Curious to know how does apple TV work? Apple TV is one of the most reliable premium streaming devices on the market. When money is no object, its clean and straightforward interface makes it an easy solution for users of all ages. It might take you a while to learn its remote and menus, but once you get the basics, you’ll be streaming away.
We’re here to assist you to get a head start. Whether you’re new to streaming or an old-school Roku fan, here’s everything you require to know about how to use Apple TV.
What is Apple TV?
It might surprise you to get that Roku wasn’t the first mass-produced streaming device: Apple TV was. Launched in 2007, one year before Roku, the original Apple TV streamed movies and shows purchased off the iTunes store from your computer.
Today Apple gives just two models of the Apple TV, an HD, and a 4K model. This keeps things simple, though thanks to Apple’s premium pricing, it holds things expensive.
However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great streaming player. Apple TV comes ready out of the box, coming pre-loaded with over 100 of today’s best apps. That combines favorites like Disney Plus, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Now, YouTube, and ESPN Plus.
Apple TV can also stream live TV on a broad range of services. It promotes Philo, Hulu Live TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV, so no matter what service meets your needs, Apple TV has you covered.
How does Apple TV work?
Like all streaming media centers, Apple TV streams across your internet network. Connect the device to your TV through its HDMI port, and the device will automatically walk you through its set-up process.
Once you’ve finished set-up, it’s time to log into your favorite apps. Apple TV comes pre-loaded with day’s primary services like Disney Plus, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and HBO Max. There’s a good possibility your favorite service is already there.
Users control the Apple TV with a unique touch/voice remote. Navigation is controlled by swiping on the touchpad on the top of the remote. There’s also a voice search available by pushing the microphone button.
How to install your Apple TV
- Connect your Apple TV to your HDTV through an HDMI cable.
- Plug your Apple TV into the wall outlet.
- Turn on your TV and choose the HDMI output you’ve connected your Apple TV to.
- Track the on-screen prompts navigate through the Apple TV set up.
- What your favorite movies and show.
You don’t need an Apple ID to use Apple TV; however, it dramatically enhances the experience. Beyond enabling you to access any media you bought on iTunes, connecting your device to an Apple ID lets you buy movies, subscribe to services on the device, and more.
What are Apple TVs’ killer features?
4K upgrade of older library titles
One feature to love about the Apple TV is the 4K upgrade on video content purchased and rented via iTunes. If you have an extensive, pre-existing library of iTunes movies you’ve been buying for years, your device will automatically play them in the best image quality available. As someone who spent a ton of money on DVDs, this free upgrade is a blessing only to spend even more switching over to BlueRay.
Even better, Apple doesn’t up-charge for 4K movies. For instance, Mission Impossible: Fallout as a new release on Vudu costs $24.99 for the 4K edition. On iTunes, the movie can be bought for $19.99. For digital movie collectors, this little feature in Apple TV’s iTunes movies is a blessing. But keep in mind: It’s only available on the Apple TV 4K.
Voice Remote with Siri
Users control the Apple TV with a unique touch/voice remote. Navigation is controlled by swiping on the touchpad on the top of the remote. There’s also voice search available by pressing the microphone button, activating Siri.
Users can ask Siri to play particular shows, pull up songs, search for films by actors or directors they like, and more. Pause your favorite show with a voice command or request to see the weather report before leaving the house. Siri isn’t just for playing media; it’s like a little personal assistant with a bit more privacy.
IOS Controls
All iOS devices have support for controlling your Apple TV established into them. You’ll require to be on the same Wi-Fi network, but it’s a blessing when your tiny Apple TV remote falls under your sofa for the 400th time. You can also reach Siri voice search using the iOS remote.
How much is Apple TV?
Apple TV doesn’t overwhelm you with options. It starts at $149 for the basic model and surpassing out at $199 for the high-end 4K version. Here’s everything you require to know about how about each model.
Apple TV HD
The entry-level device begins at $149, a solid $50 more than the most expensive Roku device. With 1080p video, 32GB of storage, and a voice-controlled Siri remote, the device is able to meet your basic streaming needs right out of the box.
It also comes with one free year of Apple’s TV+ streaming service included with the purchase cost. The most important selling point of this option is the simplicity of its interface, but paying $149 for an HD streaming device is a big ask. This is recommended for Apple devotees only.
Apple TV 4K
At $170 for the 32GB model and $199 for the 64GB version, the Apple TV 4K is the most expensive streaming media player on the market outside of gaming consoles.
While the device can play games, it isn’t a game console, even if its price comes close to one. However, if money is no object, this option is one of the best media players on the market.
This was also the first streaming player on the market with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio. This offers a breathtaking cinematic set-up that can take advantage of it. Mainly if you’re working with a high-end system, you’ll get a better picture out of Apple’s 4K device than an entry-level 4K Roku device.
Still, most viewers won’t be able to tell the difference unless they’re particularly attuned to minute details. Its only problem is that the second-best devices are still $70 to $100 cheaper.
