Setting up your Apple TV

The first thing you need to understand is that if you want to connect your Apple TV to your TV, then you need to do so by using the HDMI port. This port is used for delivering both video and audio. Before setting up the Apple TV, check the ports on your TV and be sure you have the required cables.

1. You will need an HDMI cable to connect your Apple TV to your home theater receiver or TV.

2. (Optional) You may also need an optical digital audio cable. This cable can be used if you’d like to connect your Apple TV to a receiver.

Connecting the cables

At this point you’ll need to connect the cables. Using the HDMI cable, connect one end of it to the back of the TV. The other end should be connected to the appropriate port on the back of your Apple TV. Some people may use an optical digital cable for audio. If that’s the case for you, then be sure to connect one end of it to the appropriate port on your Apple TV (optical digital audio) and the other end to the audio input on your TV or receiver.

Note: The Apple TV features 802.11 Wi-Fi technology, allowing it to connect to your network automatically and wirelessly. However, if you have an Ethernet based network, be sure to use an Ethernet cable to connect your Apple TV to it.

Connect the power cord

One end of the power cord needs to be connected to a power outlet and the other to the power port you’ll find on the back of the Apple TV.

Note: You should never place any objects on top of the Apple TV. Doing so may result in bad signal. Placing the Apple TV on top of electronic equipment is also not recommended.

Turn on your TV and select the input

Since this is the first time you’re using the Apple TV, you’ll be greeted by a screen where you have to select your language and network. However, if the only thing you see is a black screen, then don’t worry. All you have to do is check whether the input setting selected on your TV is the same as the input you connected the cables to on your home theater receiver or TV.

Configuring your Apple TV 3rd gen

If you want to connect to iTunes, then you’ll be very happy to know that the Apple TV can help you configure your wireless network to do so. With iTunes, you can watch and listen to a lot of high quality content from the iTunes library.

Configuring your Apple TV

When configuring your Apple TV, you need to have your Apple Remote, but also your network pass and name ready. The path between the Apple TV and the remote should also be clear. Keep in mind that if you’re on an Ethernet network, then the Apple TV will detect your network automatically. If you’re on a wireless network, then the Apple TV will help you connect to it.

Using the Apple Remote, make sure to enter your network name or select it from the list and then enter the network pass (if you’ve set one).

Entering your IP address along with your DNS address, router address, and subnet address may be necessary if you do not connect using DHCP. Be sure to follow the onscreen instructions to complete the network connection.

How to connect to iTunes

If you’d like to use your Apple TV to access the content of your iTunes library, then you need to have the latest iTunes installed (recommended). Any version earlier than 10.5 won’t work so be sure to keep that in mind. If you do have iTunes, but you’re not sure if you have the latest version, then update it. You can do this by using Software Update (if you’re on a Mac). If you’re using a Windows machine, go to iTunes Help to update the software.

How to set up home sharing

Once your network connection is finally set up, you have to set up your Apple TV and iTunes so you can share your iTunes library. To do so, you need to use Home Sharing on both the Apple TV and iTunes. If you’d like to set up Home Sharing in iTunes, then you need to open iTunes, go to Advanced, and there you’ll see Turn On Home Sharing. You’ll now need to enter your Apple ID and your password. Next, click on Create Home Share.

Now, if you’d like to set up Home Sharing on your Apple TV, then you first of all need to go to settings and then to Computers. Here you’ll see an option that says Turn on Home Sharing. Click it and again, enter your Apple ID and pass (the same ones you entered on your laptop or computer).

As you can see, setting up your Apple TV 3rd generation is not hard at all. Just follow these tips and you’ll be able to watch your favorite videos, movies, shows, and also listen to your favorite music in no time!

The post How To Set Up Apple Tv 3rd Generation appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Specs and Design

Apple TV:

1. A8 CPU (dual core)
2. HDMI output.
3. 2GB of RAM.
4. 1080 output resolution.
5. 32GB or 64GB storage.
6. 425 grams.
7. Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi‑Fi, 10/100BASE‑T Ethernet.

