What Is Apple TV and How Do You Use It? (Simple Answer)

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what is apple tv

Apple TV is a streaming device and platform that allows you to access a wide range of content, including movies, TV shows, music, and apps. You can use Apple TV to watch content on your television or other compatible devices, such as your iPhone or iPad.

To use Apple TV, you need to have the device connected to your TV and set up on your home network. Once it’s set up, you can use the remote control or the Apple TV app on your iPhone or iPad to navigate and select content. You can also use Siri to search for content and control playback.

Apple TV offers access to a variety of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple’s own streaming service, Apple TV+. You can also rent or purchase movies and TV shows directly from the Apple TV platform.

Overall, Apple TV is a convenient and easy-to-use streaming platform that provides access to a wide range of content

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A Deeper Look At Apple TV

If you are sick and tired of your local channels, you can get Apple TV to stream TV shows and movies. While it has the same features as other streaming services like Roku, it can do much more. For example, you can listen to podcasts, stream music, play some games, and many more.

It is incredibly flexible, depending on which apps you decide to install. Much like with iTunes, some are for free while others are not. Some can be downloaded for free, but you need a service to use it.

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All you need to do to set up your Apple TV (other than your TV set, of course) are the box, an HDMI cable with suitable length, and an Internet connection. You can either connect using the Ethernet cable or the WiFi to connect. Plus, the set comes with remote control for the box.

Setting up your Apple TV is simple. Once you have plugged in all the wires and switched the box on, you must go through an easy setup program. You will be prompted to enter your Apple ID (like the one you use to log in to iTunes or the app store) and the password to your WiFi network. If you have an iPhone, it will simplify the login process (no more typing the information using the remote).

Related: Best HDMI Cables for Apple TV 4K

Benefits of Apple TV

benefits of appletv

With all other streaming services and sticks out there, does it make sense to invest in Apple TV? There are many reasons to do so, specifically if you are looking for a device that can do more than stream films or shows.

Apple TV is an excellent choice for those who do not have “smart” TVs because they can stream content usually unavailable in your regular programming. Not only can you rent from iTunes, but you can access third-party streaming services like Hulu and Netflix. It also works with music streaming services like Pandora and Apple Music so that you can listen to podcasts. You can finally cancel that cable TV subscription through services like Sling TV.

If you opt for the Apple TV 4K version, you will enjoy a faster processor than the one found inside the iPad Pro, which is as powerful as a laptop computer. Plus, its graphics processor is strong enough for playing games.

One last but essential advantage is that your Apple TV works with your other Apple devices. This means it can communicate with your Mac, iPad, and iPhone. For example, your iCloud Photo Library can be previewed on the TV, and with AirPlay, you can “access” any app you have on your tablet or phone.

Related: How to Watch CODA Without Apple TV+

Does Apple TV Work with HomeKit?

Are you interested in setting up a smart home? Your Apple TV purchase makes this possible because it allows you to access Siri. Apple TV can be the base station for your HomeKit; which is, in turn, the headquarters or the base for a smart home. So other than just accessing Siri to use voice control on your TV (to play a specific movie or to search the content using a keyword), you can set up many other functionalities around your home.

You can invest and connect other smart appliances to complete your smart home, such as lighting or thermostat, and HomeKit can control them remotely. Outside, you can use your iPhone to communicate with Apple TV and your installed smart devices.

Which Apple TV Models Are Available To Buy?

Which Apple TV Models Are Available To Buy?

While one model has already been discontinued, there are still 2 different models you can choose from. There are huge differences between them that will help you decide which to buy.

• Apple TV 4K

This is the top-of-the-line model, as it supports both 4K and HDR video. Plus, it has the same A10 processor as the iPad Pro. If you are looking for the best version to buy, then there is no doubt that this is what you need.

• Apple TV (4th Generation)

The lower-end version of Apple TV is still quite impressive because it has the A8 processor like the iPhone 6. It has App Store access and can be a great addition to your non-4K/HDR and non-smart TV.

• Apple TV (3rd Generation)

Apple has already discontinued this, but you might still find them sold by previous owners looking to upgrade. It is much cheaper because it is an older device, but it does not offer the same as the recent models. They are more limited to just video streaming because of the slower processor, and you cannot access the app store. Because of this, you might find it no better than other streaming services like Amazon Fire TV and Roku.

Why Get An Apple TV 4K?

why get a 4k appletv

The premium devices of Apple always aim to impress, packed with features and specs that make it worth your money. This is not just because it allows you to view content in 4K quality, but you can upgrade your entire movie library in iTunes to 4K (at no extra cost). Because it typically costs between $5 and $10 to get a 4K version of any movie, you can save a lot of money if you have tons of movies in your library. However, this is limited to movies where a 4K is available. Otherwise, you can view them in the usual high or standard definition.

If you do not have any content in your iTunes library, you can also choose and stream movies in 4K version without paying a premium. This means you can maximize your TV’s 4K display and your subscription by streaming the content in the best format available.

Apple TV does not just support 4K resolution, but it also allows you to view HDR10 (High Dynamic Range) quality. When it comes to picture quality, this matters more. This is because 4K expands on the pixels on the screen, but HDR gives you better-quality pixels. Beyond just increasing the resolution, it also offers a higher range of colors, significantly improving video quality and image depth. Apple TV 4K includes Dolby Vision, a version of HDR with an even better and higher color range.

The best thing about Apple TV 4K is the additional features and services you can take advantage of, thanks to the A10X Fusion processor, which is the same as the second-generation iPad Pro. Beyond gaming, you can even use productivity apps like Pages and Numbers.

The Apple TV 4K also boasts of top internet connectivity, thanks to the 1-Gigabyte Ethernet port and top-of-the-line WiFi technology. This includes MIMO (multiple-in-multiple-out), which means it can connect twice (on each band) on a dual-band router. This means the wireless connection can even be faster than a wired one, which is better when viewing 4K content.

A New Addition: The Apple TV App

A New Addition: The Apple TV App

Apple TV lets you view content from many streaming services like HBO Now or Hulu Plus. Thanks to the Apple TV app, you can now view a list of all content from these services in one place, making it easy to browse for tonight’s movie night. It also has a Sports channel to make it easy to see who’s playing and the current score. However, Netflix is not yet integrated into the app, so the content is not included in the list.

Getting started with the Apple TV

Have you finally given in and bought Apple TV’s superior streaming device? What should you do to get all the fun started?

If you have ever set up any other media player like Roku, you will find the process very simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Connect the Apple TV to your TV set and plug it in. On your TV, switch the input to the port you are using.

2. Connect the Apple TV to the Internet

3. Connect to any streaming providers you want to use, logging in with your credentials when needed.

4. That’s it. You can start watching your favorite movies and shows.

Don’t forget to explore the other features of your Apple TV, like browsing the App Store for any apps you might want to try out on your Apple TV-enabled set. After all, if you do decide to invest in the Apple TV, you might as well enjoy everything it has to offer.

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