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!

The post How To Set Up Apple Tv 3rd Generation appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

CARROT Weather (Apple TV only)

If you travel a lot or you’re simply interested in how the weather is going to be today or tomorrow, then you need to get the CARROT weather app. What’s great about it is that you can use it in order to store multiple locations. Better yet, it also features some pretty great animations that you’ll certainly like. Whatever you do though, just make sure you don’t poke its ocular sensor!

Wikify (universal)

We’re all aware of Wikipedia and we’ve probably used it more than we think. However, having Wikipedia on your TV may seem a little bit weird at first. However, Wikify is more like a travel companion. The way it works is that if you travel somewhere, you can use it in order to zoom on your location. As you zoom, you’ll notice a lot of red pins will start to pop up. Each of those pins actually represents interesting locations that you may want to visit. While this kind of functionality may sound like it’s better suited for a phone, we cannot refute its usefulness.

TVPlayer (universal)

If you have an Apple TV, then there is a chance that it’s plugged into an actual TV that can play live broadcasts. If that’s not the case, then don’t worry about it. Using TVPlayer you can gain access to a lot of TV channels right away. If you want, then you can also pay something extra and access a lot of private channels as well. According to users, this is by far one of the most interesting apps for apple tv, so be sure to give it a shot!

TV Maps (universal)

Many people may scoff at the idea of using maps on their TV. That’s because it’s unrealistic that while traveling, you’ll have your Apple TV with you in your car, trying to zoom up on the highway to find the next gas station. However, you can look at this app in a different way. You can use it in order to explore. TV Maps offers you a three dimensional view of popular landmarks. If you want, then you can also receive directions that you can then send to your mobile device through the TV Maps app. How great is that?

Streaks workout

For those who want to get in shape and never really get to do something about it, Streaks Workout may be the answer they’re looking for. Using this app, you only need some desire to get in shape, a floor, and your Apple TV. In terms of exercising, you can choose the exercises you want to do and how long you want to exercise. With Streaks Workout, you’ll be able to track your workout and see how much fat you burn. Thanks to this great app, you can set weight loss goals and lose fat without having to go to the gym. Just give it a try to convince yourself of how useful it actually is!

Speedtest by Ookla (universal)

We’ve all used a speed test tool or website at least once, but did you know that they’re generally inaccurate? Therefore, if you have trouble streaking your favorite content on the Apple TV, then you may want to use Ookla to test your broadband speed. Based on its reviews, Ookla is one of the best apple tv apps 2016 and you should certainly install it on your TV. Now when it comes to the internet speed test, it takes about a minute. Once it’s over, you’ll know all about your download and upload speed.

Solar Walk 2 (universal)

Have you ever wanted to explore the solar system? If the answer is yes, then we have good news for you! With Solar Walk 2 you can easily do that! This app is available of the Apple TV and it’s simply amazing. You can use it to explore the Moon, the planets in our solar system and also the moon. There are also infographics which tell you a lot about Earth and the rest of the planets in the solar system. Pretty interesting stuff for sure!

Plane Finder

If you’re an armchair plane geek, then Plane Finder may very well be an indispensable app for you. Using it you can see almost live maps of planes that hurtle through the sky. You can also search for certain flights, filter by company, and even zoom to track specific planes. On the other hand, if you like something more conventional, then you may want to give FlightBoard a try.

If you’re looking for the best apps for apple tv, then now you have them. Check them out and see how much you like them, but don’t forget to let us know about it in the comments section below!

The post Top 8 best Apple TV apps you should try right now appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Build quality, hardware, size, and price

Even though it’s a few years old, no one can deny that the apple tv 3rd gen looks amazing. It measures 23 millimeters in height, and 100 millimeters square. In fact, it’s has such a small form factor that you can easily place it on your TV without worrying about it taking too much space. If you check the back of the device, you’ll notice there are several ports. These include optical S/PDIF, HDMI, Ethernet (10/100 Megabits), and a micro USB port. However, according to Apple, this port is for diagnostics only.

