What Do I Need In Order To Watch Free Live TV On My Mac Apple TV iPhone Or iPad
Most importantly, you’ll need to be living in a country that supports digital TV that receives either ATSC, DVB-T and DVB-T2, DVB-C or QAM.
You’ll also need the HDHomerun box.
- HDHomeRun Connect Duo – $100 – Probably the box you want. It works with 802.11ac or 802.11n wireless internet connectivity and lets you stream live TV to two devices at the same time.
- HDHomeRun Connect Quatro – $150 – This is the same as the Connect Duo, but has four tuners instead of two. If three or more people in your household watch different TV channels at the same time from different devices, you might want to spend the extra $50 so the kids don’t fight.
- HDHomeRun Extend – $180 – The same as the Connect, but with video transcoding. If you have a poor internet connection in your area, this is the model you should get. The Extend compresses videos in real time so you aren’t maxing out your bandwidth.
- HDHomeRun Prime – $130 – This is the box that is only for cable subscribers. It requires a digital cable subscription and a CableCard, which you can rent from your provider.
If you’re on the Apple ecosystem, you’ll also need to download the HDHomeRun app for Mac, iPhone or iPad. HDHomeRun is not yet compatible with Apple TV. However, there are a variety of software options that range in price from a few dollars up front, to a monthly subscription. It all depends on what you want or need.
How To Watch Live Broadcast TV On Your Apple TV Without Cable
Being a cord cutter , I’m always on the hunt for new ways to keep myself entertained. On Apple TV, I use a handful of apps that, either I subscribe to a streaming service for , or offer a free streaming TV feature that doesn’t require a cable subscription .
For those looking for “cable lite” in the form of small packaged cable subscriptions from services like Sling TV and DirecTV Now, we’ve got a list of the best streaming live TV services. Keep in mind, though, that most of these services don’t offer unlimited access to broadcast channels like NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox. What I’m referring to is the ability to watch any broadcast channel available in your area.
There is also this thing called broadcast television, which anyone can watch as long as they have a TV that supports digital television and an over-the-air HDTV antenna. The thing about broadcast television is that I couldn’t watch it on Apple TV. I’d have to switch my TV input over, and then flip through the channels until I found something to watch. I rarely watched broadcast television because I tend to stick with Apple TV for my TV and movie watching activities.
That is until I got HDHomeRun. With HDHomeRun, not only can I watch live broadcast television on my Apple TV, I can also watch it on my iPhone or iPad. Plus, with a subscription, you can record live TV and watch it the way a person with cable and a DVR would watch TV. Skip those commercials!
Watch Appletv+ On Windows 10
In order to watch AppleTV+ on Windows 10, you will need to purchase a subscription to the service. You may be eligible for one free year of the service. You can check eligibility on the AppleTV+ website. If youre not eligible, you can get a seven-day free trial but you will need a credit card to sign up.
AppleTV+ is available in select countries.
Also Check: How To Get Philo On Samsung TV
If Video Automatically Streams To An Airplay Device
Your device might automatically stream video to the Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV that you frequently use. If you open a video app and see in the upper-left corner, then an AirPlay device is already selected.
To use AirPlay with a different device, tap , then tap another device. Or tap again to stop streaming with AirPlay.
How To Watch Apple TV + Web Player In Windows
While there is no app, it is possible to access all of the content on Apple TV + using its website from a Windows computer or laptop .
So, all you need to do is go to the Apple TV + website and sign in, or subscribe to the service for the first time if you havent already done so using the Watch now button. Youll need to enter your Apple ID and password, then you should be able to access all of the content.
If you didnt have an Apple TV + account before, remember that you can take advantage of the free trial period that all new subscribers can take advantage of. This means that you can use the service for free for 7 days.
On the other hand, if you start using it after purchasing a new Apple device that includes a free one-year subscription, you should also see the option to use it when you sign in with your Apple ID.
And now, its time to enjoy all the content on Apple TV +. If you dont know what to watch, take a look at our pick of the best movies and series.
Also Check: How To Download Discovery App On Lg Smart TV
Why Would I Want Hdhomerun
First off, you’re probably only going to be interested in using HDHomeRun if you are a cord cutter . There is an HDHomeRun box specifically for people that have a cable subscription, but I’m focusing on people that don’t pay for cable and want to watch broadcast TV on their iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV.
You might be asking, “How is this any different from simply watching CBS, NBC, or ABC on my TV?” Because that’s what I asked, at first. Actually, there are two main benefits to using HDHomeRun as a broadcast television channel transmitter.
The obvious benefit is that you can watch broadcast television on any supported device in your house, including computers, smartphones, tablets, Xbox One, set-top boxes , and other media centers that support such apps as Plex, Emby, and Kodi. You don’t just have to watch TV on your TV. You can watch it anywhere.
A second benefit is that, with the HDHomeRun DVR subscription, you can record live TV and watch it when you want, even when you don’t have an internet connection. Even app channels for Apple TV don’t offer that â cable subscription or not.
