Mar 21 2007
Apple officially announces the release of Apple TV
As was already reported across the Mac web yesterday, Apple’s wireless media center, Apple TV has begun shipping. Apple made the announcement official today saying that with the new device you can play all your favorite iTunes content from your computer on your widescreen TV, including movies, TV shows, music, photos and podcasts.
The integration of Apple TV and iTunes lets users choose from over 400 movies and 350 TV shows in near DVD quality; over four million songs; 5,000 music videos; 100,000 podcasts; and 20,000 audiobooks from the iTunes Store. Users can also watch their favorite movie trailers right on their widescreen TV, listen to their favorite music on their home entertainment system, and view slideshows of their photo albums in high definition resolution.
Apple TV has a 40GB hard drive that is able to store up to 50 hours of video, 9,000 songs, 25,000 photos or a combination of each and is capable of delivering high-definition 720p output. Using high-speed 802.11 wireless networking, Apple TV can auto-sync content from one computer or stream content from up to five additional computers right to your TV without any wires.
Apple TV, which includes the Apple Remote, will be available beginning this week from the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of USD$299. Apple retail stores will also offer hands on workshops and demonstrations of Apple TV’s features.
Apple TV requires iTunes 7.1 or later running on a Mac with Mac OS X version 10.3.9 or later, or a Windows PC with Windows XP Home/Professional (SP2). An 802.11b/g/n wireless network using AirPort, AirPort Extreme(R) or 10/100 Base-T Ethernet networking is required. Internet access is required and a broadband connection is recommended. Apple TV requires an enhanced definition or high-definition widescreen TV. iPod games will not play on Apple TV. The iTunes store is available in the US and select countries.
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