AppleTV announced
updated 02:55 pm EST, Tue January 9, 2007
Apple TV Announced
In addition to the iPhone, Apple today formally revealed AppleTV, the company's new media hub for streaming audio, photos, and video from local computers to a home TV. Previously codenamed iTV, the device connects to a network through Ethernet or Wi-Fi, including the 802.11a and 802.11n standards supported by the company's new Airport Extreme Base Station and recent Intel-based Macs. New to the device since its early appearance in September is the implementation of a sync system and a 40GB hard drive: instead of relying exclusively on computers attached to the network, the AppleTV can sync with iTunes on a preferred Mac or PC and store local copies of media from the computer for access at any time. Up to five computers are recognized on a network at once, Apple says.
The hub connects to any TV that supports component or HDMI input and can display video as high as 1080i or 720p on widescreen HDTV sets, according to the company. Audio is handled via either RCA stereo or optical audio. Apple plans to ship the iTV in February for $299 and is accepting pre-orders now at the online Apple Store.
