Apple TV Software Update Brings On PBS And Yahoo Screen

A software update is headed to Apple TV this week with both Yahoo Screen (similar to the iOS experience) and availability of a new PBS app to boot. This update allows users to attain PBS content as well as Yahoo video content where such features were limited – if available at all – through alternate means.

For owners of the Apple TV box, the PBS app requires a simple sign-in using your own system and/or Facebook or Google+. Once you move past this system, they'll be making certain you'd otherwise be able to see PBS content without Apple TV by identifying your local PBS affiliate. This system then allows you to watch a select number of PBS shows – not the whole bunch, but an interesting cross-section nonetheless.

One of the more popular shows on PBS, Downton Abbey, has been noted to be coming in greater numbers in the near future. In a communication sent to AllThingsD, the folks at PBS have suggested the following:

"Our stations are re-airing Downton Abbey season 2 and 3 through December. Each of these episodes—as well as new Season 4 episodes beginning in January—will be available for a limited window following the on-air broadcast." – PBS

PBS has also issued a release on the subject with a greater view of what programs will be appearing in this app in the near future. This includes programs from NOVA to cult-favorite Secrets of the Dead.

"PBS programming on Apple TV will include hundreds of videos from PBS stations, including full-length episodes from new primetime programs as well as the PBS archives, with new national and local content updated daily.

Users will have access to episodes from favorite series such as AMERICAN MASTERS, FRONTLINE, NATURE and MASTERPIECE as well as dozens of web-original videos from PBS Digital Studios, winner of five 2013 Webby Awards. Recently added content includes AMERICAN EXPERIENCE "JFK"; NOVA "Cold Case JFK" and SECRETS OF THE DEAD "JFK: One PM Central Standard Time."

Yahoo Screen is an app that's extremely similar to the iOS app for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, with a wide variety of programs that'd otherwise be available through their many affiliate stations. Martha Stewart, Vogue, The Onion, Comedy Central, and NBC's Saturday Night Live are all part of the lineup this week.

VIA: Yahoo