[Review] 1080p compatible charm of "Apple TV" --Av Watch Watch

　Apple launched a new iPad and Apple TV with high -definition Retina displays on the 16th.For the third -generation new iPad, we have mentioned a lot of articles in our magazines, such as the details of the display and the support for full HD photography.

　On the other hand, Apple TV is a sober update, so it doesn't seem to be so hot.Regarding the new iPad, it became a topic that it became a simple naming of "iPad", not iPad 3 or iPad HD, but Apple TV remains "Apple TV" without the name of the new model at all.The case has hardly been talked about.The external dimensions and weight are the same, and the price is 8,800 yen, which is stationary.

　Although there is no change in appearance, the processor has been upgraded to Apple A5 and improved processing capacity, which supports video playback up to 1080p (previously up to 720p).The video managed by iTunes, and 1080p videos such as YouTube, Netflix, and Vimeo are now available.In addition, the new UI is also adopted, but this is also supported by the old Apple TV (720P model), so the new model -specific function is only 1080p compatible.

　If there is no need for 1080p, the old model is fine, but the iTunes Store has also started distribution of 1080p on the new Apple TV.In other words, the point is that the iTunes Store can be seen in a higher image quality, and it is possible to enable a better video experience that is raised in distribution content.Immediately, we verified the ability of the new Apple TV.

■ Design and external dimensions are the same as the conventional model

　The bundled items are only aluminum Apple Remote, instruction manual, and power cable.The external dimensions are 98 x 98 x 23mm (width x depth x height) and weigh about 272g, the same as the conventional Apple TV.The difference from the conventional model is that the package contains [1080p].

　The top plate has a logo dedicated to the Apple TV, and the bottom is placed on the bottom.The front is equipped with an infrared light receiving part, on the back, HDMI output, optical digital voice output terminal, and Ethernet.IEEE 802.11a/B/G/N complied wireless LAN.

　The setup is simple, just connect the HDMI cable and Ethernet to the TV.If you remove the wired LAN cable, you can set the wireless LAN.Basically, it is the same as the conventional model, so please refer to the previous review.

■ The image quality of 1080p is good.However, it is difficult to search for 1080p content.　

　When the main menu is displayed, the three items of movie, computer, and settings are displayed.If you scroll with the remote control, "MLB.TV", "NHL", "Trailers", "WSJ.LIVE", "YouTube", "Vimeo", "PodCasts", "Radio", "Photostream", "MobileMe",Each item of "Flickr" appears.The operation is simple, using the cursor key of the remote control, just choosing the upside/left and right, Menu, and the decision, and the response is good.

　The main feature "Movie" allows you to watch movies and TV programs purchased directly from iTunes Store on Apple TV.Computers can select the content purchased on a Mac or Windows PC, videos and music managed by iTunes, and indicate it.

　The movie search is performed from "Movie".Movies can be searched not only from Apple TV, but also from personal computers, each of the searches for each genre, narrowing down only [HD video], and searching by performers.However, the handling of purchased content on Apple TV and PC is slightly different.

　When watching a movie on the Apple TV, you need to download it directly to Apple TV as a method of streaming and rented movies/programs purchased at iTunes Store, such as PCs.

　As for the sales form, there are two types of rental and purchase, but all of them are downloaded and regenerated.In the case of a personal computer, both rental/purchase can be used, downloading a movie from the iTunes Store and streaming it to Apple TV.In order to use iTunes as a server, it is necessary to launch a computer when using Apple TV, but depending on the content, it can also be transferred to iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

　In the case of Apple TV alone, it is only rental and cannot be transferred to PCs or iPhone.The rented movie is within 30 days of download and within 48 hours of regeneration.

　For this reason, I tried to buy a movie on a personal computer, but when I searched on the iTunes Store, there were many [HD] content, but I could not confirm that it was 1080p.Similarly, I checked the [HD] of Apple TV, but I couldn't find a 1080p display.I tried "Money Ball" as a trial, but this was like 720p.

　At the domestic presentation of the iPad and Apple TV on March 8, it was said that the 1080p playback was appealed in the "Monkey Planet: Genesis".So, when I checked the title, it was only displayed as [HD] in the PC's iTunes Store, but the Apple TV stated 1080p.Therefore, this time I rented "Monkey Planet: Genesis".The rental price is 500 yen.

