How to connect Apple TV to TV Third Generation - video guide

Apple tv 3rd generation - Watch guide

Read on to learn about using your Apple Remote with Apple TV.
Using your Apple remote
Use the Apple Remote to control Apple TV settings and navigate your content. Make sure there are no obstructions between the remote and Apple TV

Basic remote functions

Here’s how to use your Apple Remote:


Up and Down on the Apple Remote don’t control the volume on your TV or receiver. Use the remote that came with your TV or receiver to change the volume.

Pairing Apple TV with a remote

The Apple Remote works with the built-in IR receiver on Apple TV. To set Apple TV to work with only the included remote, pair Apple TV and the remote.

To pair Apple TV with the included remote:
  1. Keep the remote pointed directly at Apple TV.
  2. Hold down Menu and Right for 6 seconds.
Or, you can:
  1. Choose Settings from the Apple TV main menu.
  2. Choose General > Remotes > Pair Apple Remote.
When you successfully pair your Apple Remote, Apple TV displays a chainlink symbol above a picture of a remote. Apple TV now works with only the paired remote.

Unpairing Apple TV from a remote

If you lose the Apple Remote that you paired Apple TV with, you can use another Apple Remote to unpair Apple TV from the lost remote.

To unpair Apple TV from a paired remote:
  1. Keep the remote pointed directly at Apple TV.
  2. Hold down Menu and Left for 6 seconds.
Or, you can:
  1. Choose Settings from the Apple TV main menu.
  2. Choose General > Remotes > Unpair Apple Remote.
When you successfully unpair the lost remote, Apple TV displays a broken chainlink symbol above a picture of a remote. You can now pair Apple TV with a different remote

Changing the remote battery

When the battery charge in your Apple Remote is low, Apple TV displays a picture of a remote and a warning symbol. Replace the battery with a CR2032 battery

 To replace the battery:
  1. Use a coin to remove the battery compartment cover.
  2. Remove the battery.
  3. Insert a CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up.
  4. Replace the battery compartment cover and use a coin to tighten it.
Important:  Dispose of the used battery according to your local environmental laws and guidelines.

Renting movies and purchasing TV shows

You can rent standard or high-definition movies and purchase TV shows directly on Apple TV (where available). Follow the onscreen instructions to find out when  a rented movie expires. Purchased TV shows don’t expire.

When a rented movie expires, it’s no longer available for playback. To watch it again, you can rent it again from iTunes.

Apple tv 3rd generation - Configure guide

Apple TV helps you select and configure your wireless network connection, and connect to iTunes on your computer if you want to watch or listen to the contents of your iTunes library.
Configuring your Apple TV

Have your network name and password (if you use one) and your Apple Remote handy when you configure Apple TV. Make sure there are no obstructions between the remote and Apple TV.

If you:
  • Use a wired Ethernet network to connect, Apple TV automatically detects your network.
  • Use a wireless network to connect, Apple TV helps you select and configure your network connection.
Connecting to your wireless network

Apple TV helps you connect to your wireless network. If you use a name and password to access your network, have them ready.

Use the Apple Remote to:
  1. Select your network from the list, or enter your network name if the network is hidden.
  2. Enter your network password (if you use one)
If you don’t connect using DHCP, you may need to enter your IP address, subnet mask, router address, and DNS address.

To complete the network connection, follow the onscreen instructions.

Connecting to iTunes

To access the content of your iTunes library on Apple TV, you need iTunes 10.5 or later installed on your computer.

Updating your iTunes software

You should update to the latest version of iTunes:

  • On a Mac, use Software Update to update to the latest version of iTunes. To use Software Update, choose Apple icon > Software Update.
  • On a Windows-based computer, go to iTunes Help to update to the latest version of iTunes. Open iTunes, and then choose Help > Check for Updates.
Setting up Home Sharing

After you set up your network connection, you need to set up iTunes and Apple TV to share the contents of your iTunes library. Use Home Sharing in iTunes and on Apple TV to share the iTunes library of any computer on your local network that has Home Sharing set up.

