Apple TV upgrade allows easier content access

DIGITAL: Exec says high-def movies, TV shows popular with users

By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 10/29/2009

OCT. 29 | DIGITAL: Apple upgraded its Apple TV software today with a new interface that will give users easier access to their iTunes video content and allow them to view iTunes Extras and iTunes LP visual albums in full-screen mode.

The new Apple TV 3.0 software, free to Apple TV owners, puts users’ iTunes content front and center on the Apple TV for easier access. Not only will Apple TV owners now have access to iTunes Extras (movie bonus features added to select film downloads earlier this fall) and iTunes LPs, users also can listen to Genius Mixes and Internet Radio through their home theater system, all via the Apple TV.

Apple’s VP of Internet services Eddy Cue said in announcing the upgrade that HD movies and HD TV shows have been popular with Apple TV owners.

Apple TV owners can access iTunes’ catalog of 8,000 movies, 2,000 of which are available in HD, and 50,000 TV episodes directly from the set-top.

Purchases made from the Apple TV are automatically synced to iTunes on the user’s computer and can be played back there or on Apple iPods and iPhones.