Setting up your Apple TV

The first thing you need to understand is that if you want to connect your Apple TV to your TV, then you need to do so by using the HDMI port. This port is used for delivering both video and audio. Before setting up the Apple TV, check the ports on your TV and be sure you have the required cables.

1. You will need an HDMI cable to connect your Apple TV to your home theater receiver or TV.

2. (Optional) You may also need an optical digital audio cable. This cable can be used if you’d like to connect your Apple TV to a receiver.

Connecting the cables

At this point you’ll need to connect the cables. Using the HDMI cable, connect one end of it to the back of the TV. The other end should be connected to the appropriate port on the back of your Apple TV. Some people may use an optical digital cable for audio. If that’s the case for you, then be sure to connect one end of it to the appropriate port on your Apple TV (optical digital audio) and the other end to the audio input on your TV or receiver.

Note: The Apple TV features 802.11 Wi-Fi technology, allowing it to connect to your network automatically and wirelessly. However, if you have an Ethernet based network, be sure to use an Ethernet cable to connect your Apple TV to it.

Connect the power cord

One end of the power cord needs to be connected to a power outlet and the other to the power port you’ll find on the back of the Apple TV.

Note: You should never place any objects on top of the Apple TV. Doing so may result in bad signal. Placing the Apple TV on top of electronic equipment is also not recommended.

Turn on your TV and select the input

Since this is the first time you’re using the Apple TV, you’ll be greeted by a screen where you have to select your language and network. However, if the only thing you see is a black screen, then don’t worry. All you have to do is check whether the input setting selected on your TV is the same as the input you connected the cables to on your home theater receiver or TV.

Configuring your Apple TV 3rd gen

If you want to connect to iTunes, then you’ll be very happy to know that the Apple TV can help you configure your wireless network to do so. With iTunes, you can watch and listen to a lot of high quality content from the iTunes library.

Configuring your Apple TV

When configuring your Apple TV, you need to have your Apple Remote, but also your network pass and name ready. The path between the Apple TV and the remote should also be clear. Keep in mind that if you’re on an Ethernet network, then the Apple TV will detect your network automatically. If you’re on a wireless network, then the Apple TV will help you connect to it.

Using the Apple Remote, make sure to enter your network name or select it from the list and then enter the network pass (if you’ve set one).

Entering your IP address along with your DNS address, router address, and subnet address may be necessary if you do not connect using DHCP. Be sure to follow the onscreen instructions to complete the network connection.

How to connect to iTunes

If you’d like to use your Apple TV to access the content of your iTunes library, then you need to have the latest iTunes installed (recommended). Any version earlier than 10.5 won’t work so be sure to keep that in mind. If you do have iTunes, but you’re not sure if you have the latest version, then update it. You can do this by using Software Update (if you’re on a Mac). If you’re using a Windows machine, go to iTunes Help to update the software.

How to set up home sharing

Once your network connection is finally set up, you have to set up your Apple TV and iTunes so you can share your iTunes library. To do so, you need to use Home Sharing on both the Apple TV and iTunes. If you’d like to set up Home Sharing in iTunes, then you need to open iTunes, go to Advanced, and there you’ll see Turn On Home Sharing. You’ll now need to enter your Apple ID and your password. Next, click on Create Home Share.

Now, if you’d like to set up Home Sharing on your Apple TV, then you first of all need to go to settings and then to Computers. Here you’ll see an option that says Turn on Home Sharing. Click it and again, enter your Apple ID and pass (the same ones you entered on your laptop or computer).

As you can see, setting up your Apple TV 3rd generation is not hard at all. Just follow these tips and you’ll be able to watch your favorite videos, movies, shows, and also listen to your favorite music in no time!

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AirPlay requirements

One thing you need to know about AirPlay is that you can use it on basically any device that Apple currently sells. This important and incredible feature was introduced with iTunes 10 for the Mac. Later on, Apple decided to also add it to the iOS with version 4.2 on the iPad and version 4 on the iPhone.

