• Apple TV settings 3rd generation. Connecting and setting up the Apple TV set-top box. Connection to power source and internet

    More and more users are interested in questions about how to properly connect Apple TV to a TV and configure the set-top box. Although in reality it turns out to be not so difficult to synchronize these two devices. Products from the American company Apple are distinguished by convenient and intuitive user interfaces that allow you to quickly connect and configure equipment. These characteristics also apply to Apple TV.

    This is a universal gadget from the Apple corporation that expands the capabilities of the TV. With it you can:

    • create home multimedia center by connecting all the available gadgets of this company to one network;
    • use all the features of the iTunes media player developed by Apple;
    • access high-quality, high-resolution video content from your TV screen, which is located on special resources;
    • access music tracks, trailers, video games, podcasts;
    • watch online sports broadcasts;
    • display information from your gadgets and devices running on the Mac OS and Windows operating systems on the TV screen.

    Today, four generations of multimedia player are available to usersApple TV. In the first generation, the device was produced with the Mac OS X Tige operating system adapted for it. Starting from the second version, the device runs on the iOS OS.

    Owners of second and third generation consoles can play content only in streaming mode. The fact is that these devices are not equipped with a capacious storage device. The Apple A5 processor and 8 GB of flash memory can only be used as intermediate storage for streaming data. But thanks to this, the capabilities of Apple TV are quite good - the player allows you to play videos from the iTunes multimedia collection with HD and Full HD resolution and multi-channel sound without delays. The latest version of the device already has 32 and 64 GB of internal memory, depending on the model. In addition, the fourth generation Apple TV has access to applications fromApp Store and support for interactive voice control (Siri).

    An Apple TV media player connected to a TV with a built-in Wi-Fi adapter makes it possible to expand Smart functionality.

    To have access to the multimedia library of your iPhone, tablet or PC via your TV screen, you just need to install the software on them and synchronize it with the TV. Control is carried out through the remote control included with Apple TV or through gadgets running on iOS 7.

    How to connect the set-top box to the TV

    ConnectApple TVcan only be connected to a TV that has a connector forHDMI-cable orWiFi . In the absence of such capabilities, it will not be possible to connect the set-top box to the TV. To have access to all the features of the gadget, it is best to use a wired connection. If connected via Wi-Fi, the user will not have the iTunes function.

    To connect you will need:

    • set with Apple TV device;
    • TV with HDMI connector;
    • HDMI cable (sold separately);
    • personal Internet connection (router).

    Using an HDMI cable, the Apple TV set-top box is connected to the TV. If the connection to the router will be made throughEthernet-cable, then it is also inserted into the devices. This completes the connection stage. Now all that remains is to configure the equipment.

    Apple TV setup instructions

    1. The power of the set-top box and TV is turned on. If the wired connection has been made correctly, settings window new equipment.
    2. The Apple TV remote control is connected. To do this, just click on touchpad(simulating a mouse click).
    3. Through the connected control panel, the initial setup is carried out: the language and region are set, the Siri function is activated if necessary (in the fourth generation set-top box), and the Wi-Fi password is entered.
    4. Once connected to the Internet, you can activate your accounts on services such as iTunes.

    This completes connecting the Apple TV device to the TV and setting up the equipment. Now the user can download and view multimedia content from their devices and through available services directly on the TV screen. Fans of Apple products may also need information on how to connect an iPhone or iPad to a TV - all gadgets are quite easily synchronized with the TV. You can also easily watch videos from your phone on a big screen, you just need to know how to display video from your iPhone on your TV.

    The Apple TV 3 (3rd generation) network media player is an excellent multimedia gadget that provides the user with wide functionality and excellent performance when working with online applications. This device, often simply called a set-top box, has not received widespread distribution in Russia and the CIS countries. Many people are simply not familiar with the characteristics and capabilities of the console, and we are ready to fill this annoying gap.

