The "iTV" gets an official name
This year, as CES begins, Apple is concurrently holding its annual
MacWorld expo. DailyTech previously reported that Apple would be making further announcements about its iTV set-top box at MacWorld 2007, but that the device would not be making an official showing because of quality concerns with its operating system.
Fortunately for enthusiasts, the iTV did make an appearance and Apple has given it an official name, calling it the Apple TV.
At its core, the Apple TV is a self-contained hardware solution for Apple's Front Row software that comes with all of the company's 2006-released Macs. The system is very intuitive and easy to use and the actual interface is gorgeous to look at as well, especially on a high-definition display. All previous specifications for the Apple TV remain the same:
- Intel processor
- 40GB hard drive for storing content locally
- HDMI (video and audio)
- Component video
- Optical audio
- Analog RCA stereo audio
- 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
- USB 2.0 (for service and diagnostics)
- 802.11n wireless networking6
- Built-in IR receiver (works with included Apple Remote)
- Video formats supported: H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store): 640 by 480, 30 fps, LC version of Baseline Profile; 320 by 240, 30 fps, Baseline profile up to Level 1.3; 1280 by 720, 24 fps, Progressive Main Profile. MPEG-4: 640 by 480, 30 fps, Simple Profile
- Audio formats supported: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps); protected AAC (from iTunes Store); MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps); MP3 VBR; Apple Lossless; AIFF; WAV
- Enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen TVs capable of 1080i 60/50Hz, 720p 60/50Hz, 576p 50Hz (PAL format), or 480p 60Hz
For those looking to use the Apple TV with the latest HDTV screens, be aware that the unit does not currently support 1080p. Judging from Apple's recent history of quick product updates, many expect the company to release a 1080p capable version of the Apple TV sometime in late 2007. The storage capacity of the Apple TV has also now been confirmed to be 40GB. Previously, it was unknown just exactly how much space the unit would have.
The Apple TV will automatically sync with a computer running iTunes -- whether or not it is a Mac or a Windows PC. The unit will sell for $299 and start shipping this February.
"We can't expect users to use common sense. That would eliminate the need for all sorts of legislation, committees, oversight and lawyers." -- Christopher Jennings
|
Most Popular ArticlesReport: Microsoft Eyes Return to "Dying" Windows 7 Path After Windows 8 Flop
May 13, 2013, 9:50 AM
Bill Gates Gets Teary-Eyed While Discussing Steve Jobs, Shows Off Life-Saving Tech on 60 Minutes
May 13, 2013, 12:30 PM
Windows 8.1 Will Be Free; Microsoft Holds Onto Struggling ARM Variant
May 14, 2013, 2:57 PM
Google Announces "Pure" Galaxy Nexus S4 for $649, Android Updates
May 15, 2013, 1:42 PM
U.S. Federal Traffic Board Wants to Make Drunk Driving Threshold Far Harsher
May 15, 2013, 11:32 AM
|
