Sam Oliver
The new Apple TV features a custom-built A5 processor that, unlike the A5 CPU found in the iPhone 4S or iPad 2, features only a single processing core, instead of two. But while Apple removed one of the cores from the CPU, it left the RAM at 512 megabytes, according to a teardown of the device conducted by XBMC community member "aicjofs" (via MacRumors).
The RAM in the new Apple TV is built by Hynix, and is believed to be the same memory utilized in the Amazon Kindle Fire tablet.
While the RAM has been given an upgrade, the internal flash memory, which is used to cache video files when they are streamed, remains static at 8 gigabytes.
The updated set-top box is also said to feature a second antenna that its predecessor did not have. Its exact purpose is unknown, but it was suggested that the antenna could be to improve Wi-Fi connectivity and speed.
The previous Apple TV, which was capable of outputting 720p high-definition video, ran on the A4 processor that is found in the iPhone 4 and first-generation iPad. The previous Apple TV featured 256 megabytes of RAM.
Meanwhile, the new iPad features a unique A5X CPU that has even more RAM, with a gigabyte of onboard memory. The dual-core CPU also features a new quad-core embedded graphics processor that gives the new iPad even greater graphical capabilities.
Together, the new iPad can stream 1080p high-definition video over AirPlay to the new Apple TV, allowing users to watch high-quality content on their HDTV.
Charles Martin
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23 Comments
While the RAM has been given an upgrade, the internal flash memory, which is used to cache video files when they are streamed, remains static at 8 gigabytes.
1) Since iTunes Store 1080p isn't much larger than its 720p due to the new profile used this makes sense.
2) I wanted an AppleTV SDK and App Store in the past but I now think this is best handled with the upgrades Apple has made to AirPlay
Perhaps they have also added an additional 802.11n spatial stream. It seems highly unlikely that they added 802.11ac to their hobby, first.
512MB is not enough RAM for people who measure their self esteem in gigabytes
I wish there was a way to stream the content ad hoc to the atv instead of it having to travel via the router, don't see why radio waves have to travel all around the house via my baby sons room, instead of just pushing play and leaving the iPad close to the atv, although I appreciate the technical difficulty in achieving this.
Anyway the atv has come to its own, or come close to its own with this release, it remains to be seen what apple plans to do with the rumoured tv set, I hope atv stays as a stand alone product as well.
Are ther any routers or pcs with 802.11ac yet? Is it still a provisional standard or is it close to finalisation?
Hopefully the extra antenna solves the problem with my second ATV in my back bedroom. Even though it is next to an Airport Express which is set up to extend my network it loads extrememly / painfully slowly from my iTunes library. This is a severe flaw that is mentioned frequently on discussion boards.