　Basically, movie rental in iTunes Store is 500 yen for HD and 400 yen for SD, so it seems that a price difference does not occur if it is 1080p.

　When you play the monkey planet, you can feel the high resolution from the opening FOX logo.In an experiment that monkeys challenge the game called "Lucas Tower" in Chapter 1, the wrinkles of the monkey face, the shadows of the monkey face, the shadow of the depression, and the details are clearly seen, and you can feel "1080p".As you can see on the 42 -inch LCD TV "42Z3", there is no noise and there is almost no dissatisfaction with the image quality.Although it is not compared with BD, it is a quality that can be believed even if it is said to be BD.

　Although the 720p "moneyball" is a quality that can fully feel the HD, details are not enough.Originally, I thought it was such a picture, but when compared with the BD version, the difference in resolution is obvious.

　In the case of rental, the price does not change between 720p (HD) and 1080p, so I want to enjoy iTunes Store HD work as much as possible.For that reason, I would like to expand the number of works and to see a "easy -to -understand display" in the Store.

　In addition, although the image quality is satisfactory enough, the voice is at most Dolby Digital 5.1ch, which is negative in comparison with Blu-ray.As long as you look at Money Ball, there is no noticeable difference, but it will be a lack of power in music titles and musicals.

　The rental BD is about 400 yen, but if it becomes an old work, there are various discounts, so if you simply compare the price, it can be said that rental at the store is cheaper.However, the advantage that Apple TV can be used immediately when it is time to return and when you want to see it.The lineup of the Store has been enriched, so I thought that the title "not enough to buy a BD" would be Apple TV.

■ Compatible with 1080P videos in iTunes.Photo stream is also convenient

　In conjunction with the new Apple TV, iTunes also supported streaming distribution to the 1080p video home network.By accessing the "computer" of Apple TV, you can select and play videos in iTunes.The compatible video format is MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (up to 1080p, 30fps, High/Main Profile Level 4.0 or less, Baseline Profile Level 3.0 or less) and MPEG-4 (up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 × 480 dots, 30fps, 30fps, 30fps,SimpleProfile), MotionJPEG (up to 35Mbps, 1,280 x 720 dots, 30fps).

　After testing this time, it was possible to play 1080/30P videos (.mov) taken with the new iPad and 1080/30P videos (.mov, 22Mbps/17Mbps) of Nikon "D800".In addition, although it exceeds the nominal specifications of Apple TV, the 1,920 x 1,080 dot/60fps (approximately 25Mbps) .mp4 files were able to be played without any problems, editing and outputting a 60p shot video with the Sony "HDR-PJ760V".。

　However, the M2TS file of the AVCHD video camera was not recognized by iTunes, so it could not be output to Apple TV.

　Other functions include streaming channels for popular content in the United States, such as "MLB.TV" and "NHL".

　In addition, since it is compatible with AirPlay, iTunes can be used as a content management server and Apple TV can be used as a network audio terminal.For more information, please refer to the previous review, but you can output music files such as PC iTunes and iPhone to audio devices connected to Apple TV via the network.The fact that you can control a solid audio system with the feeling of operating the familiar iTunes and iPhone is one of the great attractions of Apple TV.

　Another attractive point is "Photo Stream".Up to 1,000 photos taken on the iPhone etc. are cached on the cloud service "iCloud" for up to 1,000 pieces.Apple TV, which registers the same Apple ID as the shot iPhone, accesses data on iCloud and can access the latest photo data taken on the iPhone.In particular, it is very convenient to see the latest photos on Apple TV without performing synchronization.

　As long as the wireless LAN connection environment is automatically reflected in data on iCloud, there is no forgetting to transfer.However, if you share it with your family, you can see all the photos you have taken, so be careful when operating.

■ New Apple TV with sober improvement while improving charm

　Basically, a sober update of 1080p compatible and UI improvement.However, compared to a year ago, the function of iTunes and iCloud has been enhanced and more sophisticated, so the range of use has expanded.

　Not only those who use iPhone users or iTunes for AV library management, but also simply a system that bridge HDMI TV and PC -related content.The price is as low as 8,800 yen, so it is good for those who want to try to strengthen the AV environment around the TV.You can also realize that the expansion of the iTunes Store content will further improve the appeal of Apple TV.We hope to expand in the future, but also increase the number of 1080p content and clarify the display.