Apple TV comes with a variety of pre-installed apps. Some of them are free, some, like Netflix, require a direct subscription while others, like Showtime Anytime, require a subscription through a cable or satellite provider.
Currently, the Apple TV comes with:
This depends on what content you want to view. The Apple TV does not require a cable or satellite provider to function, but certain channels are not currently available via Apple TV. Currently, Apple TV is mainly used to access content through apps like Hulu and Netflix, and for streaming content from your iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and Mac via AirPlay.
You will need an internet connection to use Apple TV, but it doesn't have to be wireless. You can connect via an Ethernet cable. If you want to use AirPlay, which allows you to stream content from your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Mac to your Apple TV, you will need a Wi-Fi network. For connecting the Apple TV to your HDTV, this is done with an HDMI cable.
AirPlay allows you to stream whatever is on your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Mac to your HDTV via your Apple TV and a Wi-Fi connection. Whatever you see on your iOS device's screen will be mirrored on the big screen, allowing you to share photos, watch movies, play games, present spreadsheets or whatever else you want to everybody in the room. If you have AirPlay enabled speakers, you can stream your music to them.
Apple's streaming TV service, though not yet officially announced, is expected to launch in September and will likely be viewable on all the same devices that the recently announced HBO Now is compatible with. This means iOS devices including the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, as well as the Apple TV. You will likely be able to view it on your Mac desktop and laptop as well. HBO Now will apparently be viewable on a PC, but that remains to be seen for this streaming service.
