Apple TV

Apple TV is a revolutionary device that allows you to watch movies, TV shows, movie trailers, podcasts, and photos from your computer on your TV.
Apple TV features a build in superfast 802.11 wireless connection that allows users to syncs iTunes library from any Mac or PC. Anytime the library in iTunes is canged, it also changes on Apple TV automatically. Apple TV also features Apple Remote for convinience.
Apple TV connects to TV throught an HDMI or component video/audio ports.
Apple TV was first announced at the end of September 12, 2006. At that time Apple TV had only a code name iTV. Preorders taking was announced on January at the 2007 Macworld Expo. Apple TV started shipping on March 21, 2007.

Apple TV Features

Connection

Apple TV connects to a TV or possibly any other audio/video device through HDMI or component video connection. Apple TV supports standard definition TVs as well as enhanced-definition and high-definition widescreen TVs. Picture may be stretched vertically if TV does not support anamorphic widescreen.

Syncing

Apple TV connects to Mac or PC wirelessly through the standard IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n protocols as well as through standart Ethernet connection.

Apple TV syncs with computer just like iPod. It syncs with iTunes library, copying content to or from build-in 40GB hard drive. User can specify whether to sync all iTunes content in a specified order, or just selected content.

Device can also be used to stream content from iTunes libraries to up to five computers joined in a network.

Interface

Apple TV has a user-friendly menu interface with seven options: Movies, TV Shows, Music, Podcasts, Photos, Settings, and Sources. The Movie, TV Shows, Music and Podcasts options are used to play synced or stored content. Apple TV can connect directly to the iTunes store and play its previews. Both video and audio-only podcasts are supported.

Photos menu allows to view photos that have been synced to the device, it does not stream photos from other computers, although Apple promised to add this feature in the future.

Settings allows to pair the device with a remote control. Apple Remote is shipped with Apple TV. Other remotes should work just fine too. From this menu you can also update the system software, configure video and audio settings.

Sources option is for connecting Apple TV with computers for syncing or streaming. Users are required to enter iTunes code for authorization.

File Formats

Apple TV supports limited number of formats. It should be either H.264 video codec with max resolution of 720p @ 24 fps or MPEG-4 with max resolution of 720×432 (432p) @ 30 fps. Apple TV supports MP3, AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless and WAV audio codecs. FairPlay DRM protected files are also supported. For photos JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, and PNG should be used.

Files which are not supported by Apple TV can be converted with utility, included into QuickTime package.

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