Since 2007 , the Apple TV has long sought and still has not found its audience , in France at least. Various reasons: its price first, then its size , low catalog of video content on the Store French to continue, and the obligation to synchronize their computers with Apple TV to finish.
Without that guarantee success for the future, Apple brings in any case the answers to these elements. ?
Price and smaller footprint
First point , the price is seriously lowered . It rises from 299 euros in 2007 to 119 euros today. Second point, although rather compact, the casing of the Apple TV seemed a bit too big to sit next to a TV or DVD player. The new Apple TV is extremely compact , 80 % smaller than its predecessor , with dimensions which are held in one hand (2.29 x 9.91 x 9.91 cm). A compact , made possible through the use of the chip Apple A4 (present in the iPad , iPhone 4 and the latest version of the iPod touch) , energy efficient. ? However, counting does not mean hunger , one at the back of the box HDMI, an S / PDIF and an Ethernet jack Megabit Ethernet (10/100) , in addition to Wi - Fi compatible (802.11 b, g and n ) and a micro-USB port (for assistance) . A normal USB port might have been able to help connect a hard drive ... But this is not Apple's policy .
Catalogue and continuous play
Thirdly, the issue of the catalog of films, television series and HD or SD . If the latter has grown in France , the fact remains that there is still much to do to become as interesting as other French VOD offerings , not to mention the services available in the U.S. just like Netflix.
However, and this is the fourth point, when this problem will be solved , Apple TV now put everything on the Streaming directly, without the hassle of synchronization. This will use iTunes 10 (or higher) . Streaming may then be made directly from the Internet via a special interface ( leased content on iTunes Store, YouTube video , etc. .) or from your computer ( music library , video and photo) . Apple will soon offer even an application to " streamer " the content on an iPhone , iPad or iPod touch to the Apple TV. This will use technology AirPlay , formerly known as AirTunes , which was confined to connect your Apple TV to your computer. Apple's mobile devices will be used not only remote , as will another application already available, Remote. ?
Rental and playback quality
Apple will have to work hard to expand its rental offer . Rates quoted are correct in the case of recent films : EUR 2.99 standard version , 3.99 euros in HD . Once the rented movie , you have 30 days to watch it and only 24 hours if you started reading.
There remains the question of the power of the chip Apple A4. Will she be able to decode the broadcast HD video ? A priori yes , especially since he is not here for Full HD ( 1080p) HD but 720p. So much for your latest 42-inch screen ...
Passive hub
Both domestic hub for local content present on your computers and mobile devices, Apple, and bridgehead hire services online from Apple directly accessible from the Apple TV, this new attempt of intrusion Apple in the show is appealing . Starting with its price much more attractive . However , the Apple TV will have to prove that despite his passive role of consultation terminal , it can provide enough content into our living rooms to deserve cares. To do this , Apple will struggle against other VOD offerings .