The Apple TV also features a dual band 802.11n Wi-Fi, meaning that it can effectively connect to 2.4 GHz and also 5GHz networks. If you’re curious about the apple tv 3rd generation price, you can currently get it for as little as $59. The apple tv 3rd generation Amazon may be cheaper, so be sure to check its price on Amazon as well.

Setup and control

You can easily control the Apple TV via its sleek and small, yet very thin aluminum remote. Even better, the remote is very simple to use, features a central Select button, but also a 4 way cursor pad that you can use to navigate through menus.

It’s possible to also use the Remote application for your iPad or iPhone. With it, you can control your Apple TV from your tablet or phone. What’s great about the app is that you don’t require line of sight, since it works over Wi-Fi.

To set up the Apple TV, you just have to plug in the soft-touch power cable and then hook it up to the HDMI port of your TV. Keep in mind that Apple doesn’t provide an HDMI cable, so you should get one separately. Next, all you have to do is enter your Apple ID and password. Once you do that you’ll be taken to the home screen.

Interface

What many will love about the Apple TV is the fact it has one of the simplest interfaces you’ll ever find on a media streamer. The icons on the home screen are large, therefore easy to navigate through. It’s important to mention that the top row is dedicated to Apple Services. You cannot delete them, but you can reorder them. The Apple TV runs on TVOS which works very smoothly. Even though it’s a bit old, the Apple TV 3rd gen has hands down one of the best operating systems ever put in a streaming device.

Content and AirPlay

The reason why people get an Apple TV is to consume content and there are many ways for them to do that. You can use apps, but you can also use AirPlay. AirPlay allows you to beam content from your Mac, tablet or smartphone to your Apple TV. This means that almost any content you can watch on your smartphone can also be beamed to your Apple TV.

If you want, you can also use AirPlay’s Mirroring function. As the name suggests, you’ll be able to send what you see on your laptop, tablet or smartphone to your TV. This can be very useful if you want to watch a movie with your friends or someone else.

Apple movies and TV

One of the best things about the Apple TV is that you can rent and also purchase TV shows and HD movies from Apple’s collection. In fact, Apple has the second largest collection of content (Sky Now ranks first) you can choose from, so no matter what TV show or movie you want to see, there’s a good chance Apple has it.

If you want, then you can also watch content you purchased from another device. Dolby Digital surround tracks are also supported by Apple (where available). Therefore, if you’re into surround sound, then just plug your Apple TV into an audio video receiver and enjoy it! One thing to bear in mind when purchasing live shows from Apple is that its version is usually a day behind the live broadcast.

Photos and iCloud

With photographs from your Mac, iPad, and iPhone going into iCloud, you can easily view them on your Apple TV at any given time. Not only that, but all the content you uploaded, such as your shared streams, photo stream, movies, etc can be accessed from the interface. Based on your internet connection, the content can be viewed pretty fast.

You may also have photographs that have yet to be uploaded to iCloud. If that’s the case, then you can use AirPlay to view on them your Apple TV.

Apple music

By using the music app, you can easily browse through the music store to play any songs that you may have purchased. If you have an iTunes Match subscription, then the songs you ripped from CDs are also made available.

Summary

If you’re the type who wants to have access to all his favorite TV shows and movies at any given them, time you certainly need to buy apple tv 3rd generation. Its impressively simple interface, great functionality, amazing build quality, but also low price make it a solid choice for anybody looking for an affordable, yet top quality streaming device.

The post A quick look at the Apple TV 3rd Generation appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Connectivity and External Differences

On the outside, the third generation Apple TV and below, but also the 4th generation models and above can be easily confused. While it’s true that they have the same footprint, the latest iteration is about 1/3 lbs heavier and about half an inch taller than the third generation Apple TV.

In terms of connectivity, the third and fourth generation Apple TVs are quite different. Whether the fourth generation is better than the third one or vice versa in this regard is all up to you.

