5 Apple TV Accessories To Make The Most Of Your Streaming Setup
Elevate your home entertainment experience with the Apple TV, a powerhouse streaming device known for its sleek interface, robust performance, and access to a vast library of content. While the Apple TV itself is impressive, pairing it with the right accessories can unlock its full potential and transform your living room into a cinematic paradise. At Tech Today, we’ve meticulously curated a list of five must-have Apple TV accessories available on Amazon that will significantly enhance your streaming setup, maximizing both functionality and enjoyment.
1. Universal Remote Control: Logitech Harmony Elite
Bid farewell to juggling multiple remotes and embrace streamlined control with the Logitech Harmony Elite. This premium universal remote is a game-changer for any home entertainment system, offering seamless integration with your Apple TV, television, soundbar, and other connected devices.
Sophisticated Design and Ergonomics
The Harmony Elite boasts a sleek and ergonomic design, fitting comfortably in your hand for effortless navigation. Its intuitive button layout and responsive touch screen provide a user-friendly experience, allowing you to easily control your entire entertainment system with a single device. The remote’s backlighting ensures visibility in low-light conditions, perfect for movie nights.
Unparalleled Device Compatibility
This remote supports an extensive database of over 270,000 devices from more than 6,000 brands, guaranteeing compatibility with virtually any component in your home theater. The Harmony Elite seamlessly integrates with your Apple TV, allowing you to control playback, navigate menus, and access Siri with ease. Beyond Apple TV, it manages your TV, sound system, Blu-ray player, and even smart home devices like Philips Hue lights and Nest thermostats.
Customizable Activities and One-Touch Automation
The Harmony Elite’s most powerful feature is its ability to create custom “Activities” that automate multiple device commands with a single touch. For example, pressing “Watch Apple TV” can simultaneously turn on your TV, soundbar, and Apple TV, while automatically selecting the correct input sources. This eliminates the hassle of manually switching between devices, streamlining your viewing experience. You can customize these activities to your precise preferences, creating personalized entertainment routines for every occasion.
Smartphone App Integration
The Harmony Elite’s companion smartphone app (available for iOS and Android) extends its functionality beyond the physical remote. The app allows you to control your entertainment system from anywhere in your home, even when the remote is not within reach. It also provides advanced customization options, allowing you to fine-tune your Activities and device settings. The app acts as a secondary remote, perfect for when the physical remote is misplaced or when multiple users need control.
Voice Control Capabilities
The Harmony Elite integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control of your entertainment system. Simply use voice commands to turn on your Apple TV, adjust the volume, change channels, or launch specific apps. This hands-free control adds a new level of convenience to your streaming experience.
2. Enhanced Audio: Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Immerse yourself in rich, room-filling sound with the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), a compact soundbar that delivers exceptional audio performance for your Apple TV. This soundbar enhances your viewing experience with clear dialogue, deep bass, and expansive surround sound, creating a truly cinematic atmosphere in your living room.
Dolby Atmos Support
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) supports Dolby Atmos, a cutting-edge surround sound technology that creates a three-dimensional audio experience. Dolby Atmos adds height to the soundstage, placing sound effects above and around you, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. Experience enhanced immersion with compatible Apple TV content, such as movies and TV shows.
Compact Design and Easy Setup
The Beam’s compact design allows it to fit seamlessly into any entertainment setup, whether placed on a TV stand or mounted on a wall. Setting up the soundbar is a breeze, thanks to the Sonos app’s intuitive step-by-step instructions. Connect the Beam to your Apple TV via HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) for optimal audio performance.
Wireless Connectivity and Multi-Room Audio
The Sonos Beam integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing you to create a multi-room audio system. Stream music wirelessly from your favorite services, such as Apple Music, Spotify, and Pandora, to multiple Sonos speakers throughout your home. Control your entire audio system with the Sonos app, creating personalized listening experiences in every room.
Speech Enhancement and Night Sound Mode
The Beam features Speech Enhancement, a technology that clarifies dialogue, making it easier to understand conversations even at low volumes. Night Sound mode reduces the intensity of loud sound effects, preventing you from disturbing others while enjoying late-night viewing sessions. These features are particularly useful for viewers with hearing impairments or those who prefer a more balanced audio experience.
Apple AirPlay 2 Compatibility
The Sonos Beam supports Apple AirPlay 2, allowing you to stream audio directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Simply select the Beam as your AirPlay destination to enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and other audio content throughout your home. AirPlay 2 provides seamless integration with your Apple devices, enhancing your overall listening experience.
