Dubai: Apple is set to launch its Apple TV set-top device, which wirelessly connects televisions to home computers, in the UAE in the middle of this month.
Apple TVs are priced at Dh1,399 and have 40 gigabyte hard drives capable of storing as much as 50 hours of video or 25,000 photos, said Joe Sfeir, marketing manager, Apple IMC Middle East.
Apple said the silvery gadget is capable of automatically synchronising music, video or other digitised content streamed wirelessly from computers, bridging the gap between the computer and home entertainment system.
"Apple TV is like a DVD player for the internet age, providing an easy and fun way to play all your favourite iTunes content from your PC or Mac on your widescreen TV via WiFi network that supports enhanced definition (ED) or high definition (HD), and has HDMI, DVI or component video inputs," said Sfeir.
Apple TV cannot receive or record cable or satellite TV, so it is not meant as a replacement for cable or satellite box.
It also cannot play DVDs. Its sole function is to bring to the TV digital content stored on computers or drawn from the internet.
Internet access is required and a broadband connection is recommended.
"The demand for Apple TV will be huge, I think. It's a relatively cheap box, and with it you can show content from your computer on your HD TV. So many users already have music and movies in iTunes on a Mac or PC and also have an HD TV. With an Apple TV they can enjoy all that content on their HD TV," said Magnus Nystedt, president and ambassador of EmiratesMac User Group.
The iTunes store is currently not available in the Middle East.
