Apple TV with 160GB Hard Drive - MB189LL/A
Your computer is the center of your digital life. Your TV is the center of your entertainment life. But what if you want to watch movies, TV shows, movie trailers, podcasts, and photos from your computer on your TV? Apple TV brings iTunes to the big screen.Say you've just downloaded Cars from iTunes. Instead of huddling around your computer to watch, you pop some popcorn while your computer wirelessly syncs your new flick to Apple TV. Then you pull up a seat, put up your feet, and pick up the included Apple Remote to play your movie on TV. Give yourself a hand: you've just changed the way you watch digital media.Apple TV connects to your TV via an HDMI port or component video and audio ports. Its built-in, superfast 802.11 wireless capability syncs your iTunes library to any Mac or PC in the house. Best of all, what's on Apple TV stays in sync: anytime you change your library in iTunes, it changes on Apple TV - wirelessly, automatically.Apple TV puts your iTunes library - movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts - plus movie trailers from Apple.com on your TV. And your digital photos from iPhoto on a Mac or Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Album on a Windows PC appear in high definition, so you can put on a stunning big-screen slideshow.
Apple TV with 160GB Hard Drive - MB189LL/A Accessories
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Apple Time Capsule MB277LL/A 802.11n 1TB Network Backup Hard Drive
Apple Airport Express
MONSTER AI ITV CV-2M ITV Link Component Video Cable for Apple TV
Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote
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Apple iPod touch 16 GB (1st Generation)
Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Home & Student Edition
Mac OS X Version 10.5.4 Leopard
Apple TV with 160GB Hard Drive - MB189LL/A Reviews
The 40GB is only good if you don't buy content - only rent movies. I highly recommend a direct 100 Mb ethernet connection or 802.11n. I looked at similar MP3 components for audio only - this was cheaper and had a far superior GUI. Bottom line: There is no other product like it on the market in terms of cost, intuitive interface, quality, and features. 5.1 digital surround is now supported and you can rip your DVDs using 5.1 with Handbrake software (free download on the web).
The video used to lag, but this seems much better with the latest releases of the OS. The content on the Apple iTunes store does not offer 1080p for purchase, but you can rent 1080p content or add it (if you can get it) from your computer. The remote control is a pain when typing passwords or searching youtube, etc. The other great thing is that software updates are free and come automatically over the internet. There are also 1080p video podcasts. We use it all the time for music.
It is so easy to use that my wife can do it (she is not technology savvy). The GUI on the HDTV screen is so much better. You'll wish you had the 160GB. It's great and much better than the remote that comes with the Apple TV. Don't bother with the 40GB version.
Do not use this product with 802.11g or slower. Caveats: It does run hot. It's just too small. Handbrake works with Mac OS 10.5 or > and Windows (if you are unfortunate enough to not have a Mac). Even if you don't use it for video. New features and fixes.
The GUI can stick and then jump - so you click 3 times with no effect and then it jumps the 3 positions, etc. But watch out - if you keep you music on it, you'll want more space. It's easier than hooking up an iPod and having to pick up the iPod to change songs, etc. If you have an iPhone (I think iPod Touch also) you can use the Remote Application to control your Apple TV (or iTunes) from your iPhone. The Apple TV is great even just as a music jukebox.
highly recommend this product. the 160 gig version will store all your music, movies and much much more. basically a hard drive that sincs wirelessly to your itunes library, the hdmi connection to your tv provides premier audio and video that will tantalize your eyes and soothe your ears.
anyhow, after that update people have been having problems with the port settings. You call Apple and they read from queue cards and have no idea what they are doing. I am going to ebay this piece of junk, so look for it there if you want it. I have had this Apple TV since it first came out and paid almost $400 for it. It worked great until iTunes software updates around the 7.2 something. There are many folks with the same issues.just go to google and type in "apple tv port 3689" enjoy the reading. They always blame someone or something else, like your router (I also use an Apple Airport router, which i bought because i was told by Apple it was my router and buying theirs would fix my Apple TV problem.NOPE) Don't get me wrong, I love Apple products and I am amazed at the BUGS in this product.
Upon connecting the power cord to the wall the device turns on (there is no power button). 6. 3. As of the date on this review you should be up to version 2.2 (the Apple guy told me whenever iTunes updates, so does Apple TV).
While there is no power button, there is a standby mode, so get familiar with it. 5. The unit gets hot, very hot; I suggest you get one of those laptop coolers and put it underneath the unit. If you want to use 1080p, you won't have that option initially until you get the latest update; in the meantime choose 1080i (you need to make a choice to continue). It is fun to download media on the fly. Get the proper cables to hook up to your tv- if your tv has HDMI, get HDMI. 4.
It boasts 1080i/p HD, but I haven't had a chance to try that out (not many music videos in HD). In the box you get the Apple TV, a power cord and a remote about the size of a 2nd generation ipod shuffle. It then takes you through an initial setup where you configure your device to sync with your wireless computer. Other than some minor things, like a freeze up I had the second night I used it, I love this thing. Here are some tips if you decide to buy this: 1. I bought this product for my restaurant as I am hoping to show music videos.
As previously mentioned, there are only a few buttons and no scrolling feature like on the regular ipods. The included control can get annoying because when you want to type you have to scroll to each letter, however, if you own an iphone, you can get the 'remote' app that will allow you to use your iphone as a remote providing you with a full qwerty keyboard. Once that's done your device starts to download everything from your computer which takes longer than if it was hooked up via cables, but not a big deal. After initial setup, make sure you check for software updates. 2. The device is cool because you can purchase music, movies and videos right from your living room and they will auto sync with your computer.
I was very excited to get this "toy" and try it out.
When you use your own photos, it can be addictive to watch. The rolling, cascading screensaver alone is worth the price of admission. If I could change anything it would be how hot it runs, but don't let that stop you. Great Apple interface, dummy-proof setup, easily access all the media in your house. Browse iTunes and YouTube, all with one remote.
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