Tech giant Apple is known around the world for its computers, iPhones, iPads, and even its cool new smartwatch. However, if your favorite way of relaxing after a hard day at work is checking out the latest TV shows and movies from the comfort of your couch, you should also consider purchasing Apple TV.
This small box retails for under $100, plugs into your high-definition TV, and makes it easy to stream content directly to your big screen television for top sound and picture quality. If you regularly browse listings on Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, NHL, or one of the many other top streaming services that are compatible with Apple TV, you can have a new system set up in a flash and enjoy watching content in your living room, bedroom, office, or any other room of the home. Read on for the rundown on how to set up Apple TV to stream today.
Power It Up
The first step in setting up your Apple TV is to connect the device’s power cord into a socket near your television and then to connect an HDMI cable (not included) into your set. Once you have done this, the initial setup screen on the device should appear. Here, you will be prompted to choose a language setting out of six options, with English first on the list.
Choose Remote or Device Control
You can choose either to complete the setup using your own iOS device (typically, the easiest method, but requires the more recent iOS 7.0 operating system to work), or via the remote that comes in the Apple TV box.
Using Your Smartphone or Tablet
1.Connect your device to Wi-Fi, and turn on Bluetooth. If you choose to use your smartphone or tablet for the setup, make sure that you have the Bluetooth setting switched on and that your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network on which you will be using your Apple TV. (If the networks are not the same, a warning will pop up to alert you that this needs to be remedied).
2.Connect the two together, and log in to your Apple ID account. Next, touch your iOS gadget to the Apple TV box, or set it very nearby. Wait until some prompts show up on both the devices. You will first be asked to enter your Apple ID and password onto your iOS item and then if you would like the Apple TV system to remember the login details for future purchases on iTunes. It pays to choose Yes for this so that you do not have to keep inputting login information. The system will also prompt you to decide if you want to have performance data sent back to Apple to help the company improve their products and support. (No matter what you choose here, the function of the device will not be effected.)
3.Keep your iOS device and your Apple TV box close together. From there, the new smart-box will start configuring settings. Make sure you keep your iPhone or iPad within around 10 to 15 feet of your Apple TV during this process so that the connection is not interrupted.
4.Connect other devices. Once the process is complete, you will see the Home menu appear on your TV screen. You can then use your Apple TV remote or iOS device to control your set-top box in the future. If you own a Bluetooth keyboard that you would like to use to control the gadget, this can be set up also. From the Home menu, go to Settings, then General, and then Bluetooth to do so.
Using the Apple Remote
1.Choose your Wi-Fi. Alternatively, if you choose to set up your Apple TV using the included remote, you will need to select your preferred Wi-Fi network from the dropdown menu on the screen, rather than on your phone or tablet. Then enter your network’s password using the keyboard that pops up on-screen.
2.Learn to navigate the remote. On this minimalist remote, you will find the Select button in the middle, surrounded by the left, right, up, and down buttons. Below these are the Play/Pause and Menu buttons. To navigate around the box’s menus, you typically use the direction buttons to find what you need. Then use the Select button to choose that option.
3.Set up Home Sharing. When setting up your Apple TV using the remote, you will also need to set up Home Sharing with iTunes on your desktop computer. (You need to be using the latest version of iTunes for this.)
To set up Home Sharing, go to File, then Home Sharing, then Turn on Home Sharing. From here, you will be prompted to enter your Apple ID and password. If you want multiple computers to share with the set-top box, you will have to turn on Home Sharing on each one individually.
Once you have completed the setup, no matter which way you go about it, you are sure to enjoy using the Apple TV box for all of your streaming needs.