To set up Home Sharing in iTunes:
  1. Open iTunes on your computer.
  2. Choose Advanced > Turn On Home Sharing.
  3. Enter your Apple ID and password, and then click Create Home Share.
  4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 on each computer you want to use for Home Sharing.
For information about iTunes, open iTunes and choose Help > iTunes Help.

To set up Home Sharing on Apple TV:
  1. On Apple TV, choose Settings > Computers.
  2. Choose Turn On Home Sharing, and then enter the same Apple ID and password you entered on your computer.

Apple tv 3rd generation - Connect guide

Use Apple TV to watch high-definition movies and TV shows directly from the iTunes Store on your widescreen TV. Play content from Netflix, view live and archived sports and news, and enjoy podcasts, YouTube, Vimeo, and Internet radio. Stream your music and photos from iCloud, or play your iTunes content wirelessly from a Mac or PC. View full-screen photo slideshows from the comfort of your couch. And with AirPlay, wirelessly display your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch screen on Apple TV, or mirror your iPhone 4S or iPad screen.
Note: Content availability varies by region. AirPlay requires a compatible iOS device and version

What’s in the box


Note: Your power cord may look different from the one pictured here

Apple TV at a glance

What you need

To start using Apple TV, you need the following:

High-definition TV

A high-definition TV (HDTV) that can display 720p or 1080p video

Cables
  • An HDMI cable to connect Apple TV to your TV
  • An optical digital audio cable (optional)
Network
  • An 802.11a, b, g, or n Wi-Fi wireless network (wireless video streaming requires 802.11a, g, or n), or 10/100Base-T Ethernet network
  • A broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or LAN)
  • Your wireless network name and password (if you use one)
Software and accounts

To play content from a Mac or PC on Apple TV, you need:

  • iTunes 10.5 or later
  • An Apple ID to rent movies or purchase TV shows from the iTunes store,and to use Home Sharing to stream content from a Mac or PC
  • A Netflix account to stream content. Other accounts may be required for full access to some Internet content
Step 1:  Connecting the cables
  1. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the back of your TV.
  2. Connect the other end of the cable to the HDMI port on the back of Apple TV.
  3. If you’re using an optical digital audio cable for audio, connect one end of the cable to the audio input port on your receiver or TV, and the other end to the optical digital audio port on the back of Apple TV.
 Note: The built-in 802.11 Wi-Fi technology connects Apple TV to your wireless network. If your network is Ethernet-based, connect Apple TV to your network using an Ethernet cable.

Step 2:  Connect the power cord

Connect one end of the power cord to the power port on the back of Apple TV and the other end to a power outlet

Important:  Don’t place anything on top of Apple TV. Objects placed on top may interfere with the wireless signal. Don’t place Apple TV on top of other electronic equipment in a media cabinet.

Step 3:  Turn on your TV and select the input

The first time you use Apple TV, it helps you choose a language and select a network.If you see just a black screen the first time you use Apple TV, make sure the input setting you’ve selected on your TV matches the input you connected the cables to on your TV or home theater receiver.

Apple tv 2nd generation - problem

Most problems with Apple TV can be solved quickly by following the advice in this chapter. For additional tips and troubleshooting information.

Troubleshooting

If you have a problem with Apple TV, there’s usually a quick and simple solution.First, make sure:
  • The cables between Apple TV and your TV are pushed in all the way.
  • The power cords for Apple TV and your TV are securely connected to a working power source.
  • Your TV is turned on and set to the correct input.
  • Apple TV is connected to your network. Go to the Settings menu on Apple TV, select Network, and see if Apple TV has an IP address.
  • Your network and Internet connections are on and working properly.
If you still have trouble, try resetting your equipment by disconnecting Apple TV, your TV, your wireless networking equipment or base station, and your router from the power outlet. Wait 30 seconds, and then reconnect everything.

