|first=Erica|last=Sadun|date=2007-04-05|publisher=The Unofficial Apple Weblog|accessdate=2007-04-10] cite web|url=http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2007/03/apple_tv_is_it_.html|title=Apple TV: Is it a “must-see” show|first=Paul|last=Reynolds|date=2007-03-21|publisher=Consumer Reports|accessdate=2007-04-22] Note that iTunes Store 720p HD-quality content is available via video podcasts. Apple also offers 4 Mbit/s H.264 720p HD movies for rental via iTunes. [cite web|url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/?p=959|title=Don’t believe the low bit-rate ‘HD’ lie|first=George|last=Ou|publisher=ZDNet] For comparison, broadcast and cable HD movies are up to 19 Mbit/s MPEG2 720p and Blu-ray HD movies are up to 40 Mbit/s H.264 or VC-1 1080p. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPEG-2#ATSC_and_ISDB-T] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_high_definition_optical_disc_formats] [ [http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/?p=962 Here’s what fake HD video looks like | George Ou | ZDNet.com ] ]

Yahoo!'s Ben Patterson has criticized Apple for having "lost interest" in the Apple TV with "a full six months passing since the last Apple TV software update". [cite web | url=http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/9908|title=Apple TV on Yahoo! Tech's Worst of 2007 list | first=Ben|last=Patterson | date=December 18, 2007|publisher=Yahoo!] However, this criticism, while warranted, was stated in advance of the Apple TV "Take 2" update in February 2008.

Hardware

Apple TV content cannot be used with older televisions, although 480i is unofficially supported as long as the TV supports component video connectivity. RCA/composite video and F/RF connectors are not included on the Apple TV device. Reviewers have noted that Apple is "future-proofing", and "if you do not have HDTV now, you will in the future".cite web|url=http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/solution-20070321.html|title=From PC to TV -- via Apple|authorlink=Walter Mossberg|first=Walt|last=Mossberg|date=2007-03-21|publisher="The Wall Street Journal"|accessdate=2007-04-03] cite web|url=http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review4328_intro21647.html|title=Apple TV|first=Jason|last=Tomczak|date=2007-03-25|publisher=Digital Trends|accessdate=2007-04-25] cite web|url=http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/top-ten-reasons-you-dont-need-apple-tv-yet/|title=Top Ten Reasons You Don’t Need Apple TV (Yet)|first=Jeremy|last=Horwitz|date=2007-03-21|publisher=iLounge|accessdate=2007-04-23]

An Apple Remote can be used on a Macintosh computer for both Front Row navigation as well as volume control, but cannot be used the same way on Apple TV. Mainstream universal remotes have been updated for use with Apple TV and can be used to control volume.

Apple TV comes with only a power cable. Apple has teamed up with a third party to provide cables for its customers. [cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/10/xtrememac-hdmi-switch-and-cables-for-apple-tv/|title=XtremeMac HDMI switch and cables for Apple TV|first=Ben|last=Drawbaugh|date=2007-01-10|publisher=Engadget|accessdate=2007-04-11] A USB port is included on the device, but it is reserved for service use only.

The Apple TV device runs "very hot", sometimes reaching 44° C (111° F).cite web|url=http://news.digitaltrends.com/featured_article76.html|title=Apple TV Heat Test|first=Jason|last=Tomczak|date=2007-03-28|publisher=Digital Trends|accessdate=2007-04-26] According to Apple, this is normal. [cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305356|title=Apple TV may feel warm to touch|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2007-07-21] There is no off button or function on the Apple TV (although there is a sleep function) so the only way to cool the Apple TV is to unplug it in sleep mode.

Former limitations

In March 2007, reviewers mentioned the lack of expansion options once the hard drive on the 40 GB model fills up. In late May 2007, Apple introduced a version of the Apple TV with 160 GB of storage space. [cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/05/30appletv.html|title=YouTube Coming to Apple TV|date=2007-05-30|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2007-07-13] Another former limitation required photos to be synced to the device, but this was fixed in a June 2007 iTunes update.cite web|url=http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/06/29/itunes_7_3_supports_iphone_adds_apple_tv_photo_streaming.html|title=iTunes 7.3 supports iPhone, adds Apple TV photo streaming|author=AppleInsider Staff|date=2007-06-29|publisher=AppleInsider|accessdate=2007-06-30]

In 2007, the Apple TV was unable to purchase content without streaming or syncing it from a Mac or PC. It was also unable to play Dolby Digital 5.1 surround as QuickTime and Apple TV did not ship with an AC-3 codec, [cite web|url=http://www.thismuchiknow.co.uk/?p=24|title=5.1 surround sound playback on Mac (and maybe Apple TV)|first=Dave|date=2007-01-15|publisher=This Much I Know|accessdate=2007-07-22] and iTunes Store content only supported 4.0 surround sound. [cite web|url=http://www.roughlydrafted.com/RD/RDM.Tech.Q1.07/D1925D1E-7479-4F44-B3B7-472113B366D8.html|title=Apple TV: iTunes Store Movie Quality vs DVD, HD, Cable|first=Daniel|last=Eran|date=2007-02-25|work=Roughly Drafted Magazine|accessdate=2007-07-03] In January 2008, Apple announced the 'Take 2' software update, allowing users to purchase TV shows and movies directly from Apple TV, and to rent movies in standard or high definition with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround. The update also allows pictures to be viewed from Flickr.

