Apple TV is Apple's digital media device that enables its users to stream videos, music, and television using a high-speed Internet connection. It is highly compatible with other Apple products and Internet TVs. You must have an HDMI connection and a wired or wireless Internet link to install Apple TV.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Connect your computer
Step 1. Gather the pieces
The Apple TV package comes with the Apple TV itself, along with the power cord and remote control. You can only connect Apple TV to an HD television using an HDMI cable. The HDMI cable does not come in the Apple TV package, but you can buy a cheap one at an electronics store or online. When it comes to HDMI cables, there isn't much practical difference between a $ 10 and an $ 80 cable. You will also need to connect the Apple TV to your network, either via WiFi or using an Ethernet cable.
- The first generation Apple TV could be connected with a 5-prong component cable, but this is no longer possible with newer versions of the equipment.
- If you want to connect your Apple TV to your home theater system, you will need an optical digital audio (S / PDIF) cable.
Step 2. Install your Apple TV in a place where it can reach the TV and the power outlet
Make sure no cables are going to be stretched too far when connecting. You should also make sure that the Apple TV has enough space, as it may get hot during use.
If you are going to use a wired connection for your network, make sure the Ethernet cable will reach
Step 3. Connect Apple TV to your HD television or home theater via HDMI cable
You'll find the HDMI ports on the back or side of the HDTV and on the back of your home theater receiver. Your HD television may have one or more HDMI ports. Some older HD TVs may not have HDMI ports.
Look at the label of the HDMI port where you connect the Apple TV. This will help you select the correct input when you turn on your television
Step 4. Connect the power cord to the Apple TV and plug it into the power outlet
To be extra cautious, be sure to plug it into a surge suppressor to protect it from spikes.
Step 5. Connect the Ethernet cable, if you are going to use it
If you are connecting to your network using an Ethernet cable, connect the cable to the back of the Apple TV and then to your router or modem. If you are going to use a WiFi connection then don't worry about this.
Step 6. Connect Apple TV to your home theater, if you are going to use it
Typically, Apple TV will send the audio signal through the HDMI cable to your television. However, if you use an audio receiver, you have the ability to connect it to Apple TV with an optical digital audio cable (S / PDIF). Connect the cable to the back of the Apple TV and then to the appropriate port on your receiver or television.
Method 2 of 4: Set up Apple TV
Step 1. Turn your television on to the correct input
Press the input button on your television remote to select the HDMI port you connected the Apple TV to. Normally, the Apple TV turns on automatically, so you must look at the menu to select your language. If you don't see anything, double-check your connections and press the center button on your Apple TV remote.
Step 2. Select your language
Use the remote control to select the interface language. Use the central button of the controller to choose your selection.
Step 3. Connect to your network
If you are connected using an Ethernet cable, Apple TV will automatically detect the network and connect. If you are connected using a WiFi connection, a list of available wireless networks will appear. Select the network you would like to connect to. Enter the password if the network is protected.
Step 4. Wait for the Apple TV to wake up
It may take a few minutes for Apple TV to complete its initial setup process. Once the setup process is complete, it will ask you if you want to allow access to Apple's data collection program.
Step 5. Check for updates
Your Apple TV will perform better if it is up to date with the latest version of the software. Look for updates through the "Settings" menu.
- Open the "Settings" app from the Apple TV main menu.
- Choose the "General" option and then select "Update software." Your Apple TV will check for and install any available updates.
Method 3 of 4: Connect with iTunes
Step 1. Open the "Settings" application on the Apple TV
Find it in the main menu of your Apple TV.
Step 2. Select the "iTunes Store" option in the "Settings" menu
Log in with your Apple username and password. You will now have access to your iTunes purchases on your Apple TV. You also have the option of connecting your home computers to Apple TV using "Home sharing."
Step 3. Update iTunes on your computer to version 10.5 or later
Most people must be using newer versions by now, as version 10.5 is a bit old. Even so, you will need at least version 10.5 to be able to share your iTunes library with Apple TV.
To update iTunes on a Mac, use the "Update Software" option in the Apple menu. To update iTunes on a Windows computer, click the "Help" menu and select the "Check for updates" option
Step 4. Click on the iTunes "File" menu and select the "Home sharing" option
Then select "Activate home sharing". Enter your Apple username and password, then click "Activate home sharing." Thus, the "Home sharing" function of iTunes will be enabled, allowing you to share your library with other computers and devices, including Apple TV.
Repeat this process with all the computers that you want to connect to each other
Step 5. Open the "Settings" application on your Apple TV
Go back to previous windows using the menu button on the remote control.
Step 6. Select the "Computers" option in the "Settings" menu
Select the option to "Activate home sharing" and then choose to use the same Apple user that you already signed into iTunes with. You have the choice to enter a different user if you activated "Home sharing" with another account.
Method 4 of 4: Watch Apple TV
Step 1. Browse through your iTunes purchases
Stream any of your purchased movies and TV shows once you've linked your Apple TV with your iTunes account. Your most recent purchases will be displayed at the top of the main menu. Select the library of movies, TV shows and music to view iTunes storefronts and all the content you purchased.
Step 2. Use content streaming apps
Apple TV comes loaded with a variety of streaming apps that you can use to watch video content. Many of these applications, such as Netflix and Hulu +, require an additional paid subscription before you start using them to stream content.
Step 3. View your shared iTunes libraries
If you have "Home sharing" enabled on all your devices, you will have the possibility to access your different libraries using the "Computers" option in the main menu. Selecting this option will display all the computers on your network that have "Home sharing" enabled in iTunes. Select the computer you want to stream from and then browse the library to choose the video and music you want to stream.