Apple TV Specs (MA711LL/A*)
TV Main | Ports | Support Links | Q&A | Forums
The Apple TV -- also referred to as Apple tv, codenamed "iTV" and not to be confused with the Mac TV from yesteryear -- is a compact "set top box" that makes it possible to wirelessly "stream" iTunes content -- "music, audiobooks, videos, TV shows, and movies" -- from as many as five Macs or PCs to an enhanced-definition or HD TV.
It is powered by an officially unspecified "Intel processor" -- a 1 GHz "Dothan" Pentium M -- and equipped with 256 MB of onboard DDR2 SDRAM and a 40 GB hard drive "for storing content locally" (160 GB hard drive option available starting May 30, 2007).
Configured with a 40 GB hard drive, Apple reports that it can hold up to 50 hours of movies and TV shows (at H.264 1.5-Mbps video at 640x480 with 128-Kbps audio, 720p maximum), up to 9,000 songs (assuming songs are 4 minutes long and encoded in 128-Kbps AAC), and up to 25,000 "Apple TV viewable photos transferred from iTunes". Configured with a 160 GB hard drive, Apple reports that the system holds up to 200 hours of video, up to 36,000 songs, or up to 25,000 photos using the same formats.
Connectivity includes HDMI, component video and audio, optical audio, 10/100Base-T Ethernet, and a single USB 2.0 port "for service and diagnostics" -- and hacking -- as well as 802.11n wireless networking.
The Apple TV requires a Mac running MacOS X 10.3.9 or higher or a PC running Windows XP Home or Professional (SP2) either with a copy of iTunes 7.1 or higher, a wireless network (802.11g or 802.11n for wireless video streaming) or a 10/100Base-T Ethernet network, as well as an enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen television (starting January 15, 2008, Apple unveiled a software update that made it possible to rent movies directly from the Apple TV without using a separate computer).
Also see: What exactly is Apple TV? Is it a television? Is it a Mac?
Visit site sponsor PowerMax to purchase new & used Macs, monitors, and peripherals.
Visit site sponsor Other World Computing to buy memory, drives, video, and more.
Click on the underlined category text for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important.
Expand All Details | Contract All Details
| Introduction Date: |
January 9, 2007* |
Discontinued Date: |
N/A |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" generally refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
Unusally for Apple, this model was first revealed as a "vaporware" prototype dubbed "iTV" on September 12, 2006, but formally released as a product on January 9, 2007. It actually shipped on March 21, 2007. |
| Processor Type: |
Pentium M* |
Processor Speed: |
1 GHz |
| Details: |
*Apple only formally states that the Apple TV has an "Intel processor". However, in an excellent "dissection" that should be read in its entirety, the well-respected AnandTech believes that the Apple TV most likely has an "Ultra Low Voltage Pentium M based on the Dothan core, running at 1 GHz, 400 MHz FSB [frontside bus] and a 2 MB L2 cache". |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
The processor in the Apple TV cannot be upgraded. |
| System Bus Speed: |
400 MHz |
Cache Bus Speed: |
1 GHz (built-in) |
| Details: |
400 MHz frontside bus. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
ROM/Firmware Size: |
N/A |
| Details: |
*No official information is available regarding the Apple TV firmware. However, it appears to use EFI like the Intel-based Macs. |
| L1 Cache: |
32k |
L2/L3 Cache: |
2 MB (on chip) |
| Details: |
Includes a 2 MB "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed. |
| RAM Type: |
Onboard (DDR2) |
Min. RAM Speed: |
N/A |
| Details: |
Also see: How much RAM of what type does the Apple TV support? Can it be upgraded? |
| Standard RAM: |
256 MB* |
Maximum RAM: |
256 MB |
| Details: |
*The internal memory in the Apple TV is onboard and cannot be upgraded. |
| Motherboard RAM: |
256 MB |
RAM Slots: |
None* |
| Details: |
*Four onboard 64 MB Nanya DDR2 memory modules. |
| Video Card: |
GeForce Go 7300* |
VRAM Type: |
GDDR3 SDRAM |
| Details: |
*Onboard NVIDIA GeForce Go 7300 graphics processor with 64 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM.
