Apple TV MC572LL/A (2nd Generation)

by Apple

Product Features

• Stream HD movies and TV shows rented from iTunes, plus content from Netflix, YouTube, Flickr, and MobileMe
• Smaller, redesigned device with HDMI and digital optical audio output; connects to network via Wireless-N or Ethernet
• Silent, cool, and very low power operation in an enclosure that's less than four inches square
• Music, videos and photos can also be streamed from PCs and Macs
• Comes with 7-button aluminum Apple remote; can be controlled by iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch via Remote app

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Product Description

Amazon.com

The sleek new Apple TV is small in size but big on entertainment. Rent from the largest selection of HD movies or rent TV shows in HD, commercial free. Stream directly from the huge catalog of Netflix titles. Watch your favorite YouTube videos. And enjoy music and photos from your home computer on your home theater system. All you need is a single HDMI cable to set it up.

Stream HD movies and TV shows from iTunes plus content from Netflix, YouTube, Flickr and MobileMe (see larger image).

 

The 7-button aluminum remote (HDTV not included; see larger image).

With the Apple TV, you can rent thousands of commercial free, high-definition TV episodes for just 99¢ per episode. Once you rent an episode, you have 30 days to press Play, then it's yours for the next 48 hours. You can also rent over 7,000 movies with over 3,400 available in HD--and most new releases are available the same day they're released on DVD. The Apple TV also connects to your home computer (either Mac or Windows PC), and you'll be able to stream all your purchased music, TV shows, movies as well as podcasts and photo slideshows from your computer directly to your HDTV via the Apple TV.

Featuring ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (as well as a wired Ethernet connection) and an internal power supply, and the Apple TV offers silent, cool, very low power operation in an enclosure that's less than four inches square--80 percent smaller than the previous generation. Control the Apple TV using the included seven-button aluminum Apple Remote, or use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and the Remote app--a free download from the iTunes App Store.

Coming Soon: Airplay

With Airplay functionality, you'll be able to wirelessly stream music and video stored on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad to your HDTV via the Apple TV. Airplay will be available to mobile devices running the iOS 4.2 (to be released soon).

Key Features

• All-new design that's small, quiet, and cool.
• Rent from the largest selection of HD movies.
• Rent commercial-free HD TV shows.
• Stream from the huge Netflix catalog of movies and TV shows (available to Netflix subscribers in the U.S.).
• Browse and play YouTube videos, watch HD podcasts, and listen to Internet radio.
• Access online Flickr photos and MobileMe galleries.
• Enjoy all the photos, music, and videos on your computer on the best TV and speakers in the house.
• Turn your photos into a stunning HD slideshow.
• Stream everything you watch over 802.11n Wi-Fi.
• Simple setup with a single HDMI cable for both audio and video.

Set-up is quick and easy with a single HDMI cable connection (see larger image).

 

See (larger image).

Specifications

• System requirements:
  • AirPort Extreme, Wi-Fi 802.11b, g, or n wireless network (wireless video streaming requires 802.11g or 802.11n) or 10/100BASE-T Ethernet network
  • iTunes Store account for renting movies and TV shows
  • Netflix account for streaming Netflix content
  • For streaming media from a Mac or PC: iTunes 10 or later; iTunes Store account for Home Sharing
• Video formats:
  • H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, Main Profile level 3.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats
  • MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats
  • Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format
• Audio formats:
  • HE-AAC (V1), AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV; Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound pass-through
• TV compatibility: High-definition TVs with HDMI and capable of 720p 60/50Hz,2 including popular models from these manufacturers: Hitachi, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, NEC, Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, Samsung, Sony, Sharp, Toshiba, Vizio, Westinghouse
• Wireless: 802.11n Wi-Fi (a/b/g compatible); 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
• Ports: 1 HDMI; 1 optical audio; 1 Fast Ethernet; IR receiver; microUSB (for service and support)
• Dimensions: 3.9-by-3.9-by-0.9-inches
• Weight: 0.6-pounds
• Power: Built-in 6-watt universal power supply

What's in the Box

Apple TV, aluminum Apple Remote, power cord, documentation

Optional Accessories and Related Products

Apple designs Apple TV and iTunes to work together in a completely integrated system. And only the AppleCare Protection Plan provides one-stop service and support from Apple experts, so most issues can be resolved in a single call. Extend the complimentary service and support on your Apple TV to two years from the original Apple TV purchase date. With the AppleCare Protection Plan for Apple TV, you can be sure that your entertainment will play on and on. That's because it covers both your Apple TV and iTunes--whether you use a Mac or a PC.

