<p>The second-generation Apple TV is the successor to the <a href="https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-set-up-apple-tv-1999698" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1">Apple TV</a>, Apple&#39;s first entry into the set-top box/Internet-connected TV market.</p><p>While the original Apple TV was designed to store content locally—whether by syncing from a user&#39;s iTunes library or via download from the iTunes Store—the second generation model is almost entirely Internet-centric. Instead of syncing content, this device is designed for streaming content from iTunes libraries via <a href="https://www.lifewire.com/apple-airplay-mirroring-explained-2000228" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="2">AirPlay</a>, the iTunes Store, iCloud, or other online services using built-in apps like Netflix, Hulu, MLB.Tv, YouTube, and more.</p><p>As a result, it doesn’t offer much in the way of local storage (though there is 8 GB of Flash memory used for storing streamed content).</p><p>This version of the Apple TV appears to run a modified version of the iOS, the same operating system used by the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, but that has not been confirmed.</p><p>The second-generation Apple TV debuted with a price of US$99.</p><p><strong>Processor</strong><br/>Apple A4</p><p><strong>Networking</strong><br/>802.11b/g/n WiFi</p><p><strong>HD Standard</strong><br/>720p (1280 x 720 pixels)</p><p><strong>Outputs</strong> HDMI<br/>Optical audio<br/>Ethernet</p><p><strong>Dimensions</strong><br/>0.9 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches</p><p><strong>Weight</strong><br/>0.6 pounds</p><p><strong>Requirements</strong><br/>iTunes 10.2 or later for Mac/PC connectivity</p><p><strong>Availability</strong><br/>Released: late Sept. 2010<br/>Discontinued: March 6, 2012</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.lifewire.com/comparing-models-of-apple-tv-1999427" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="3">Read Review</a></strong></p><h3><strong>Anatomy of the 2nd Gen. Apple TV</strong></h3><p>The image at the top of the article shows the rear of the second-generation Apple TV and the ports it offers. Each of the ports is explained below, since knowing what each does will help you get the most out of your Apple TV.</p><ol><li> <strong>Power Adapter</strong> - This is where you plug in the Apple TV&#39;s power cord.</li><li> <strong>HDMI port</strong> - Plug an HDMI cable in here and connect the other end to your HDTV or receiver. The Apple TV supports up to the <a href="https://www.lifewire.com/720p-1080i-1080p-explained-3276378" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="4">720p</a> HD standard.</li><li> <strong>Mini USB port</strong> - This USB port is designed to be used in service and technical support, not by the end user.</li><li> <strong>Optical Audio jack</strong> - Connect an <a href="https://www.lifewire.com/optical-digital-output-3134736" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="5">Optical Audio</a> cable here and plug the other end into your receiver. This allows you to enjoy <a href="https://www.lifewire.com/how-many-channels-3135062" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="6">5.1 surround sound</a> even if your receiver doesn&#39;t support getting 5.1 audio via the HDMI port.</li><li> <strong>Ethernet</strong> - If you&#39;re connecting the Apple TV to the Internet via a cable rather than WiFi, plug the Ethernet cable in here.</li></ol>