Roku Ultra:

1. 900 MHz Broadcom BCM2836 CPU (quad-core).
2. Optical audio, HDMI output.
3. RAM: Unknown
4. 256MB of built in storage (unconfirmed).
5. USB port and MicroSD card slot for extra storage.
6. 4K UHD resolution with High Dynamic Range support (60hz).
7. Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, 10/100BASE‑T Ethernet.

Specs breakdown

One thing you need to keep in mind is that specs don’t really matter that much. After all, the devices need to stream content and they have to do it well. They may have a powerful CPU and a lot of memory, but if the stream quality is not there, that beefed up CPU and memory don’t really matter that much.

Now, the Roku Ultra does have a more powerful CPU compared to the Apple TV. That’s because it needs extra juice for the 4K content. In terms of memory, 1GB should be enough. The Apple TV has 2GB, while the Roku may have about 1.5GB.

The difference in storage between the 2 is massive. The Apple TV can have up to 64GB of memory, while the Roku only has 256MB. This is because the Roku focuses on streaming everything.

The Roku supports 4K HDR, while the Apple TV can only handle Full HD. There isn’t too much 4K HDR content out there yet, but it’s good to know that the Roku is future proof in this regard.

Remote control comparison

First of all, the Roku Ultra features a physical remote that you can also use as a game controller. Even better, it features a built-in headphone jack, too. This means you can plug in your headphones in the remote (the Roku comes with a free pair) and the sound will be directed directly to your ears (through the remote).

The Roku remote comes with a speaker as well. If you can’t find it, then you need to press a button on the Roku Ultra and the remote will play a sound that allows you to find it easier. Quite useful, don’t you think? Lastly, the Roku offers voice search as well, making it easier to search for your favorite movies, shows, etc.

When it comes to the Apple Remote, you can use Siri, speak into the remote and look for content. As expected, the Siri remote can also be used to command your Apple TV. The Apple TV remote also has a touchpad which is quite useful if you don’t like to press buttons all the time. Better yet, you can easily use it to adjust the volume as well. As such, no longer will you need to worry about having a separate remote for adjusting the volume.

OS and content

The OS on the Apple TV (tvOS) has been updated and revamped. It’s fluid, smooth and it’s very pleasing to the eye. Not only does it have HD screensavers, but it also has a very useful Search feature. You can now use it in order to search through channels, even if you don’t yet have them. This can be pretty useful. This means that if you search for movies with Leonardo DiCaprio, you’ll get results not only from the iTunes store, but also from HBO Go, Netflix, and any other app you may have installed.

The Roku Ultra’s operating system is called Roku OS7. You get about twenty five hundred channels, but that’s not the best part. The best part is the Roku Feed which makes it a breeze to bookmark your favorite movies and TV shows. What happens next is that when one of the channels Roku offers has that movie in it, you’ll be notified. How great is that? This sounds very much like the Apple TV’s universal search, but it’s certainly a lot more useful since it tracks your favorite content and then notifies you when you can watch it.

Apple TV vs Roku: Price and verdict

Trying to come to a conclusion on which of these players is the best is very difficult. In terms of price, the 4th gen Apple TV with 32GB of memory is $149, with the 64GB version costing $199. In comparison, the Roku Ultra costs only $129 which is much cheaper.

For the asking price, you get the amazing Siri remote that has a lot of functionality and can help you enjoy your Apple TV a lot more than the traditional remote. If you love games, then you can safely go with the Apple TV. You can download thousands of games from the App Store and many of them are quite affordable as well. Then again, with the Apple TV you don’t get 4K HDR support, while the Roku Ultra offers it. This year, the popular streaming services, including Amazon Instant Video and Netflix are focusing on 4K content, including HDR, so if you’re into it, then the Roku may be a great choice to consider. If you opt for the Apple TV, then you’ll need to settle with Full HD resolution.

Calling a winner in this battle is definitely very difficult. Our take is that if you want the highest quality content, then go for the Roku. On the other hand, if you’re into games and apps, then go for the Apple TV!

