As we approach the New Year, some of you are probably still going through all your gifts you’ve received over the Holidays. With Apple selling over 5 million Apple TVs this year, chances are you unwrapped one of these powerful streaming tools from under the Christmas tree. For only $99, you’re in for a real treat!
What is an Apple TV?
It’s a very versatile, easy to use streaming device. Compatible with televisions that have HDMI ports (which is nearly every TV now a days) you can watch movies, TV shows, listen to music, view your photos, watch your favorite sports team, or AirPlay content from any of your Apple products with a built in mirroring option. Apple TV automatically comes with apps such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, History Channel, ESPN, HBO GO, and a dozen other must haves. All you have to do is plug it in and you’re ready to go!
Neat Things You Can do With an Apple TV.
Use Your iPhone or iPad Instead of the Apple TV Remote. If you can’t get used to the Apple TV remote, you can download Apple Remote App here. The default remote can be pretty inconvenient at times, especially when you search for a movie to watch, you have to scroll through and select each letter of the movie title. Using the keyboard on your iPhone or iPad is much more functional.
Use AirPlay Mirroring to View Anything on Your Television. This is a pretty cool feature! Whether it’s photos, music, video games, email (set up a bluetooth keyboard to make it easier to type), or ESPN 3, this wireless feature has you covered. As long as you have the iPhone 4s or later, iPad 2 or later, iPad mini or later, 5th generation iPod touch, and supported Macs, you’ll be able to mirror just about anything you want.
Stream Music Through Your Media Room or Home Theater. If you don’t have the Sonos Wireless Music System, Apple TV allows you to stream music right through your TV. Just turn on the “Home Sharing” on your Apple TV and iTunes on your computer, then you’re good to go!
Use Your Photos as a Screen Saver. Apple TV lets you stream those picture perfect moments over your television for everyone to see. The fun part about it is that you can create different event folders and pick which event you want to stream – birthdays, holidays, vacations, etc. Activate your “Home Sharing” through your iTunes account. Then click File > Home Sharing > Choose Photos to Share. A window should pop up and select which folder you want sync to your Apple TV. Then go to the the setting section on the Apple TV, the Screensaver’s > Photos. Select the photos to share, sit back and enjoy!
Set Parental Control Restrictions. The Apple TV has an infinite amount of movies and TV shows, not to mention several different apps. Technology makes it tough to monitor what your kids are doing or watching. Take advantage of what Apple TV has to offer and select which apps appear, what movies or TV shows are appropriate to watch, and create passwords so your kids don’t buy what you don’t approve of. To enable this feature, go to Settings > General > Restrictions.
Apple TV Owners
Comment and let us know if you’re an Apple TV rookie. We’ll keep you posted with tips and tricks so you can get the most out of your Apple TV. If you’re an Apple TV veteran, let us know what you love most about our Apple TV.