3. Reliable Connectivity: Ethernet Adapter with USB Hub
Ensure a stable and fast internet connection for your Apple TV with a dedicated Ethernet Adapter with USB Hub. While Wi-Fi is convenient, a wired connection offers superior reliability and speed, especially for streaming high-resolution content. The added USB ports provide extra flexibility for connecting peripherals.
Gigabit Ethernet for Uninterrupted Streaming
This adapter provides a Gigabit Ethernet connection, delivering blazing-fast speeds for seamless streaming of 4K HDR content. Eliminate buffering and lag, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable viewing experience. A wired connection is particularly beneficial for users with slower Wi-Fi networks or those who experience interference from other devices.
Multiple USB Ports for Added Functionality
The integrated USB hub provides multiple USB ports, allowing you to connect external storage devices, keyboards, mice, and other peripherals to your Apple TV. Expand your Apple TV’s storage capacity for storing downloaded content or connecting a keyboard for easier navigation and text input.
Plug-and-Play Installation
Setting up the Ethernet adapter is incredibly simple. Just plug it into your Apple TV’s USB port and connect an Ethernet cable. No drivers or software installation is required. The adapter is instantly recognized by your Apple TV, providing a reliable and stable network connection.
Compact and Portable Design
The Ethernet adapter’s compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport and use in different locations. Whether you’re traveling or simply want to move your Apple TV to another room, the adapter provides a convenient and reliable network connection wherever you go.
Power Delivery Pass-Through
Some adapters also offer power delivery pass-through, allowing you to charge your Apple TV while using the Ethernet connection and USB ports. This eliminates the need for multiple power adapters, keeping your entertainment setup clean and organized.
4. Optimal Viewing Angle: TotalMount Apple TV Mount
Maximize space and improve your viewing experience with the TotalMount Apple TV Mount. This mount allows you to securely attach your Apple TV to the back of your television, eliminating clutter and creating a clean, streamlined entertainment setup.
Hidden and Secure Mounting
The TotalMount discreetly hides your Apple TV behind your television, freeing up valuable space on your TV stand or entertainment center. The mount provides a secure and stable attachment, preventing your Apple TV from falling or being accidentally damaged.
Universal Compatibility
The TotalMount is compatible with all Apple TV models, from the original to the latest generation. It also works with most television brands and sizes, ensuring a universal fit for your entertainment setup.
Easy Installation
Installing the TotalMount is a breeze, requiring no tools or complicated instructions. Simply attach the mount to the back of your television using the included adhesive strips or screws. The mount’s design allows for easy access to all ports and cables on your Apple TV.
Improved Ventilation
Mounting your Apple TV behind your television can actually improve ventilation, preventing overheating and prolonging the device’s lifespan. The TotalMount’s open design allows for ample airflow around the Apple TV, keeping it cool and operating at peak performance.
Cable Management
The TotalMount often includes cable management features, such as clips or ties, to keep your cables organized and out of sight. This helps create a clean and professional-looking entertainment setup.
5. Enhanced Storage: USB-C Flash Drive
Expand your Apple TV’s storage capabilities with a high-speed USB-C Flash Drive. Although Apple TV isn’t primarily designed for local storage, a flash drive can be useful for sideloading apps or storing large files for certain applications.
Fast Data Transfer Speeds
A USB-C flash drive offers significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to traditional USB-A drives. This allows you to quickly transfer files to and from your Apple TV, minimizing waiting time.
Compact and Portable Design
Flash drives are incredibly compact and portable, making them easy to carry and use in different locations. Simply plug the flash drive into your Apple TV’s USB-C port to access your stored files.
Versatile Storage Solution
Use the flash drive to store downloaded movies, TV shows, music, and photos. While Apple TV is primarily a streaming device, having local storage can be beneficial for offline viewing or for users with limited internet access.
Sideloading Applications
While not officially supported, some users utilize flash drives to sideload applications onto their Apple TV. This allows you to access apps that are not available on the App Store. However, sideloading applications should be done with caution, as it may void your warranty or compromise your device’s security.
Increased Flexibility
A USB-C flash drive offers increased flexibility for managing your content on your Apple TV. Transfer files between your computer and Apple TV with ease, or use the flash drive as a backup storage solution.
By incorporating these five essential accessories into your Apple TV setup, you’ll unlock its full potential and transform your home entertainment experience. Tech Today is committed to helping you create the ultimate streaming environment, and we believe these accessories are a crucial step in achieving that goal.