'iTV' becomes Apple TV

 

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Posted on 10 Jan 2007 at 09:50

Apple has announced that its 'iTV' wireless television interface will be released in February under its new name - Apple TV.

Apple TV lets users wirelessly stream all their iTunes content to a TV set, controlling playback with an enhanced version of the company's Front Row software using the Apple Remote from up to 9m away.

The box - which resembles a Mac mini - has a 40GB hard drive (of which around 33GB can be used for content) to store up to 50 hours of video, 9,000 songs, 25,000 photos or a combination of each. It is capable of delivering high-definition 720p output.

The unit can be connected to widescreen TVs and home theatre systems capable of 1080i 60/50Hz, 720p 60/50Hz, 576p 50Hz (PAL format) and 480p 60Hz and comes as standard with HDMI, component video, analogue and optical audio ports.

'Apple TV is like a DVD player for the 21st century - you connect it to your entertainment system just like a DVD player, but it plays digital content you get from the Internet rather than DVDs you get from a physical store,' said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. 'Apple TV plays the same iTunes content that users enjoy on their computers and iPods, so now they can even watch part of a movie in their living room, and watch the rest later on their iPod.'

Supported video formats comprise: H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store); up to 1.5Mbps, 640x480, 30fps, LC version of Baseline Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160Kbps in .m4v, .mp4 and .mov; up to 768Kbps, 320x240, 30fps, Baseline profile up to Level 1.3 with AAC-LC audio up to 160Kbps; and MPEG-4 up to 2.5Mbps, 640x480, 30fps, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160Kbps. Audio support comprises: AAC(16 to 320Kbps); protected AAC (from iTunes Store); MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps); MP3 VBR; Apple Lossless; AIFF and WAV.

Apple TV, will begin shipping in February for a suggested retail price of £199 (inc. VAT).

Author: Simon Aughton