Apple TV Debut

The Apple TV is a 1.1-inch-high set-top box that connects to your home computer network (wired or wireless) so you can play media--digital photos, movies, and music--from your home computers on your TV.

Apple TV works with Mac computers and PCs running Windows operating systems, including Windows XP and Vista. Although the set-top box is geared for widescreen HDTVs, Apple TV will also work with non-digital TVs that have more squarish screens with a 4:3 aspect ratio.

The Apple TV has some interesting features. It can connect to Apple's online iTunes store for downloading music and videos. However, currently access is restricted to only snippets of a limited number of songs and videos. If you want the complete song or video, you'll have to download it to your computer first. For some of the videos, you will have to use QuickTime Pro software ($30) to convert some digital video items--including some home videos you shot with your camcorder--before Apple TV will recognize them.

All in all for $300 it certainly is worth adding this box to your iPod family.