The post Apple TV 4 vs. Roku Ultra: Which is better? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Netflix

If you’re the type who loves streaming instead of downloading his favorite shows, then Netflix is a great choice. While many services keep trying to catch up to it, Netflix still is the most popular streaming service to date. No matter what shows or movies you want to see, chances are that you can find them here. Even more, it seems that Netflix is greatly investing in original shows such as Orange is the new black or House of cards. So far, these homegrown shows have had massive success. Because of that, it’s obvious that Netflix is here to stay and will continue to be the king of entertainment for years to come.

Hulu

For a very long time, many people avoided Hulu because of the pesky ads it kept showing. Luckily, you can now use an ad-free Hulu on your samsung smart tv. The ad free Hulu is very affordable and has some pretty great content you can watch. In fact, Hulu’s content library is seriously one of the largest in the industry. Just make sure though that you don’t set your expectations too high, since they don’t have many movies worth watching.

Spotify

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services in the world and a must if you love music. It’s much like Napster, but the big difference is that Spotify has a much larger music library. As with YouTube, if you want to get rid of ads, then you need to opt for the paid version. If not, then you’ll have to get used to watching those pesky ads every time you use it.

Amazon Instant Video

In an attempt to challenge Netflix, Amazon has launched its own streaming service. They’ve also started to build a massive content library in order to compete with Netflix. What’s sets Amazon Instant Video apart is the fact you can actually download your favorite shows and watch them later. This is very rare among streaming services. Amazon Instant Video keeps striking deals with a lot of movie studios, broadcaster, and producers as well. Because of that, you can expect to see a lot more content available for streaming in the near future.

HBO GO and HBO Now

If you love shows such as The Wire, Last Week Tonight, and Game of Thrones, then you like HBO. Just keep in mind that the 2 apps, HBO Go and HBO Now are quite different. You can only access HBO Go if you have a cable subscription to it. On the other hand, HBO Now can be accessed by anybody as long as they sign up for it.

TED

You’ve probably heard of TED by now. If you didn’t, then let us tell you that this is an organization that hosts conferences worldwide where people discuss amazing ideas in their field.

The talks span from the greatest inventions to global politics. While the TED speakers usually speak for a few minutes, they do leave a lasting impact. If you want to learn new things, then you should certainly watch more TED on your samsung smart tv.

YouTube

In the past few years, YouTube has changed quite a lot. Sure, it’s still a great place you can visit if you want to watch cat videos on you samsung smart tv. However, there are now a lot of professional creators working in professional studios to produce top-notch content for their audience. If you want to use the free version, go ahead, no one will judge you for it. However, if you simply cannot stand the ads, then you can opt for the paid version to get rid of them.

Napster

Thought Napster was dead? Well, it’s not. One thing you need to know about it is that it was purchased by Best Buy. Eventually Napster merged with Rhapsody and it has a pretty great collection of music you can listen to. If you want, then you can also download content from it. If you love music and want to discover new artists, then Napster is definitely the way to go.

VUDU

Last but not least, VUDU is a great place where you can rent videos and watch them on your samsung smart tv. This service is offered by Wal-Mart. There are no monthly subscriptions available, so this means you need to pay on a per video basis. Overall, the fees are okay, but keep in mind that the rates may vary. What sets VUDU apart from other streaming services is its library. You can actually watch a lot of new movies in great quality. On top of that, it also has an amazing collection of classic and old movies, too!

All in all, these are the best samsung tv apps you should certainly have if you want to make the most of your Samsung smart TV. Download them today and start your amazing journey into the world of top quality digital content!

The post Top 9 Apps you should install on your Samsung Smart TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

If this is the first time you’re trying to reset your Apple TV, it’s important to know that there are 2 ways you can do this. The first method involves resetting the TV from the Settings menu. This assumes that you can boot up the TV and use the menus. If you can do this, then way to go!

On the other hand, if you haven’t really used your TV in a while and you don’t think you’re ever going to use it anytime soon, then you may want to donate or sell it. Before you do that, you need to wipe off any sensitive data on it. Doing so is simple and you just have to use iTunes to complete the process.

There’s also the case when your TV doesn’t work anymore because you tried to update the firmware and accidentally lost power to the device. Or maybe you did something else that bricked it. With that in mind below we’ll take a closer look at your options.