To run AirPlay, you need to have the following:

1. At least iOS 4.2
2. A 2011 Mac or newer
3. An Apple Watch
4. At least an iPhone 3GS
5. Any iPad model
6. At least a second Gen iPod touch

Unfortunately, you cannot use AirPlay on the original iPod touch, iPhone, and on the iPhone 3G.

AirPlay for Photos, videos, and music

With AirPlay, you can stream video, music, and photos from your iOS device to Wi-Fi connected stereo components, speakers, and computers. However, they all need to be AirPlay compatible to begin with.

While that’s not possible for all components, a lot of manufacturers have begun to release products that support AirPlay.

If you do have a pair of speakers though that doesn’t support AirPlay, you can still use AirPlay with them. How? Well, with an AirPort Express of course! This is a small Wi-Fi base station that you can easily use with AirPlay. All you have to do to use your speakers with AirPlay is connect AirPort express to the Wi-Fi network and then use the appropriate cables to connect the speakers to it. Once you do that, you’ll be able to stream music to your speakers.

If you have a 2nd Gen Apple TV, you should know that it works in the same way with your home theater system or your big screen TV.

Just keep in mind that you need to make sure all devices use AirPlay and share the same Wi-Fi network. For example, you cannot use your iPhone at work in order to stream music to your car.

AirPrint: AirPlay for printing

Did you know that AirPlay also makes it easy for you to print content from your iPhone or any other compatible iOS device to Wi-Fi connected printers that support this technology? You may actually have a printer that doesn’t support AirPrint and if that’s the case, then don’t worry about it. You can easily connect it to an AirPort express (as you did with the speakers) and make it compatible.

AirPlay Mirroring

Generally speaking, AirPlay Mirroring is used in order to display content from devices with smaller screens to bigger screen devices (such as your HDTV). Thanks to AirPlay, you can show the video, game, website or any other content you’re currently watching to your friends, family, coworkers, and more. You can do this via Wi-Fi, but the good news is that you can also achieve it via wire mirroring.

Using this method, you’ll need a cable that connects the iOS device to the TV (basically, an HDMI cable). For this type of mirroring you do not need to have an Apple TV. As for the devices that support AirPlay Mirroring, they include:

1. 2nd Gen Apple TV or newer.
2. Mac.
3. iPad 2 and newer.
4. iPhone 4s and newer.

How to enable AirPlay and stream music/movies on the iPhone

To do this, the first thing you need to do is download 5KPlayer and then launch it. By doing so, you’ll enable iPhone to PC/Mac AirPlay that is otherwise not possible by using independent AirPlay.

Thanks to this connection, you’ll be able to turn your iPhone into an AirPlay sender to PC/Mac to enjoy your favorite music or video content.

Instructions:

1. Connect the iPhone and the PC/Mac so you can activate AirPlay. Prior to turning on AirPlay, you need to ensure that your PC/Mac and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. If your iOS version is 8, 9 or newer, you need to launch the control center and then enable AirPlay from there.
3. Thanks to the AirPlay server 5KPlayer, you can enable AirPlay to your PC or Mac so you can then stream videos from your personal computer to your Apple TV.

To turn on AirPlay on your Mac, be sure to take the following steps:

1. Download 5KPlayer on your Mac and install it.
2. Tap the AirPlay icon to activate AirPlay. A user guide will appear if you click the AirPlay icon in the main interface. Please note that if 5KPlayer acts as a receiver on the Mac, the process ends here.

AirPlay supported files

AirPlay supports a lot of files, including MP3, AAC, M4A, MOV, M4V, and MP4. If you want to stream files of a different format, then you’ll need to cover them to one of the supported file formats before you can play them.

AirPlay is by far one of the best features Apple has introduced to its devices, making it a great way to share content with friends, family, and coworkers in a few simple taps. Now that you know how useful it is, how about you give it a try and let us know how you like it?