One stop for technical support

• Direct access to Apple experts
• Global repair coverage (subject to certain restrictions)
• Mail-in repair: Mail in your Apple TV using a prepaid shipping box provided by Apple2
• Carry-in repair: Take your Apple TV to an Apple Retail Store or other Apple Authorized Service Provider
• Use with a Mac or PC

Apple hardware coverage

• Your Apple TV
• AirPort Express Base Station, AirPort Extreme Base Station, or Time Capsule3
• Included Apple Remote and power cord

Software support included

• Connecting to AirPort networks
• Renting and buying shows from the iTunes Store
• Accessing photos on your computer

Product Description

The sleek new Apple TV is small in size but big on entertainment. Rent from the largest selection of HD movies or rent TV shows in HD, commercial free. Stream directly from the huge catalog of Netflix titles. Watch your favorite YouTube videos. And enjoy music and photos from your home computer on your home theater system. All you need is a single HDMI cable to set it up.

See all Product Description

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2,104 of 2,194 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Video Review: Apple TV, so much for so little October 10, 2010

By D. Bowman

Length: 4:33 Mins

This is an amazing compliment to your home theater.
So many features, yet so simple to use.
My 7 year old son has it all figured out.

I hope you enjoy the video.
Let me know what you think.

669 of 719 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Apple TV - Good Now, Potential to be Great October 15, 2010

By Just Another Geek

I am not an Apple Afficianodo. I don't wear jeans and black turtlenecks in reverence to Steve Jobs. I don't hang out at the Apple Store and covet becoming a "genius"; however, I have to give credit where credit is due. The last few products Apple has brought out - the iPod, iPhone, iPad - have been incredible and changed the consumer electronics and media / software landscape. Apple TV is now positioned to do the same, but it will take some more time to fully realize the potential of this device.

Apple TV effectively allows you to stream whatever is on your iTunes to your TV and home theater system. Moreover, it has built in support for Netflix, You Tube and a few other internet based media content providers. The picture quality and performance for these services are worth the price of admission. There is significant potential to advance the platform - just give it some time.

System Overview: My Apple TV is plugged into a 60 inch Samsung 1080p LED HDTV via HDMI (video) and a Yamaha Home Theater Receiver via Toslink optical cable (audio). I have AT&T Uverse with their 802.11g Residential Gateway (combination of DSL modem and wireless router) with their Elite DSL service (6 MB per second). iTunes runs on a Dell Desktop with 4GB of memory, Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 500 GB Hard Drive operating on Windows Vista (64 bit) and secured with Norton 360 (firewall, antivirus, etc.). The network handles the Desktop, 2 iPhones, a Blackberry, an iPad, the Apple TV, 4 Laptops, a wireless Printer and a networked wired printer. The Computer / Residential Gateway are in the Den and the TV / Home Theater / Apple TV are in the family room. The two rooms are about 100 feet apart and are separated by five walls.

Set Up: Easy as pie.... It took five minutes to plug in the HDMI cable, the optical cable, the power outlet and then adding it to the wireless network. Sharing iTunes from my desktop to Apple TV took another 20 minutes, since I had to download the new version of iTunes and restart my computer and Apple TV. Apple really makes it easy - I didn't have to make any adjustments to my firewall settings to share iTunes on the desktop with Apple TV. I also downloaded the Apple Remote on my iPhone and iPad, which took another 5 minutes.

User Interface: Apple's secret sauce is the simplicity of their products. Apple TV is no different. The menu is very simple - Movies, TV, Internet, Computer and Settings. Movies and TV are for renting content directly from iTunes within Apple TV. Internet gives you access to Netflix, You Tube, etc. Computer gives you access to iTunes on your computer. Settings allows you to change the various Apple TV options. The remote control is Apple's usual model of minimalist efficiency, with a menu button, a play / pause button and an iPod like controller. The supplied remote works well with Apple TV, but is a bit cumbersome when one has to enter data (e.g., e-mail addresses, search on YouTube or Netflix). A much better solution is downloading Apple Remote on your iPhone or iPad. It basically turns the iPhone or iPad into a big touch pad that allows you to use gestures to control the Apple TV (e.g., swipe left, swipe right, double click, etc.). Moreover, it automatically provides a keyboard when one is asked for text input (e.g., for search). Apple remote is free on the App Store.

