Apple’s iTV loses the 1080p video playback but gains apps

Before this, I blogged about the updated Apple TV and said that it was going to come in the market soon. I also said that there would be set top box worth $99 with the dimension similar to the iPhone 4. It would have an A4 processor with 16 GB internal storage space. Apple was also rumored to bring new iTunes streaming services which the box could use. I have got some more news for you about it and I am afraid it is a bad one. The box cannot handle 1080p or 1080i video content which will certainly disappoint videophiles. The TV can play 720p video content well but the quality is not the same. This is certainly a deal breaker for people who cannot compromise on video quality but I guess hardcore Apple fans will accept it after some initial sulking. I think the problem here is with the processor. Maybe the A4 processor cannot handle HD video well because it is a bit slow for it but then the iPhone 3GS can play full HD video quite well so the issue is a bit perplexing.

There is one good news too, though. The TV will have an App Store entry which will let you download apps to the iTV. But then it I don’t know if the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch apps will work well on this platform. Apple has also changed the name of the product to iTV and this device now belongs to the manufacturer’s repertoire of iOfferings. Previously it was called Apple TV but my sources tell me that the company wanted to name this gadget iTV in the first place. I haven’t got the iTV in my labs for review yet, it TV is not even out in the market yet. Reports say the Apple will be launching the new iTV somewhere around Fall.