Apple TV - Features

Features

Apple TV allows consumers to use an HDTV set to view photos, play music and watch video originating from limited Internet services or a local network. The first generation (white) had iTunes, Flickr, Mobileme/.Mac and YouTube. The second generation added Netflix. Both models supported downloading/streaming podcasts.

Supported Internet media services include:

  • Users can access the iTunes Store directly through Apple TV to rent movies and TV shows and stream audio and video podcasts. While the first generation of the Apple TV could download content, the second generation lacks a hard drive, and thus cannot store purchased content. Users who wish to purchase content on the Apple TV may do so, but cannot download directly to the Apple TV. Content must be streamed live or downloaded via iTunes onto a device with storage capability (personal computer, iPhone, iPad, etc.). Since 2008, podcasts have been served on the Apple TV as other kinds of video, as opposed to in RSS and similar feeds. Until mid-March 2009, the Apple TV was the only way to purchase HD iTunes content.
  • Apple TV can display photos from Flickr and iCloud in a slide show, with automatic cross-dissolve transitions, and optionally with the Ken Burns effect.
  • Netflix streaming integration was added in the September 2010 revision.
  • Hulu Plus integration was added on August 2012.
  • YouTube and Vimeo videos can be viewed on the Apple TV via included apps. A YouTube account is not required, but allows a user to set personalized options, such as favorites.
  • Rotten Tomatoes review syndication and ratings offered per title available for rent. Rotten Tomatoes account holders cannot login, so is not needed nor required, as no personalised options are available.
  • NBA TV and MLB.tv allow access to league scores, statistics, and their accompanying subscription services.

Apple TV does not support user-defined RSS audio, video and text feeds.

Parental controls allow consumers to limit access to Internet media service content. Internet media is split into four categories: "Internet Photos", "YouTube", "Podcasts", and "Purchase and Rental". Each of the categories is configured by a parental control of "Show", "Hide" or "Ask" to prompt for a 4-digit preset code. In addition, movies, TV shows, music and podcasts can be restricted by rating.


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