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Power up

Instead of a USB port, the Siri remote features a Lightning port. It also comes with a Lightning to USB cable for charging purposes. According to Apple, the new rechargeable battery in its remote can last for months on a single charge (with normal use). While this is significantly less than the battery life touted by its past remotes that used regular apple tv remote batteries, it does help save you a trip to the local electronics store to get new batteries.

No LED battery life indicator

As we’ve gotten used by Apple, there’s no LED light to notify you about how much power is left in the battery. So instead of waiting for the batteries for apple tv remote to drain, is there another way you could check how much power you have left and how long you can use the remote until you need to replace the batteries? Well, the good news is that you can actually do that.

Charging the remote

If your apple tv remote control stopped working, then you should charge it. However, if your remote control still works, then you should turn on your Apple TV and then go to Settings.

Once you’re there, navigate to Removes and devices and then click on Bluetooth. At this point, you’ll see every Bluetooth device connected to your machine. By default, the only Bluetooth connected device is the Apple TV remote.

Other Bluetooth connected devices

If you have other connected devices (such as game controllers) or remote controls, you’ll also see them displayed in this screen.

It’s here that you can finally check the apple tv remote battery life. You’ll see it displayed as an icon at the right side of its name. While the amount of power left in the batteries is not displayed in a percentage amount, the visual representation should at least give you an idea of how long you can use the remote before you need to recharge it.

The new 4th Generation Apple TV remote may not provide the same batter life as past Apple remotes, but thanks to the new design change it’s thinner, lighter and easier to use. On top of that, it can also save you a trip to the store to get new batteries. While you may not appreciate that now, you will once you have to go out on a cold, rainy or snowy day just to get a new set of batteries for your apple tv remote.

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Apple announced at this year’s WWDC  they are working on a new version of the Remote app for iPhone and iPad that will get all the features of the Apple TV Siri Remote, including touch navigation, Siri and game play support. According to CNET, the redesigned app will be released to the public this summer but the beta version is now available for testing and can be accessed by registered developers.

After downloading the Apple TV Remote IPA, you will be able to install the app directly to your iPhone or iPad via iTunes. The app requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 9.3.2 or later, and the Apple TV running tvOS 9.2.1 or later.

9to5Mac’s Jeff Benjamin has already got his hands on the new app. Taka a look at his video walkthrough:

As noted by 9to5Mac, the new Apple TV Remote will allow you to:

• Navigate Apple TV with touch gestures
• Ask Siri to find something great to watch, listen to, or play
• Dictate text, including usernames and passwords
• Enter text with the keyboard
• Play games using the accelerometer and gyroscope on your iOS device
• Game Mode with simplified game controls, available while holding your iOS device in a landscape orientation
• Controll the movie, TV show, or song that’s currently playing in the Now Playing screen

Learn more about everything Apple announced at WWDC 2016.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

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Reuters has released a major update to its Reuters TV app for iOS and tvOS. Version 2.0 introduces new featured programs – thematic programs curated and hosted by Reuters journalists – alongside live feeds of global events and personalized video newscasts.

The update also includes a major redesign on both Apple TV and the Web versions.

Reuters TV 2.0 features three ways to watch for most users:

Reuters Now

An algorithmically assembled but editorially curated news program that is:

• On-demand
• Up-to-date
• Any duration (between 5 and 30 minutes)
• Customized to each viewer’s interests and location
• Downloadable for offline viewing

Featured Programs:

• Thematic, editorially-curated programs, on topics from Zika to Brexit to the battle to retake Mosul
• Offers a more in-depth understanding of a major issue in the news
• Hosted by a Reuters journalist to provide context around the topic
• Multiple new programs added each week

Live feeds:

• Real-time coverage of global events, from protests to Presidential speeches
• Unfiltered and uninterrupted
• Available live and on-demand
• Currently available on all platforms except Android, with support for that platform coming soon

Editorial content from Reuters TV is produced exclusively for the service and draws upon Reuters extraordinary reach from 2,500 journalists in over 160 countries. In order to deliver the service’s variable program lengths, all content is produced in multiple versions and organized by editorial teams in London, Hong Kong, New York and Washington DC, providing 24/7 coverage for viewers.

