Apple TV update adds high-def TV episodes, Genius playlist support

TV episodes are now available in HD on the Apple TV

(Credit: CNET)

Apple has added HD television episodes and support for Genius music playlists to the Apple TV.

Firmware 2.2, available now as a free download, adds the ability to purchase TV episodes of select shows in high-def (for $3, versus the $2 price tag for standard-def versions). That makes good on a pledge that Steve Jobs made at the company's September 10 event.

The updated Apple TV now also supports the Genius playlist feature that was introduced on new versions of iTunes and iPods at the same event. Genius is designed to help listeners discover--and buy--new music based on what they're already listening to.

Apple TV remains priced at $230 for the 40GB version and $330 for the 160GB one. The box is competing against a growing number of competitors in the Internet video-on-demand space, including Vudu (which has just added higher resolution movies and a $200 credit), Roku's Netflix Player (which now offers unlimited viewing of Starz/Disney content and current TV shows via a flat subscription), Xbox 360 (which will add the support for the same Netflix services as the Roku box later this fall), and PlayStation 3 (which launched its own online video store earlier this year).

Via Apple Insider

[JLDSeattle]

HD vids don't work from computer to my apple tv through wifi. it gets choppy

[lawgone]

I'd recommend downloading it to your Apple TV unit rather than trying to stream it via wifi.

[ace10134]

You can buy an Xbox 360 for the same price, get the same hard drive, stream music, videos, plus you can watch LIVE TV, record and pause TV, play video games, watch movies from a DVD, download movies and TV shows, etc. Apple TV cant even watch live TV. How sad.

Now, i actually hate the Xbox because it breaks so much, but when compared to the Apple TV, the Xbox is a sign from heaven that the future has arrived.

[klf5]

The biggest news is that this update allows VIDEO PLAYLISTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can now play videos in a playlist! Awesome!!!!!

[bleeepbloop]

Any particular reason why CNET fails to mention the D-Link DSM-330? With the new software update you can stream Hulu content to your TV now and watch any show on demand for free. It's got the sexy interface like Apple TV without being tethered to iTunes or the Apple's limited format playback. I bought my DSM-330 2 months ago.... when will CNET come out with a review or at least acknowledge that it's not only on the market in the U.S. now but the best damn streamer available?

[bigmc6000]

They really need to drop the price on this puppy if they want it to take off. $230 for a 40GB HD and $330 for the 160GB? As ace said that's as much as an XBox. I know Apple likes to keep the margins historically high but they need to realize that if they can get a firm grip on this market they'll be golden going into the future. I'd say $149 and $219 would do the trick...