<P> Apple TV is an HDMI - compliant source device . To use it for viewing, it has to be connected to an enhanced - definition or high - definition widescreen television via an HDMI cable . The device has no integrated controls and can only be controlled externally, either by an Apple Remote control device (with which it is sold) using its infrared / Bluetooth capability, by the Apple TV Remote app (downloadable from App Store) on iOS devices, such as the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Apple Watch, using its Wi - Fi capability, or by some third - party infrared remotes . </P> <P> Its Wi - Fi capability is also used to receive digital content from various iOS apps using AirPlay or directly from the iTunes Store, which is then streamed to the TV . It also plays digital content from the iTunes Store, Netflix, Hulu, Now TV (UK only), SlingTV, PlayStation Vue, Amazon Prime Video, DirecTV, YouTube, and Vevo along with HBO Now, Showtime Anytime, Starz, and the TV Everywhere portals of several cable and broadcast networks, and the video subscription portals of three of the four major North American sports leagues: MLB.tv, NBA League Pass, and NHL.tv . It plays content from any macOS or Windows computer running iTunes . Apple began to promote the Live Tune - In feature that allows the viewer to ask Siri to tune to live streams of CBS, ESPN, and Disney XD among many others that support Live Tune - In . </P> <P> Apple TV was unveiled as a work in progress called "iTV" on September 12, 2006 using a modified Front Row interface using the Apple Remote . Apple started taking pre-orders for Apple TV on January 9, 2007 . The name "iTV" was originally going to be used to keep it in line with the rest of their "i" - based products (iMac, iPod, etc .), but was not used because the British terrestrial broadcast network ITV holds the rights to the name in the UK and threatened to take legal action against Apple . </P> <P> Apple TV started shipping on March 21, 2007 with a 40 GB hard disk . Apple released a 160 GB HDD model on May 31, 2007; and ceased selling the 40 GB HDD version on September 14, 2009 . </P>

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