Both generations feature a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port and a power connect. However, in all other aspects they do vary.

3rd generation Apple TV: This Apple TV iteration features a Micro USB port, an optical out audio port, and an HDMI port. It also features support for Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound and 802.11a/b/g/n wireless.

4th generation Apple TV: Compared to the previous generation, the 4th generation Apple TV features a USB-C port and an HDMI port version 1.4. While you don’t get an optical audio out port, you do get 802.11AC Wi-Fi capability (MIMO). The latest Apple TV model also supports Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.

Remote Differences

While it’s true that both Apple TVs (3rd and 4th gen) support remotes, the fourth generation is a lot more advanced.

3rd generation: The third gen Apple TV remote is silver and features dedicated Play/Pause, Menu, and directional key buttons.

4th generation: The 4th gen Apple TV remote is made of aluminum and comes in black. It sports a lot of features, including dedicated buttons for Siri, Play/Pause, Up/Down, Home, Menu, but also a gyroscope, an internal accelerometer, a Glass Touch surface (which is great for directional control) , but also features 2 microphones. Thanks to Siri Voice Command, you can control your Apple TV by issuing voice commands.

It’s true that the Apple TV 4th gen remote is a lot more advanced and comes with great features, but its build quality is not that great. On top of that, it now comes with rechargeable batteries that will last you months, instead of years as it was the case with previous generation Apple TV remotes. The remote also supports 3rd party controllers which may potentially open productivity and gaming possibilities.

Identification Differences

If you put them next to each other, the third and fourth generation Apple TVs are easy to differentiate. On the other hand, there are 2 third generation iterations, and the second generation of the Apple TV looks visually the same as the third generation. Because of that, identifying them by looks alone is not feasible.

To better identify what generation your Apple TV is, you need to check their EMC and Model Number. You can check these by turning the Apple TV upside down checking the small text there.

Internal Differences

If we are to compare the hardware of the third and fourth generation Apple TV, then you’ll see there are many differences between them. For example, the Apple TV third generation features a twenty eight nanometer Apple A5 CPU (single core), 8GB of storage (flash), and 512MB RAM.

The fourth generation on the other hand features a twenty nanometer A8 CPU (dual core), between 32GB and 64GB of storage (flash), and 2GB of RAM.

While the 4th generation does have much faster and newer hardware than the previous generation, both of them do not yet support 4K video.

Software Differences

Both Apple TV generations are based on the iOS platform, but at the same time they run on different OS.

The Apple TV third generation features the 5.1 Apple TV version which offers support for selective application-like functionality and built-in channels.

The Apple TV fourth generation runs on the tvOS which allows you to connect to an app store and use fully fledged apps.

While Apple is dedicated to updating its products and software for the Apple TV third generation, we can safely assume that they won’t be doing so much longer. After all, they’re currently focused on the tvOS and working hard towards improving it.

The post What generation is my Apple tv? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Pros

1. The Apple TV is a stylish, easy to use and affordable set top box.
2. It costs $149 and $199 for the 32GB and 64GB variant, respectively.

Cons

1. The Apple TV ties in to iTunes, which some people may not really like.

What is Apple TV?

The Apple TV is basically a set top box that give you access to a lot of content, including movies, TV shows, apps, and more. You can purchase them or rent them from iTunes and other services, including Netflix, YouTube, etc. In other words, Apple TV simply takes the content that would otherwise be tied to your Mac, iPad, and iPhone and lets you enjoy it on a bigger screen. In terms of quality, the Apple TV is capable of outputting content in Full HD resolution.

Apple TV channels

One thing you need to know is that the Apple TV doesn’t actually offer you access to free to air channels as it’s the case with a regular TV. On top of that, it’s also not a digital video recorder that can help you record your favorite movies or shows while you’re at work. On the other hand, it does offer you access to channels where you can watch a lot of content based on your preferences. You can also use OnDemand services in the same way you would on your iPad and iPhone.

