At the annual Macworld Conference and Expo 2007, Apple has unveiled a new set-top box that allows people to stream video from their computers to their televisions.

The company said that Apple TV, as the video box is called, is designed to bridge computers and television sets so that users can more easily watch their downloaded movies on a big screen. Apple TV will work with both PCs and Macs.

It is also learnt that a prototype of the gadget was introduced by Steve Jobs, Chief Executive Officer, Apple, in September last year when Apple announced that it would sell TV shows and movies through its iTunes online store.

According to Apple, Apple TV could be as revolutionary to digital movies as Apple's iPod music player was to digital music. Both devices liberate media from the computer, allowing people to enjoy digital files without being chained to a desktop or laptop.

In a statement, Jobs, explained that it is the way to enjoy media on a TV. It is a really cool box that works with video, music, and photos. One can buy movies and TV shows on iTunes and put them on an iPod or hook up the Apple TV to any wide-screen television, and wirelessly send movies to the TV. This device will change the way people watch digital media.

The Apple TV stores music and high definition video in a small white box that connects directly to the TV. It connects to a TV via an HDMI port or component video and audio ports. It's built in, super fast 802.11 wireless capability syncs iTunes library to any Mac or PC in the house. And anytime a user changes his/her library in iTunes, it changes on Apple TV wirelessly and automatically.

Besides, Apple TV puts any iTunes library movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts plus movie trailers from Apple.com on a TV. In addition, digital photos from iPhoto on a Mac or Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Album on a Windows PC appear in high definition, so that users can put on a stunning big-screen slideshow.

The Apple TV syncs with iTunes just like an iPod, storing the data on an internal hard drive. It can also stream audio and video directly from the Internet or from computers in a local network.

Apple TV, which measures 7.7-inches by 7.7-inches, will come with a 40GB hard drive that stores up to 50 hours of video, up to 9,000 songs, and 25,000 pictures. It features an Intel microprocessor and can handle videos, photos, and music streamed from up to five computers within the wireless range.

Jobs also said that Apple would begin taking orders immediately for the $299 (Rs 13,320 approx) worth Apple TV, which is expected to start shipping next month onwards.