Ready to get rid of traditional TV programming? With an Apple TV, you can rent or buy high-definition movies, listen to podcasts, stream videos on Netflix, Hulu or other services, watch sporting events, access music and photos on your computer, all from the comfort of the sofa. This article will show you how to set up and use your Apple TV and start enjoying television again.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part One: Prepare Your Apple TV
Step 1. Unpack your Apple TV
Place it near your television, with access to power, and if you are using a wired internet connection (optional), to an ethernet port.
Don't put your Apple TV on top of other electronic devices, and don't put anything on top of them. Doing so could cause overheating or interfere with the wireless signal
Step 2. Connect the HDMI cable
Connect the cable to the HDMI port of your Apple TV, and the other end to that of your television.
- Note: This article will cover a direct connection to your TV. If you're using a receiver, use the manufacturer's directions as a reference, although you'll generally need to insert the receiver between your Apple TV and your television.
- The Apple TV also offers a TOSLink digital audio output. If you decide to use it, connect a cable between your Apple TV and your television's TOSLink digital audio input.
Step 3. Connect the ethernet cable
If you are using a wired network, connect the Apple TV to the ethernet port with a suitable cable.
The Apple TV has a built-in 802.11 WiFi card that will allow you to connect it to your wireless network during setup
Step 4. Connect the power
Once you have all the other connections in place, plug the smaller end of the power cord into the Apple TV port, and the other end into an electrical outlet.
Step 5. Turn on your television
It's time to immerse yourself in the world of Apple TV! Using your TV's remote, set the input to the HDMI port occupied by the Apple TV.
If this is your first time using Apple TV, you should see the setup screen. If you don't see it, check that all connections are correct, and that you have selected the right video source
Method 2 of 3: Part Two: Set up the Apple TV
Step 1. Understand how your Apple Remote works
You will need to use it to perform all Apple TV functions.
- Use the black ring to move the cursor in all directions.
- The silver button in the center of the ring is the "Select" button, which you will need to use to select menu options, enter text, and more.
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The Menu button brings up the menu, or returns to the previous screen.
- Press and hold the Menu key to return to the main menu.
- Press and hold the Menu key while watching a movie to access subtitles.
- The Play / Pause button has the classic function.
- Press and hold the Menu and Down arrow buttons to reset your Apple TV. When you reset it, the Apple TV status light will blink rapidly.
- To pair a remote with your Apple TV, press and hold the Menu button and the right arrow for six seconds. This will prevent the Apple TV from being controlled by other remotes.
- Note that there is a free app on the App Store called "Remote" which gives you all the Apple Remote features on iPhone and iPad.
- Note that the Apple remote is not a universal remote. You will need to adjust the volume and perform other functions with the television remote control.
Step 2. Connect the Apple TV to the wireless network
Using the on-screen prompts, select your wireless network from the menu. If your network is hidden, enter your network name. When your network is selected, enter your password (if you use one), and press Done.
If you are not using DHCP for your network, you will need to manually assign an IP address, subnet mask, and router and DNS address
Step 3. Set up Home Sharing
To access the music and videos on your computer from Apple TV, you'll need to use Home Sharing.
- Set up Home Sharing on Apple TV. From the main menu, choose Settings, then select Home Sharing. Enter your Apple ID and password.
- Set up Home Sharing on iTunes. From the File menu, select Home Sharing> Turn on Home Sharing. Enter the same Apple ID and password you used for the Apple TV.
Method 3 of 3: Part Three: Enjoying the Content
Step 1. Enjoy all the movies at your disposal
With iTunes on Apple TV, you have access to the latest movies in 1080p or 720p resolution. Using the on-screen browser, you can preview movies, rent them, or buy them for your collection.
- While it is potentially possible to preview all content on iTunes, many movies will not be available for rent, but only purchased for the first few weeks after their release. Later it will be possible to rent them. In some cases, it will only be possible to rent or purchase a film.
- ITunes TV shows can only be purchased, although you can subscribe to an entire season. Current television series that are offered on iTunes are generally updated with a delay of a day or two from the original screening date.
Step 2. View streaming content from your iOS devices
For some content, you can use AirPlay to wirelessly stream movies and photos stored on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch. You can even use screen mirroring to use your television as a giant screen for your iPhone 4S or iPad!
Step 3. Use Home Sharing
You will be able to browse and play your entire iTunes library. This includes all the playlists you have created and the Genius feature. You'll also be able to view your photos using iPhoto on your computer, or simply drag and drop the photos you want to share on Apple TV into a folder, and connect to that folder through iTunes Home Sharing.
- To access music, movies, photos and videos on your computer through Apple TV, click the green "Computer" button on the Main Menu screen. You will be able to access all the contents of your computer from there.
- To access all the music you have stored on iCloud using iTunes Match, press the orange "Music" button on the Main Menu screen.
Step 4. Try using Netflix and Hulu Plus
You will need to have a Netflix or Hulu account to view the content, but if you have one, you will be able to stream an almost unlimited amount of content. To access that content, press the Netflix or Hulu buttons in the main menu, then choose your options.
If you have another iOS device, download the Netflix app. If you're watching a movie on Netflix, and want to finish watching in bed, turn off your TV (you'll pause Apple TV this way), then launch the Netflix app on your iOS device. The movie will pick up where you left off. Hulu + offers similar functionality
Step 5. Enjoy the games
If you love sports, join MLB.tv, NBA.com and NHL GameCenter. You can watch the games live and in HD, and those already finished from the archives "on demand". If you do not have a subscription to these services, you will still be able to consult the rankings, statistics, programs and highlights of previous matches.
Step 6. If you are interested in finance, you can subscribe to Wall Street Journal Live
Here you will find financial news and you can hear expert opinions. It is active 24 hours a day!
Step 7. If you love social networks, you can access YouTube, Vimeo and Flickr from the Main Menu
Enjoy all user-created content, which you can view with the push of a button.
Step 8. Explore new musical frontiers
Using the Radio, you will be able to choose from hundreds of radio channels on the network, sorted by category. Are you ready to listen to Blues, classical music, or radio talk shows? Click on the desired category, and choose the one you prefer. Some are ad-free, others have them, but all channels are free and high-resolution.