If you’re in the US, then by getting an Apple TV you can gain access to a lot of useful apps and channels. Some examples include WatchESPN, Lifetime, History, but also A&E, PBS, Disney Junior, Disney XD, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, and more. The good news is that Apple adds new channels quite frequently, so the amount of content you can access greatly increases over time. This is amazing if you’re the type who wants to keep up with the latest TV shows and movies.

Can I use my current TV with it?

One of the first things you need to know if you want to get an Apple TV is whether your current TV is compatible with it. As long as your TV has an HDMI port, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to use the Apple TV with it. Keep in mind that your TV needs to also be capable of 720P or Full HD output at 50/60Hz. While the chance your TV may not meet these requirements is low, there may be expectations. This is usually the case if you have an old CRT TV. Also, in order to access content stores, including the iTunes store, you need to have a broadband connection.

What can you play on the Apple TV?

The Apple TV supports a wide range of file formats, including M-PEG, MPEG-4, and H.264. In terms of audio, it supports Audible (formats two, three, four), MP3 VBR, MP3, protected AAC, AAC, HE-AAC (V1), WAV, and Apple Lossless. In terms of image formats, the Apple TV supports TIFF, GIF, and JPEG images.

One of the most important things you need to know about the Apple TV is that you can use it to turn your dumb TV into a smart TV. You can easily access the likes of Vimeo, YouTube, Netflix, but also iTunes movies and TV programs to enjoy the latest video content. Better yet, you can also view images on Flickr and watch Sky news live.

Verdict

As you can see, there are many things to like about the Apple TV. First of all, it’s simple to use and it’s very well built as well. On the other hand, some people may argue that they don’t really have access to as much content as they would like. If you look at the competition (we’re looking at you Roku!) you’ll notice that there are other options you may want to check out.

Truth be said, there are certain features that will only work with the Apple TV, so that’s also something you may want to bear in mind. All in all, the Apple TV is a great way to access large libraries of content and keep up with your favorite movies and TV shows. If you’re a couch potato or find yourself spending too much time looking for great content on your cable TV, then you may want to switch to the Apple TV as soon as possible. It’s definitely worth it!

The post What is Apple TV good for and why should you get one? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

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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Here is Daring Fireball’s John Gruber’s take on yesterday’s speculations on whether Apple is working on a standalone TV set or not:

Carl Icahn in his open letter to Tim Cook:

Apple Television Set – after many years of rumors as part of Apple’s push into television and as we referenced previously, we expect in FY 2016 Apple will sell 55” and 65” ultra high definition television sets.

In addition to an Ultra High Definition television set, we expect Apple to launch a related suite of tiered products and services, including a “skinny bundle” of pay-tv channels (partnered with various media companies) and an updated Apple TV microconsole.

Daisuke Wakabayashi for WSJ:

Investor Carl Icahn said he expects Apple Inc. to introduce an ultra-high-definition television in 2016. But after nearly a decade of research, Apple quietly shelved plans to make such a set more than a year ago, according to people familiar with the matter.

John Gruber on his blog:

One way to read it is that Apple gave Wakabayashi this scoop in order to throw cold water on Icahn’s speculation — they’re not doing a TV set and they want everyone know it, so that when they announce a new Apple TV box at WWDC next month (I know nothing about that other than that it’s widely rumored) everyone will understand that there is no TV set coming next year to wait for.

Making boxes that connect to TVs — like Apple TV as it stands today — that makes sense to me. Making actual TV sets, though, I’ve long been skeptical about. Years ago, I thought, “Why should Apple settle for selling a $100 box connected to a $2000 TV instead of just selling the $2000 TV set with the box built in?” The problem, though, is that TV set prices have dropped dramatically, and people don’t replace their TV sets that frequently. The only way to build a large TV-based platform is to make boxes that connect to the TV sets people already own. There has to be a standalone Apple TV box. In theory, Apple could make an actual TV set, too, but I’m unconvinced that makes strategic sense.

