In my search for an alternative to the German pay TV provider I landed at Apple TV 3 + Netflix

Since the pay-TV provider is no longer acceptable for me after 15 years and we in this party is the fool as long-term customer and pay about twice as should a newcomer I have terminated the contract last year. The hardware constraint of course plays a role. Well, I came by chance on Netflix. Since my plasma has not smart and I played a long time with the idea of ​​me buying an Apple TV, I took the opportunity, not knowing if my DSL 6000 (very susceptible) works.

As usual with Apple alone generates opening the package a certain tension. Simply a pleasure. Must also say that I have other devices from Apple to own (I-Mac, MacBook Pro and the Apple charger).
Installation is simple, just follow the instructions, that's it. The software update I would also recommend. After having set up its network, the verschienen services are provided. Among them is Netflix to find. The account setup I would make previously normal over the Internet. There is 1 month free of charge, so that you can test it without further ado. Netflix then asks for the email and the password. After entering you go to the previously set profile and you can already look around in the huge Library. Then, the first movie was released.
What can I say, the quality in 1080p on an HD-ready Panasonic Plasma 37 "really leaves nothing to be desired. I have perhaps made eye because I have not see that coming. I look over satellite with a Linux box X-Trend 9500. The quality is very good. The Apple TV makes it even better. Before all no jerking. Even if the network or the DSL line is sometimes weak or overloaded, jerky nothing. How come? Netflix works with decreasing bandwidth in the transmission, thus the image quality is simply counted down and the image becomes more blurred, depending on the failure or overloading Only low resolution. But that happens very rarely, at least for me.
But there is a problem. The transmission as far from Sky on HF in the kitchen is not possible, since HDMI. So I bought a second Apple TV 3 and installed in the kitchen. I have chosen the Standard plan, so I can use two devices Netflix. Now came the test of whether two Apple TV's running on my line also. What can I say, HD quality without jerking or can decrease the bandwidth. And my son can play his online games still.

Abridged version

positive:

++ Workmanship
++ Installation and Setup
++ Is fully stable over W-Lan
Just horny ++ image quality
+ Menugestaltung
++ Runs fine with Netflix
++ Actual Price (around 89, -)
++ Almost no heat generation
++ Low power consumption (Apple TV 3.2 Model A1469)

negative:

- - Very limited functionality through iTunes dependency
- - No Internet browser
- - No alternative software possible

Unfortunately I have to mention that the part is addictive. Our satellite receivers as well as the pay-TV (3 months subscription end) run only rarely. You get used to it very quickly.
Even the offer of pay-TV providers for the price (34.90) compared to Netflix (8.99) I find extortionate mediator while.

I can really recommend the 3 Apple TV. Although rum is rumored that it is soon to be an Apple TV tuner 4 with private and other gadgets, hands me the 3'er version, since this is exactly what makes what they should and pricewise you can not complain.

I had forgotten, AirPlay works flawlessly. Prerequisite is an AirPlay enabled playback devices, in my case, my MacBook Pro 15 (January 2011) with Yosemite. Simply activate, already on the Apple TV to. With iTunes I have not employed me, but still follows.

-> Update 13:01:15

I intend to buy me an Apple Wireless Keyboard for ATV 3 in the living room. Unfortunately, Apple is on its support page now following note: "Apple TV uses the American keyboard layout, regardless of the hardware layout of the keyboard". Now I was ready even to buy me such. Then I had the idea, which to try first with my keyboard from the iMac (German layout). So log off the iMac and log on to the ATV 3, which is very simple. Then on search and text input. What can I say, it works, and special characters, Y and Z, @ and everything in its place and with German layout. So Apple, you should update the times Support page, as many users would be determined on the information that even German layout works pleased.

-> Update 17:01:15

iTunes ... the connection is quickly established via the release. Now you can on shelf / Add to Library ... simply music in MP3 and video example in mp4 format Add. Already you can access the library through computer on Apple TV. Running smoothly. Videos that are not in the appropriate format I have walked with MPEG Stremclip in mp4, where iTunes settings are suggested.
Only that the ATV3 can not play many formats is disadvantageous otherwise really a fun speaker.

-> Update 18:02:15

How works the streaming to the Apple TV box? First I tried it with my MacBook Pro 15. AirPlay works yes. With the streaming video but I am not so peace. There are a lot of stuttering between splashing around and it is very delayed. Have not yet found out why.
The second attempt I tried (8.1 .. IOS) with my iPhone 4S. Video Start, click the AirPlay icon and what can I say, as if the video is recorded directly via HDMI. Simply passes through without interruptions.

Otherwise, I have to say that the Apple TV box has become a "perennial favorite with us. A Wi-Lan (kitchen) and the other on Lan (living room) walk far without problems.