If you’re the type of person that would only watch broadcast television on your TV set and don’t care about being able to record shows to watch later, HDHomeRun is not the set up for you.
How To Watch Movies And TV Shows From Itunes On Windows 10
Apple’s iTunes is the app we love to hate, the app that Apple had to make for Windows in order to push iPod sales to the masses. Whatever the reason for its existence, it’s still pretty rough in 2019, and in most cases, worth avoiding.
However … if you buy your digital movies and TV shows through the iTunes Store, there’s one good reason to have it installed on your Windows PC. And that’s because perhaps its best function is allowing you to watch that content without using an Apple device.
Recommended Reading: Vizio Mhl Compatible
How Much Does Apple TV Plus Cost
Apple TV Plus costs $4.99 a month in the US, with a seven-day free trial. There is also the option of an annual subscription for $49.99. This fee unlocks all Apple Originals, but you will need to pay for other Apple TV Channel subscriptions separately.
Read more: How much is Apple TV Plus? Heres the info on its cost
Its worth noting that there is only one price for the service, and Apple TV streaming includes up to six family members, 4K quality, and media downloads. There are no more expensive plans with extra features its all included in the basic plan.
If you already subscribe to a few other Apple products like Apple Music, it might be worth opting for an Apple One subscription. This includes Apple TV Plus, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud storage for just $14.95 a month. Theres also a family plan for $19.95 for up to six family members. The most expensive plan costs $29.95, boosting iCloud storage to 2TB and including Apple News Plus and the new Apple Fitness Plus.
Around the world, other countries have similar costs, but you can find the list of international Apple TV Plus prices below:
- USA: $4.99/month, $49.99/year
- Australia: A$7.99/month
Keep Tabs On The Kids
If youve set up Family Sharing for other Apple apps and services, know it extends to Apple TV+, too, allowing up to five people to access the same subscription. If you havent set up Family Sharing yet, youll find a link on the System Preferences pane on a Mac, and in the Settings app on iOS and iPadOS devices, under your account name.
As well as letting you share an Apple TV+ subscription, Family Sharing also lets you put limits on what kids in the house can watch on the service, by banning TV shows and movies with a certain rating. From an iPhone or iPad, you can access these options by opening up Settings, then tapping Screen Time and Content & Privacy Restrictions .
If youre on a Mac, youll need to open System Preferences from the Apple menu, then pick Screen Time, Content & Privacy, and Stores. You can also make changes to parental controls by going to your Apple TV+ account settings on the web, and turning the Content Restrictions toggle switch to On.
Also Check: Samsung Smart TV Airplay iPhone
How Do I Watch Apple TV
Watch Apple TV+ on the Apple TV app, which is already on your favorite Apple devices. Just open the app, click or tap Apple TV+, and enjoy the shows and movies. You can also watch Apple TV+ on streaming platforms, popular smart TVs, and AirPlay-enabled TVs with the Apple TV app or watch online at tv.apple.com.
Apple TV Plus Vs The Competition
Apple TV Plus is part of an increasingly crowded online streaming landscape. This includes the leader in the industry, Netflix, which has the advantage of having years of experience and an impressive catalog of both original and licensed content on offer.
While the service cant compare to Netflix on the sheer volume of content, it is significantly cheaper. The $4.99 subscription includes 4K and up to six simultaneous streams, while youll have to pay a full $17.99 a month for 4K content and four simultaneous streams on Netflix.
Read the full comparison: Netflix vs Apple TV Plus
is also a major Apple TV Plus competitor. It has worldwide reach as well, along with lots of great original shows that have won several Emmy awards. Its also typically bundled with , which is an incredibly popular service for online shoppers. It even offers 4K streaming for supported content, making it a solid alternative to Apple TV Plus.
For American users, Hulu can also be a solid alternative to fill your streaming needs. The base plan is slightly more expensive at $6.99 a month, but it includes ads. Youll have to bump that all the way up to $12.99 to get ad-free streams. One of the biggest advantages of Hulu is that its frequently bundled with other services, like the very attractive Disney Plus-Hulu-ESPN Plus bundle at $13.99 a month.
Q:How many people can stream on Apple TV Plus at the same time?A: Up to six people can stream simultaneously.
Don’t Miss: Airplay Passcode Samsung TV
What The Experts Think
The general consensus from streaming and media experts is that although Apple TV Plus has a solid lineup of original content and fantastic streaming quality, there simply isnt enough original content .
In our original Apple TV review, we noted that while it isnt exactly a runaway success, Apples streaming service is a solid contender. And it keeps adding more impressive content all the time. In addition to a unique three-episode-initial-drop content strategy to get watchers hooked fast, it also features the best streaming bitrate in the business. Plus, at just five bucks a month, Apple isnt asking much for access to its content.