If the remote isn’t working
  • Point the remote directly at Apple TV.
  • If you paired Apple TV with an Apple Remote, make sure you’re using the paired remote
If the Apple TV status light flashes once when you press buttons on the paired remote, the problem isn’t with the remote.
  • If you’re using an unpaired remote, the Apple TV status light flashes three times.
  • If you paired Apple TV with an Apple Remote and you can’t find the paired remote, set Apple TV to work with any Apple Remote by holding down Menu and Left for 6 seconds on another remote.
  • Make sure the front of Apple TV isn’t blocked.
  • If Apple TV displays a picture of a remote and a warning symbol (·), you need to replace the battery in the remote.
If Apple TV can’t access the network
  • Check the IP address Apple TV is using. If it starts with 169.x.x.x, the router or base station may not be configured properly. Check to see if DHCP access is available, or configure Apple TV with a manual IP address.
  • Check for any obstructions, and adjust the location of the base station or Apple TV.
  • If security is enabled on the network, temporarily disable it on the base station and try connecting again.
  • Apple TV cannot connect to a wireless network that contains high (extended)
ASCII or double-byte (Unicode) characters (such as Japanese, Korean, or Chinese) in the name or password.
  • If your network has security enabled, make sure you enter the correct password
If your TV screen appears fuzzy or black
  • Make sure you’re using the correct HDMI cable and that it’s connected firmly to Apple TV and to your TV.
  • Make sure the input setting on your TV matches the input port the HDMI cable is connected to. For information, see the documentation that came with your TV.  
  • Make sure your HDTV supports 720p video.
If you can see a picture but Apple TV isn’t responding
  • Hold down Menu on the Apple Remote to return to the Apple TV main menu.
  • Make sure your TV is turned on and functioning properly. For information, see the documentation that came with your TV.
  • If you paired an Apple Remote with Apple TV, make sure you’re using the paired remote.
  • Reset Apple TV by doing one of the following:
  • Hold down both Menu and Down on the Apple Remote until the Apple TV status light blinks rapidly. Disconnect Apple TV from the power outlet, wait about five seconds,and then reconnect it.
  • Choose General > Reset Settings from the main menu on Apple TV
If Apple TV doesn’t respond, try restoring it
  • On Apple TV, choose Settings > General > Reset, and then select Restore.
Restoring Apple TV can take some time, so be patient.
  • If your network doesn’t use DHCP, choose Configure TCP/IP and enter the TCP/IP configuration.
  • If Apple TV still doesn’t respond:
  • Disconnect the power and HDMI cables from Apple TV.
  • Connect one end of a micro USB cable (sold separately) to the back of Apple TV, and the other end to your computer.
  • Open iTunes on your computer, select Apple TV in the Source list, and then click Restore.
If you can’t hear sound
  • If Apple TV is connected to a home theater receiver, make sure the receiver is turned on.
  • Make sure the input setting you selected on your TV or receiver matches the input you have your audio cable connected to. For more information, see the documentation that came with your receiver.
  • Make sure the volume on your TV or receiver is turned up and isn’t muted.
  • Make sure you’re using the correct audio cable and that it’s connected firmly to Apple TV and to your TV or receiver.
  • If you’re using the HDMI port for audio, make sure your TV supports audio through its HDMI port. The HDMI ports on some older TVs support only video
If Apple TV isn’t playing your photo albums or slideshows
  • Make sure you have photos in your photo library or in a folder on your computer.
  • Make sure Apple TV and the computer you’re using are set up for Home Sharing.
  • Make sure the photos you want to share are selected. In iTunes, choose Advanced > “Choose Photos to Share,” and then select the photos you want to share.
  • Make sure Apple TV and your computer are on the same local network.
  • Make sure Apple TV and your computer are using the same Home Sharing account.
If noise is coming from your TV speakers:
  • If your TV or speakers support Dolby Digital audio, make sure the Dolby Digital Out setting is correct for your TV or speakers. On Apple TV, choose Settings >Audio & Video > Dolby Digital Out, and select On or Off.
If you don’t see your iTunes library under Computers on Apple TV:
  • Make sure Apple TV and your computer are on the same local network.
  • Make sure Apple TV and iTunes are using the same account name and password

Apple tv 2nd generation - watch guide

Read on to learn about pairing and using your Apple Remote with Apple TV.

Using Your Apple Remote 

Use the Apple Remote to control Apple TV settings and navigate your content. Make sure there are no obstructions between the remote and Apple TV.


