What is Apple TV

Apple TV is a digital media receiver manufactured, marketed and sold by Apple. It is a small form-factor network appliance designed to play digital content originating from the iTunes store, YouTube, Flickr, MobileMe or any Mac OS X or Windows computer running iTunes onto an enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen television. Apple TV can function as either a home theater-connected iPod device or a digital media receiver, depending on the needs of the user. It was first announced at a special press event in San Francisco, California on September 12, 2006, by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The devices started shipping on March 21, 2007.

On October 29, 2009 Apple updated the operating system to version 3.0 to better accommodate wide-screen displays, improve iTunes integration, and stream internet radio content. Apple TV is a device of popular entertainment center, which lets you buy and rent HD movies right from your TV. Plus, enjoy YouTube videos, HD TV shows, podcasts, music, and photos.

Apple TV has the following main functions.

Put HD movie and watch HD TV shows on Apple TV. You can watch and demand HD movies, HDTV shows, HD podcasts, and HD YouTube videos on the HD TV.

Sync iPod and iTunes contents to Apple TV to play. Apple TV will give iPod and iTunes music and movies a larger stage to be displayed. Connect your iTunes to Apple TV and you can rent or buy contents from iTunes Store.

Play music and photos, YouTube images and videos on widescreen TV. Connect your own home devices to Apple TV, you can listen music from your home theater system with high quality.

To realize the functions, one should connect a HDMI cable.

With videos in your hand, but you can’t import them to Apple TV? See how to convert videos to Apple TV with Apple TV converter for Mac.