Apple TV is Apple's latest attempt at creating a device that will be the "digital hub" at the center of your digital entertainment life.
It is one of a growing number of products that will make your TV Internet savvy, so that you can get TV shows, movies, and videos from the Internet, and watch them on your large screen TV in all their HDTV glory. WITHOUT having to move from your couch.
But, how does Apple TV work? Let's look at what the Apple TV is and does, and what it isn't…
On-line and On-Demand
The new and future trend of movie and video watching is to get it when you want it, on demand, from the Internet.
Streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, and so forth are catering to this trend, and proving this model to be quite successful.
It used to be that your computer was the only way to get video content from the Internet. But, when you're used to watching DVDs and Blu-Ray movies on your 55" or larger TV screen, watching videos on your little 20" computer screen gets old fast.
So, the entertainment industry has come up with a few ways to get that video content off the Internet and put it directly onto your TV screen.
Smart TVs
Just like a "Smart Phone" is a phone that can use Internet, a "Smart TV" is a television set that has the ability to connect to the Internet for video content and other services.
A Smart TV comes with some basic applications, or "apps" that let you go online for specific content. You usually get the standard apps to watch Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, etc. But, some will come with apps for HBO GO, international programming, and other specialty content.
To further keep you from leaving your living room, there is usually a built in web browser for searching the Internet, or checking your email accounts.
You access all these capabilities with your remote control, or a keyboard that can be used with the TV.
Apple TV
The Apple TV takes a different approach. It's a small computer that connects to your television, bringing some "Smart TV" and Internet capabilities to an otherwise-dumb idiot box.
First, it connects to your TV with an HDMI cable — the standard for high definition television (HDTV) picture and sound.
Then, it connects to the Internet either by plugging in directly to your modem or router, or wirelessly through your WiFi network.
Once connected, you select the input on your TV where the Apple TV is connected to see content. You will use a special Apple Remote to control the Apple TV, set it up, connect to your accounts, and select your videos and movies.
More Than a Smart TV
One feature the Apple TV has that Smart TVs don't is the ability to "project" what's on your iPad or iPhone onto your TV. You can share pictures, stream videos and play games using the Mirroring or Dual Screen feature. This only works with other Apple made products.
Less Than a Smart TV
One feature the Apple TV does NOT have is web browsing. Apple must have assumed that if you will using the Apple TV to mirror your smaller devices that DO have browsers and email capabilities, there wouldn't be any need for an additional browser on this device.
While this will be a boon for folks who have bought "all in" to Apple's products, this will be a sadly missing feature for people with Android or Windows based portable devices.
Learn More
Search online to learn more about Apple TV: Does it work? Who is it for, what does it do, and how does it compare to Smart TVs? How does Apple TV work? Searches online will show some interesting hacks to make the most of your Apple TV experience.
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