You can boot your Apple TV

If your Apple TV boots, then you can use the console in order to reset it. To do that, you should access the main menu and then go to Settings. Here, make sure to click on General. After you access this menu, you should scroll to the bottom. There you’ll see that you can actually reset your Apple TV without unplugging it and then proceeding to plug it back in. Choose the Reset option.

At this point, you’ll be able to cancel or restore your device to the original settings it shipped with. You can also reset your configuration and account. The option for doing so is called Reset All Settings.

Keep in mind that if you click Restore, then you’ll not only wipe the data on your Apple TV, but you’ll also download and install the latest software updates for it.

You can’t boot your Apple TV

If something bad happened and you cannot boot your Apple TV or maybe your Apple TV doesn’t operate properly, then don’t worry. This can be easily fixed by restoring it. Just connect it to your personal computer or laptop and factory reset it by using iTunes.

The first step you have to take though is to unplug the Apple TV. Next, get a mini USB cable and plug it into the back of the Apple TV. The USB port can be found below the HDMI port. The other end of the USB cable should be plugged into your laptop or personal computer.

At this point, your Apple TV should be connected, so be sure to plug it back in. If it’s not already running, iTunes will be launched automatically to recognize the Apple TV. There are 2 options you can choose from now, but remember that we want to fix the Apple TV. Therefore, we’ll click on Restore Apple TV.

Once you do that, you’ll be requested to confirm that you want to restore your Apple TV. Click on Restore and Update. You will need to wait a while, depending on your internet connection, for the Apple TV software to be installed. When the installation is complete, you’ll be able to boot the Apple TV and reconnect it to your TV.

Protect your privacy

Knowing how to factory reset your Apple TV goes a long way into helping you enjoy it once again. Once Apple will release a new Apple TV, a lot of people who currently own one may decide to sell it. Knowing how to reset it in order to wipe out sensitive data is very important to protect your privacy. Therefore, we certainly hope that this guide has helped you reset your device to the default factory settings. If there’s anything you’d like to add, please let us know about it in the comments section below.

The post How to Factory Reset your Apple TV in just a few steps appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Ever since Chromecast was released though, the market has changed quite a bit. Now we have a lot of streaming devices we can choose from, with the most popular ones including the Amazon Fire, Roku, and the Apple TV.

However, Google has released version 2 of their dongle and now you can get the google chromecast 2 which promises amazing performance at the same price. Some of the new features include screen mirror, but also gaming mirroring, and content aggregation.

Design and setup

While the original Chromecast looked very much like a stick, the second generation seems to shy away from that design. The 2nd gen features a round chassis that can be connected to your television’s HDMI port. In fact, the google chromecast 2 is also a cross-platform device, meaning that it has support for both Windows and iOS devices. The broader compatibility together with its low cost makes it by far one of the most attractive offers for anyone looking for a high quality streaming device.

As it was with the original Chromecast, the setup process for the latest iteration is basically the same. You just need to attach the power cable and then install Chromecast on your laptop, tablet or smartphone. At this point you’ll just need to power up the application and then follow the commands on the screen to connect the device to your Wi-Fi network and finally pair it with your chosen device. Once you do this, you’ll be able to start streaming.

The new app

Even though the setup process is simply the same, the second generation Chromecast runs a fully redesigned app. According to Google, their app now acts as a sort of hub for all your digital content needs. So the way it works is that it pulls content from every app that you have installed on your device and then makes it possible for you to stream it.

This is very useful, since no more will you need to access each app individually in order to stream your desired content from it. You can therefore watch videos from Vimeo and Netflix alongside with videos recently added to the BBC iPlayer, for instance. Better yet, the google chromecast 2 also features a cross platform search function. What this means is that you can search for content from all other apps installed on your device, making the Chromecast 2 a truly all in 1 entertainment hub.

Large number of apps supported

One thing you’ll certainly love about the google chromecast 2 is the fact that it supports a wider range of applications. In terms of entertainment, Spotify is by far the best addition. If you used the 1st gen Chromecast, you probably know that it didn’t have Spotify support. The 2nd Gen Chromecast also added support of productivity apps, including Polaris Office and Google Docs. Another great addition is the ability of streaming web pages from tabs opened in Chrome. Thanks to this new functionality, you can now easily stream content from unsupported apps onto your TV. Lastly, google chromecast 2 supports some basic Android games (such as Wheel of Fortune for instance).