The 2.2 update added the ability to add songs to On-The-Go playlists as well as the ability to generate Genius playlists. Many users complained about the lack of 'Genius' functionality after the release of iTunes 8.0. It also meant that users could buy HD television shows.

ales

Within the first week of presales in January 2007, Apple TV was the top selling item at the Apple Store. [cite web|url=http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/01/17/briefly_apple_tv_tops_best_seller_list_at_apple_store.html|title=Apple TV tops best seller list at Apple Store|author=AppleInsider Staff|date=2007-01-17|publisher=AppleInsider|accessdate=2007-07-18] Orders exceeded 100,000 units by the end of January and Apple began ramping-up to sell over a million units prior to the 2007 holiday season. [cite web|url=http://applerecon.com/2007/01/24/apple-tv-blowing-away-expectations/|title=Apple TV Blowing Away Expectations|author=staff|date=2007-01-24|publisher=Apple Recon|accessdate=2007-07-18] Analysts began to see the device as a "DVD killer" [cite web|url=http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=21384&hed=Apple+TV%3A+DVD+Killer%3F&sector=Industries&subsector=Computing|title=Apple TV: DVD Killer?|first=Scott|last=Martin|date=2007-02-20|publisher=redherring.com|accessdate=2007-07-18] that has the ability to enable multiple services. Analysts also predicted that Apple could sell up to 1.5 million units in the first year. [cite web|url=http://notes.thinksecret.com/secretnotes/0703notesanalystappletv.shtml|title=Analyst sees Apple TV sales at up to 1.5 million in first year|date=2007-03-19|publisher=Think Secret|accessdate=2007-07-18] Besides the Apple Store, Best Buy was one of the first retailers to carry the device; [cite web|url=http://news.com.com/8301-10784_3-6169447-7.html|title=Best Buy finagles Apple TV exclusive|first=Erica|last=Ogg|date=2007-03-21|publisher=CNET|accessdate=2007-07-18] Target [cite web|url=http://blogs.business2.com/apple/2007/04/target_to_carry.html|title=Target to Carry Apple TV; Early Sales Sluggish|first=Philip|last=Elmer-DeWitt|date=2007-04-20|publisher=business2.com|accessdate=2007-07-18] and Costco [cite web|url=http://blogs.business2.com/apple/2007/04/apple_tv_on_sal.html|title=Apple TV On Sale at Costco for $289|first=Philip|last=Elmer-DeWitt|date=2007-04-30|publisher=business2.com|accessdate=2007-07-18] followed shortly thereafter.

Two months into sales, Forrester Research predicted that Apple will only sell a million Apple TV units, since advertisement-supported content will win the war against paid content. Forrester predicted that cable companies will be the clear winners over content providers such as the iTunes Store. [cite web|url=http://alwayson.goingon.com/permalink/post/14156|title=Apple TV Sales Will Stall at 1 Million|first=Andy|last=Plesser|date=2007-05-24|publisher=AlwaysOn|accessdate=2007-07-18] Shortly thereafter, Apple released YouTube functionality and Jobs stated that Apple TV is a "DVD player for the Internet". Market analysts immediately saw that YouTube on Apple TV "provides a glimpse of this product's potential and its future evolution", [cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/analysts-now-see-apple-tv/story.aspx?guid=%7B85872984-D593-455E-A994-7E706216B603%7D|title=Apple boosts analysts' hopes for Apple TV|first=Rex|last=Crum|date=2007-05-31|publisher=CBS|work=MarketWatch|accessdate=2007-07-18] but overall, analysts have mixed reactions regarding the future of Apple TV. Some negative reactions followed after Jobs referred to the device as a "hobby", implying it was less significant than the Macintosh, iPod, and iPhone. [cite web|url=http://www.macnewsworld.com/story/57839.html|title=Bad Signals on Apple TV|first=Troy|last=Wolverton|date=2007-06-15|publisher=MacNewsWorld|accessdate=2007-07-18]

ee also

wikiquote|Apple TVcommons|Category:Apple TV|Apple TV
*AirPort Express, the audio-only antecedent of Apple TV (by use of AirTunes).
*Apple Interactive Television Box, a set-top box developed by Apple in the mid-1990s.
*Apple Bandai Pippin, a multimedia set-top entertainment networking device designed by Apple and sold during the mid-1990s.
*Home theater PC
*Macintosh TV, Apple's first attempt at computer-television integration in the early 1990s.
*Mac Mini, Apple's smallest full featured computer which competes with AppleTV as a higher end home theater PC.
*Media center
*Media PC

References

External links

* [http://www.apple.com/appletv/ Apple TV] – official product site
* [http://www.apple.com/support/appletv/ Apple TV Support] – official product support
* [http://www.powermax.com/pages/appletv-take-apart Apple TV Complete Disassembly]