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Apple TV: The Revolution will be Televised
Within every category of entertainment, Apple is literally in its own world. With respect to iPods, iTunes, mobile telecommunications, and now Apple TV, the California based technology and computing company has changed the way we interpret our needs for higher learning and pleasure. Whether that be music experiences or HD movie viewing, Apple TV’s revolutionary features could soon displace all traditional means of home entertainment.
Think about it. Today’s fast pasted society and tech savvy consumers live lifestyles that need to be customized daily. Time is money, money is technology, and technology is simplicity. We all have increased obligations with work, family and recreation and need to accomplish our duties in record times or by means of multitasking. There was a time when bulky VHS tapes were the norm. Soon they were replaced by DVDs. HD DVD was dethroned by Blu-ray, and now with the high prices of Blu-ray players and discs another transformation needs to take place. Maybe your cable company’s services like On Demand? Or do we continue to spend unnecessary time at Blockbuster where there is no guarantee your movie of choice will be on the shelf. Forget all that. Let’s take a walkthrough with Apple’s next best in class: Apple TV.
Apple TV is a combination of entertainment services bundled into one micro unit that is four times smaller than your DVD player or cable box. So finding a place for the fashionable Apple TV is simple. And like all Apple products even the packaging is sexy. The forte of the product is renting and buying movies from the iTunes Store using your account. It also allows the sampling and purchasing of music, music videos and TV shows. You have the option of renting a movie (either standard or HD) and watching it within 24 hours or purchasing the movie and storing it on either the $229 40 gig or $329 160 gig unit. Though, actual storage is less than the quoted numbers. The system forms a bond with your Wi-Fi network to establish a connection with the Internet. Apple TV then hooks up to your high definition TV and home theater audio. It found my home network in seconds. Once connected, you can sync your entire iTunes library onto Apple TV and begin surfing for movies. I have a Sony Bravia so the sound is incredible, therefore, I can get rid of my Bose iPod docking station and eBay my older Bose 3.2.1 DVD player if I choose since Apple TV essentially replaces both. Also, I have Verizon Fios, so download times for movies was less than 30 seconds.
The first night playing around with Apple TV my wife and I got caught up in all the features like watching about twenty movie trailers, which by far is better than reading summaries on the back of a box. Movies can be found by searching names of titles or actors and each movie is rated by previous viewers. At the bottom of the screen is a cadre of common movie interests from previous viewers as well. New releases run $3.99 to rent and $4.99 for HD while library titles go for 2.99 and $3.99 for HD. The cost to purchase a movie varies but we have seen $9.99 and $14.99 movies. And just like going to the movies, there’s a movie trailer option on the menu so you can catch all the upcoming releases.
Last but not least, Apple TV allows you to watch YouTube on the big screen. Yep, I was able to watch Automotive Rhythms TV directly by logging into my YouTube account. Once logged in, Apple TV gives you full range of the millions of videos on YouTube. We went from Obama’s basketball skills, to Mad TV clips to dying over the Evolution of Dance video. As stated before, the revolution will be televised.
To upgrade your household’s entertainment needs, visit www.apple.com/appletv. You won’t be disappointed. Trust me!
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