Streaming quality

According to Google, it seems that their latest Chromecast iteration is able to stream video a lot faster thanks to the added Fast Play feature and especially the 5 GHz Wi-Fi network support. As you may already know, the newest 5 GHz frequency allows the Chromecast 2nd Gen to connect to other devices a lot faster. If you had the first Generation Chromecast with its 2.4 GHz, you probably noticed that sometimes it would get jittery when streaming content.

Now when it comes to the Fast Play feature, it’s certainly a nice addition. The way it work is that it starts to cache content (that you’re likely to watch) in the background. Based on what Google said, thanks to this function you’ll be able to stream content about 80 percent faster.

Google Chromecast comparison (1stGen vs. 2nd Gen)

We wanted to compare the two Chromecasts and so we pitted them against each other. The results were as expected: the second generation was a bit faster. In our tests, we used a 55 inch Sony TV while streaming content from BBC iPlayer, Vimeo, and Netflix on a Samsung Galaxy S7 smartphone and a BUT Home Hub router.

We tested both devices on the 2.4 GHz frequency and were surprised to find out that the 1st generation Chromecast loaded between 2 to 5 seconds faster than the second generation. We then changed the frequency to 5GHz, but unfortunately no speed or picture quality improvements were noticed. In terms of loading times though, Chromecast 2 was faster.

While the device is truly impressive, it cannot yet stream 4K content unlike other competitors, such as Amazon Fire TV and nVidia Shield TV. While there is not too much 4K content out there anyway, the lack of 4K support doesn’t make the device future proof.

Should you get the Chromecast 2?

Well, if you currently have a first generation Chromecast device, then you certainly should not buy it. Its main selling point is the new app and improved application support. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a streaming device, then by all means get it.

Compared to all other options on the market, the Chromecast 2 is by far the most affordable choice. Not only that, but it offers functionality that is usually found in devices at least twice as expensive. Even if you’re an iOS user, we still recommend this device especially if you’re on a budget.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the Chromecast 2 is one of the best valued streaming devices you can currently get. While it’s not terribly original, it does its job of streaming content extremely well.

The post An honest review of the Google Chromecast 2 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Apple is already facing fierce competition

In ’15, most of the first 4K UHD set top boxes emerged for the entertainment technology market. Some of the most popular examples of that time include Nvidia Shield, the Amazing Fire 4K TV box, and also the famous Roku 4. Compared to the Apple TV, they were all sporting much better features and the performance was also greater. But while all these alternatives to the Apple TV were great, Apple’s name and notoriety made it difficult for them to thrive and replace Apple’s set top box. However, in 2016 the same companies released their newest set top boxes which were way above what Apple could offer at the time in terms of performance and features. Almost all of them feature 4K support and some of them even support HDR.

Apple TV lags behind in terms of features

It’s true that over the years, Apple has actually released many generations of the device, with the latest iteration surfacing in 2015. This is when the Apple TV 4th generation was released and featured a lot more power than previous generation set top boxes. Currently though, Apple’s set top box lacks a lot of features compared to what the competition offers. On top of that, it doesn’t have the most modern specs users are craving for. This includes support for HDR and 4K UHD resolution. To make it even worse for Apple, their set top box is not cheap at all. In fact, even though it doesn’t offer HDR and 4K support, it still is a lot more expensive than the Amazon Fire TV box, the Roku Premiere Plus, and the Roku Ultra.

At this point Apple finds itself in a situation where they don’t offer the 3rd generation of their Apple TV for sale, but their 4th generation set top box still lags behind. Fortunately, there are signs showing that Apple may be working on the apple tv 5th generation set top box and if we’re lucky, we could easily see it launched this year.

The fans aren’t happy

While the 4th generation Apple TV was released at the end of ’15 and many people loved it, there were also many complaints about it not supporting 4K. In their defense, Apple claimed that due to the relative scarcity of 4K TVs and content they decided that launching a 4K compatible Apple TV is not feasible.

