Apple TV was released at the annual Macworld keynote address by Steve Jobs. It was first introduced as ITV, a couple of months back. Apple TV allows users to recieve iTunes content to store and play them. The device will cost $299 and will be available in February (Apple is taking orders now).
The device comes with an internal 40GB drive which equates to 50 hours of movies. It plays back video in Hi-def 720P and an Apple remote is included. It is powered with an Intel processor. The wireless transmission uses 802.11b/g/n wireless networking protocols. Can work on both Mac & Pc with iTunes installed.
As a video podcaster, I cannot tell you how exciting all of this is. My viewers can now watch my shows in their living rooms and not on the computer. This is a big deal because it changes the nature of viewing on the web. Short pieces work better on the computer while in the living room, longer pieces work better. The web as a distribution model looks a lot rosier with Apple TV.
Another interesting thing to note is the importance of iTunes in all of this. It is the center of the entertainment center. If I were Microsoft, I would worry less about Mac OS X and more about iTunes.
1. What is exciting about Apple TV, not withstanding its direct link to iTunes is Steve Jobs ability to leverage existing technology and make it mainstream. While companies like Akimbo and NeuLion have been in this space for a while, if Apple can bring their unique marketing expertise to bear it will move ITV and IPTV further along in mass consumer acceptance, which will be a good thing for smaller content creators trying to get their content in front of eyeballs.
Posted at 2:50PM on Jan 10th 2007 by Gilbert - IPTV Evangelist