In the ever-evolving landscape of digital entertainment, Apple has been a pioneering force. One of its groundbreaking contributions to the realm of home entertainment is the Apple TV series. Launched in 2007, the original Apple TV set the stage for a revolution in how we consume media, paving the way for the modern streaming devices we rely on today.
On January 9, 2007, Apple unveiled the first-generation Apple TV, a digital media player designed to seamlessly integrate with iTunes and revolutionize how users accessed and enjoyed their digital content. With a sleek design and an easy-to-use interface, it promised to bring the digital age into living rooms across the globe.
Steve Jobs, Apple’s visionary CEO at the time, described Apple TV as “a DVD player for the 21st century.” It was designed to connect wirelessly to your TV, allowing users to stream movies, TV shows, music, photos, and podcasts from their Mac or PC directly to their widescreen TV.
The original Apple TV boasted impressive features for its time. It came equipped with a 40 GB hard drive, capable of storing up to 50 hours of video, 9,000 songs, 25,000 photos, or any combination thereof. With high-definition 720p output and support for HDMI, component video, analog, and optical audio ports, it promised a high-quality viewing experience.
Powered by a 1 GHz Intel Pentium M processor and NVIDIA GeForce Go 7300 graphics, the device offered smooth performance and crisp visuals. Its integration with iTunes provided access to a vast library of content, including feature-length movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
Despite its initial higher price point compared to other media players of its time, the first-generation Apple TV quickly gained traction among consumers. Its ability to seamlessly sync with iTunes and stream content wirelessly from multiple devices made it a game-changer in the world of home entertainment.
However, the device was not without its limitations. One notable drawback was its reliance on the Apple Remote for control, lacking integrated controls of its own. Nevertheless, its sleek design, robust features, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem solidified its status as a beloved device for many users.
After a successful three-year run, the first-generation Apple TV was discontinued in 2010. Despite its discontinuation, its legacy lived on, paving the way for subsequent iterations of Apple TV that would continue to push the boundaries of digital entertainment.
As we look back on the journey of the original Apple TV, it’s remarkable to see how far the device has come since its inception. What started as a revolutionary concept in 2007 has evolved into a powerhouse of streaming technology, offering users unparalleled access to a vast array of content.
Today, 17 years later Apple TV continues to innovate and redefine the way we experience entertainment. With advanced features, enhanced performance, and an ever-expanding library of content, it remains at the forefront of the streaming revolution.
The original Apple TV may have been discontinued, but its impact on the world of digital entertainment is undeniable. As we celebrate its legacy, we’re reminded of the vision and innovation that propelled Apple TV from a humble digital media player to a groundbreaking streaming powerhouse. And as technology continues to evolve, one thing is certain – the journey of Apple TV is far from over.
Original Apple TV Details
| Introduced | January 9, 2007 – 17 years ago |
| Released | March 22, 2007 – 17 years ago |
| Discontinued | September 1, 2010 – 13 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 41 months (3 years) |
| Model Identifier | AppleTV1,1 |
| Model Number | A1218 |
| EMC | 2123 |
| Order Number | MA711LL/A MB189LL/A |
| Original Price | $299 (40 GB) $349 (160 GB) |
| Colors | White |
| Weight | 2.4 Ibs. – 1.088 KG |
| Dimensions | 1.1” H x 7.7” W x 7.7″ D 2.79 cm H x 19.55 cm W x 19.55 cm D |
Apple TV Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Intel Pentium M |
| Processor Speed | 1 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Cache | 2 MB on-chip L2 |
Storage
| Storage | 40 GB 160 GB |
Memory
| Memory | 256 MB DDR2 SDRAM 400 MHz |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce Go 7300 |
Display
| Built-in Display | N/A |
Connections
| Ethernet | 1 – 10/100BASE-T |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g and draft-n |
| Infrared | 1 – For Apple Remote only |
| USB | 1 – 480 Mbps (Service & Diagnostic only) |
| TV Capability | Enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen TVs capable of 1080p/1080i 60/50Hz, 720p 60/50Hz, 576p 50Hz (PAL format), or 480p 60Hz |
| Audio / Video | HDMI Component video Optical audio Analog RCA stereo audio |
| AirPlay | No |
Media
| Audio Formats | AAC (16 to 320 Kbps) AAC (from iTunes Store) MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps) MP3 VBR Apple Lossless AIFF WAV |
| Photo Formats | JPEG BMP GIF TIFF PNG |
| Video Formats | H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store): 640 by 480, 30 fps, LC version of Baseline Profile; 320 by 240, 30 fps, Baseline Profile up to Level 1.3; 1280 by 720, 24 fps, Progressive Main Profile. MPEG-4: 640 by 480, 30 fps, Simple Profile |
| Audio Output | Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Video Output | 720p 60/50 Hz (NTSC/PAL) 576p 50 Hz (PAL) 480p 60 Hz (NTSC) |
Peripherals
| Peripherals | Apple Remote |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X 10.4.7 (Apple TV 1.0) |
| Maximum OS | Apple TV 3.0.2 |
| iTunes | iTunes 7.1 or later |
| Intelligent Assistant | N/A |
Power
| Power | 48 W Universal Power Supply |
Apple TV 1st Gen Introduction Video
Further Reading and References
- Apple TV (1st generation): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple TV Coming to Your Living Room – Apple Newsroom
- Apple TV Now Shipping – Apple Newsroom
- Identify your Apple TV model – Apple Support
- Apple TV – Wikipedia
- Apple TV: an in-depth review – Ars Technica
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