Also read: Everything you want to know about Apple TV 4

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

The post Why Apple wanted us to know they are not working on a TV set appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

As Apple TV users, we are always excited to hear rumours on Apple’s own television set. The latest one is the open letter which Carl Icahn sent today to Apple, where he predicts the company to release an Ultra HDTV next year. However, The Wall Street Journal confirmed hours later that Apple has no plans to enter the television market anytime soon.

WSJ says that Apple had been working on a television set for nearly a decade. The HDTV market was very competitive and hence, they were looking for a real “breakthrough” feature that would set them apart and convince users to switch. And as it seems, they never found any.

They tried adding a front camera to the television helping with FaceTime and video calling. They also experimented with different types of displays, but none were compelling enough.

As such, Apple dropped its TV project a year ago. They didn’t dissolve the team working on it but just reallotted them to work on other devices, probably the Apple TV 4. Apple plans to reform the team and continue its television plans as soon as the company comes up with that breakthrough feature.

So for the time being, Apple is focused solely on its next set-top box for media consumption, which is expected to be announced next month at WWDC 2015.

Read more on the Apple TV 4 release date, hardware, software and apps.

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

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In 2013, rumors about Apple-branded TV set were circulating day by day, but after some point, the spike just flattened out. Well, now we have a reason worth believing: Brian Blair, an analyst at Rosenblatt Securities, has told Business Insider that Apple indeed had plans to release their own standalone television set, but it was shelved in the mid-2013.

With Steve Jobs’ biography mentioning that he had “cracked” the code for an “integrated television set” and Tim Cook calling the TV market “an area of intense interest”, readers were already hinted of an Apple HDTV in the oven. Many concept designs and speculated unique features in relation to patent filings and acquisitions were flooding the web.

However, after his recent tour to Asia, Blair claims to have learned a lot on Apple’s television dreams. According to him, Apple was actively working on a prototype HDTV and even reached a stage where they started connecting with display panel makers. But at some point in 2013, Apple decided to put a halt on the project. The reasons being:

Some of the concerns around a TV are believed to revolve around 1) the unique logistics that surround the TV business (you can’t easily bring one into a store for repair, for example) and 2) features that would differentiate it from competitive offerings. It is believed in the supply chain that Apple is still trying to find a way to make the product work, though timing remains uncertain. We believe that Apple is focused on building up content and establishing differentiated media relationships before reconsidering TV plans again.

At the end of the day, we can only speculate that Apple will be concentrating more on the Apple TV set-top box for the time being and try to dominate the living room via the black box, rather than lighting up a couple million pixels. Maybe the long delay in the next Apple TV indicates great things are coming. Fingers crossed!

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

The post Apple’s plans for its own HDTV are on halt, says analyst appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

So let’s all bid a not-so-fond farewell to old man winter (finally) and catch that breath of fresh, spring air coming our way as we heat up those Apple TV’s and bask in the reassuring glow of our cinematic security blankets this lovely, lovely weekend. And when it’s time to kick back on the couch after all your vigorous outdoor activities we do hope this week’s Pix Picks are equally refreshing for your weekend soul.

NETFLIX:

• Adult TV Pick of the Week– If you’re in need of a riotously rude, lewd laughing fit then get ready to blow your beer through your nose with the all new addition of Season 4 (that’s thirteen- 21 minute episodes to you) of the obnoxiously hilarious, “Archer”, from Creator Adam Reed. Yes, everyone’s favorite Superspy/Mama’s Boy/Burt Reynolds’s fan is back with his equally dysfunctional crew of I.S.I.S. co-workers as they try their best to keep their jobs and fight…well…mostly each other. If you’re a fan, you’re in for a great weekend of wicked putdowns you’re going to save for later use and if you’re an “Archer” novice get ready for a marathon viewing session of TV’s most politically incorrect and socially inappropriate Spy. And Aisha Tyler…WE LOVE YOU! Serious WARNING: This animated series is for ADULTS ONLY and while your children will undoubtedly enjoy some of the humor, you’re going to have a lot of explaining to do if you let them watch it all.

