How Does Apple TV Work? Top Full Options [2022]

How does Apple TV work? Apple TV is a digital media player and microconsole developed and sold by Apple Inc. It is a small network appliance and entertainment device that can receive digital data from several sources and stream it to a capable television. Apple TV is an HDMI-compliant source device. Widescreen television via an HDMI cable.

What is Apple TV?

What is Apple TV

Apple TV streams TV shows and movies to your HDTV. This is similar to Roku or Google’s Chromecast. However, that’s only one feature. It can stream music and play games as well as listen to podcasts.

All of it depends on which apps you choose to install. Many programs are free, and others cost money. Some are free to download, while others require you to pay for a service (e.g., HBO).

An HDMI cable and an internet connection are the only things you’ll need to set up Apple TV. Apple TV has an Ethernet port that can connect to a hardwired Internet connection. It also supports Wi-Fi. The remote control is also included.

After connecting it to your TV using the HDMI cable, turn it on, and it will run through a brief setup program. You will need to enter your Apple ID to sign in to iTunes or download apps from your iPad. If you are connecting wirelessly, you will also need to enter your Wi-Fi information.

You can speed up the process if you own an iPhone. Apple TV and your iPhone will share some information, so you don’t have to enter it manually.

What Can Apple TV Do?

Apple TV turns your television into a “smart” TV. Apple TV allows you to rent or stream movies from iTunes. You can also stream TV shows and movies from Netflix and Hulu. Apple Music and Pandora allow you to stream music and listen to podcasts. It can even replace traditional cable TV subscriptions with Sling TV.

Apple TV 4K is the latest version of the hardware. It has the same fast processor as the iPad Pro. This makes it twice as powerful as most laptop computers. It also features a graphics processor that can turn it into an entertainment console.

Apple’s streaming box also works with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Your iCloud Photo Library can be viewed on your TV. This includes the Memories video album videos that the iPhone and iPad create from your photos. AirPlay allows you to connect your iPad or iPhone screen to your big-screen TV.

Does Apple TV Work With HomeKit?

Does Apple TV Work With HomeKit

Apple TV can also be used as a base station for HomeKit and gives you access to Siri. You can control your TV using voice commands by pressing a Siri button on the remote. Siri can be used to ask the TV for specific information, such as naming actors or asking the system to show movies of a certain genre, actor, or director.

HomeKit is your home’s central hub. HomeKit can be used to control smart appliances such as lights and thermostats. You can use your iPhone to communicate with Apple TV from your home to control your smart devices.

What Are the Differences Between the Apple TV Models?

Two models are currently available, with one model being discontinued. As you might expect, they have some significant differences.

Apple TV 4K. This model is Apple TV’s flagship. It supports 4K and HDR video and has the same A10 processor as the iPad Pro. This is the best-selling Apple TV model.

Apple TV (4th generation). This model supports 1080p HD video, and it has an A8 processor. It is identical to the iPhone 6. The 4th-generation model may tempt you if your TV doesn’t support 4Kor HDR. However, this model will allow you to upgrade your TV in the future. It also doubles and quadruples both the processor speed and graphics speed.

Apple TV (3rd generation). The model is no more available. However, you might find it at auction sites such as eBay or person-to-person sites like Craigslist. This model doesn’t have App Store access and offers video streaming capabilities. This model is more affordable than the others because it’s older. However, you might better invest your money in another streaming device such as a Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

What is OTT?

OTT content is available to viewers online, bypassing satellite, cable, and broadcast television platforms. It also bypasses the control or distribution companies that used to be involved in such content. Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ are examples of OTT content providers.

Many providers are now focusing on developing new hardware and creating original content for their subscribers, as the number of households that have not yet connected to OTT is decreasing.

Access OTT content can be accessed using:

Internet-connected devices (Android, iOS mobile phones, smart televisions)
Set-top boxes that are connected to the TV (e.g., Apple TV, Nvidia Shield Fire TV, and Roku),
Gaming consoles
Tablets, desktop computers, and laptops.

The State of the OTT market

In 2019, the global OTT market (both content and devices) was valued USD 56.40 million. It is expected to grow at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of 18.6% between 2020 and 2027.

In 2020, more than 45% of OTT content streaming users were Android and iOS users, while 39% used the internet to access OTT content.

The OTT media services are growing due to the increasing demand for streaming content. Customers want greater accessibility, connectivity, and portability.

Do I Need An Apple TV To Access OTT Content?

Apple TV can be connected to your TV via HDMI to access various streaming apps and services.

Apple TV has 4K and HDR capabilities behind Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Google Chromecast. Apple TV does not offer a USB port to play your media from an external drive. This is a common Apple move. Apple TV devices are also more expensive than their competitors.

But is it really necessary? What are the alternatives to Apple TV? Other than Apple TV, there are other ways to stream your Web video to the TV. Let’s take a look at these options:

Your good ol’ gaming console

You can stream video from your Xbox or Sony Playstation without paying a dime. You can also use the gaming pad as a remote control.

Smart TVs

Today’s TVs are mostly “smart,” meaning that you can download streaming apps to your TV, working just fine. However, this is far from Apple’s signature, world-class user experience. Many people choose to buy an OTT device such as Apple TV even though their smart TVs offer a wide range of streaming apps, like Netflix and HBO.

Google Chromecast TV

Google’s Chromecast TV, recently released by Google, is directly competing with Apple TV. It seamlessly integrates with Google’s ecosystem.

Other OTT boxes and TV streaming dongles

Roku is Apple’s main competitor in the set-top box space. Roku Sticks are available for as low as $50. Amazon Fire TV and less well-known streaming media players offer similar basic features for a much lower price. Amazon’s Fire TV Stick costs only $39 and streams many of the same apps.

Amazon also offers $30 Amazon Voice Search, which allows you to search videos and other content using your voice. This shows that Apple is losing the edge in many areas and that the OTT box choice is less important than one might think.

Bottom line: Apple TV may not be the leader in OTT, but there are many other options. Apple’s key distinguishing features include AirPlay and the ability to use Siri voice to input text using your voice. Apple TV is recommended for those who have invested heavily in Apple’s ecosystem (have an iPhone, iPad, lots purchased iTunes, Apple Music, etc.).

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FAQ

How do I pair my Apple TV remote?

Pair the Siri remote with your Apple TV when set up. Point the remote 3 inches from your Apple TV to pair it up again. Next, hold down Menu and Volume Up for five seconds. If prompted, place the remote on top of the Apple TV.

How do I delete apps on an Apple TV?

You can delete an app on Apple TV in three ways. The easiest method is to highlight an app and press and hold the touchpad. Next, select Play/Pause > delete > Delete.

What is Apple TV Plus?

Apple TV Plus differs from Apple TV or Apple TV app. It is Apple’s subscription streaming service. Subscribers can access original content only through Apple TV+.

How do I cancel Apple TV+?

Go to AppleTV.com using a web browser. To cancel Apple TV+ If prompted, click on the account profile icon to sign in. Next, navigate to Settings > Subscriptions> Manage > Cancel Subscription.

Conclusion

Apple TV is a digital media player and microconsole developed and sold by Apple Inc. It is a small network appliance and entertainment device that can receive digital data from several sources and stream it to a capable television. Thanks for reading.