The Apple TV doesn't, in fact, require a High Definition TV, according to Rogue Amoeba Software's report on Thursday. There were additional surprises.

The author cited Apple's specifications, "Apple TV works with widescreen, enhanced-definition or high-definition TVs capable of 1080i, 720p, 576p, or 480p resolutions, including popular models from these manufacturers," and then proceeded to hook the Apple TV up to his Magnavox TV that has 480i component video in. And it worked.

"My guess is that Apple would rather lose a few customers than confuse everyone," the author wrote. "Only standard-def TVs made in the past few years will have component inputs, so most of the fifty years worth of standard-def TVs out there still won't work with the AppleTV."

There were other surprises:

• The Apple TV ships without any included cables. None.
• It works well with music, but navigation is a chore.
• Not everything iTunes can play can be broadcast to the Apple TV.
• No streaming. Files must first be synced between the Mac and the Apple TV before playing.

As the Apple TV, which has only been shipping for a few days, gets into the hands on many thousands of customers, there will likely be many more technical revelations.

[UPDATE] iPO notes from the Apple Website "Streamed media travels over your network to your TV — without taking up space on Apple TV’s hard drive. That’s perfect for multicomputer households or when the computer you sync with has more in its iTunes library than will fit on Apple TV."