It's hard to tell the old Apple TV from the new one, but there are big changes, they're just inside. Source: AdelaideNow
ALL the changes in the third-generation Apple TV are on the inside, writes Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson.
The latest Apple TV will appeal to those who demand high-definition.
With the right content, the extra clarity is evident. It's like upgrading from a DVD to a Blu-ray Disc.
If you cannot tell the old Apple TV from the new Apple TV, don't blame yourself.
Side by side, the gadgets look identical: black boxes with Apple logos on top.
They even weigh the same, at 270g, and if you peel off the black sticky tape around it you'll discover the same connections: slots for an HDMI cable, optical audio, Ethernet connection and Micro USB.
The changes to this newly launched Apple gadget are all inside the device, and one in particular should impress iTunes film fans.
For the first time, Apple TV delivers full high-definition video to the screen. That's 1080p, a jump from 720p in the last model.Those who buy the pricier, high-definition versions of movies and TV shows should appreciate this hardware addition, as they will finally be getting images worthy of their big screens.
Users have to be careful that they're getting full high-definition content, however, as not everything in the iTunes Store offers HD for the big screen. Shows that are full HD will be tagged "1080p" and if it doesn't say, it's more likely to be 720p content.
With the right content, the extra clarity is evident. It's like upgrading from a DVD to a Blu-ray Disc.
The new Apple TV also uses a faster chip - the Apple A5 processor that debuted in the iPad 2 - to support the demands of streaming larger files to the screen.
In the same vein, users are going to need a reasonably quick internet connection to use its new HD capabilities as the third-generation Apple TV box, like the one before it, cannot store content but merely plays it as it downloads from the net.
Other Apple TV upgrades arrive in software form, although that is not to diminish their importance. A host of new programming options appear on the screen - a product of new 5.0 software for Apple TV.
In addition to bright new icons for your movies, TV shows, music and computer settings, an array of content shortcuts appear on its home screen.
These include quick access to iTunes movie trailers, YouTube, photo-sharing site Flickr and Vimeo, which offers a selection of high-definition short films and video clips. Many are professionally made and well worth streaming.
Other offerings include a huge selection of video podcasts and plenty of internet radio stations that could easily provide appropriate background music to the party of your choice.
Apple has also added iCloud features to Apple TV in this software update so, once logged in with their Apple ID, users can access pictures from their Photo Stream and show them off on the biggest screen in the house.
Ultimately, this Apple TV is not a major overhaul of last year's model.
However, it is one that full-HD fans will appreciate and, with a $20 price cut and a simple set-up, it's a straightforward entertainment-on-demand solution.
APPLE TV
Apple, $109
apple.com/au
Rating: 4 Stars
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