What is Apple TV and how it works, connection and setup

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Apple TV allows you to access multimedia resources. How does Apple TV work? Is it worth buying? Table of contents:

  • What is Apple TV?
  • How does it work and why?
  • Which version of Apple TV should I choose?
  • What can you connect your Apple TV to?
  • Available Apple TV apps.
  • Advantages.
  • The main analogue is Xiaomi Mi Box.
  • NVIDIA Shield TV.
  • Apple TV – is it worth it?

What is Apple TV?

The small Apple TV is nothing more than a set-top box that expands functionality and allows users to access brand new content. Apple TV is designed for users of Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad and others, as well as for owners of TVs that, thanks to the adapter, can display content on TV, show selections of movies and TV shows, as well as Apple TV channels. The prefix comes with a remote control. Depending on the device model you choose, Apple TV offers up to 4K HDR media quality with Dolby Atmos audio. Last but not least, the Apple TV gives you access not only to the Apple TV+ app and Apple Original products, but also to many other programs and even games.
What is Apple TV and how it works, connection and setupApple TV is a device that turns your TV into a functional Smart TV with access to TV+ resources and many other programs and applications. The Apple TV comes in several flavors, and the 4K model gives you access to 4K HDR multimedia content with Dolby Atmos audio. The device is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It is controlled using the remote control, but it can also be controlled using the iPhone. Interestingly, Apple TV, in conjunction with the Home application, allows you to control the smart home system. The set-top box and application provide convenient access to the resources of various VOD platforms in one place. Thanks to this, the buyer can not only enjoy Original subscription content, but also watch series on the Netflix platform, as well as rent or buy movies and series. TV with Netflix, HBO GO,
What is Apple TV and how it works, connection and setup

Which version of Apple TV should I choose?

The device is available in various options, and which option you choose will depend on the quality of the reproduced content, as well as functionality. Currently on sale you can find:

Apple TV 3 (3rd generation)

To date, the cheapest option available, its price is usually below 7,000 rubles. The device is equipped with a single-core A5 processor, Wi-Fi module and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. This model does not support 4K quality content, but offers support for Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. The set-top box is controlled by a remote control equipped with an infrared transmitter and a replaceable battery.

Apple TV 4 (4th generation)

Slightly more expensive version. The price is less than 14,000 rubles. The device is equipped with a dual-core A8 processor, faster Wi-Fi than the previous version, and also offers support for Dolby Digital 7.1 audio. The set-top box is controlled by a much more advanced remote, which is finished with a glass touch surface, has Bluetooth for communication, as well as a gyroscope and accelerometer, an infrared transmitter and a Lightning connector for charging.

Apple TV 4K

4K TV users should consider choosing an Apple TV 4K set-top box. The price of the device depends on the amount of its built-in memory (the variant with 32 GB of memory costs about 35,900 rubles, and the variant with 64 GB of memory costs about 71,000 rubles). Apple TV 4K offers everything a fourth-generation media player can offer and more: access to 4K content, support for cinematic Dolby Atmos sound quality, and more. The device is equipped with an even more powerful A10X processor. Despite the big difference in price between a 4K adapter and a regular 4th generation, this option is definitely worth considering. The choice of Apple TV version should depend on the TV you are using. If you have a 4K TV, then you should add a few thousand rubles and choose an adapter that offers access to 4K content and a program for playing 4K movies.

What can you connect your Apple TV to?

When considering whether to buy this multimedia box, we recommend that you check its compatibility with other devices you use. What devices can be combined with Apple TV:

  1. TV or monitor with HDMI connector – after connecting the set-top box, the user will have access to a number of applications and programs, for example TV +, it offers both original Apple content and access to media files from other services.
  2. Apple smartphones and tablets – they can be used, for example, to control a TV player and TV.
  3. iMac and MacBook – this connection will allow you to transfer data to the TV screen wirelessly thanks to AirPlay technology.

It is important to note that a specific brand of TV is not required to use this device. What’s more, if you have a Samsung TV, you won’t need an adapter to use the TV+ app. the TV itself has the ability to download and use it, and even use AirPlay technology!