Also see: What type of processor and video processor does the Apple TV use? Can either processor be upgraded? |
| Standard VRAM: |
64 MB |
Maximum VRAM: |
64 MB |
| Details: |
The video cannot be upgraded. |
| Display Support: |
Single Display* |
Resolution Support: |
Multiple* |
| Details: |
The Apple TV requires an "enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen TV capable of 1080i 50/50Hz, 720p 60/50Hz, 576p 50Hz (PAL format), or 480p 60Hz".
Also see: What types of television supports Apple TV? Is Apple TV compatible with HDTV and SDTV? |
| 2nd Display Support: |
None |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
N/A |
| Details: |
The Apple TV can only be connected to a single television. It can, however, support as many as five computers for sending content to the television. |
| Standard Hard Drive: |
40 GB* |
Int. HD Interface: |
IDE/PATA* |
| Details: |
*Apple only reports that it has a 40 GB hard drive "for storing content locally". However, it has a 2.5" IDE/PATA -- not SATA -- hard drive. Starting on May 30, 2007, Apple also began offering a configuration with a 160 GB hard drive.
Also see: What type of hard drive does the Apple TV use? Can it be upgraded? |
| Standard Optical: |
None |
Standard Disk: |
None |
| Details: |
The Apple TV does not play CDs or DVDs. |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
10/100Base-T |
| Details: |
The Apple TV has a "wired" 10/100Base-T Ethernet port as well as 802.11n wireless capabilties. |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11a/b/g/n |
Standard Bluetooth: |
None |
| Details: |
The Apple TV has built-in support for AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n).
Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a? |
| USB Ports: |
1 (2.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
None |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the single USB 2.0 port is "for service and diagnostics".
Also see: Complete Ports. |
| Expansion Slots: |
None |
Expansion Bays: |
None |
| Details: |
The Apple TV has no expansion slots or bays. It is not designed to be upgraded by end users. |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
None |
Incl. Input: |
None* |
| Details: |
The Apple TV ships with the five button Apple Remote. It also has a single USB 2.0 port that Apple reports is "for service and diagnostics".
Also see: What can you do with the Apple TV USB port? |
| Case Type: |
Cuboid |
Form Factor: |
Apple TV |
| Details: |
Uses a tiny 7.7 inch by 7.7 inch, 1.1 inch tall case. |
| Apple Model No: |
MA711LL/A* |
Apple Subfamily: |
Apple TV |
| Details: |
*MA711LL/A was assigned to the original configuration with a 40 GB hard drive. MB189LL/A was assigned to the configuration with a 160 GB hard drive. |
| Gestalt/Model ID: |
N/A |
Machine Model: |
AppleTV1,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers often refer to more than one model. |
| Battery Type: |
Unknown |
Battery Life: |
N/A |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
X 10.4.7 (8N5107)* |
Maximum MacOS: |
Unknown |
| Details: |
*No "official" information is available regarding the Apple TV operating system, but it is clear that it is running a "stripped down" version of MacOS X. MacWorld reports specifically that it is running a varient of MacOS X 10.4.7 (8N5107). |
| MacOS 9 Support: |
None |
Windows Support: |
None* |
| Details: |
*The underlying hardware is capable of booting Windows, but no official information is available.
Also see: Can Apple TV run Windows or Linux? |
| Dimensions: |
1.1 x 7.7 x 7.7 |
Avg. Weight: |
2.4 lbs. (1.09 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches - height x width x depth (28 mm x 197 mm x 197 mm). |
| Original Price: |
US$299 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$229* |
| Details: |
*Starting May 30, 2007, the Apple TV was available with the original 40 GB hard drive for US$299 or a 160 GB hard drive for US$399. On January 15, 2008, Apple cut the price of the 40 GB model to US$229 and the 160 GB model to US$329.
To purchase an Apple TV, free of sales tax, please visit site-sponsor PowerMax.
Photo Credit: Apple Computer. |
Permalink | Del.icio.us | RSS | Add to Google | Add to My Yahoo! | Add to AOL
Report an Error/Typo | Ask a Question in the Forums
<< TV (Home)
EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever.
EveryMac.com, and the author thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any
damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright
information please read and understand the Terms
of Use and the Privacy Policy before
using EveryMac.com. Use of any content or images without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.