Netflix Streaming / Video Quality: Setting up Netflix was quick - basically just enter your e-mail address / password and you're ready to go. I watched some TV from BBC, a foreign flick and Iron Man. Each program loaded quickly - less than 30 seconds. Picture quality was good to great, depending on the source material. Picture quality was comparable to DVD for SD material(perhaps slightly better), but slightly less sharp than upconverted DVD or blue-ray. HD Programming looked like the HD on-demand programming through uVerse. There was enough of a buffer that there was no jittering, pixelation or stuttering on the streaming to the TV. Sound quality on the stream was good - I don't think they stream in 5.1, so the video stream doesn't leverage the subwoofer. Considering that I'm running a heavily taxed wireless system on 802.11g with a 100 foot distance between Apple TV and the Gateway, the picture quality and streaming performance are impressive. Having this quality of Netflix compatibility is worth the price of admission by itself.

iTunes Streaming: I streamed some music from my Playlists from the Computer. Sound quality is good, but not great. My Yamaha CD Player sounds better, but it can only hold 5 cds. Having access to my entire library is very useful, so you lose sound quality but gain convenience. iTunes streams not only the music, but also the cover art. After a few minutes, Apple TV switches into screensaver mode and starts transmitting pictures to the TV along with the music. I also streamed some videos from my computer and the streaming was again flawless. One of the issues with Apple TV is that it only supports the Apple video standards, i.e., MP4. I had some DIVX files that I converted over to MP4 by using DVD Fab and imported them into iTunes. So if you have a library of AVI, Divx, Xvid, etc., this will require conversion of those files in order to stream from your computer.

iTunes from within Apple TV: There is access to an iTunes store within Apple TV as well. They have a different pricing structure, in that TV shows and movies are available for rent only. They have a limited number of titles at this point - primarily BBC, ABC (since Steve Jobs sits on their Board) and Fox. CBS and NBC are not on Apple TV. Movie selection is decent - they have all the latest movies. The Apple TV selection can be easily increased by just downloading the content you want from iTunes on your desktop and then streaming it to Apple TV.

YouTube Streaming: Surprisingly good. The HQ / HD You Tube pieces look remarkably crisp on the TV. The older content that was meant to watch on a small window on your computer looked a little pixelated, but acceptable.

Apple has built a great platform with a lot of potential. With what is available right now - Apple TV is a pretty impressive value at $99. It is worth it just for the Netflix streaming and integration with iTunes. Since Apple TV is actually built on the same hardware (at least the processing chip) as the iPhone and iPad and has the same operating system, I wouldn't be surprised if there are "apps" that will eventually make it to Apple TV to further enhance Apple TV (e.g., ABC Streaming, Games, Amazon on Demand, etc.). There is supposed to be an upgrade to the operating system with a new version of Airplay that comes out in November, 2010. This will allow you to stream from an iPad or iPod to the Apple TV as well.

I looked at other streaming devices (e.g., Roku, using my Panasonic Blue Ray for Netflix, etc.) and none of them had the simplicity and reliabilty that the Apple TV offers. The Wi Fi "stick" for my Blue Ray player is $80 anyway and the Netflix integration isn't anywhere nearly as robust as Apple TV. UVerse also has music and picture streaming built in using Microsoft Media Center - however, it required some network configuration and it crashes quite often. I didn't purchase a Roku, but a friend of mine has had a number of issues with streaming performance. At under $100, the Apple TV is competitively priced with other streaming options. Now just bring on the "apps".

Update on 4/1/11:

I've had the Apple TV for a few months now and I still really like it. Apple has introduced Airplay, which is worth mentioning as it has potential to be a gamechanger technology. Moreover, there has been significant activity on the "jailbreaking" front for the Apple TV.

Airplay is Apple's system of transmitting video / audio wirelessly between compatible devices. Apple TV, the iPhone and iPad are all Airplay compatible. This has proven to be particularly useful feature as I can stream videos from my iPad to the Apple TV and have them appear on my TV. For example, I may have a digital copy of a movie on my iPad (perhaps purchased through iTunes or came with a DVD purchase). Through Airplay, I can transmit the movie directly from my iPad to the Apple TV and watch the movie on my TV. Similarly, if a friend has an iPhone and we want to listen to their latest music selection, we can stream their music from their iPhone directly to my stereo system through Airplay. The real gamechanger for Airplay is streaming video from websites onto my Apple TV so I can watch them on my TV. For example, I could be on the TED website and they have a video from a TED conference. I can stream the video directly to my Apple TV and watch the video on my TV's 60 inch screen instead of the iPad's 10 inch screen. Several websites have already incorporated Airplay compatibility into their videos, such as CNN and TED. I think Airplay is going to have an interesting adoption cycle - traditional media companies (e.g., TV Networks) probably won't endorse Airplay since it goes against their business model. Other websites that rely on video for traffic (e.g., adult sites, news sites, blogs, etc.) will probably adopt Airplay to gain more traction with consumers.

