With just a day left for the FIFA World Cup 2014 to kick off, everyone is busy buying popcorn and coke and figuring out the best way to enjoy the game. For Apple TV users, seeing the clash of legs on their HDTVs is a tempting option. So here is a guide on how you can catch all the World Cup action on your Apple TV.

Method 1. Watching FIFA on Apple TV from United States

This is probably the easiest way to watch the World Cup on Apple TV, thanks to WatchESPN, which is bringing the live coverage of all matches, previews and some related content to the native channel.

However, to access this stream, you’ll need an active cable subscription with any of the providers affiliated with ESPN or at least get a username and password from one of your friends.

According to CNET, the supported providers include:

AT&T U-verse, Bright House Networks, Charter, Comcast XFINITY, Cox, DISH, Google Fiber, Midcontinent Communications, Optimum, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon FiOS TV.

To watch the games, just fire up your Apple TV -> open the WatchESPN channel -> login with your cable provider ID -> find your match and enjoy!

Here is the official WatchESPN schedule for their live world cup coverage.

US Hispanics will be pleased to know that Univision will be broadcasting all 64 games in Spanish. They don’t have a native Apple TV channel, so you’ll need to either AirPlay them from their website (using OS X AirPlay Mirroring or from a PC using AirParrot) or via their exclusive iOS app for the FIFA World Cup.

Univision will stream the first 56 games without the need to sign in with a pay TV provider login. However…

…the quarterfinals, semifinals and the finale will only be made available to customers of pay TV providers the network has a deal with, which at this point include AT&T, Bright House, Optimum, Cox, DirecTV, Dish, Time Warner Cable and Verizon, but not Comcast.

Method 2. Watching FIFA on Apple TV from United Kingdom

In the UK, there is no native channel on Apple TV which will let you stream the matches live. However, if you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, you can get the BBC iPlayer and iTV apps on it to AirPlay the content to the HDTV.

It’s been officially confirmed that BBC and iTV will be splitting the rights for the matches to be shown, with each streaming 31 and 34 games respectively.

The iPlayer also offers VOD for past matches and also a better commentary as claimed by many fans. And the best part is that it is free and doesn’t require any active subscriptions like WatchESPN.

Check this schedule for the live broadcast of World Cup matches for the two apps and get BBC iPlayer and iTV apps from the App Store for free.

When your favorite match is live, turn on Apple TV and open the corresponding apps -> select the live stream of the game -> pull up the Control Center and select AirPlay -> choose your Apple TV and enjoy!

Besides the official apps, the matches will also be available to stream from their official websites (iPlayer,  iTV). So you can just stream the match on your browser and AirPlay to the Apple TV (using OS X AirPlay mirroring or from a PC using AirParrot).

Don’t want to use your iOS device? Check out some other methods below.

Method 3. Via your country’s national providers

Most countries already have a specific cable provider who has the rights for streaming the whole World Cup. It is highly likely that these providers have their own iOS apps or atleast a dedicated website for broadcasting the matches. GigaOM has detailed on a few countries:

Australia: SBS will stream each and every game on its website as well as through its iOS and Android apps.
Canada: CBC will stream all 64 games of the World Cup on its website as well as through its iOS and Android apps — no pay TV subscription required.
Ireland: RTÉ will stream all 64 games live on its website as well as through its mobile apps, including 8 that won’t be broadcast on TV.

You can check this article to find which channel provider in your country has the world cup’s broadcasting rights and then a quick Google search should give you the links to their website or iOS app. AirPlay directly from their app or use OS X mirroring with Safari or AirParrot on PC with your browser, to get the World Cup matches on your HDTV.

Method 4. Using SportsDevil addon for XBMC

The best thing about this method is that it is completely free and works for just anybody. However, this method may not be legal in certain countries, so please check before you attempt to stream. It may also have below average quality for streams when compared to other official ones.

Here’s how you get this done:

A. For jailbroken Apple TV 2
Things are much easier when you have a jailbroken Apple TV because XBMC can be installed directly on it. You can follow our guide on how to install XBMC 13.0 Gotham on Apple TV 2.

B. For non-jailbroken Apple TV 2 or Apple TV 3
In this case, you’ll need another device like a Mac, PC, jailbroken iOS device or an Android device to install XBMC and then use some third party software to AirPlay to Apple TV. Here is a detailed guide on how to get XBMC on your HDTV via Apple TV 3 (or non-jailbreakable Apple TV 2).

C. For Apple TV 1
In this case, you’ll be using a software called OpenElec and you won’t be able to install XBMC as a separate channel on your set-top box, but instead you’ll need to install XBMC as a stand-alone operating system on it. In short, your old Apple TV will boot directly into the XBMC home screen. Find our detailed tutorial here.