Available apps on Apple TV

Before deciding to buy a TV set-top box for several tens of thousands of rubles, it is worth checking what functionality it will offer:

  • Apple TV+ is an app that lets you watch original Apple content. Some of the popular series are: The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, See, It Didn’t Work and many more.
  • iTunes – You can buy and download music or use files that have been downloaded and purchased previously in the user’s account.
  • Apple Arcade is a subscription gaming platform with over 100 popular titles.
  • Netflix and other VOD platforms such as HBO GO.
  • MUBI is an application with large-scale film productions and very detailed descriptions and reviews of individual materials.

And, of course, many other applications for home, fitness or entertainment. In the case of Apple’s set-top box, there are really a lot of functions, and they give access to a huge multimedia database. Some users noticed that initially the device limited applications in Russia a little, but now access is much wider, and more and more products with Russian subtitles or voice acting appear on all VOD platforms.

Advantages

These include:

  1. Your device provides easy access to many features, applications, and programs. It is convenient and intuitive to use.
  2. The player in the 4K version gives access to 4K HDR content, which will be appreciated primarily by owners of HDR-enabled TVs.
  3. Using Apple TV allows you to rent and buy movies that are not available on standard VOD platforms.
  4. The device provides access to the subscription gaming platform and a range of other features and applications.
What is Apple TV and how it works, connection and setup
Apple TV 4K 2017 and 2021, respectively, from left to right

The main analogue is Xiaomi Mi Box

Thanks to its minimalistic design, the Xiaomi adapter can be placed anywhere. Mi Box looks exactly like the manufacturer’s photos, the same remote control that is included. There are no buttons on the case, and the only element that says that we are dealing with an Android TV device is the “mi” logo. There are four ports on the back of the mi Box: power, USB, HDMI and audio. Xiaomi mi Box runs Android TV (6.0). And provides access to all “streaming” services. What distinguishes this device from Apple TV is that with Xiaomi, the buyer gets access to all Google applications, such as YouTube and the Play Market.
What is Apple TV and how it works, connection and setup

NVIDIA Shield TV

Speaking of analogues, it is worth mentioning the NVIDIA device. The Shield supports 4K quality, and the first time you launch Netflix, it immediately prompts you to subscribe to the 4K version. In addition to it, there is also the possibility to download several other VOD applications to the device, such as: Prime Video or ivi. In addition to international venues, there are also foreign services such as Red Bull, TED, WWE and many others on various entertainment and sports topics. YouTube is also available for download. The Shield’s biggest plus is the GeForce Now service. While it’s had some issues with game publishers lately, it’s largely due to this feature that the Shield can be seen as a good Apple TV replacement. Intuitive controls, smooth operation and the ability to connect BT controllers are other advantages that speak in favor of Shield TV. The downside is the lack of a USB port on the device and the inability to install HBO GO. Returning to GeForce Now, the service allows you to play in the cloud, so there is no need to start a computer, you just need a TV or monitor. Shield owners get free access to several games as part of the GeForce Now service.

Connecting and setting up Apple TV

  1. Connect your device and turn on your TV

Connect Apple TV to a power source, you need to connect the set-top box to your TV using an HDMI cable. To watch UHD HDR movies on Apple TV 4K, you need to use an HDMI 2.0 cable.
What is Apple TV and how it works, connection and setup

  1. Choose a language and enable Siri

Swipe your finger across the remote’s touch surface to select your language and country. If you have selected the wrong language, press the Menu button to return to the previous screen.
What is Apple TV and how it works, connection and setup

  1. Continue setup with iOS device or manually

To automatically add your Apple ID and Wi-Fi network settings, select Set Up with Device. Next, bring your iOS device near the TV box and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also choose to Set Up Manually so that you don’t need a third-party device to set up your Apple TV.

  1. Download apps

Once the setup is complete, you will see the main screen. From this screen, you can watch your favorite shows and movies, and find other content to watch on the Apple TV app.

Apple TV – is it worth it?

The Apple TV is the perfect solution for anyone who appreciates innovation. Especially when the family has Apple TVs, iPads and iPhones. When making a purchase decision, it is worth choosing the latest version of Apple TV 4K, which offers great features. First of all, this is access to 4K content, support for the cinematic sound quality of Dolby Atmos. This configuration makes you feel like you are in a movie theater when watching movies and series! But you need to remember about the analogues of this set-top box, which are much cheaper, and sometimes offer more features.

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