Buy “Archer” on DVD from Amazon.

• If you’re in the mood for a quiet character study about three good-hearted fringe dwellers carefully treading water as they gently go their own way then take a look at 2003’s excellent indie, “The Station Agent”, from Writer/Director Thomas McCarthy. The passionate cast include a pre-GoT Peter Dinklage as Finbar, a dwarf-sized man studiously attempting to mold his world to fit his need for solitude and Bobby Cannavale as a gregarious, good natured entrepreneur who meets him along the way then actively seeks his friendship. The casually sultry Patricia Clarkson rounds out the socially reclusive trio as a recently divorced woman suffering from a terrible loss and the story unfolds at a leisurely pace to accommodate all of them as they gradually, tentatively reach out for connection. This is a character driven piece that takes its time with its epiphanies so enjoy as you get to know everyone along the way.

Buy “The Station Agent” on DVD from Amazon.

• Young friends and cine-fans, if you watch only one American film from the 70’s then you can’t go too far wrong with Director Martin Scorsese’s 1976 urban classic, “Taxi Driver”. And if you somehow haven’t seen it…the time is now! Set in the hothouse jungle of a 70’s summertime NYC, Screenwriter Paul Schrader’s story of one lonely man’s gradual descent into dangerous isolation is a fiercely riveting ride that will immediately resonate with any city dweller, anywhere, anytime. A young Robert DeNiro is Travis Bickle, a tense, troubled and socially awkward, spiritually disconnected cabbie searching for meaning in his otherwise empty void of existence. Harvey Keitel, Peter Boyle, a 13 year-old Jodie Foster and an absolutely ravishing Cybil Shepard are just a few of the unforgettable characters he encounters as he pinballs around the mean streets desperately seeking his true purpose and meaningful direction even as he inexorably slides through the NYC cracks. This is a film that scorches through every moment until it ignites and burns to a climax that remains shocking even after all these years. Watch for the deeply disturbing cameo from the Director himself as a vengeance-fantasizing cuckold passenger splitting at the seams. And please bask in every single moment of music legend Bernard Hermann’s timeless, lush, evocative score (his last) that propels the film with its spirit and will haunt your memory with its darkly romantic soul.

Buy “Taxi Driver” on DVD from Amazon.

• And for a much gentler tale of disconnection and loneliness in a much different city, try Writer/Director Sofia Coppola’s 2003, “Lost in Translation”. The priceless Bill Murray and the voluptuous Scarlet Johansson are two mismatched foreigners (He-old and jaded, She-young and confused) who gravitate towards each other as they’re set adrift while trying desperately to stay afloat in the vibrant, urban ocean of modern day Tokyo then gratefully find soulful connection in each other’s company. Laughs are frequent as Murray, in full on fish-out-of-water mode, struggles to center himself as he carefully falls in love with the beautiful girl of his youthful dreams and Johansson is a perfect picture of inspiring youth and delectable beauty. Coppola’s empathetic script deftly captures the casually flowing rhythms of two star-crossed lovers pushing and pulling towards and away from each other even as they cherish their time and yearn for more. A film about loneliness and the delicacy of connection that will make you fall in love with the human spirit all over again.

Buy “Lost in Translation” on DVD from Amazon.

HULU PLUS:

• Apple TV Adult Pick of the Week– Season 2 of NBC’s masterful, engrossing, shockingly visceral and cinematically visual series, “Hannibal”, is now available on Hulu Plus and you don’t want to miss the opener, “Kaiseki”. Our official mancrush Mads Mickellsen absolutely inhabits the mantle of the infamous Dr. Lecter like a gleaming crown and seamlessly brings his own level of sophisticated sexycool mixed with disturbing, freaky fun to the Bad Doctor. Hugh Dancy is a thoroughly damaged Agent Will Graham, Laurence Fishburne is FBI Agent-in-Charge Jack Crawford and if you make any Apple TV choice this week then check the wild free-for-all brawl between Dr. Lecter and Crawford at the beginning of the episode. WOW! Fantastic throwdown in any medium so bravo to NBC and Producer Bryan Fuller for raising the bar so high. This series is an amazing, visually stunning accomplishment and not to be missed.

