Apple TV is a slim, sleek, smart, and compact device that unlocks new gateways of entertainment and convenience for you. It acts like a set-top box, but instead of catching the channels from a cable or fiber connection, it swoops them up from the internet itself. Apple TV enables you to stream your favorite content from the dedicated channel apps, get access to multiple streaming platforms, including Netflix, and control what goes on your television right from your iPhone or iPad. Not only that, it comes with smart assistance from Siri and a touch-screen remote control, which will make you look tech-savvy in front of your friends. If you don’t already have an Apple TV in your home, we recommend you to purchase one today, especially if you’re an iOS fan. Once you do, this post will help you set it up and integrate it into your pre-existing entertainment unit without the slightest trouble. Read on.
Things You Need Beforehand
In addition to your Apple TV device, you should have a number of things ready before starting the setup process. These are:
- A fast internet connection, one that delivers at least 25 Mbps download speed for a seamless streaming experience.
- An Ethernet cable, if you don’t want to hop on the Wi-Fi and prefer uninterrupted speeds.
- An HDMI cable with a 2.0 standard for hooking up the Apple TV device to your television set. Keep one more cable nearby (just in case) for attaching a soundbar or A/V receiver, if you have one.
- A cable subscription with tons of channel apps, like the ones offered in TWC TV packages, so that you can play your subscribed channel programming through Apple TV. If you’ve cut the cord, you can always use streaming services and their apps.
- A personal iOS device for easier control and mirroring, should you require it.
Do you have these ready to go? If yes, then let’s move on to the installation.
How to Connect an Apple TV to my Cable?
Follow the below-mentioned steps one by one to set up your Apple TV and connect it to your cable.
Step 1: Unbox & Verify
An Apple TV kit usually consists of a power cord, a USB-to-Lightning cable, Siri remote control, and the device itself. Check everything and make sure that you have all the hardware pieces well-accounted for.
Step 2: Attach the Cords
Take the power cord first and fix one end of it into the designated slot on the back of the Apple TV device and the other end of it into a power outlet. Don’t turn on the switch, yet. Next, bring the HDMI cable, attach one end of it to the back of your TV where the HDMI input is marked, and plug the other end into your Apple TV device. If you’ve got an A/V receiver or soundbar, then run an additional HDMI cable from Apple TV to the said devices. Moreover, if you want a wired connection, then find the spot for the Ethernet port in the control panel of your Apple TV and plug one end of the cable into it, while attaching the other end to your router.
Personalize the Settings
Power up Apple TV and turn on your television. Change the input selection of the TV to the same HDMI port where the Apple TV is connected. A setup screen should instantly become visible on your television display. Pair the Siri remote with Apple TV by pressing and holding the Volume Up and Menu buttons for up to five seconds. Once it’s paired, use your thumb to maneuver the remote’s touch surface and select your language and country from the options showing on TV by swiping up and down. From here, you can go two ways. Either choose ‘Set Up with Device’ to transfer the settings of your iOS device to the Apple TV in one go, or pick ‘Set Up Manually’ to install the device in a series of steps by following the on-screen instructions.
Connect to Cable
If you own a cable subscription and wish to watch your scheduled programming via the channel apps on Apple TV, then ‘Sign In’ to get instant access to your provider-supported apps at no additional charge. If you don’t have a subscription, you may skip this step.
Integrate Other Apple TVs
You can also keep the apps and home screen similar across every Apple TV you have in your home by visiting Settings > Accounts > iCloud > One Home Screen.
That’s it! You’re done.
Add more apps to your Apple TV dashboard, such as HBO, Disney+, or Hulu, by browsing the App Store and downloading them over your home internet connection.
Wrapping Up
Apple TV is a neat technology that takes your entertainment experience to the next level. Now, with the help of this post, you can easily set it up on your own and even connect it to your cable subscription, if you have one.
