The rumors that circulate within the Mac community prior to each year’s Macworld (the Apple event immediately following the Consumer Electronics Show) are often a point of interest to other companies in the electronics industry. This year proved no different as companies like Verizon and Motorolla trembled at the thought of an iPhone. The most widely rumored product, which has perennially been on the horizon, was indeed finally confirmed, but another product was unveiled as well. The iTV is completely official now, except someone misplaced the lowercase “i.” Ladies and gentlemen, Apple TV is here.
The Apple TV has a plethora of ways to get connected, including: Wireless 802.11 b/g plus the newer 802.11 n, USB 2.0, Ethernet, WiFi, HDMI, and the standards found on most home electronics. Add to this a 40GB hard drive, and you have a veritable Super DVR. Resolution is at a standard 720p, which may leave some videophiles groaning. The market really doesn’t warrant a higher standard, but at least 1080i out of the box would be nice. Firmware updates in the future could change this as the HD-TV market advances.
Why should you care? Well, since the inception of TV shows at the iTunes Music Store people have clamored for this. The initial abysmal resolution of shows made them look grainy for those lucky enough to be able to hook up their PC to a television. Apple has since updated the resolution, but a proper way to get those files to play on your big screen was just a dream. Now you can watch Dwight as he gives a quick lesson on goose butchering on your television in clear HD after you’ve downloaded the Christmas episode of NBC’s ‘The Office.’
No matter how many PC’s you’re using for your television shows, Apple TV is prepared to handle it. The new product allows an astounding 5 computers to connect through, creating a true multimedia hub.
Of course, not everyone has iTunes or is even willing to take the jump into a Macworld. So you can opt to use one of the networks own online streaming systems (CBS’ innertube, NBC’s 24/7, etc) and have Apple TV put it up on your television.
Let’s not forget taking your TV shows with you. The iPod Video, while it sells well, is considered a bit of a failure on Apples part. Many wondered why a wide screen iPod wasn’t introduced instead; something that Apple claimed ran into technical issues. The newly announced iPhone is more than just the sexiest phone in existence. It is also the coveted Wide screen iPod. The iPhone will be able to display your favorite shows on a 3.5-inch 480x320 touch screen display. The technical details are too numerous to list in this article, but it is an amazing little piece of hardware.
Imagine now being able to put on the latest episode of ‘Ugly Betty’ (newly added to the iTunes Music Store) on a Saturday afternoon. It’s displayed on your glorious HD-TV, but right at a crucial plot point you get an “emergency” call to go pick up your daughter downtown. Instead of having to interrupt your entire experience, you simply transfer the file to your iPhone and finish watching the show as you wait for your daughter to show up. This should also give you time to catch a few minutes of the ‘24’ season premier you missed, which you can then finish at home.
The Apple TV is available now at the Apple website for $299. The iPhone will release in the U.S. this June with the 4GB version costing $499 with a 2-year Cingular contract, and the 8GB going for $599.
Check out some pics of the iPhone and Apple TV below from Apple’s website.