Buy “Hannibal” on DVD from Amazon.

• Apple TV Family Pick of the Week– It’s a TV kind of week at Hulu and this week Fox has debuted a very rare gift from the Gods of Television with, “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey”. Host and rockstar astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson takes us on a thrilling journey into our world of Big Questions and even some of the answers of our human existence as a tiny part of this fascinating universe we call Life. And trips don’t get much better than that! The excellent and very accessible opener is one that the entire family will enjoy whether you happen to be an avid fans of science or not. Thanks Professor and thanks to the late, great Carl Sagan as well for keeping the torch of knowledge and scientific inquiry burning strong.

Buy “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” on DVD from Amazon.

• Ready for some gut-wrenching, whiplashing horror thrills, South Korean-Style? Then steel yourself for Writer/Director Jeong-ho Lee’s 2010 pulse-pounder, “Bestseller”. Jeong-hwa Eom is a soon-to-be-single mom and professionally rebounding novelist caught in yet another plagiarism scandal after her newest bestselling novel, to her disbelief, appears to have been previously published a decade earlier. She returns with her daughter to the remote retreat where her ideas originated to clear her professional reputation but…let’s just say things take some decidedly nasty turns. The canny plot plays some subversive games with truth and fiction all the way and the twists and turns will likely surprise you. We told you so…

Buy “Bestseller” on DVD from Amazon.

iTunes:

• This week crack open iTunes and treat yourself to some of the best that the world of cinema has to offer with the Oscar Nominated Live Action Short Films 2014. A great collection and global selection of shorts that includes Finland’s, “Do I have to Take Care of Everything?”, the UK’s “The Voorman Problem”, France’s, “Just Before Losing Everything”, Spain’s, “That Wasn’t Me” and 2014’s Oscar Winning Live Action Short, “Helium”, from Denmark and Director Anders Walter. iTune it up with any and all of these fresh, excellent choices and enjoy!

• Youth in peril is the subject of this thoughtful and mature 2013 feature from Writer/Director Deston Crettin (who expanded it from his original 2008 short) and, “Short Term 12”, takes you for a rough ride to the finish. Brie Larson is a mostly adult counselor at an adolescent treatment center who struggles to build meaningful relationships with her “kids” or actually help her wounded flock even as she tries to juggle her own life with her own not-so-solid relationships. Harsh reality is wrapped up tightly in the young hope on display and lessons are won and lost along the way as this film turns in ways you can’t expect. And that is a very good thing.

Buy “Short Term 12” on DVD from Amazon.

• Now for a film that’s quite a bit more predictable and a lot easier to mix with your popcorn, this week iTunes has 2013’s, “300”, from Director Zack Snyder. Yes, the sequel is opening now (in case you just landed on this planet and didn’t know) so why not review this visually fresh and robustly energetic original that was faithfully based on the popular Frank Miller graphic novel. A ferociously committed cast that includes Gerald Butler, Dominic West and an unheralded Michael Fassbender as Spartan warriors at the legendary Battle of Thermopylae hurl themselves at this pulpy material and everyone, including a fierce Lena Headley, leaps from the screen with just the proper amount of hammy machismo to make this film come to vivid life. “This is madness…” “THIS…IS…SPARTA!”

Buy “300” on DVD from Amazon.

That’s all for this week so save us a seat on the couch and we’ll bring the beer!

The post What to Watch This Weekend On Netflix, Hulu Plus and iTunes with Your Apple TV (Mar. 14 – 16) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.