Preview review: Apple's second-generation Apple TV

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Posted on 2 Sep 2010 at 12:12

The aim is for everything to be in HD, but this is 720p rather than 1080p. Partly this is likely to be down to hardware limitations, but also internet bandwidth. Annoyingly, it looks like standard definition content will cost the same as HD content, but more aggravating for us in the UK is that we will pay roughly the same prices in pounds and pence as Americans will in dollars and cents. TV episodes will be 99p, and new movies £4.49 (older films will cost £3.49 while SD movies will be £2.49). You'll be able to watch a trailer, just as you can currently, but also read critics reviews, as well as user ratings.

There's also access to YouTube as before, plus mobileme and Flickr for photo galleries. However, there's no word on whether the UK will get an alternative to Netflix, which is standard in the US. Lovefilm seems an obvious choice, and this would provide 'free' streaming for subscribers.

While the TV's interface has remained basically the same, there's a more elegant remote and very slick transitions for photo slide shows. However, one of the best new features is the ability to stream content directly (via WiFi) from an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. Apple calls this AirPlay and it means you could carry on watching a film or TV show on the TV in your living room when you get home. We were seriously impressed when this feature was demonstrated, and worked flawlessly. Of course, you can stream music from any other computer on your network running iTunes, but the ability to stream from a mobile device is simply superb.

You'll also be able to control the Apple TV from your iPhone or iPod Touch thanks to a new free app. This supports multi-touch gestures and you'll be able to use the on-screen keyboard to quickly search for media.

While we're pleased that the Apple TV is now cheaper at £99, it's still galling to know that it's also $99 in the US. We'll bring you a more in-depth review and the answers to questions about UK services as soon as our review unit arrives.

Author: Jim Martin