Search for “Reuters TV” on your Apple TV’s App Store to download the free app.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

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The official NASA app turned out to be a very popular piece of software that has been downloaded more than 17 million times across all platforms (iOS, Android, Fire OS). Today the agency released its app for a new platform, the 4th gen. Apple TV.

The NASA app for Apple TV offers the following features:

• Watch live streaming NASA TV, and get a real-time view of the Earth from the International Space Station
• View more than 15,000 images individually or as a continuous slideshow
• Play on demand NASA videos
• Find the next opportunity to view the International Space Station and other NASA satellites pass overhead, based on your location.
• Display 2-D and 3-D satellite tracking maps
• Discover the latest NASA mission information
• Listen to Third Rock internet streaming radio
• View the Earth as Art image gallery

Search for “NASA” on your Apple TV’s App Store to download the free app.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

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Apple has removed Google’s Nest thermostat from its online and retail stores as the world’s first Apple HomeKit-compatible smart thermostat ecobee3 goes on sale. Searching for Nest on Apple’s online store now reveals HomeKit-enabled devices, ecobee3 being one of them.

Designed for homes with more than one room, the Wi-Fi connected ecobee3 thermostat measures temperature and occupancy in multiple locations, so it knows which rooms are occupied to deliver the right temperature in the right places. And it knows whether someone’s home to help you save energy and money when you’re away.

It intuitively understands when to turn on your heating or cooling equipment based on your home’s unique energy profile and the weather outside

Toronto-based ecobee promises that ecobee3 customers save an average of 23% on their heating and cooling costs.

ecobee3 features a 3.5″ full-color LCD touchscreen, 320 x 480 pixel display with intuitive iconography and controls.

It comes with 1 free remote sensor that measures temperature and occupancy. You can have up to 32 sensors. The more you add, the smarter your Ecobee3 becomes.

In addition, you can monitor and control your ecobee3 thermostat anytime and from anywhere, using your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Get ecobee3 from Amazon for $249.

HomeKit is Apple’s developer kit to enable communication between home appliances and iOS devices. Apple TV is said to be the center of Apple’s smart home, especially while using remote commands via Siri.

Check out other HomeKit-enabled devices.

Learn more on Apple TV’s role in the HomeKit ecosystem: 

• Here is how Apple TV will work with HomeKit devices
• Apple now accepting HomeKit product plans from smart home device makers
• New beta turns Apple TV into the master of HomeKit
• IoT for everyone: Apple HomeKit vs. Google Brillo

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

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The first batch of HomeKit enabled smart devices went up for order yesterday. Correspondingly, Apple released a support document to help early users get started with HomeKit. And thanks to the document, we now know more about Apple TV’s role in HomeKit.

Like we reported earlier, an Apple TV will be integral to your smart home setup, if you need to control devices while away from home. Here is what Apple says:

“Control your accessories away from home
If you have an Apple TV (3rd generation or later) with software version 7.0 or later, you can control your HomeKit-enabled accessories when you’re away from home using your iOS device.

Sign in with the same Apple ID on your iOS device and Apple TV, and you’ll be able to use Siri commands to remotely control your accessories.“

You will be able to control your HomeKit-enabled accessories remotely via their apps itself. However, if you need to use Siri to control them while away, then an Apple TV is a must. Once you sign into your Apple TV and the iOS device using the same Apple ID, you can start commanding your digital minions, wherever you are.

It is also clear now that you can create groups within the HomeKit setup, like lights, fans, thermostat etc. and also based on rooms and areas, so that commands like “Hey Siri, turn down the heat in the living room” does what is expected.

