Apple TV is a digital media player and microconsole developed and marketed by Apple. It is a small piece of networking hardware that sends received media data such as video and audio to a TV or external display. Its media services include streaming media, TV Everywhere-based services, local media sources, and sports journalism and broadcasts.
Macworld San Francisco banner "Introducing Apple TV", January 9, 2007
Form factor used by the Apple TV (first generation)
Form factor used by the second and third generation Apple TV
Form factor used by the Apple TV HD and 4K. Apple TV 4K models dropped the USB-C port.
A digital media player is a type of consumer electronics device designed for the storage, playback, or viewing of digital media content. They are typically designed to be integrated into a home cinema configuration, and attached to a television or AV receiver or both.
Roku is a popular brand of digital media players.
An example of a Digital media player in a network
A wireless media extender from Arctic for music streaming and multi-room entertainment
Back of first-generation Apple TV