Basic Remote Functions

Your Apple Remote has the basic functions described below.
  • Move through the menu options : Press Up, Down, Left, or Right
  • Select an option from a menu : Press Select
  • Return to a previous menu : Press Menu
  • Return to the main menu : Hold down Menu
  • Reset Apple TV : Hold down Menu and Down until the Apple TV status light blinks rapidly
  • Pair Apple TV and a remote : Hold down Menu and Right for 6 seconds
Up and Down on the Apple Remote don’t control the volume on your TV or home theater receiver. Use the remote that came with your TV or receiver to change the volume.

Pairing Apple TV with a Remote

The Apple Remote works with the built-in IR receiver on Apple TV. You can set Apple TV to work only with the included remote by pairing Apple TV and the remote.

To pair Apple TV with the included remote:
  1. Choose Settings from the Apple TV main menu.
  2. Choose General > Remotes > Pair Apple Remote.
You can also hold down Menu and Right for 6 seconds to pair Apple TV and the Apple Remote.

When you successfully pair your Apple Remote, Apple TV displays a chainlink symbol ( ) above a picture of a remote. Apple TV now works only with the paired remote.

Unpairing Apple TV from a Remote

If you lose the Apple Remote that you paired Apple TV with, you can use any Apple Remote to unpair Apple TV from the lost remote by holding down Menu and Left for 6 seconds. You can also follow these steps.

To unpair Apple TV from a paired remote:
  1. Choose Settings from the Apple TV main menu.
  2. Choose General > Remotes > Unpair Apple Remote.
When you successfully unpair the lost remote, Apple TV displays a broken chainlink symbol ( ) above a picture of a remote. You can now pair Apple TV with a different remote

Changing the Remote Battery

When the battery charge in your Apple Remote is low, Apple TV displays a picture of a remote and a warning symbol (·). Replace the battery with a CR2032 battery


To replace the battery:
  1. Use a coin to remove the battery compartment cover.
  2. Remove the battery.
  3. Insert a CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up.
  4. Replace the battery compartment cover and use a coin to tighten it.
Important: Dispose of the used battery according to your local environmental laws and guidelines

Renting Movies and Purchasing TV Shows

You can rent standard or high-definition movies and purchase TV shows directly on Apple TV (where available). Follow the onscreen instructions to find out when a rented movie expires. Purchased TV shows don’t expire.

When a rented movie expires, it’s no longer available for playback. To watch it again, you can rent it again from iTunes.

Note: Rented movies are not available in all regions.

Apple tv 2nd generation - configure guide

Apple TV helps you select and configure your wireless network connection, and, if you want to watch or listen to the contents of your iTunes library, connect to iTunes on your computer.

Network Configuration

Have your network name and password (if you use one) and your Apple Remote handy when you configure Apple TV. Make sure there are no obstructions between the remote and Apple TV. For information about using your remote,

If you:
  • Use a wired Ethernet network to connect, Apple TV automatically detects your network.
  • Use a wireless network to connect, Apple TV helps you select and configure your network connection.
Connecting to Your Wireless Network

Apple TV helps you connect to your wireless network. If you use a name and password to access your network, have them ready.

Use the Apple Remote to:
  1. Select your network from the list, or enter your network name if the network is hidden.
  2. Enter your network password (if you use one). 
If you don’t connect using DHCP, you may need to enter your IP address, subnet mask, router address, and DNS address.

To complete the network connection, follow the onscreen instructions.

Connecting to iTunes

To access the content in your iTunes library on Apple TV, you need iTunes 10.2 or later installed on your computer. For a complete list of system requirements,

Updating Your iTunes Software

You can update to the latest version of iTunes.
  • On a Mac, use Software Update to update to the latest version of iTunes. To use Software Update, choose Apple (Apple icon) > Software Update.
  • On a Windows-based computer, go to iTunes Help to update to the latest version of iTunes. Open iTunes, and then choose Help > Check for Updates.
Setting Up Home Sharing

After you set up your network connection, you need to set up iTunes and Apple TV to share the contents of your iTunes library. Use Home Sharing in iTunes and on Apple TV to share the iTunes library of any computer on your local network that has Home Sharing set up.