While in 2016 UHD content was still low in volume, it seems that in 2017 this is about to change in a big way. There are now more and more 4K TVs being released and this means that 4K is becoming more mainstream. In fact, at the end of 2016, about forty percent of all TVs sold in the United States (larger than fifty inches) were Ultra HD TVs.

As we also previously iterated, there’s also a lot of competition that Apple needs to deal with. As we all know, Apple is regarded as an innovating company that always brings something new to the market. However, their Apple TV 4th generation is currently outdated and people are happy to support the competition because they pay less and also get more. In fact, even Chromecast Ultra (from Google) supports 4K content, while Apple’s TV doesn’t.

The Apple Tv 5th Generation launch is imminent

At this point, Apple is feeling the heat and it doesn’t like it. Since they removed the 3rd generation Apple TV from their website, this is a clear sign that they’re working on something new. On top of that, the 4th generation is also due for a replacement very soon.

By considering all these things, it’s clear that Apple doesn’t want to be left behind. It’s not really about losing sales, since they’re making a killing with their iPhone lineup. Apple wants to be regarded as the best company in the world and wants people to think of it as the only company that truly innovates. So if you’re currently thinking about getting a 4K TV, then you should certainly proceed with getting it, since Apple will release their next generation Apple TV sooner than you think. Once they do that, we’ll also see a sharp decrease in price for their 4th gen Apple TV. Great things are to come from Apple, so stay tuned for more updates!

The post What You Need To Know About the Apple Tv 5th Generation appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Air Media Center is a multi-platform mobile media center that lets you stream your media collection from your computer to Apple TV 4. Unlike other players, AMC will automatically transcode your music, video and photo streams when necessary.

Air Media Center is a suite of 2 applications: in order to enjoy AMC on your Apple TV, you will first need to download and install a free server application on your Mac or PC.

Learn more about Air Media Center.

Partnering with App Dynamic, the developer of AMC, we’re giving away 5 free copies of this amazing piece of software.

Here’s how to participate:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Giveaway: win a copy of Air Media Center for Apple TV 4 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

FireCore is today rolling out a big 4.2 update for Infuse, its powerful media player for iOS and tvOS. This is one of the major updates, and adds in some interesting new features including Library View on tvOS, trakt ratings sync, Spotlight search on iOS, improved Dolby audio, and a number of others.

Library View

Infuse will search deep within your folders to catalog every movie, TV show, and cat video it can find and group them all together in a slick new menu.

With a set of all-new Smart Filters, you can browse by genre, rating, release date, age rating, and even get an overview of all unwatched or recently added items.

Trakt ratings sync

In addition to playback progress and watched history, trakt ratings now also stay in sync between all your devices. Rated items are now designated with a set of distinctive orange stars that get updated from trakt automatically.

Ratings can be easily posted to trakt from Infuse on iOS/tvOS or through trakt.tv.

Favorites

The new Smart Filters can also be used to create Favorites that appear right on the Infuse home screen. It lets you customize Infuse to ensure your favorite content is front and center for whenever you’re ready.

Adding custom artwork for your Favorites can now be done right from the Apple TV menus.

Spotlight search (iOS)

Videos selected from within Spotlight will instantly start playing, and Infuse will pick up right where you left off if you happened to already start that video on another device.

Here is what’s new in Infuse 4.2 for tvOS:

• All-new Library View with Smart Filters
• New artwork picker for folder and library favorites
• Personalized trakt ratings
• Auto-select first unwatched TV episode
• Episodes now grouped by season in Recently Watched
• Streamlined sign in process for trakt
• Recently used subtitle languages are now grouped together
• Mark folders to use embedded metadata only
• Resume prompt now displays resume time
• Additional Continuous Playback options
• Better support for 60+ fps videos
• Apple TV ‘Dolby Digital’ option now works with 7.1 content
• Improved universal remote scrolling
• Improved indexing behavior
• Improved lower shelf navigation
• Improved double-tap browsing controls
• Improved display of DTS-HD MA track names
• Improved trakt rating prompt
• Many, many other minor improvements and fixes

Learn more about Infuse 4 for Apple TV and check out the video showing the setup process and explaining how Infuse actually works on Apple TV 4.

