Everything Changes with the New Apple TV

The first model of Apple TV was a product of the second was less successful Jobs at Apple. After the global commercial successes such as iPod, iMac and iPhone and iPad newcomers, the market has never welcomed Apple TV, according to the manufacturer’s intentions, would have had to revolutionize the market. The first model, basically a small computer with hard drive and wireless network, able to buy movies, TV series and music on iTunes, has proved a precursor of the times based on a market model that did not exist. The basic idea of “”¹””¹giving users the ability to download directly from iTunes as a platform complete movies at reasonable prices (just like music) has not been emulated, thanks probably to the high purchase price of the device. The new model, the Lilliputian size and built in a durable glossy black plastic, does not integrate an internal drive (if not the flash acts as a buffer), but bases its operation on the direct streaming from the network.

The only connections are RJ-45 present the net, only for a micro USB support, an HDMI and optical digital audio output. The operating system, derived from direct IOS (come on Apple TV to version 4.1), it allows direct access to the iTunes Store, navigating visually between the posters of movies and TV series, watch trailers and rent so fast the titles of their own interest. The rental is valid for 30 days from the time of purchase and the program must be seen within 48 hours from first boot. The prices of the films, depending on whether or not the new title, available in standard definition or HD, ranging from 2.99 to 4.99 dollars. Apple TV connecting to home network via Ethernet cable or wireless (with support for 802.11 b / g / n) also allows direct streaming of content on home PC or Mac via iTunes. Little Apple media player, connecting to the iTunes media library, allowing it to enjoy on your TV, home of all content hosted on your computer normally, significantly expanding the usage scenario. In this case, while appreciating the opportunities, we must point out the impossibility of direct access to files on a PC, limited to your iTunes library. This means that the file support is limited to high-definition formats can be imported into iTunes and all popular formats must be converted Mkv Apple. There is no lack advanced features such as access to media sharing websites most popular from YouTube to Flickr, and the ability to navigate through their content in a fast and intuitive.

In fact the entire operating system, the main menu and all items are in Apple style, simple and easy to understand. The remote, aesthetically impeccable, but has serious ergonomic problems resulting small and uncomfortable to use. The catalog is currently Apple’s well-stocked and full of very recent titles, the quality of high definition video is really excellent. From here you can rent titles only in Italian, with no possibility of access (as happens for example with DVD and Blu-ray) to the original language or in the management of subtitles, however, issue that could be fixed by Apple in the short term , depending on direct requests of users.

The main screen of your Apple TV
In conclusion, Apple TV was founded as a beachhead Apple to the rental market of high-definition movies, opening a new section of iTunes which is also thickening the multimedia possibilities of the company’s flagship products: iPhone, iPad, which can access almost the same content. Working as a media player reflects the limitations imposed by the obligatory passage through iTunes, but at the same time benefiting from the opportunities offered by Air Play and firmware 4.2.1 Apple mobile device. With this feature it is possible to play any movie to Apple TV (or music) directly on their mobile devices wirelessly, without having any connection to the TV. So Apple TV opens the way for a new way to manage multimedia, allowing Apple to get into a field in which, once before, made a misstep. The expectations of the company to see if a format like this (with only the rental of the content) can be successful, are very high and seem to be paying off on U.S. soil, with excellent results in the first period.

In USA this business model might not be as effective, due to a different culture linked to the use of multimedia content and prices are still not too popular . The speed of our broadband lines also remains unknown for the perfect enjoyment of movies in our tests with an average of clogged lines playback was smooth but the start time of the film was not at all constant, reaching even to few minutes. The device designed by Apple itself is very well built and incredibly functional, but it is difficult to judge whether the model that seeks to impose may or may not be successful in USA.

References
Ravi Mandalia, “Apple TV 4.2.2 Update, Fixes Minor Bugs”, IT Portal


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