To set up Home Sharing in iTunes:
  1. Open iTunes on your computer.
  2. Choose Advanced > Turn On Home Sharing.
  3. Type your Apple ID and password, and then click Create Home Share.
  4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 on each computer you want to use for Home Sharing.
For more information about iTunes, open iTunes and choose Help > iTunes Help.

To set up Home Sharing on Apple TV:
  1. On Apple TV, choose Settings > Computers.
  2. Choose Turn On Home Sharing, and then enter the same Apple ID and password you entered on your computer

Apple tv 2nd generation - connect guide

With Apple TV, you can rent high-definition movies, purchase TV shows, watch streaming content from Netflix, and enjoy podcasts, YouTube and Vimeo videos, and Internet radio. And, you can stream your personal iTunes content wirelessly from a Mac or PC, and view photos from your computer or Flickr on your widescreen HDTV, from the comfort of your couch. And with AirPlay, you can wirelessly stream videos, music, and photos from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to Apple TV.

Note: Content availability varies by region.

What's in the box


Note: Your power cord may look different from the one pictured here.

Apple TV at a Glance


  • IR receiver Use with the included Apple Remote to control Apple TV.
  • Status lightThe status light flashes slowly when Apple TV starts up. When Apple TV is on, the status light glows. See “Status Light” on page 31.
  • Micro USB portFor service and diagnostics.
  • Power portConnect the included AC power cord to the power port on Apple TV.G
  • Ethernet portIf your network is Ethernet-based, connect an Ethernet cable.£
  • HDMI portConnect Apple TV to the HDMI port of a high-definition TV using an HDMI cable.
  • Optical digital audio portConnect Apple TV to a home theater receiver that has an optical digital audio port,using an optical digital audio (also called S/PDIF or TOSLINK) cable.Z
  • Built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi technologyConnect Apple TV to your wireless network.

What You Need

To start using Apple TV, you need the following:

High-Definition TV

A high-definition TV capable of displaying 720p video

Cables
  • An HDMI cable to connect Apple TV to your TV
  • An optical digital audio cable (if you plan to use one)
Network
  • An 802.11b, g, or n Wi-Fi wireless network (wireless video streaming requires 802.11g or 802.11n), or 10/100Base-T Ethernet network
  • A broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or LAN)
  • Your wireless network name and password (if you use one)
Software and Accounts

To play content from a Mac or PC on Apple TV, you need the following:
  • An Apple ID to rent movies or purchase TV shows from the iTunes store,and to use Home Sharing to stream content from a Mac or PC
  • iTunes 10.2 or later
  • A Netflix account to stream content 
Setting Up Apple TV

Apple TV connects to your TV through an HDMI port that delivers both audio and video. Before you set up Apple TV, look at the ports on the back of your TV to make sure you have the right cables.

You can connect Apple TV to a high-definition TV or home theater receiver that has an HDMI port, using an HDMI cable for both video and audio.

You can also use an optical digital audio cable to connect Apple TV to a receiver for audio.

Important: Before you connect Apple TV to a power outlet, carefully read these installation instructions and the safety information in the included Important Product Information Guide.

Step 1: Connecting the cables
  1. Connect one end of an HDMI cable to the back of your TV.
  2. Connect the other end of the cable to the HDMI port on the back of Apple TV.
  3. If you’re using an optical digital audio cable for audio, connect one end of the cable to the audio input port on your receiver or TV, and the other end to the optical digital audio port on the back of Apple TV. 
Note: The built-in 802.11 Wi-Fi technology connects Apple TV to your wireless network. If your network is Ethernet-based, connect Apple TV to your network using an Ethernet cable.

Step 2: Connect the power cord

Connect one end of the power cord to the power port on the back of Apple TV and the other end to a power outlet.

Important: Don’t place anything on top of Apple TV. Objects placed on top may interfere with the wireless signal. Don’t place Apple TV on other electronic equipment in a media cabinet.

Step 3: Turn on your TV and select the input

The first time you use Apple TV, it helps you choose a language, select a network, and configure Apple TV to work with your network (if necessary).

If you see just a black screen the first time you use Apple TV, make sure the input setting you’ve selected on your TV matches the input you connected the cables to on your TV or home theater receiver.