There are 2 ways to download Infuse.

1. Search for Infuse in the App Store app on Apple TV.
2. Download Infuse or Infuse Pro on a computer or iOS device, then locate Infuse under the Purchased tab in the App Store app on Apple TV.

Note: The same features are available whether you upgrade to Pro via In-App Purchase, or purchase the standalone Infuse Pro app.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Infuse 4 for Apple TV updated with all-new Library View with Smart Filters, improved Dolby audio, and more appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Apple TV users have hoped for a standalone Amazon Videos app for their little black boxes for the past few years. Although there is a way to enjoy Amazon Videos on the big screen using Apple TV, it’s not the most straightforward and comfortable one. Back in November, Amazon appeared to have confirmed that they were developing a tvOS app for Prime Video, but since then we haven’t heard anything about it.

And according to Cord Cutters News editor Luke Bouma, “all signs continue to point to the fact that Amazon Video is not coming to the new Apple TV.”

He believes that the most recent evidence (which is “just one more piece in a growing list of evidence”) comes from the new Starz standalone subscription streaming app for Apple TV and Android.

Also read: How to watch Amazon Prime Instant Video on Apple TV

Why does this new service mean anything for Amazon Video?

Starz has had a subscription service for some time now through the Amazon Video app as an add-on. Roku, Fire TV, and other device users have had access to Starz content.

The Starz app being added to the Apple TV and not to Roku, Fire TV, and other devices points to Starz knowing there is no hope for the future of Apple TV and Amazon Video. Android also does not have a official Amazon Video app in the Google Play Store. So the two platforms the new Starz subscription service works on are two largest platforms that do not have an Amazon Video app.

Making a high end app, such as the new Starz app, is not cheap. If Starz thought Amazon was on its way over to the Apple TV or Google Play store they would not be spending their money on their own service.

So what is the reason Amazon is not coming to the Apple TV?

Likely because Amazon Video is at its core a store, and Apple seems to have a policy that no third-party stores for movies and TV shows being added to the Apple TV. Now Amazon has a similar policy on their Fire TV so Apple is not alone in this policy.

From everything we have learned, this is the real issue that is preventing the Amazon Video app from coming to the Apple TV. Amazon also seems unwilling to release an app that does not have their Amazon store, and Apple won’t allow third-party content stores leaving services, such as Starz, in the middle.

Luke thinks that Amazon Video could eventually show up on the Apple TV but he is quite sure it’s not going to happen any time soon.

Also read: Starz subscription streaming app now available on Apple TV

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Amazon Video not coming to Apple TV? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Air Media Center, a popular multi-platform mobile media center, has been recently updated with support for the new Apple TV. The app now lets you stream your media collection from your computer not only to your mobile device, but also to Apple TV 4.

Air Media Center doesn’t require any syncing or copying; it will automatically transcode your music, video and photo streams when necessary to match the playback capabilities of your device, so you don’t have to worry about codecs or file conversions.

Air Media Center is a suite of 2 applications: in order to enjoy AMC on your iPhone/iPad (Android and Windows Mobile versions will be available soon) or Apple TV, you will first need to download and install a free server application on your Mac or PC. Air Media Server is available for free in the Mac App Store. PC version is also available for free from the developer’s website.

To download the app on your Apple TV simply search for “Air Media Center” on the Apple TV App Store.

The app costs $4.99.

Features:
• Retina display optimized video and photo streaming
• Authenticate using your Mac or PC user accounts
• Hide files or folders using file system permissions
• Play videos, music, photos of any form or shape
• Provides instant live transcoding if needed
• Folder, iTunes playlist and iPhoto album sharing

Supported files/formats:
AVI, DIVX, XVID, MKV, MP4, M4V, MOV, MPG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, EyeTV MPEG2, MPEG-4, ASF, WMV, WMA, WAV, MP3, 3GP, OGG, FLAC, MPEG audio, ADTS AAC audio, Real Audio and Video, Macromedia Flash (Only embedded audio is decoded), FLV (Macromedia Flash video files), DVR-MS, WTV, CDR, ISO and more.

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