How to Set Up and Use the New (2nd Generation) Apple TV

Since its inception in 2006, Apple CEO Steve Jobs has dubbed the Apple TV project a hobby, downplaying its potential as a game changing digital living room device. Apple TV is kind of media receiver that channels digital content from the web and elsewhere to an HDMI-enabled television. The initial generation of Apple TV was released in the form of a relatively small set-top box that contained a hard drive (just like a computer) and digital content such as photos, music, and movies could be synced with the device (much like an iPod) whereby the content could be shown on the user's television via HDMI.

In the beginning...

Before Apple TV, Apple, with iTunes, had established a growing business of selling television shows and movies digitally. Consumers could buy (and later rent) their favorite episodes or films for viewing on their iTunes -compatible Apple devices such as the iPod and Mac. However most of the general public (and even many geeky types) were not keen on watching said content on these nontraditional devices. Sure, watching a movie in-flight or in a hotel room or in the car using an iPod or Macbook was convenient, but many did not want to be tied to these devices when it came to watching a movie at home.

Apple TV bridged the gap between modern digital content and traditional home television viewing. But there were a few problems with the first generation. First of all, the 1^st gen Apple TV contained a physical hard drive so that users were limited by the capacity of Apple TV. Also there arose complaints about the interface and that it was difficult to use. Finally, with the advent of streaming services from the likes of Hulu and Netflix, more and more consumers were streaming movies and shows instead of purchasing and downloading them outright.

A New Day

To remedy these issues, Apple released the greatly overhauled 2^nd generation Apple TV in 2010. This Apple TV was different in every way: black instead of white, about ¼ the size, about 1/3 the price ($99, compared with $229), compatible with a host of internet-based services. The new Apple TV has no hard drive and relies fully on streaming content from the user's Mac, PC, iOS device, or the internet. The new Apple TV integrates Netflix streaming, YouTube, Flickr, MobileMe, and even movie ratings from Rotten Tomatoes.

How It Works and How to Use It
Out of the box the Apple TV comes with the bare minimum: the device itself, Apple Remote, power supply, manual, and that's it. Even though the Apple TV requires an HDMI cable to hook to your TV, it does not come with one. So be prepared to purchase one separately. Most retailers that will carry the Apple TV will also carry HDMI cables costing anywhere from $5 to $20. So you can easily purchase it at the same time you buy your Apple TV. If you have already bought Apple TV and need an HDMI cable you can pick one up at Apple online or retail stores, Best Buy, Radio Shack, Wal-mart, Target, or anywhere place that sells hi-def televisions.

Understand first of all that you must have high speed internet in order to use the Apple TV (if you do not have internet, contact your local internet service provider before purchasing Apple TV). Apple TV can connect to your home's wireless network or you can plug it straight into your router using a standard Ethernet cable (the port is located on the back of Apple TV).

Place Apple TV near your television and connect the power supply. Next, using the HDMI cable, connect the Apple TV to your television's HDMI port. The HDMI cable will carry both sound and video so it is not necessary to run separate audio lines (there is optical audio output for users who want this, but most will not need it). After you have made these connections, plug the power cord in and turn on your television setting it to the HDMI setting (see your television's owner's manual if you are unsure how to do this).

Using the included remote, press the center button of the circle to turn Apple TV on. You will be taken through a few set-up steps. Simply fill in the information required. You will be prompted for an Apple or iTunes user ID and password. If you do not have one you may set one up. An iTunes account is required to purchase and rent iTunes content. Also you must have a Mac or PC running iTunes in order to stream content from your computer to Apple TV.

The Nitty Gritty

After the set up process you will be taken to the Apple TV's main menu which includes Movies, TV Shows, Internet, Computers and Settings. Movies and TV Shows allows you to browse, rent, and purchase content from the iTunes store (right on the device; requires iTunes account); Internet allows for streaming from Netflix (requires Netflix account), YouTube, Flickr (photos), and MobileMe; and Computers allows you to connect to a computer on your home's network and stream content from it to your television. Settings allows you to change and customize various aspects of the user experience on your Apple TV.

Streaming Content

To stream content from Netflix, use the remote to navigate to the Internet category on the main menu, then go down to select Netflix. If you have not already done so, it will prompt you to enter your Netflix username and password. After doing so you will be able to search through Netflix's content by browsing various categories, using the Search function to find specific titles, or by visiting your Netflix Instant Queue, right on Apple TV. No need to go to your computer! Once you have found a title you wish to view, select it and you will be shown a synopsis along with a rating. Select the highlighted Play button and you are on your way! YouTube works similarly. Browse videos, Search for specific videos, or view your Favorites and watch them on your television.

To stream content from your computer, return to the main menu (using the Remote's Menu button) and select Computers. Apple TV will search for your computer(s) on the network. Your computer must be running with iTunes open for this to work. When you see your computer show up in the list, select it and enter a password, if required. After doing so you will then be able to view and browse all music, movies, and photos located on your computer. You can play songs, videos, shows, movies, and photo slideshows all right on your television.

Finally, any content you view or listen to on your iOS device (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) can be re-routed to your Apple TV. When listening to music, watching video or YouTube on your device you will see a small icon in the lower right of the screen that resembles a TV. Just tap that icon and in a moment the content will then be sent to your television via Apple TV.

The End of the Matter

There are so many more things that this new Apple TV can do that it would require many more pages to describe them all. Apple TV is a straightforward, simple device for viewing all your online and computer-based content and also allows you to rent and purchase movies and shows from iTunes without leaving your sofa or easy chair. The internet has changed the way my family and I receive entertainment and the Apple TV has made this experience so much simpler for us. I hope you will feel the same and that you will tell your friends about Apple TV so that it can continue to grow into more than "a hobby" for Apple. Good luck!