TV (3rd generation)
Apple's single-core A5 streaming box, adding 1080p video while retaining Ethernet, optical audio and the aluminium infrared remote.
Model history · 3 models, 2007–2012
- 2007TV (1st generation)Compare
- 2010TV (2nd generation)Compare
- 2012TV (3rd generation)
- Type
- Box
- Resolution
- 1080p
- HDR
- –
- Software
- Apple TV Software
What reviewers say
Contemporary reviews praised the compact hardware, straightforward controls and 1080p playback, but criticised the limited formats and content choices. Macworld and The Register found the UK catalogue restrictive. AppleInsider valued AirPlay and saw little reason for second-generation owners to upgrade; The Register disliked the new icon layout, while Macworld found it easy to use.
From macworld.com, theregister.com and appleinsider.com
Specifications
Report a wrong or missing specVideo and audio
- Resolution
- 1080p
- HDR
- None
- Dolby Atmos
- No
- Video
- H.264 up to 1080p at 30 fps, High or Main Profile level 4.0 or lower, Baseline Profile level 3.0 or lower; MPEG-4 up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 × 480 at 30 fps; Motion JPEG up to 35 Mbps, 1280 × 720 at 30 fps. Protected content requires HDCP
- Audio
- HE-AAC (V1), AAC, protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV; Dolby Digital 5.1 pass-through
Performance
- Software
- Apple TV Software
- Chip details
- Apple single-core A5; maker model numbers A1427 and A1469 (Rev A) are both third-generation Apple TVs
- Memory
- 512 MB RAM (AppleInsider review); Apple does not publish RAM on the model's spec sheet
- Storage
- Streaming device with flash storage for caching rather than a synchronised local media library; maker does not publish its capacity. Home Sharing supported streaming from a Mac or PC running iTunes
- Software and services
- Legacy Apple TV Software, with built-in channels rather than a third-party App Store. Reviews describe services available in 2012–2017. Netflix's current compatibility list requires Apple TV HD (4th generation) or later; this model is no longer supported
Connections
- Wi-Fi
- 802.11a/b/g/n
- Ethernet
- Yes
- Voice remote
- No
- Ports
- HDMI; optical audio; 10/100BASE-T Ethernet; IR receiver; Micro-USB for service and support, not external media playback
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 802.11a/b/g/n; wireless video streaming requires 802.11a, g or n. Bluetooth support for Apple Wireless Keyboard requires Apple TV Software 5.2 or later
- Remote
- Included aluminium Apple Remote using infrared; Apple's iOS Remote app also supported network control
Design
- Type
- Box
- Power
- Built-in 6 W universal power supply
- Size
- 98 × 98 × 23 mm (W × D × H); 0.6 lb, varying with configuration and manufacturing
- In the box
- Apple TV, Apple Remote, power cord and documentation; HDMI cable sold separately
Pros and cons
Pros
- H.264 video playback up to 1080p at 30 fps
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi and optical audio output
- Bluetooth keyboard support from Apple TV Software 5.2
Cons
- No HDR, Dolby Atmos or voice remote
- No third-party App Store or USB media playback
- Netflix is no longer supported
Closest rivals
Model | Type | Resolution | HDR | Software | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box | 1080p | – | Roku OS | Jul 2011 | |
| Box | 1080p | – | Roku OS | Jul 2011 | |
| Box | 1080p | – | Roku OS | Mar 2013 |
Previous model: TV (2nd generation). Newer model: TV HD.
Sources
- support.apple.com/en-gb/112429
- apple.com/uk/newsroom/2012/03/07Apple-Brings-1080p-High-Definition-to-New-Apple…
- support.apple.com/en-gb/101605
- appleinsider.com/articles/12/03/29/in_depth_review_apples_third_generation_1080…
- help.netflix.com/en/node/23887
Photo: cdsassets.apple.com
