Apple's digital media device, the Apple TV, allows users to watch or enjoy videos, music, and television shows over a high-speed Internet connection. This device is compatible with other Apple products and internet television. You must have an HDMI connection and a wireless or Ethernet connection in order to set up Apple TV.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Connecting the Hardware
Step 1. Gather the required equipment
Apple TV comes with an Apple TV set, power cable, and remote control device. You can only connect your Apple TV to an HDTV, and you'll need an HDMI cable to connect the two hardware devices. An HDMI cable is not included in the Apple TV package, but you can get one from electronics stores or the internet for a fairly affordable price. When it comes to choosing an HDMI cable, there really isn't a practical difference between a $30 cable and a $100 cable. You'll also need to be able to connect your Apple TV to the internet, either via WiFi or an Ethernet cable.
- The first generation Apple TV can be connected via a component cable (five-prong cable), but this option may no longer be available for newer versions/models of hardware.
- If you want to connect your Apple TV to a home theater system, you'll need a digital audio optical (S/PDIF) cable.
Step 2. Place the Apple TV where it is easily accessible from the television and power sockets
Make sure that the cable is not stretched tightly when connecting the Apple TV to the television. Also, make sure your Apple TV has free space to "breathe" as the device's temperature can rise during use.
If you're using a wired connection to a network router, make sure the Ethernet cable you're using can reach the router and Apple TV
Step 3. Connect your Apple TV to your HDTV or home theater receiver via an HDMI cable
You can find HDMI ports on the back or side of an HDTV, or the back of a home theater receiver. Your HDTV may have one or more HDMI ports. Some HDTVs may not have an HDMI port at all.
Pay attention to the label of the HDMI port used to connect the Apple TV. These labels help you find or select the right input when turning on the television
Step 4. Connect the power cable to the Apple TV and plug the other end of the cable into a power socket
To be extra careful, make sure the wires are connected to a surge protector so that you avoid electrical surges.
Step 5. Connect the Ethernet cable (if available)
If you want to connect your Apple TV to a network via Ethernet, connect the cable to the back of the Apple TV and attach the cable to your router or network switch. If you connect the device via WiFi, you don't have to bother setting up or preparing an Ethernet cable.
Step 6. Connect the Apple TV to the home theater system (optional)
Normally Apple TV will send sound waves to the television via an HDMI cable, but if you're using an audio receiver, you can connect it to your Apple TV via an optical digital audio (S/PDIF) cable. Plug the cable into the back of the Apple TV and plug the other end of the cable into the appropriate port on the audio receiver or television.
Part 2 of 4: Setting Up Apple TV
Step 1. Turn on the television and select the appropriate input
Press the " Input " or " Source " button on the television control device to select the HDMI port that the Apple TV is connected to. Usually Apple TV will turn on automatically so you can see a menu to select a language. If you don't see anything, check the connection again and press the center button on the Apple TV remote control device.
Step 2. Select the interface language
Use the remote control device to select the interface language. Use the center button on the device to select an option.
Step 3. Connect Apple TV to the network
If you connect your device to a network via Ethernet, Apple TV automatically detects the network and connects. If you connect your Apple TV via WiFi, a list of available wireless networks appears. Select the network you want to use. Enter the password if the network is secured.
Step 4. Wait for the Apple TV to turn on
It may take a while for the Apple TV to finish going through the initial setup process. Once the process is complete, the device will ask you if you want to join the data usage collection program for Apple.
Step 5. Check for updates
Apple TV can work more effectively if its software is updated to the latest version. You can check for updates via the settings menu (“Settings”).
- Open the “Settings” menu from the Apple TV home screen.
- Open the "General" option and select "Software Update". Apple TV will check for and install any available updates.
Part 3 of 4: Connecting Apple TV to iTunes
Step 1. Open the settings menu (“Settings”) on the Apple TV
You can find this menu on the main page or home screen of Apple TV.
Step 2. Select “iTunes Store” from the “Settings” menu
Sign in using your Apple ID and password. You can now access iTunes purchases through Apple TV. You can also connect your home computer to your Apple TV using the Home Sharing feature.
Step 3. Update iTunes to version 10.5 or later on the computer
Most people are now running a newer version of iTunes as version 10.5 is fairly old. Also, you'll still need at least iTunes version 10.5 to be able to share your iTunes library to Apple TV.
To update iTunes on a Mac, use the "Software Update" option on the Apple menu to update. To update iTunes on a Windows computer, click the " Help " menu and select " Check for Updates"
Step 4. Click the “File” menu on iTunes and select “Home Sharing” → “Turn On Home Sharing“
Enter the Apple ID and password, then click the Turn On Home Sharing button. With this option, iTunes' Home Sharing feature/function will be enabled so that you can share your iTunes library with other computers and devices (including Apple TV).
Repeat this process for all the computers you want to connect to
Step 5. Open the “Settings” menu on the Apple TV
You can go to the previous page on Apple TV by pressing the " Menu " button on the remote control.
Step 6. Select “Computers” on the “Settings” menu
Select "Turn On Home Sharing Option", and specify whether you want to use the same Apple ID as the Apple ID used in iTunes. You can use a different Apple ID if you set up the Home Sharing feature with another account.
Part 4 of 4: Watching Apple TV
Step 1. Browse purchases from iTunes
You can enjoy all purchased movies and television shows after connecting your Apple TV to your iTunes account. Recent purchases will appear at the top of the Apple TV home screen. You can select the " Movies ", " TV Shows ", and " Music " libraries to view the iTunes main page and all the content you have purchased.
Step 2. Use a streaming app
Apple TV comes with a variety of streaming applications that can be used to watch videos. Some of the apps offered, such as Netflix and Hulu+, require a separate paid subscription before you can use them to enjoy video content.
Step 3. Review the shared iTunes library
If you enable the Home Sharing function/feature on all devices, you can access different libraries using the "Computers" option on the home screen. Selecting this option will display all computers that are connected to the network and have the Home Sharing function enabled in iTunes. Select the computer you want to use as a streaming content source, then browse the library to select the video or music you want to play.