    A full review of Apple TV 3, a description of all parameters and operating features should expand your understanding of the promising media player. In order to realize the maximum potential of the set-top box, you will need an Internet connection. Don’t forget about this; without access to the network, the point of using a media player is lost. We have already given a brief introduction to... Now let’s take a closer look at all the functionality of the branded set-top box.

    Scope of delivery

    Apple TV 3 is sold in a small box inside which contains the media player itself, a special remote control, a power cable, and several leaflets (device description, user manual).

    High-quality wear-resistant plastic is used to produce the case. The console has fairly compact dimensions: 10×10×2.5 centimeters. There is a glossy corporate logo on the top panel. The ends of the console are glossy, while the top panel is completely matte. The front panel contains a signal receiver from the remote control and a status indicator.

    Apple TV 3 connects to your TV using an HDMI connection. As an addition, the media player has an “Optical Audio” port, with which you can output sound in digital quality. There are no analog connectors on the set-top box. In addition to the ports already listed, on the rear panel there is a microUSB connector, a network interface (100 Mbit/s), as well as a connector for connecting the power cable.

    The bottom of the media player is made of rubber, so there are no problems with stability or slipping. The ergonomic remote control includes the minimum number of necessary buttons, which are completely sufficient for comfortable control of the device. Let's continue our review of Apple TV 3 and look at the hardware features of the console.

    Hardware Features

    The device is capable of playing video in 1080p Full HD resolution without any problems. No brakes were noticed. Detailed specifications are as follows:

    • RAM capacity 512 MB
    • built-in flash memory 8 GB
    • dual-core Apple A5 processor (one core disabled)
    • PowerVR SGX 543MP2 graphics chip
    • Built-in Wi-Fi 802.11n
    • supported codecs MPEG4, H.264
    • formats AVI, MOV, MP4, MP3, AAC, WAV, AC3

    Although the A5 processor has one core disabled in hardware, its performance is fully sufficient for high-quality Full HD video playback and for working with applications. Apple TV 3 uses a radio module based on the Broadcom BCM4330 chip. Its operating frequency is 2.4 or 5 GHz. Maximum speed up to 300 Mbit/s. The radio module does not directly affect the speed of the set-top box, but it is very important when broadcasting video over Wi-Fi.

    The third-generation model of the set-top box is available with iOS version 5.1 (some models with iOS version 5.2). Let's continue the review of Apple TV 3 and find out the features of connecting the set-top box to the TV and its subsequent configuration.

    Connecting to a TV and setting up

    Connecting to the TV will not take much time. You will need an HDMI cable, with which you need to connect the corresponding connectors on the TV and set-top box. The presence of an HDMI port on your TV is a prerequisite for connection.

    The settings menu includes six items. The “Basic” tab allows you to get information about the model, firmware, connecting new remote controls, network and other important aspects of the Apple TV 3. The “Screen Saver” tab is used to configure options for displaying photos while playing music or when the set-top box is in standby mode. The user can configure the settings of the branded iTunes Store, and can also specify the maximum quality of the video being played and the location.

    In the “Audio and Video” section, hardware settings of the set-top box are made, such as resolution, Dolby Digital format, sound effects and others. The next section is responsible for setting up the AirPlay technology. This technology allows you to transfer video or audio information from supported iOS devices to your TV. In the last paragraph, you can enable support for “Home Collection”. Using this technology, you can connect multiple devices to share access to your iTunes library.

    Multimedia capabilities

    In terms of functionality, the media player is aimed at those users who already own Apple products. For those who want to get an analogue of Smart TV from a regular TV, it is more reasonable to pay attention to. Our further review of Apple TV 3 will focus on getting to know the functionality of the console.

    One of the main ideas of using a media player is to conveniently watch videos and music from the iTunes brand store. The set-top box has a high-quality, full-fledged showcase of popular films and music. Its design is completely adjustable to the size of your TV screen. The user has the opportunity to buy films for repeated viewing, or rent them for one-time viewing for two days.

