Another step in the multimedia future ...

Yesterday I received my Apple TV 3rd generation. Packaging is Apple typically very high, no unnecessary bells and whistles. It must be noted that there is no HDMI cable included, as well as a network cable (is not absolutely necessary, but by D-LAN to reach a much faster transmission).

First, I would like to say one thing: I bought the unit is not for the reason of which one really buys it. My intention is not to borrow films because I find them simply too expensive (EUR 4, - for a recent movie I find somewhat exaggerated).

What I want then to do with the thing?

1. iTunes Match - the entire iTunes library is streamed to the device and can be played from there.

2. Airplay Mirroring for iPhone - an ingenious feature, which allows fully to reflect the contents of an iPhone 4S / 5 on the TV via Wi-Fi, in older models, there is a limited functionality. Super thing to briefly show friends a few photos taken from the iPhone.

3. Airplay Mirroring on my Macbook Air and iMac - reflect the entire monitor content on the TV. - Quick a few photos to show which are on the hard disk, or just what they are looking on the Internet - something that I always wanted to do. To top it off, when I get my iMac via screen sharing over the MacBookAir operator, and the iMac Reflect on your screen and I can do it all from the comfort of the couch, and have all content, whether mobile phone, laptop or home computer on the TV! - Important note: Airplay Mirroring only works for iMacs and MacBooks from the Year 2011. My two devices are from 2010, but even here there is a remedy by an app (Surcharges about 7 euros): AirParrot. This allows the function enable even on older devices.

4. Youtube-zapping: I am a passionate Youtube-zapper. I also have a WD TV Live Hub, which also supports Youtube, but the control by iPhone remote app lets the WD TV Live Hub look old. The keyboard is displayed on the mobile phone, and I can start the search. While there is also a possibility, the WD TV Live Hub to operate with keyboard, but I find it impractical 1. and 2. I do not have so long cable (wireless keyboard does not work).

5. photostream - all photos from the Photo Stream, which are imported into iPhoto, or be shot on mobile phone, are now in the screen saver AppleTV. Great thing, if you have friends to visit, and a few Pics wants to run - without first making a copy images, or the like to prepare.

Over the past years I have bought myself more and more Apple products, and have to say that open up to me slowly connectivity options fully. I am simply amazed at how easily some products work, and what you can do with the equipment, which would not have been conceivable even 2-3 years ago.

Positives:
- Above-named functions
- Volume - you hear nothing
- The included remote control
- Easy to use / easy setup

Negative criticisms:
- ITunes duty in movies: Converting the video footage required - restricted codecs - who knows Apple but also knows this fact.
- No external hard drive possible
- Limitation of Airplay Mirroring (Why should my 1 1/2 year old MacBook be too slow for this feature ???)
- Film previews desirable also in German

All in all, there is a point deduction for the money-in some older products (a "slow" iPad 2 works, but not a Macbook ??? You do not believe even!), And lack of video capability (this would be jailbroken otherwise, but that does not exist yet), but which is not a decisive factor for me.

Each of the iPhone and possibly a Macbook has (TV would also be good :-)) should purchase this little magic box. It is not a must-have, but an absolute nice-to-have.