The Apple TV is a digital entertainment device that allows you to enjoy streaming content directly on your home television using a broadband internet connection. The Apple TV is compatible with other Apple products and with modern televisions that can be connected to the home network. In order to install and use an Apple TV, you must have a TV with an HDMI port and a Wi-Fi or Ethernet home network.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Connecting the Devices
Step 1. Get everything you need
Inside the box of the Apple TV you will find only the device, the power supply and the remote control. The Apple TV can only be connected to the TV via the HDMI port, so you will also need to get a cable that allows you to make that connection. You can buy a cheap one at any electronics store or online. Remember that, in terms of signal quality, there is no substantial difference between a 10 euro and an 80 euro HDMI cable. The Apple TV must also be connected to the home LAN network via Wi-Fi or wired connection.
- The first generation of Apple TV could be connected to the television via component cable (with five connectors), but with new versions this connection standard is no longer supported.
- If you want to connect your Apple TV to your home theater system, you need to use a digital optical audio (S / PDIF) cable.
Step 2. Install the Apple TV so that it can be easily connected to both the TV and an electrical outlet
Make sure none of the connecting cables are too tight. You should also ensure that the device has enough free space for proper internal cooling, as it tends to generate a lot of heat during use.
If you use a cable to connect your Apple TV to your network router, make sure that the two devices are close enough to connect without difficulty
Step 3. Connect the Apple TV to your TV or home theater system using an HDMI cable
The HDMI port is usually located on the back or side of the TV or home theater system. Your TV may have multiple HDMI ports. Remember that this connection standard is quite recent, so older TVs may not support it.
Make a note of the name of the HDMI port you connected your Apple TV to. This data will help you select the correct video source when you turn on the TV
Step 4. Plug the power cord into your Apple TV, then plug the power adapter into a power outlet
As an added precaution, use a power strip with surge protection to protect the device from possible damage.
Step 5. Connect the Ethernet cable (in case of wired connection)
If you have decided to connect the Apple TV to the LAN via an Ethernet cable, connect it to the relevant port on the back of the device, then connect the other end to the router that manages your home network. If you have chosen to use the Wi-Fi connection, this step is not necessary.
Step 6. Connect the Apple TV to your home theater system (optional)
Normally the device carries the audio signal along with the video signal using the HDMI connection, but if you have a home theater system you can connect it to the Apple TV using an optical digital audio (S / PDIF) cable. Connect the cable to its port on the back of the Apple TV, then plug the other end into the port on the home theater system.
Part 2 of 4: Setting up the Apple TV
Step 1. Turn on the TV and select the correct video source
To do this, press the "Input" or "Source" button on your remote, then select the HDMI port you connected your Apple TV to. Normally the latter starts automatically, so once you have selected the correct source, you should see the menu for selecting the language appear on the screen. If the screen remains black, check all connecting cables, then press the center button on the Apple TV remote.
Step 2. Choose the installation language
To navigate the Apple TV GUI, use the remote, then select the language you want. To make your selection, press the middle button.
Step 3. Connect to the LAN
If you connected your Apple TV to the network via an Ethernet cable, the connection setup will happen automatically. On the contrary, if you want to connect via Wi-Fi, you will be offered the list of detected wireless networks. Choose the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to. If necessary, enter the password to access the network.
Step 4. Wait for the Apple TV to complete the activation process
This step may take a few minutes. At the end of the initial setup process, you will be asked if you would like to participate in Apple's program to collect information regarding the use of the Apple TV.
Step 5. Check for updates
The Apple TV works best when it is updated with the latest version of the operating system available. You can check for new updates via the "Settings" menu.
- Access the "Settings" application from the Apple TV "Home" screen.
- Access the "General" section, then choose "Software Updates". The device will check for new updates and, if necessary, will proceed with the installation automatically.
Part 3 of 4: Connecting to iTunes
Step 1. Access the Apple TV "Settings" application
You can find its icon on the "Home" screen of the device.
Step 2. Choose the "iTunes Store" option from the "Settings" menu
Log in using your Apple ID and password. At this point you will be able to access all content purchased on iTunes directly from the Apple TV. Using the Home Sharing feature, you can also connect your computer to Apple TV.
Step 3. From your computer, update iTunes to version 10.5 or later
Since version 10.5 is out of date, most users should already have an updated version of iTunes. In any case, to be able to share your iTunes library with Apple TV, you will need to use at least version 10.5 of the program.
To update iTunes on Mac systems, use the "Check for Updates" option in the "Apple" menu of the program. To update iTunes on Windows systems, go to the "Help" menu, then choose the "Check for Updates" option
Step 4. Go to the iTunes "File" menu, select "Home Sharing", then choose the "Enable Home Sharing" option
Enter your Apple ID and corresponding login password, then press the Activate Home Sharing button. This step activates iTunes' Home Sharing feature, which allows you to share content in the program library with other computers and devices (including Apple TV).
Repeat this process on all computers you want to share iTunes content with
Step 5. Go to the Apple TV "Settings" menu
You can return to previous menu screens by pressing the "Menu" button on the remote control.
Step 6. Choose the "Computer" option present in the "Settings" menu
Select the "Activate Home Sharing" entry, then use the same Apple ID you already used to sign in to iTunes. If you turned on Home Sharing with a different Apple ID, use that one.
Part 4 of 4: Using the Apple TV
Step 1. View content purchased through iTunes
After connecting your Apple TV to iTunes, you will be able to stream all content purchased through the Apple store to your TV. Your most recent purchases will appear at the top of the "Home" screen. To view all the content in iTunes and purchased from the store, you can select the "Movies", "TV Shows" and "Music" libraries.
Step 2. Use applications to enjoy streaming content
The Apple TV integrates several applications to access streaming content from the web. To be able to watch the content on offer, many of these streaming platforms, such as "Netflix" and "Hulu +", require a paid subscription.
Step 3. View the iTunes libraries you have shared
If you have enabled the "Home Sharing" feature on all your Apple devices, you will be able to access all your content via the "Computer" option on the "Home" screen. This option shows all computers connected to your home network that have iTunes Sharing on. Choose the device you want to stream from, then browse through the various libraries available to select the audio or video content you want.