    The new iTunes Radio service allows you to listen to your favorite songs in high quality. Considering the ability to digitally connect the set-top box to a home theater, this service is very useful. Apple TV 3 supports the ability to play music files from your iTunes library on your computer, as long as it's connected to the same wireless network. Support for the YouTube service will appeal to users from Russia and the CIS; there is also access to less popular video services.

    AirPlay technology allows you to broadcast content from Apple mobile devices to your TV screen in real time. It works flawlessly, there are no problems with video freezing during broadcasting. Thus, it becomes clear the direction in which this media player can be comfortably used and the circle of people for whom it will be interesting.

    Conclusions

    A review of Apple TV 3 showed that the main audience of the device are owners of other Apple gadgets. If you don’t mind paying 60-90 rubles to watch a movie in excellent quality or buying a film for “eternal” access for 150-350 rubles, then this set-top box is perfect for you. The ideal symbiosis of Apple TV 3 with devices such as iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or Mac will suit many advanced users.

    To start using Apple TV 4th generation (2015), you need to follow a few simple steps. A few simple steps that won't take much time.

    What you will need:

      Apple TV 4th generation with internal storage capacity or GB;

      complete power cable;

      personal wired or wireless Internet connection - use of public networks is not allowed;

      TV, monitor or other display with an HDMI connection interface;

      An HDMI/HDMI cable that is not included with the set-top box - an accessory of the required length must be purchased separately.

    Connection to power source and internet

    Connect the power cord that came with your Apple TV to your set-top box and plug it into an outlet.

    If you're going to use a wired Internet connection, connect your personal router to your Apple TV using your Ethernet cable.

    If you want to use a wireless connection, you can configure it later.

    Connecting to a screen

    Connect Apple TV to your screen (TV, monitor, etc.) using an HDMI cable.


    If you're using an HDMI receiver or breakout box, connect your Apple TV with a cable to it, and then another cable to your TV, monitor, or other screen.

    Initial setup of Apple TV

    Step 1: Turn on the display you connected your Apple TV to. If the Apple TV setup screen doesn't appear automatically, set your Display Settings to the HDMI output to which you're connected to your Apple TV.

    Step 2: Connect the Siri Remote with one tap on its touchpad.


    Step 3: Use swipe gestures on the remote's touchpad to select your preferred language, country, and region. If you select the wrong settings, go back using the Menu button.

    Step 4: You can continue setting up using your iPhone or iPad, or directly from the set-top box using the remote control. The first option is preferable, since entering passwords and other data on the touch screen is more convenient.

    « Configure by device»:

    Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on on your iPhone or iPad. Connect to Apple TV and follow the onscreen instructions.


    This way, you can transfer Wi-Fi settings, Apple ID and other settings from your mobile device to the set-top box.

    « Configure manually»:

    To set up Apple TV 4th generation manually, you need to enter your Wi-Fi network details, Apple ID login and password yourself.


    When you manually set up your set-top box, it will go through an activation process that may take a few minutes.

    Step 5: Define your sharing options for location services, screen savers, and statistics. And complete the setup by following the on-screen instructions.

    Mobile firmware for Apple TV of the second and third generations up to version 6.0, which introduced a very useful feature that allows owners of small black boxes to radically simplify the procedure for its initial setup. And today a company from Cupertino published a description of this opportunity in its knowledge base.

    So, with the new feature, you can automatically copy your network settings, your Apple ID account information used to make iTunes/App Store purchases, as well as regional and language settings to your Apple TV. However, not all Apple devices support it.

    This is due not so much to software limitations as to the lack of a Bluetooth LE wireless module (also called low energy). Therefore, the automatic setup feature only works on third-generation Apple TV with firmware version 6.0 or higher. Also, you will need one of the following mobile gadgets with iOS 7 “on board”:

    • iPhone 4S or later;
    • iPad 3rd generation or later;
    • iPad mini;
    • iPod touch 5G;
    • Please note that iPhone 4 and iPad 2 not supported.