That said, in our comparisons with other top streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus , the difference in the amount of content is staggering. Although both services cost more than Apple TV Plus, their catalogs are significantly larger and constantly growing.
Apple invested a lot of money into Apple Originals and many of them are truly worth watching. Disney Plus has The Mandalorian, Hulu has Handmaids Tale, and Netflix has Stranger Things and many others. Apple TV Plus isnt out of the running, with shows like The Morning Show and Ted Lasso getting plenty of attention, but its not breaking records.
How To Airplay From Pc To Apple TV
AirParrot 3 is an easy way to connect a PC to Apple TV. Theres no costly hardware involved, and theres no need to plug in a cable. Using AirPlay from a PC to Apple TV is quick and works great!
1. First, youll need to install AirParrot 3 on your PC.
A fully functional seven-day free trial is available before purchase. If you would like to purchase AirParrot 3, or if you are an existing AirParrot 3 user and would like to grab the latest free update, you can
Follow the on-screen instructions for installation, and once installed, launch the app.
2. Make sure your PC and your Apple TV are on the same network.
3. Open the AirParrot 3 menu.
The AirParrot 3 icon is near your system clock usually at the bottom right of your desktop.
4. Select your Apple TV from the list.
AirParrot will list all available destinations, including Chromecast, Reflector 4 and other Apple TVs on your network.
5. AirParrot 3 will now connect your PC to Apple TV.
Using AirPlay from PC to Apple TV is a robust solution. There are a number of features available with AirParrot 3. Stream media and mirror any connected display, specific applications such as Spotify, the Microsoft Office suite or calendars and much, much more.
AirParrot 3
Read Also: How To Stream Peacock On Apple TV
What Is Apple TV
Apple TV is an internet streaming service for award winning shows and documentaries. The Apple device allows you to choose what you want to watch and when to watch it. To watch exclusive shows and movies you opt in by paying a monthly or yearly subscription. However, if you are new to Apple TV you start with the free version and graduate to the premium
Apple TV Channels And Other Content
Although theyre not technically part of the Apple TV Plus program, Apple TV Channels are a great way to get more out of your experience with the Apple TV app while waiting for more original content. It turns the service into something more like traditional cable TV, but without all the bloat.
The Apple TV Channels program is essentially an à la carte selection of TV channels and streaming services that you can subscribe to within the Apple TV app. This allows you to consolidate most of your streaming services into one place, with Apple getting a cut of every Apple TV subscription.
Its easy and convenient to subscribe with your Apple account from within the app, but your existing subscriptions outside of the app cannot be transferred over. You will need to cancel them and resubscribe through Apple TV.
However, there are a few other potential benefits to subscribing via Apple TV Channels, such as higher bitrate streams and media downloads. It also makes it easier to manage your Apple TV subscriptions from one place. Many subscriptions can also be shared with up to six family members, just like Apple TV Plus.
Heres a full list of confirmed Apple TV Channels:
- Acorn TV
- The Great Courses Signature Collection
- Topic
- Up Faith & Family
Apple TV subscription fees will vary by channel but typically hover around $5 or more. Apple TV Channel availability may vary by region, and HBO Now is no longer accepting new subscribers after the launch of HBO Max in 2020.
- Hulu
- Playstation Vue
Read Also: Will Apple TV Have Local Channels
Where Is Apple TV Plus Available
Apple TV Plus is available in 107 countries around the world. It is not available in every country that supports the Apple TV app. That includes certain high-population countries like South Korea, Romania, Turkey, and others.
However, Apple has promised that each and every Apple Original will be subbed or dubbed in nearly 40 languages. There will also be closed captions on all titles for viewers who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Heres a full list of all 107 countries where Apple TV Plus is supported:
- Anguilla
- Zimbabwe
Stream Or Mirror From Your iPhone Or iPad
To stream content from an iOS/iPadOS device to an Apple TV, you have a couple of options.
Open Control Center and tap the AirPlay icon on the upper right of the playback control. Select the name of the Apple TV through which you want to stream the audio or video. You can now play, pause, go forward, go back, and otherwise control your music from your iOS/iPadOS device. To disconnect your device from the Apple TV, tap the entry for iPhone or iPad.
There is another way to stream if you’re in the middle of watching or listening. With the Apple Music app open and playing a song, for example, navigate to the Now Playing screen, tap the AirPlay icon, and select the Apple TV or Mac to push the media to the appropriate destination.
This also works for Apple’s Podcasts and Books apps, as well as third-party apps like , Hulu, Spotify, and YouTube. Just look for the AirPlay icon in the app and switch to your Apple TV. For third-party apps, you may first need to grant them permission to access your local network, which you can do in the Settings app on your device.
Instead of pushing audio or video to Apple TV or Mac, you can mirror the screen of your mobile device on your Apple TV or Mac. Set this up by opening Control Center on your device, tapping the Screen Mirroring icon, and selecting your Apple TV or Mac as the destination.
You May Like: Cast Oculus Quest To Samsung TV