Apple TV

Updated May 1, 2012

Figure from apple.com

Let’s say that you enjoy watching Netflix, on your computer, but you would like to take the picture to your big screen TV. Your HDMI cable will work to transfer the picture, but you hate keeping your computer open while you’re watching your show. A different option would be to connect to Apple TV. According to Apple, Apple TV gives users the access to endless entertainment. Apple TV allows viewers to stream thousands of HD movies, TV shows, music, and slide shows. The way Apple TV works is very simple.

The device is about four inches wide and one inch high. All you need to do is place the device near the television and hook an HDMI cord from computer to device. The device will then transmit the picture to the TV. In earlier posts, I have talked about television with the capability of having internet installed into it. I was curious to know if you need a Mac computer for this function to work. Squidoo, a computer website, mentions that you do not have to own a Mac/Apple computer to use Apple TV. It will sync with a PC just fine.

One major advantage that Apple TV has over the rest is the ability to incorporate an iPad. Lindsey Swan, of Evaluated Math, reported that the Apple TV is able to sync to your iPad and mirror the image, on the iPad, to the television. She mentioned that teachers are beginning to use Apple TV, in the classroom, because they are able to roam around the room with the iPad. They are able to move slides on the projection with the iPad, instead of a stationary computer.

The price of owning the Apple TV is only $99. CNET, a computer information website, says the Apple TV's advantage is its low price, with built-in Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi can even project the internet to your television, without having to buy a new TV. CNET show the way the Apple TV works in a demonstrational video to the right. It shows users the simple model and how easy it is to store. It has an interface similar to Netflix in separating certain movies and shows. It flows from show to show and the picture quality is in a high resolution, which can be poor in the Netflix viewing.

Apple Continues to make strides, in the market, of all types media. I can only imagine what their next big product will be