    The automatic configuration process itself occurs in several sequential and fairly simple steps. To get started, you need to connect to the TV, turn on both devices and wait until the set-top box displays the welcome screen:

    Unlock your mobile gadget and make sure that it is connected to the Wi-Fi network on which the Apple TV you are setting up will work. The Bluetooth module on your smartphone or tablet must also be turned on.

    Lightly touch your iOS device to your Apple TV and wait until the following screen appears:

    • Do you remember your account password or will you have to enter it manually every time?
    • send the settings to the set-top box (no iDevice parameters will change)?

    If you answered yes to the second question, all you have to do is wait for the configuration and activation process to complete successfully. After this, the small black box will be completely ready for use.

    Before this feature was implemented, setting up a set-top box for the first time was quite a tedious task, especially if the user did not have a Bluetooth keyboard at hand. He had to type all the information one letter at a time using the remote control that came with the Apple TV.

    I recently bought a 3rd generation Apple TV. At first glance, in 2018 this decision looks very strange. However, with the help of a set-top box, which was discontinued in 2016, I solved a whole set of issues and spent pennies on it.

    Now Apple TV replaces HDMI, which I've recently become allergic to, gives me the ability to listen to Apple Music on my home audio system and watch videos from my MacBook on the TV screen, and also gives me access to hundreds of TV channels.

    Apple TV 3rd generation does not support tvOS- this is the set-top box on which you cannot install applications from the App Store.

    It will coolly replace HDMI via AirPlay

    This happened in March of this year. After a tragic event, after which I had to buy another Apple laptop to replace it and spend a lot of money on repairs, I do not use such cables at all.

    After connecting an HDMI to USB-C cable to one of the four ports on the 2017 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, smoke actually came out of it (like special effects from cheap action films), I smelled something burning, and a feeling of hopelessness replaced my viewing of The Adventures of Paddington 2".

    The laptop didn't die completely. One USB-C port definitely didn’t work, and the rest of the problems lay inside the “non-separable” case.

    I waited 5 weeks for the entire motherboard to be replaced under warranty, was glad that the case was generally recognized as a defect, and decided to stop using HDMI if possible.

    Apple TV 3rd generation turned out to be one of the cheapest but adequate options to get rid of wires and stream video to your TV or projector from your Mac via Wi-Fi.

    To do this, just enable screen mirroring via AirPlay from the menu bar (if the corresponding icon is not here, go to “System Settings” > “Monitors” and look for video mirroring options). It works reasonably well, you can make presentations to the public and show photos to friends.

    This works similarly with iPhone and iPad. You need to select “Screen mirroring” in “Control Center” and decide on the Apple TV to which you want to broadcast all this.

    Show the film on a big TV screen

    Of course, all the movies you buy or rent through the iTunes Store work seamlessly on Apple TV 3. But many will also appreciate watching content from alternative sources, such as their Mac's hard drive.

    This is my first personal Apple TV. Before this, I had to work with test samples or set-top boxes of colleagues and friends. Therefore, I naively believed that with the help of banal screen duplication via AirPlay, I would be able to watch my videos and offline films on a large TV screen. I was wrong.

    Normal Screen mirroring is not always suitable to watch movies on the TV screen via AirPlay.

    Yes, video replay will help with viewing photos and presentations. However, when the transmitted image becomes multi-colored and dynamic, high-quality sound appears and that’s all, the Wi-Fi channel may simply not be enough - especially if your router is not located directly under the set-top box.

    The solution is to directly connect the Internet to Apple TV via Ethernet (there is such an option here). However, I did not plan to cover the entire apartment with wires and deliberately did not run a cable to the TV during the renovation. In 2018, no wired Internet. What to do?

    You need an application that will transmit via AirPlay not a copy of the screen, but a specific video that will be buffered.

    Bad option: 5KPlayer (free). At one time, this video player for Mac was a hit because it could transfer video and audio from iPhone and iPad to the Mac screen. The opportunity is useless in my eyes, but many people liked it.