Once you have the perfect setup of getting XBMC to show up on your Apple TV, follow our guide on how to Watch live sports on Apple TV with SportsDevil XBMC video addon and access any of the hundreds of Sports Channels to stream the FIFA World Cup 2014 live.

If you’re having any issues with compatibilities, please check out this guide.

Method 5. Using UnoTelly

Unotelly is a DNS service, which will help you securely spoof your IP address and thereby your digital location, allowing you access to country specific websites and services from anywhere in the world. So in this method, we’ll change our iOS device’s location to UK and make use of the BBC iPlayer and iTV apps (Method 2) to stream and AirPlay FIFA matches to Apple TV.

The best part is that UnoTelly now has a World Cup offer by which you can avail a free trial of 8 days to view some matches and if you like the results, you can subscribe for just $4 per month. You can avail this offer here and get started with their guide here.

Others DNS clients: HideMyAss, Unblock US

CONCLUSION

Did we miss any methods? Have you checked out any of these methods? Do share you thoughts in the comments below.

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

The post How to watch FIFA World Cup 2014 live on Apple TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

The team over at XBMC HUB, including myself, work tirelessly to develop addons, build tools, offer support, and provide guidance for all XBMC users at every technical level. That said, we saw that there was a growing number of individuals who wanted to experience XBMC to the fullest, but felt overwhelmed when trying to get addons installed, repositories set up, or fixes implemented from month-to-month.

It was this realization, and the desire to help simplify the process for the all users including those mainstream individuals, that the folks over at XBMC HUB sought out to build the XBMC HUB Wizard. This tool simply supercharge your current XBMC installation.

Requirements

• Jailbroken Apple TV (or any iDevice) with XBMC already installed (fresh jailbreak and XBMC installation is recommended):

1. How to jailbreak your Apple TV using Seas0nPass
2. How to install XMBC on jailbroken Apple TV

• XBMC HUB Wizard Application (downloadable).

PRE-INSTALLED IN XBMC WIZARD:

Layout Changes

• Custom XBMC HUB App Icon
• Custom Wizard Edition Splash Screen
• Custom XBMC HUB Backgrounds
• XBMC HUB RSS Feeds
• Pre-Configured Addon Shortcuts
• Preset Thumbnail View (where desirable)

System Tweaks

• Live Streaming Fix (libRTMP Updated)
• Joystick Remote Tweak (ATV only)
• Veetle Streaming Fix
• Advanced XML Tweaks (ATV & iOS only)
• Audio Output Setting Change
• Fusion Installer Pre-Configured
• Parental Control Options
• Pre Set Weather for Major US Cities

Pre-Installed Repositories

1. anarchintosh addons
2. bluecop Add-on Repository
3. Bstrdsmkr’s Repository
4. divingmule’s Unofficial Repository
5. Eldorado’s XBMC Addons
6. MaxMustermann’s add-ons
7. Mikey1234′s Addons
8. mortstar’s repo
9. mscreation’s XBMC Addons
10. nixa addons
11. Passion-XBMC.org Add-ons
12. t0mm0′s XBMC Addons
13. XBMC-Adult Addons
14. XBMC.org Add-ons

Pre-enabled Addons

Step 1: Download and Extract the xbmchubWizard.zip file to your Desktop.

Step 2: Launch the “xbmchubWizard.app” application, be sure to confirm you want to “Open” the downloaded application before using it first time, if prompted.

Step 3: On the left side of the application, click on the “Choose Apple TV” dropdown and select your Apple TV device. The computer running this application must be on the same network.

Note: Make sure “Choose Apple TV” is checked initially, then choose your Apple TV, that way it’ll keep up to date with IP Address changes.

Step 4: If you have more than one Apple TV on your network, verify that the IP Address in the lower left corner corresponds with your box. You can find the IP Address of your Apple TV by going into the “Settings” -> “General” -> “About” page on your device.

Step 5: Press the “Configure AppleTV 2″ button and wait a few minutes for the process to complete. Please make sure you’ve launched XBMC on your Apple TV at least once before beginning.

Step 6: You’ll see a green check mark and your Apple TV will reboot once finished, you can now begin enjoying your reborn XBMC experience.

Congratulations! Your Apple TV is now supercharged with everything pre-configured.

The post Supercharge your current XBMC installation with XBMC Hub Wizard appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Best Accessories for Apple TV

Wondering how to watch live sport streaming on Apple TV? The answer is easy: XBMC, AirPlay, Mac/PC screen mirroring and, of course, native Apple TV sport apps. Finding football, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, UFC, WWF, or anything else on your Apple TV can feel like and impossible task to anyone one who sits down and sees the limited options in Apple iOS interface, with its limited content partnerships. Though it looks bleak there is a very bright cloud to this quandary and that is the never-ending combination of features we can through at this magical little box.

