Apple TV/Video User Manual download pdf (Page 9)

Why Apple TV?

If you’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem with a Mac, iPad,

or iPhone, the Apple TV becomes a no-brainer. Thanks to AirPlay

and the Remote app for iOS, the Apple TV is the ultimate Apple

peripheral. If you can see it on your Mac or Apple handheld screen,

you can likely AirPlay it to your TV.

In addition, the Apple TV is the only set-top box with content from

the iTunes Store, arguably

the best digital content marketplace

in the world. If what you want to watch or listen to isn’t on iTunes,

it’s probably not available.

Best of all, the Apple TV is simple—both to set up and operate.

That said, how does the Apple TV stack up to the competition?

✦

Roku: The Roku is the closest competitor to the Apple TV, and

in some ways it is superior—being both cheaper and having more

channels. However, if you keep most of your media in iTunes,

then the Apple TV is a much better option, as the Roku can’t play

iTunes content or act as an AirPlay receiver.

✦

Smart TVs and Blu-ray players: Many televisions feature built-

in apps, as do many Blu-ray players. However, in my experience,

they tend to be sluggish and thus painful to use.

✦

Game consoles: Game consoles, like the Xbox and PlayStation,

have home media capabilities, but are more expensive, larger,

and more power-hungry than the Apple TV.

✦

Chromecast: Google’s $35 Chromecast is tempting, but it has

several drawbacks. First, it requires a smartphone to operate.

Second, the content choices are limited, as it has no built-in apps.

Third, it lacks the processing power of the Apple TV, so the video

quality is lower, and gaming is out of the question. For more

information, see my TidBITS article

Testing Google’s Chromecast

for Apple Users.

Click here to buy the full 197-page “Take Control of Apple TV” for only $10!

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Apple TV/Video User Manual Page 9