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January 9, 2007

video

MW07: Apple turns on AppleTV

Posted Jan. 9, ’07, 11:24 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Video

AppleTVThe iTV device has been officially (and iconcically) dubbed the AppleTV, surely a blow to those who expected it to be branded under the iPod aegis. As shown before, the device will stream content from your computer to your HD TV. It can stream content from up to five computers, as well a sync with one via iTunes. The device is compatible with Mac OS X as far back as 10.3.9 and Windows XP SP2.

The specs on the box are respectable. 720p content, though we still don’t know where said content is coming from, and a 40GB internal drive that can reputedly store 50 hours of video, 9,000 songs, or 25,000 photos. It also contains an Intel processor and wireless networking in the 802.11b, g, and the draft ‘n’ standard as well as a standard Ethernet port.

Of course, the iTV can be used to stream music and pictures as well as video, providing a slideshow on your TV; it’ll even use rotating cover art so there’s no burn in on your plasma. Visitors can stream data to your AppleTV by entering a PIN number.

Video formats appear to, like the iPod, be limited to H.264 and MPEG-4, including, of course, protected content from the iTunes store. Audio formats include AAC (16 to 320 Kbps); protected AAC (from iTunes Store); MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps); MP3 VBR; Apple Lossless; AIFF and WAV. Photos include JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, and PNG. Your TV will need to be compatible with 1080i or 480p.

More details as we get them. The AppleTV, including an Apple Remote, will ship in February for $299. The only question is how I’m going to afford an AppleTV and the HD television to watch it on?


1 Comments

Moe said:

I haven't updated either to an HDTV, and I was ready to hit the purchase button when in the corner of my eye, I saw that it only works with an HD widescreen set.

Boy, 2007 is the year of credit card debt. Help me Lord!!

January 9, 2007 11:53 AM

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