We earlier believed that only the refreshed version of Apple TV 3 (A1469) would be compatible with the new OS and carry HomeKit, but Apple confirms that any Apple TV 3 running software version 7.0 or above are capable. Any iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch with iOS 8.1 or later will be able to take smart-home commands as well.

Apple mentions the compatible Apple TV as “3rd gen or above” which seems to be a cheeky hint to the Apple TV 4 which is expected to be announced next week.

Apple HomeKit support document is an interesting read. And if you are planning to buy some HomeKit devices, check out the first ones or the Apple’s dedicated sub site.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

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At the Time Warner annual investor meeting, Richard Plepler, the CEO of HBO, announced that the company will launch a standalone HBO streaming service in 2015, enabling HBO fans to finally cut the cord. And according to analysts, this might be the break the set-top box industry, especially the Apple TV, has been waiting for.

Though the details were scarce, Plepler did mention that the service will begin with “current partners” and from the looks of it, that could directly refer to Apple. HBO’s current streaming service is HBO Go, which requires you to sign in with a supported cable subscription account for access. It is already available on iOS devices and on Apple TV, making Cupertino a worthy candidate to be the above mentioned partner.

New Apple TV in 2015 rumors. HBO offering stand-alone subscription in 2015. Hmmmmmm…

— Serenity Caldwell (@settern) October 15, 2014

Also, Plepler specifically mentions that:

There are 80 million homes that do not have HBO and we will use all means at our disposal to go after them.

With well over 20 million Apple TVs out in the world, the Apple set-top box seems to be HBO’s best route into the cord-cutting industry.

Besides, the Apple TV 4 is expected to come out in early 2015, which is roughly the same time when HBO new streaming service will be launched.

We have long been hearing that Apple is having serious discussions with HBO (Time Warner) to bring their content to Apple TV and it seems, they have finally struck a deal.

Exact details regarding the release date, subscription rates and whether the whole HBO catalog will be available over the service, are still a mystery. However with a network like HBO coming forward to break the cable-only norm, it will surely force the competition to follow. Hence, it is likely that we will see more media giants doing the same in the coming weeks and hopefully, the Apple TV 4 will come packed with them all.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

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Apple is planning to get the most out of their 3 billion Beats acquisition by making its streaming service available to as many as possible. With the 7.0 software update, they’ve added a brand new Beats Music channel to Apple TV, which corresponds to the app of the same name on iOS.

The channel begins by inviting you to a 14-day free trial, unless you already have an account. After two weeks of streaming unlimited music, you can opt to subscribe for $10 a month or $100 per year, which will be charged directly to your iTunes account.

Beats Music channel is similar to its iOS app in almost all aspects, except that the former shows up in 1080p.

My Library is pretty much self explanatory while Just for You features a playlist curated especially for you based on your song habits and interested genres. You can Browse their catalog or Search for more songs based on Artist, Albums, genres or even by Awards and Events at the Highlights tab.

Stream unlimited, ad-free music anytime you want with Beats Music. Choose from over 20 million songs from nearly every genre imaginable. Not sure what to play? The Beats in-house curators can guide you.

However, a major left out in the Apple TV channel when compared to the Beats Music app is the feature called “The Sentence”, where you can enter exactly what you are doing at a particular moment, and get a custom playlist right for the mood. That was a really cool feature and will surely be missed.

The app is a little pain to set up initially since there is a lot of typing involved. You might want to download the official Remote app, especially if you are Signing up for the first time. But once set up, the overall experience is pretty good with a minimal UI and unobtrusive streaming sessions.

So what’s the take away? Beats Music does exactly what it is supposed do and the major decision lies in whether you prefer Beats Music over countless other services and whether you’ll be comfortable streaming songs to your television.

If you already have a Beats Music subscription, it would be unwise not to setup your account on Apple TV too. Else, you might want to make use of that 14-day trial on your iOS device before jumping into a subscription on the big screen.

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