Apple TV explained

Apple TV

Apple TV was released over 5 years ago now and has increased in popularity every since, even if it wasn’t the blockbuster Apple had hoped for. This digital media server had a significant upgrade in 2010 and while it is an excellent product, the adoption of the concept of having a media server in the home has yet to experience wide-spread acceptance.

Nonetheless, Apple TV is another leading product in it’s category even after Google TV launched their own product to compete with Apple TV. What Apple TV does is basically allow users to connect it to a HDTV and then navigate the Apple TV menu to watch media served online particularly via the iTunes interface. Of course, most programming – even network television shows – are available at a cost from iTunes. So what is the advantage over having regular cable? Well if a household only watches a few select shows during the week, then paying for them individually may be a cost effective alternative to a monthly cable subscription. Also, you can watch some free programming on iTunes that includes a lot of interesting PodCasts as well as everything that Youtube has to offer too.

TV from Apple

In 2010, Apple TV also teamed up with Netflix so between that service and iTunes an Apple TV owner will have access all the latest movies and series released on DVD. But with Apple TV, it’s an instant download in stream HD quality. That also means that households would generally require a high-speed internet connection.

You don’t need any other Apple products to use Apple TV, but you will need to set up an account at iTunes once you plug your Apple TV into your TV. This allows for quick billing of any programming you choose to watch.
The unit itself is quite small, similar in size to a Mac mini. It will fit under most TVs almost unseen because of it’s size. It also comes with it’s own remote control and a one year warranty from Apple.