The Apple TV launch comes with little fan fair, disappointing those who were expecting a slew of content agreement announcements to coincide with its release. As such, users outside the US have far less choice in the type of content they can download from their local iTunes store to watch using the Apple TV.

The release of the Apple TV comes amid a flurry on new video on demand services and only a day before Sony's PlayStation 3 console hits the shelves in Europe and Australia. Considering the PlayStation 3 will also have a video download service in some countries, the timing of the Apple TV's release could certainly be seen as an attempt to spoil Sony's party.

As it did with the wildly successful iPod, Apple has sat back and let others create the market. The last few months have seen services launched by Amazon/TiVo, Wal-mart and BitTorrent. Another source of competition is the direct downloads offered by the major television networks, such as NBC in the US and the UK's BBC which offer "catch-up" services that let you download shows you've missed during the past few weeks.

The Apple TV streams video from a Mac or Windows computer to your television via a wireless connection. Inside is a 40GB hard drive to store up to 50 hours of video, 9,000 songs, 25,000 photos or a combination of each and is capable of delivering high-definition 720p output. It connects to televisions and home theater systems via HDMI or component video as well as analog and optical audio ports. Using high-speed AirPort 802.11 wireless networking, Apple TV can auto-sync content from one computer or stream content from up to five additional computers to your TV. It also has a built-in IR receiver for the supplied Apple Remote.

Video formats supported are H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store), iTunes Store purchased video and MPEG-4. Supported audio formats include AAC, protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3, MP3 VBR, Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV.

The Apple TV sells for $US299, £199 and $AU449. It lacks a composite or s-video output, meaning those with older televisions will need to rely on a third party converter from their local electrical store in order to connect it up.

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