    But with the advent of this function in QuickTime Player, the need for 5KPlayer in this context has come to naught.

    However, the player can work with Apple TV in the form we need - transmitting not a duplicate screen, but a video stream. This feature works without jerks or slowdowns, but it is limited only to Apple’s proprietary MP4, and this is a failure...

    This may sound stupid, but I'm also confused by the player icon with greetings from the days of skeuomorphism, which it replaces all video files with if you set the application for them by default.

    Great option: Soda Player (free) is another matter. This player can transfer video of absolutely any format to Apple TV without any problems.

    In addition, it works with torrents without the need to download, supports SOCKS5 and can even stream video to Chromecast. The application works almost flawlessly, it has an excellent interface and a nice minimalistic blue icon.

    It’s strange that we don’t have a full review of this miracle solution, and I will definitely correct this annoying misunderstanding.

    The standard YouTube app works

    Of course, any modern Smart TV has YouTube. On my new Tizen TVs from Samsung, the video service client is pre-installed. But sometimes I use panels without smart features, and the inexpensive Apple TV allows me to watch my favorite vlogs, reviews and news.

    By and large, many today prefer not films or traditional television, but YouTube. Therefore, this opportunity on the big screen is more than relevant.

    You can log into your account and get a list of subscriptions, there is a normal search and even browsing history. These There are enough options for Apple TV 3rd generation.

    It doesn't have Apple Music, but it can be solved

    Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use Apple Music on the 3rd generation Apple TV without additional devices, even if you want to. However, this did not turn out to be a problem for me.

    Stream audio via AirPlay from iTunes or from a mobile device you can do it without any problems at all. To do this, just select Apple TV as the playback source, and the sound from your iPhone, iPad or Mac will immediately go to the built-in acoustics of the TV or the audio system connected to it.

    On Apple TV, you can select the Now Playing menu. It shows the song title, time and album cover. You won't be able to control playback through the console itself. However, if you started music via iPhone, you can even control it using Apple Watch.

    Moreover, the scope for action doesn't end with Apple Music. You can also use any other music service that suits you.

    And the set-top box will open hundreds of TV channels...

    When I bought the 3rd generation Apple TV, I thought, first of all, to jailbreak the console and try to get the most out of it. However, I did not study this issue in advance and was faced with the impossibility of hacking it and installing any additional software.

    By and large, even a number of scenarios for using AirPlay would have been enough for me (at least for the ridiculous price of this Apple TV), but access to additional content through DNS substitution came to the rescue.

    With it, the built-in applications of the old Apple TV can be turned into limitless aggregators for television channels, films and series.

    Pager TV - the most legal service(from those known to us), with the help of which you can link an IPTV playlist with TV channels offered by any of the operators of your choice to an old set-top box.

    Using the service costs $1 per month. But a couple of weeks of testing are provided free of charge. How to set it up?

    Step 1. Turn on Apple TV - not only the 3rd generation, but also the 2nd will do

    Step 2. Open Settings

    Step 3. Go to the "General" section

    Step 4. Expand the Network menu

    Step 5.. Under WiFi or Ethernet, find the DNS setting.

    Step 6. Select "Manual" under "DNS Settings" and enter: 037.230.116.189 or 062.109.022.177

    Step 7 Return to the "General" section and place the cursor on the "Send data to Apple" item

    Step 8 Open the Profiles menu using the Play button on your remote

    Step 9 Select "Add Profile"

    Step 10 Enter address pagertv.ru/atv and click "Add"

    Step 11 Register for the Pager TV service from your computer or smartphone

    Step 12 Go to the VIMEO app on Apple TV

    Step 13 Log into your Pager TV personal account from your computer or smartphone

    Step 14 Enter here the unique code that you see on the TV screen and click “Save changes”

    Step 15 Now go to your playlist and add a link to an M3U playlist with channels, here is a test one for 3 channels - http://pagertv.ru/test.m3u