As expected, at today’s Apple media event, CEO Tim Cook and Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, introduced the new Apple TV. Or, more precisely, the Apple TV 4K, which has support for 4K and HDR.
4K is known as Ultra High Definition (UHD), while 1080P is simply labelled High Definition (HD). As their names imply, 4K UHD has a considerably higher resolution than 1080P HD video. 4K resolution is exactly 3840 x 2160 pixels, whilst 1080P consists of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
High-dynamic-range imaging (HDRI or HDR) is a set of techniques used in imaging and photography to reproduce a greater dynamic range of luminositythan possible using standard digital imaging or photographic techniques. HDR images can represent more accurately the range of intensity levels found in real scenes, from direct sunlight to faint starlight, and is often captured by way of a plurality of differently exposed pictures of the same subject matter.
Variety said it’s as striking and impressive a difference as the difference between standard-definition and HD video and that “if you see it, you’ll want one for your living room. Now.” That was in 2013.
The new Apple TV has an A10X chip supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10. Cue says that Apple has been working with major studios to bring 4K HDR movies to iTunes as the same price as the HD titles. Even sweeter: those HD movies you’ve purchased will automatically be upgraded. Plus, a built-in high-performance 4K video scaler makes HD content look better than ever on a 4K TV, says Cue.
The Apple TV 4K always outputs to the highest resolution possible allows viewers to get the most out of their TV, whether it’s an older HDTV or the latest 4K Dolby Vision OLED. It also offers automatic detection of a 4K TV’s capabilities that optimizes setup for the best quality picture.
Apple’s TV app supports over 60 services on Apple TV and iOS devices, with more being added all the time. Cue says Siri is smart about 4K HDR, so it’s simple to find movies and TV shows in the highest picture quality across your apps (e.g., “Show me movies in 4K”). Apple TV 4K will also offer 4K HDR content from popular video services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, coming soon
Later this year, the TV app will make it easier than ever to watch and get updates about live sports just by saying “Watch the Warriors game” or “What’s the score of the Cubs game?” Sports fans in the US will be able to track their favorite teams and get on-screen notifications whenever they are playing, as well as see all the teams, leagues and sporting events currently playing through a dedicated Sports tab.
Starting this month, the TV app will be available in Australia and Canada, in addition to the US. And, by the end of the year, it will expand to France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and the UK.
The Apple TV 4K starts at $179 for 32GB or $199 for 64GB, joining Apple TV (4th generation) 32GB at $149, available from Apple.com and Apple Stores, as well as through select Apple Authorized Resellers and carriers (prices may vary). Customers will be able to order both Apple TV 4K models beginning Friday, Sept.15, with availability beginning Friday, Sept. 22. For more information, visit apple.com/tv.
