Are you ready to cut the wires and free yourself from the advertising show? With Apple TV, you can rent or buy high-definition movies, listen to podcasts, stream Netflix, Hulu, and other videos, watch sports, and even access music and photos on your computer. All of this is done from your couch. This article will show you how to set up and use your Apple TV, and start enjoying your television again.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Installing Apple TV
Step 1. Unpack the Apple TV
Set up close to the television and electrical access, and close to the ethernet port if you are using a wired network (optional).
Do not place Apple TV on top of other electronic equipment, and do not place objects on top of Apple TV. This can build up heat or cause interference with the wireless signal
Step 2. Connect the HDMI cable
Insert one end of the cable into the HDMI port on the back of the Apple TV, and the other end into the television's HDMI port.
- Note: this article will describe a direct connection to a television. If you're using a receiver (aka a receiver), consult the manufacturer's instructions, although generally the receiver will only be inserted between the Apple TV and the television.
- Apple TV also provides TOSLINK digital audio output. If you're using one, connect one end of the Toslink cable to the Apple TV, and the other end to the Toslink digital audio input on the television.
Step 3. Connect the ethernet cable
If you're using a wired network, connect your Apple TV to the ethernet port using the proper cable.
Apple TV has built-in Wi-Fi 802.11 that you can connect to a wireless network during setup
Step 4. Connect the power cord
Once the connection is established, plug the small end of the power cord into the Apple TV's power port, and the other end into the nearest wall outlet.
Step 5. Turn on the television
Already seen the world of Apple TV! Using the television controller, set the TV input to the HDMI port that the Apple TV is using.
If this is your first time setting up Apple TV, you'll see a setup screen. If not, make sure everything is installed correctly, and that you have selected the correct input
Part 2 of 3: Configuring Apple TV
Step 1. Get to know your Apple Remote
You'll use it to perform almost every function on your Apple TV.
- Use the black ring to move the cursor up, down, left, and right.
- The silver button in the center of the ring is the "Select" button which will be used to select menu options, enter text characters, and more.
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The Menu button will drag the menu up, or return you to the previous screen.
- Pressing and holding Menu will return to the main menu.
- Pressing and holding Menu while watching a movie will access subtitles
- The function of the Play/Pause button is self-explanatory.
- Pressing and holding Menu and Down arrow will reset Apple TV. When resetting, the Apple TV status light flashes quickly.
- To pair the controller with Apple TV, press and hold the Menu button and Right arrow for 6 seconds. This will prevent the Apple TV from being controlled by other controllers.
- Note that there is a free app in the App Store (named "Remote") that can provide all the functionality of Apple Remote and even more. If you have an iPhone or iPad, it's a great addition to your Apple TV experience.
- Note that the Apple Remote is not a universal controller. You still control the volume and other functions of the television or receiver controller.
Step 2. Connect to the wireless network
From the onscreen prompts, select a wireless network from the menu. Enter your network name if it is hidden. After selecting a network, enter the password (if applicable), and when prompted, click Done.
If you are not using DHCP for the network, you must specify a current IP address, subnet mask, router address, and DNS address
Step 3. Set up Home Sharing
To access music and videos on your computer using Apple TV, you would use Home Sharing.
- Set up Home Sharing on Apple TV. From the main menu, select Settings, then select Home Sharing. Enter your Apple ID and password.
- Set up Home Sharing in iTunes. From the File menu, select Home Sharing > Turn On Home Sharing. Enter the same Apple ID and password you used for your Apple TV.
Part 3 of 3: Enjoying Content
Step 1. Watch the various films available
With iTunes on Apple TV, you have access to the latest movies in full 1080p (v3) or 720p (v2) resolution. You can preview movies, rent or purchase them using the onscreen browser.
- While almost all content on iTunes can be viewed, many films cannot be rented (only purchased) in the first week after their release on iTunes. Furthermore, most films can be rented. Sometimes, movies will only be available for rent or purchase.
- Television shows from iTunes are for purchase only, although you can subscribe to entire seasons. Television series offered on iTunes today are usually a day or two later than their initial release.
Step 2. Stream content from iOS device
With selected content, you can use AirPlay to wirelessly stream movies and photos stored on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch. You can also use your television as a giant screen for your iPhone 4S or iPad (mirrorring).
Step 3. Use Home Sharing
With Home Sharing, you can browse and play your entire iTunes library. This includes all the playlists that have been created, as well as the Genius feature. You can also view photos using iPhoto on your computer, or simply drop the photos you want to view on your Apple TV into a specific folder, then connect to that folder via iTunes Home Sharing.
- To access music, movies, photos, and videos on your computer via Apple TV, click on the green "Computers" button on the Main Menu screen. Any relevant content on the computer can be accessed there.
- To access all the music stored in iCloud using iTunes Match, press the orange "Music" button on the Main Menu screen.
Step 4. Take a look at Netflix and Hulu Plus
You need a Netflix account and/or a Hulu account to view content. With this account, you can stream tons of past and present content that will keep you entertained all day long! To access this content, click on the Netflix or Hulu button on the main menu, then select your option.
If you have another iOS device, download the app for Netflix. If you're watching a movie on Netflix and decide to finish it in bed in your sleep (not recommended for action movies!), turn off the tv (will pause your Apple TV), then launch Netflix on your iOS device. The film will line up right where you left it! Hulu+ offers a similar feature
Step 5. Enjoy the game
If you're a sports fan, subscribe to MLB. TV, NBA.com, and the NHL GameCenter. You can watch live matches in HD when available, and watch previous matches from the "on demand" archive. If you do not subscribe to the service, you will still be able to view the schedule, score stats, standings and news headlines of previous games.
Step 6. Be financially smart
Use Wall Street Journal Live for market and financial news, hear experts share their opinions, and watch summaries of the latest news. Everything is available 24 hours a day.
Step 7. Enjoy other people's lives
Watch YouTube, Vimeo and Flickr from the Main Menu. There's a world of user-created content out there, and it's very easy to access with the click of a button.
Step 8. Save your music box
With Radio, you can choose from hundreds of internet radio channels sorted by category. Want to listen to classical blues music? classic? radio chat? Click on the desired category, then choose the one you like. Some of them are ad-free, and some are interspersed with promos, but all of them are free and high-resolution.
