Apple TV with 1080p video: the full story – The Verge

For HBO and Apple, a long process to partner on TV

2013-06-20T13:40:56-04:00

HBOGo-AppleTV-productshot

To some, Apple TV seems like a laggard.

The web TV box that Apple has referred to for years as a "hobby" is only now offering access to shows and events from HBO and ESPN - long after Roku and Xbox. The truth, however, is that the process of acquiring and delivering episodes of True Blood and SportsCenter isn't as easy as flicking a switch.

"Affiliates are always initially hesitant about things connected to the TV." Why this matters, of course, is because of the growing number of consumers who are searching for alternative ways to watch TV and film. The traditional TV set has given ground to computer tablets, mobile phones, and set-top boxe …

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Tim Cook says that ‘TV has been left behind,’ Brian Williams follows up with Josh

2012-12-06T22:51:49-05:00

tim cook

Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke on camera with NBC's Brian Williams on Rock Center this evening and talked about a variety of topics, including his first year as Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, Chinese manufacturing, and yes, even Apple's potential interest in the television market. While much of what Cook revealed had already been covered in his interview with Bloomberg Businessweek that was released earlier today, he did appear to be earnest about Apple possibly entering the TV market. When pressed about the endless rumors of an Apple television set by Williams, Cook said "it's a market that we have intense interest in, it's a market that we see that has …

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$399 iPad 2 and new Apple TV have a dual-core 32nm Apple A5 that could save battery

2012-04-11T21:41:19-04:00

Apple A5 stock press

Remember when Apple told us that the latest Apple TV has a single-core processor? That's not one hundred percent correct… according to a Chipworks teardown, the new APL2498 version of the Apple A5 chip is actually a dual-core design, and it's built on a smaller 32nm process that might help save battery life. Now, if you're thinking that the Apple TV doesn't need a battery because it has an AC plug, you'd be absolutely right, but the fine folks at Chipworks (and AnandTech) discovered that the very same APL2498 is also shipping in the new $399 iPad 2. We haven't had a chance to test a new iPad 2 quite yet to see if the chip actually leads to l …

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Apple TV teardown reveals second antenna, single-core A5 processor

2012-03-19T19:12:22-04:00

ifixit apple tv

The third generation of the Apple TV is identical on the outside and nearly functionally identical with its predecessor - the only change being the addition of 1080p. That doesn't meant that it's the same on the inside, however, as iFixit's traditional teardown has revealed a few small details changed and an overall refinement of the internals. The first and most obvious change is the switch to a single-core A5 processor to drive that 1080p video (and everything else). Interestingly, the processor no longer has a thermal pad attached to it, suggesting it might run a little cooler than the A4 in the previous generation. iFixit also discovered …

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Apple TV version 5.0 update hands-on: new interface, new features

2012-03-07T18:43:36-05:00

Apple TV version 5.0

Apple may have announced a refresh to the Apple TV today, but for those of us who already own Apple's $99 set-top box, the fun came a couple of hours later in the form of an upgrade version 5.0 of the Apple TV's software. The update is mostly an aesthetic one, with an iOS-style overhaul to the home page popping up immediately. Everything's large and icon-based, and looks pretty good on a large screen - though it's fortunate there aren't many apps, because navigating through a lot of huge icons with the overly simple remote could get frustrating. The home screen may look different, but apps haven't really changed in kind yet, and most are sti …

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Apple offering previously purchased iTunes movies and TV shows at 1080p

2012-03-07T15:55:56-05:00

icloud movies 600

Along with the new interface and new software update for the Apple TV, Apple has told us that it has another little bonus for iTunes users. With the update to 1080p support on the 3rd-generation Apple TV, video content from iTunes is also getting upgraded. That includes any movies you've previously purchased - so you can redownload the full 1080p version in iTunes or stream the 1080p version on the newest Apple TV.

iTunes 10.6 just got released with support for 1080p HD video on TV and Movies. Accessing previous purchased video content works just the same as it did with music. In iTunes, you click on the "Purchased" link from the home page of …

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New Apple TV interface now available on 2nd-generation models

2012-03-07T15:38:28-05:00

Apple TV

We all expected most of the new interface and features on Apple announced for the new generation of the Apple TV to find their way down the previous generation, and just as with iOS 5.1 for the iPad and the iPhone, Apple isn't wasting any time. We hear that the update should be available today, bringing the new interface, movie re-downloading, and direct Netflix signup to current models. Of course, that won't mean that current models will be able to display 1080p content, but beyond that small niggle it appears that the previous generation will still be functionally identical with the new model.

The update hasn't appeared for us yet, but we'l …

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Apple TV now allows direct Netflix streaming sign-ups and payment through iTunes accounts

2012-03-07T15:11:49-05:00

Gallery Photo: New Apple TV interface pictures

If you just can't bear to operate outside Apple's ecosystem, Netflix just announced that it is now more tightly integrated with Apple TV. Users can sign up for Netflix streaming service directly through their Apple TV and pay with an existing iTunes account. This new feature comes in addition to the already-announced 1080p and Dolby Digital 5.1 combo that's coming to the brand-new Apple TV hardware. While those higher-quality features may be exclusive to the new hardware, users of both second- and third-generation Apple TV units will have these new signup and payment options. What isn't yet know is whether Apple will take its traditional 30 …

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New Apple TV interface hands-on video

2012-03-07T14:38:32-05:00

New Apple TV

You wouldn't know from the looks of it, but Apple unveiled a new version of the Apple TV today. It costs $99 and has the same form factor but now supports 1080p video. The big change, however, is that the interface has been completely overhauled - for both the new Apple TV and the current, 720p-infused generation. We just got some quick time with the new Apple TV interface outputting in 1080p video. The Genius feature that was shown to us is reminiscent of Netflix's online interface and is indicative of the whole experience. Be sure to check the video below for a quick glimpse of it all in action, and if you have the current Apple TV, a repre …

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Apple TV refresh announced with 1080p support: March 16th for $99

2012-03-07T13:12:49-05:00

Apple TV

Apple has just revealed an update to the Apple TV today complete with a new user interface, a refresh that's been widely rumored as stocks of the old model have all but vanished in recent weeks. The new model supports 1080p full HD video - previously, it had been limited to 720p - and it can also stream movie purchases from iCloud, a capability just announced today. Physically, the unit looks identical (it's still a tiny black box), and considering that the goal is usually to hide your AV equipment inconspicuously, that's probably for the best. Unlike the new iPad that was also announced today, the updated Apple TV will stick with an older A5 …

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