XBMC

If you have read any of my other pieces, you already know that I am an XBMC fan-boy. XBMC is the best thing to happen to the Apple TV for many reasons, the least of which being its ability to stream live sports content. There are many addons that can be found at forums.xbmc.org to fill your gaming needs! Here is a list of the most popular, stable tools:

• SportsDevil

This is easily one of the more popular, and better-known, add-ons when it comes to sports and XBMC. This add-on is great because it works 95% of the time. I have only ever missed one college game with SportsDevil. This add-on is free and there is no charge for connecting to the streams it makes available.

Download SportsDevil addon (note: you’ll need to add the Max Mustermann repository to get SportsDevil working on your Apple TV.)

Read more about SportsDevil

• LiveTV

This is another great source for sporting content. The truth is, if you want to view a LIVE TV event… one of your best bets would be to view it via this Live TV add-on. With in this add-on you are able to choose different categories of TV, specifically Sports. You are then given a large list of links for currently streaming sports channels: ESPN, CBS, NBC, etc. And again… this add-on is free to use.

Download LiveTV addon

• Navi-X

Navi-X is one of the best tools, yet sometimes tricky to utilize. This add-on often has more links than any other source out there for LIVE streaming TV and specifically SPORTS. The trick is finding them. If you are unfamiliar with Navi-X you will simply want to use the search feature found on the main screen. Otherwise, often you can scroll through the MOST POPULAR OVER THE PAST 24 HOURS and you will see all of the Live Sports Streams posted on this page.

Download Navi-X addon

Check out this tutorial to learn how to install XBMC addons on Apple TV (1st and 2nd generation).

AirPlay

If XBMC is the best thing to happen to the apple TV, AirPlay is certainly the second best! Quite often you can find the game you want on apps that are available in the AppStore for you iOS device (iPhone, iPod, iPad). With these apps, or perhaps a webpage link, you are able to AirPlay content from your mobile device’s screen to your Apple TV, or even XBMC on your Apple TV, without skipping a beat.

• Justin.TV (iOS)

Justin.TV is a long time king of live sports streams. Though this app can be more hit and miss than its XBMC counterparts, it does often have what you are looking for. Simply download the app, search for the game, and choose the AirPlay option to through the video to your Apple TV.

• CBS SPORTS (iOS)

Get CBS Sports for iPhone! The app delivers comprehensive news, video and scores for MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, Golf, Tennis, NASCAR, College hoops and more. Follow your favorite team and sport, and catch up on the latest news, scores, stats and video highlights of the day. Plus, the app offers live streaming College Basketball and Football

• TO MANY TO COUNT (iOS)

To be fair, when it comes to the ability to AirPlay there is a limitless number of options that are available in the form of the AppStore apps. For this reason, here is a link to the AppStore offering all of the apps labeled “sports”.

• Android 

Though Android devices do not have the iOS 5 feature of AirPlay built in, XBMC does! With this remote installed on your mobile device, you can send any “ONLINE” video content to your XBMC installation on your Apple TV. This is true AirPlay functionality with out the name, or the help of Apple.

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Best Accessories for Apple TV

The post How to watch live sports on Apple TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

We all know we can watch live sports online, but sometimes it’s a right mission to get to where you want to go or find a good link to watch live sports right on the Apple TV. Well, this is where SportsDevil, an XBMC addon, comes into its own!

SportsDevil gives you access to thousands of links for all the different kinds of sports. And I mean all! You will be shocked to see how many different varieties of sport that SportsDevil covers. It gives you several internet steaming sites to where you can view sporting events (it seems that it gets updated with new streaming sites every month or so).

There are 6 streaming sites with live sports at the moment which you can choose from, hopefully this list will get bigger to give you more and more options. Not every stream will work, but you normally have 10+ links per streaming of whatever sporting event you choose, and 1 of them will work for you! In my experience, SportsDevil really stands up to its name and I can’t go without this on my Apple TV 2.

List of supported sites:

• Live Sports
  • LiveTV.ru
  • FirstRowSports.eu
  • ChanFeed.com
  • LSHunter.tv
  • RojaDirecta.me
  • Coolsportz.de

• Highlights
  • Goalsarena.com
  • LiveTV.ru

• Blogs
  • Sport1.de (german)
  • Captain-Trikot.de (german)

• TV
  • LiveSportsOnWeb.com
  • Twww.tv
  • PutPat.tv
  • ShadowNet.ro
  • TVEmbed.eu
  • MyPremium.tv

List of supported streams.

Download

IMPORTANT: You’ll need to add the Max Mustermann repository to get SportsDevil working on your Apple TV.

Download SportsDevil addon

Installation
1. Go to addon browser
2. Install from zip or via repo by following this tutorial.

Enjoy!

Need more addons? Check out our list of Top 10 best XBMC addons for Apple TV 1 and Apple TV 2.

iJ0rd8n

The post Watch live sports on Apple TV with SportsDevil XBMC video addon appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.