According to Wikipedia, jailbreaking refers to "a process that allows devices running Apple's iOS operating system to gain full access to unlock all features of the said operating system, thereby removing limitations imposed by Apple". Once jailbroken, iOS users are able to load and run applications that are not available on the App Store. Jailbreaking a device is not illegal, much to Apple's chagrin; however, it could void one's warranty. I'm not going into how to jailbreak and Apple TV - just google "jailbreak Apple TV" for instructions. Since the Apple TV has been jailbroken, there have been some applications that have been launched to provide more robust usage of Apple TV. The Couch Surfer application is basically a web browser for Apple TV. Additionally, there are applications that allow Apple TV to play formats other than Apple approved formats, such as DIVX and others. I haven't jailbroken my Apple TV; however, one should be aware of what options are available for this device. Read more ›

429 of 476 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Unrealized Potential (so far) October 2, 2010

By ShutterBug

PROS
*Low Power (less than 6 watts)
*Compact
*Good-looking UI
*Netflix support (unlike previous generation AppleTV)
*Remote App for iPad/iPhone/iPod touch
*Airplay (though basically we just have Airtunes functionality until iOS 4.2 comes out for iPad/iPhone/iPod touch).
*Closed Captions (Content dependent)

CONS
*Lots of "Loading..." screens
*No Local Storage! (must stream over Internet or via iTunes on PC/Mac using Home Sharing. I know you were trying to cut costs Apple, but why not at least allow local USB storage? I know, I know: DRM.)
*IR Sensor inferior to previous generation AppleTV (requires more direct line of sight)
*Lag before videos and podcasts start playing (even when located on a local computer)
*Netflix controls are not as good as Roku. Infrequent keyframes makes it hard to rewind to an exact spot. Roku does much better (and even PS3 Netflix controls are better).
*Podcast controls sometimes get confused (screen indicates reversing at maximum speed, but video is actually reversing at 1x)
*Doesn't precache artwork icons (Scrolling down through a list of podcasts or Netflix movies, it loads the screen with empty icons then slowly downloads them. This happens no matter how long you wait before scrolling down. Sometimes, it never gets around to downloading certain icons. Hey Apple, how about displaying the name of the movie while you are retrieving the artwork so we can start using the interface even if all of the artwork isn't there?) [Update: there may be some precaching going on, but just not in a very intelligent manner. I have about 170 movies in my Netflix instant queue and a 1.5 Mbps DSL connection so that may contribute to the slowness displaying artwork.... If you have a very fast internet connection, you will probably have minimal delay.]
*No Pandora
*No App support (Yet? Come on Apple, enable App support. It won't take long before we have lots of useful 3rd party apps. I'm sure Pandora would be one of the first and then NPR and local weather forecast.)
*No 1080p - 720P only (Yes, most people don't have the bandwidth to support 1080p streaming over the internet, but someday we will. Also, it would be nice to be able to show your 1080p video you shot with your new camcorder or high-end DSLR.)
*Rotten Tomatoes movie reviews are not available for Netflix movies.
*Remote app could display the actual menus for faster selections.
*Home Sharing must be activated for a specific single account. (Result: If both you and your spouse have an iTunes account you will have to choose one or the other and will only have access to media in that person's iTunes account.)

UPDATE:
Removed from Cons:
"*Can't add internet radio stations to a favorites list (and there are hundreds if not thousands to scroll through)." Someone commented that you can add a radio station to your favorites by holding the center button down. I tried this and it works. Not sure how you're supposed to know this as it's not mentioned in the brief instruction book. Read more ›

101 of 109 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars a great box for getting media from point A, B and C to your TV October 2, 2010

By S. Miller

I was looking forward to this product since it was announced early last month. I'm glad I pulled the trigger and bought it when it became available. For $99 it provides most of the functionality I was paying microsoft $50 a year for. I've become less dependent on the XBOX as a game machine, and more as a Netflix/Media Streamer since my family has grown, and not having to pay for XBOX Live was one of the driving reasons behind this purchase. The reason I say "most of the functionality" is due to it not having the codec support that the XBOX360 comes with out of the box. I've had no issues with playback of mp4 or m4v files, and I'm happy with that, but it lacks support for WMV and AVI (as far as I've experienced). This isn't exactly a deal breaker since I can re-encode any content to supported codecs with handbrake and use iTunes to take care of my video library.

The UI is slick, the setup was somewhat easy (but would have been easier with keyboard support) and the ability to control music from my laptop and desktop is fantastic (through iTunes via the currently limited "airplay" functionality).

I'm really happy with the YouTube, Flickr and Netflix support. They are by far the best I've seen from a media center, but I can see certain aspects being a pain if you use the included remote (there is no keyboard to speak of, and scrolling through letter to spell things out is a hassle). The remote app on iOS devices more than makes up for the lack of a keyboard since it provides added functionality (such as alpha numeric input, quick seeking and library browsing). I look forward to video support with airplay and will update this review once I get to play with that (in November?).

One last thing - it's quiet. The thing barely makes a peep.