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Apple practically launched the 1980s computer revolution, propelling mankind into a new age. Since then it has managed to revitalize the music industry, redefine what mobile phones mean to us, and introduced a whole new way of interacting with technology via devices such as the iPod and iPad. So, what more is there?
Apple TV of course!
Apple has had its eyes set on the entertainment industry since 2006 when Apple TV 1st Gen was unveiled as a project in the making followed by its first shipment in March 2007. The years 2010, 2012 & 2015 saw the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Gen Apple TV devices in the market. Two years later, in 2017 the Apple TV 4K was introduced, and this year its next-Gen version is all set to steal the show.
The Apple TV device is capable of running software applications that either come pre-installed with the system software or are downloaded from Apple’s tvOS App Store via the device’s Wi-Fi connection. Taking the viewing experience to a whole new level, it is the ultimate device for cord-cutters what with its simple functionality, user-friendly interface, the ability to deliver great picture and sound quality, and the Apple Remote or the FREE Apple Remote app for iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch Apple TV makes streaming a breeze!
The Apple TV app which sits right next to all the other popular streaming apps on the Apple TV interface?is a pretty integrated platform. Not only does the new Apple TV service live inside it, but with the Apple, TV Channels feature - introduced in 2019 - you can access just the channels you want, without having to download any apps. For instance?if you subscribe to EPIX® from within the Apple TV app, the video is hosted by Apple, and the billing handled by Apple too.
The Apple TV app makes it simple to browse content by category - Movies, TV Shows, Sports, Kids - its all neatly tucked in, along with the ability to search for content. Moreover, under the Watch Now tab you get to see TV shows and movies displayed irrespective of which app you get to watch them through - click on a favorite, and it’ll launch the service that showcases it. Third-party apps like Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video are however not integrated into the Apple TV app instead, you see these displayed in the main menu of the device.
All in all, the Apple TV app makes for a good cut-out one-stop-shop for your TV favorites. The best part is it is compatible with a number of devices besides Apple’s?Roku, Xbox, Play Station 4 & 5, Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV.
The Apple TV device allows you to access content in a myriad of ways. You can purchase movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store. Or explore other avenues which allow you to access online content via Apple TV. For instance, on-demand content from services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and HBO Max™ is accessible via their respective apps. A number of Cable TV and broadcast networks, available via TV Everywhere, as well as major sports leagues, are also within your reach. What’s more, you can watch local channels live on your TV via this state-of-the-art digital media player from Apple!
Now, it is up to you how you choose to watch.
Before we get to third-party pay-tv and streaming services which you can pick based on your preferences, let’s take a moment to explore what Apple itself has to offer.
As we said earlier, Apple TV Channels is a much-loved feature of the Apple TV app. Not only you get to access select content free of cost from a variety of popular networks/channels from within the app but subscribe to one or more in line with your preferences. The content you stream in this way is hosted by Apple and the billing is also taken care of by Apple. The Apple TV lineup offered via this feature is pretty encompassing news, sports, and entertainment you get popular as well as premium networks to take your pick from.
Another way to go about watching live TV is to subscribe to Apple TV Plus. It costs $4.99 a month making it a more than an affordable option which gives you access to new Apple Originals every month, critically acclaimed and award-winning content, drama, comedy, kids’ entertainment, documentaries, and more!
Either way watching via Apple TV Channels or Apple TV Plus you can view across all your Apple .devices. So if you’d like everything to be integrated, this is the way to go.
Apple TV gets you to access to sought-after broadcast TV with the likes of ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CW, PBS. While the CW is an exception that does not require you to subscribe, others do.
You can subscribe to broadcast networks included in the Apple TV channel list via your Apple ID. Or else access the full scope of their programming via the tvOS network app using your third-party pay-tv or streaming service subscription.
Charter Spectrum™ and Optimum & Suddenlink by Altice are among cable TV providers which offer a TV Everywhere app compatible with Apple TV. Meaning via the Spectrum TV app or the Altice One app you can stream your Spectrum cable channel lineup inclusive of the local networks on Apple TV.
Even if your pay-tv provider does not offer a TV Everywhere app compatible with Apple TV, you can watch local channels via an individual network app. For instance if you are subscribed to a WOW! channel lineup you can access content via network apps available on Apple TV by using your WOW! cable subscription.
So go ahead, use your Cable TV subscription to watch local networks on Apple TV! The state-of-the-art device will make for a valuable addition to your in-home entertainment system in addition to any HD set-top boxes you may already have.
Additionally, IPTV services like AT&T TV also showcase local channels in their lineup. AT&T TV is available nationwide, and the service does not necessitate you use it with the AT&T TV device. Rather you can subscribe to an AT&T TV channel lineup of your choice, and use Apple TV to stream local channels via the AT&T TV app.
Quite a few streaming services have now come to carry broadcast TV networks in their live TV lineup. While video on demand was the in-thing a while back, as more and more people turn to cord-cutting, streaming platforms have been driven to accommodate what the consumer wants. While still not as widely available as with pay-tv, local channels can be accessed via the following popular streaming services:
The best way to get local channels anywhere is hands-down an antenna. No longer in common use, but If you’re looking to receive local networks this maybe all you need.
Typically, the antenna plugs directly into the TV, and you don’t require a streaming device to watch live local channels. While you don’t have to include Apple TV in this setup, if you wish to integrate all your viewing options into one platform, Apple TV will do it the best. And here is what you would need to do:
You can also use a computer and set up a Plex media server. The premium Plex version lets you record over-the-air content. All you need to do is attach an antenna using a TV tuner to provide an over-the-air feed to the server. Like so, you’ll be able to stream content using the Plex Cloud DVR onto your Apple TV.
As you can see, watching local channels on Apple TV is not difficult as long as you know how Apple TV works and which way you would prefer to go. You can subscribe to a streaming platform, use your pay-tv subscription to watch via Apple TV, or stay free of cost using an antenna.
We hope this article helps you figure out which is the most lucrative and practical way for you to go forward. If at all you consider a cable TV subscription, you can call at 1-855-349-9328 and find out if pay-tv providers like Spectrum, Optimum, and Suddenlink offer services in your neighborhood.
Apple TV Channels is a feature of the Apple TV app that allows you to buy access to a variety of channels via Apple. The Apple TV lineup is quite diverse so chances are you’ll find what you like with ease. However, you will have to pay for each separately so be sure you add it all up before you subscribe.
For $4.99 a month Apple TV gives you access to new Apple Originals every month, critically acclaimed and award-winning content, drama, comedy, kids’ entertainment, documentaries, and more!
Yes, you can. You’ll need an OTA DVR in conjunction with the antenna to get the system up and running.