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Conclusion: We're mixed

While Apple TV may be the most user-friendly set-top on the market, it offers fewer programming options than some competing products — in part because some programmers compete with Apple's iTunes Store. Roku, for example, offers Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, HBO GO and Pandora, none of which are available on Apple TV.

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Critic reviews

8.2
5 reviews
  • Media support
    6.8
  • Video quality
    7.6
  • Audio quality
    9.3
  • Ease of use
    9.2
  • Design and form factor
    9.2

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User reviews

8.5
123 reviews

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9.0
Engadget Sep 29, 2010

None of the other options we've tested have felt as simple, solid, and easy to use as the new Apple TV. Putting content concerns aside (which admittedly is difficult to do), the Apple TV has a lot going for it.

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9.0
Laptop Magazine Oct 7, 2010

Apple TV is easy to use and has a more elegant interface, and we like the idea of streaming content from a PC more than plugging in a USB drive. AirPlay will make Apple TV even more compelling, because you'll be able to beam video and photos straight to your HDTV from devices that turn on instantly.

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8.0
PC Mag Sep 28, 2010

Sure, the rental limitations can be irksome, but, particularly for iOS device owners, the new features dramatically outweigh the letdowns. Because of its affordability, ease-of-use, and impressive capabilities, the Apple TV gets our Editors' Choice award.

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8.0
CNET Sep 30, 2010

We'd also add one more comment: if you want the simplest, most straightforward streaming-media experience, Apple TV has the edge there (too). That might not matter to tech enthusiasts who've been streaming media for years, but it makes it a more mainstream-friendly box.

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7.0
AnandTech Oct 4, 2010

The problem I have with the Apple TV is it feels like a product with a lot of wasted potential. ... With the Apple TV despite its lower pricing it’s just not complete enough. You can watch some TV shows but not others, so you have to keep cable. And those that you can watch don’t stream live...

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7.0
roessnakhan

The 2nd generation Apple TV is an interesting product, and I think it has two audiences; those who run their media exclusively through iTunes, or those who just want a media box with little to no setup. The design of the product lends to this as well - no power buttons, no USB port for external...

10
mtkidd

Been a blast to use to watch Netflix as well as TWIT podcasts. Streaming for anything so far has been better than I expected.

9.0
darrenhoward

Apple's only real mistake was limiting on-board storage. If the Apple TV is ever added to the App Store ecosystem, this may be limiting.

6.0
Dunnion

Sadly the negatives of this Apple product revolve around the Apple centric services. Renting movies on this device proved to be a headache. Apple states that you can rent a movie and start watching it instantly, which I attempted to do. When I rented "The Social Network" I was greeted by a...

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