Apple TV for wall mounted tv

gadget88

What would be the best place to put it? Wasn’t sure I wanted it on the back of tv there is a plug underneath the wall and tv but wouldn’t it leave cables dangling? Anybody got any ideas?

DullGreyGuy

Not sure what you mean by there is a plug under the wall? 

What other sources do you have going into the TV? Where are they and their HDMI cables? Where is the plug for the TV itself?

This isnt ours but its similar in concept:


The AppleTV and everything else is in the floating unit, they go into an AVR that does switching but it could just be a HDMI switch, there is then an in wall HDMI cable that goes from the AVR/Switch into the back of TV. 

You presumably already have power getting to the TV, so no additional cables need to be visible and the AppleTV could all be behind the TV as long as it isnt too flush mounted

gadget88

Here’s a photo of that helps?

DullGreyGuy

So there is a plug socket behind the TV that you're using or are you dropping a cable to the socket below when you want to use it and unplugging it when not using it?

Is the TV on an arm or a flat mount?

Assuming there is a socket behind the ideal would be to make it into a double socket and then everything can be behind the TV. You can get convertors, a double socket that fits onto a single socket backbox which is a middle ground and probably would fit behind the TV. Alternatively its a two way extension but that looks like it would be very tight to fit unless its on an arm so could come out a little. 

If you are dropping the cables when using it then you can do the same for both. 

gadget88

DullGreyGuy said:

So there is a plug socket behind the TV that you're using or are you dropping a cable to the socket below when you want to use it and unplugging it when not using it?

Is the TV on an arm or a flat mount?

Assuming there is a socket behind the ideal would be to make it into a double socket and then everything can be behind the TV. You can get convertors, a double socket that fits onto a single socket backbox which is a middle ground and probably would fit behind the TV. Alternatively its a two way extension but that looks like it would be very tight to fit unless its on an arm so could come out a little. 

If you are dropping the cables when using it then you can do the same for both. 

 I bought the house but not moved in yet could I pin the cables to wall? I could have it free standing and not on wall but not a lot of room? Space does look tight from the picture 

DullGreyGuy

Work out where the TV is plugged in first... could be there is a socket behind in which case something like https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-13a-1g-to-2g-switched-converter-socket-white/108cc could work. Given the aerial is below they may just be having the cables hanging normally and have removed them for the sale in which case tacking them or trunking are both options if you dont want to be going into the wall. 

prowla

Does your TV have an AppleTV app?

DullGreyGuy

prowla said:

Does your TV have an AppleTV app?

AppleTV is both an app and a streaming device like a FireStick... stupid decision to name two different things the same. As a device it naturally runs the AppleTV app along with a host of other apps and integrates with iCloud, iOS devices etc. 

If you're in the Apple ecosystem then the AppleTV (device) also can act as the home hub meaning HomeKit stuff can be controlled via it rather than via the internet.

Personally have both AppleTV and FireStick, 99% of the time use AppleTV since they allowed VPN apps. If travelling for an extended period though the FireStick is easier to sling into a suitcase than the AppleTV which continues to fullfill its HomeHub job whilst we are away. 

prowla

DullGreyGuy said:

prowla said:

Does your TV have an AppleTV app?

AppleTV is both an app and a streaming device like a FireStick... stupid decision to name two different things the same. As a device it naturally runs the AppleTV app along with a host of other apps and integrates with iCloud, iOS devices etc. 

If you're in the Apple ecosystem then the AppleTV (device) also can act as the home hub meaning HomeKit stuff can be controlled via it rather than via the internet.

Personally have both AppleTV and FireStick, 99% of the time use AppleTV since they allowed VPN apps. If travelling for an extended period though the FireStick is easier to sling into a suitcase than the AppleTV which continues to fullfill its HomeHub job whilst we are away. 

Yes - I have a couple of them.

In my case, my new TV had all of the functionality so I never plugged in the AppleTV (nor Firestick).

I don't have a HomeKit setup.

I suppose the question should've been to ask what the AppleTV is required for.

DullGreyGuy

prowla said:

DullGreyGuy said:

prowla said:

Does your TV have an AppleTV app?

AppleTV is both an app and a streaming device like a FireStick... stupid decision to name two different things the same. As a device it naturally runs the AppleTV app along with a host of other apps and integrates with iCloud, iOS devices etc. 

If you're in the Apple ecosystem then the AppleTV (device) also can act as the home hub meaning HomeKit stuff can be controlled via it rather than via the internet.

Personally have both AppleTV and FireStick, 99% of the time use AppleTV since they allowed VPN apps. If travelling for an extended period though the FireStick is easier to sling into a suitcase than the AppleTV which continues to fullfill its HomeHub job whilst we are away. 

Yes - I have a couple of them.

In my case, my new TV had all of the functionality so I never plugged in the AppleTV (nor Firestick).

I don't have a HomeKit setup.

I suppose the question should've been to ask what the AppleTV is required for.

For us its been a case of:

• Brand new TV -v- old AppleTV/FireStick - TV buffers for a few seconds on 4k content and occasionally mid film
• 2-3 year old TV -v- even older AppleTV/FireStick - TV buffers mid film, sometimes won't play content, one or two apps no longer supported

We also use VPN to get overseas content, appreciate AndroidTVs can install a VPN too but tend to go with LG who dont use AndroidTV

ButterCheese

Unfortunately I don't think the Apple TV box can be run off the TVs USB outlet (shame).

So your only options if you want the power cable hidden are:

1. Relocate the socket to behind the TV, assuming you have enough clearance.  If you don't, you can get spacers to put between the TV and the wall bracket to space it away from the wall.

2. Run the power cables down to the existing socket but use some white plastic trunking to cover them up; not ideal but will look better than a bunch of wires.

3. Use a Firestick instead of an apple TV box.  You can get a power adapter that allows the firestick to run off the TVs own USB outlet, thus negating the need for a power cable.  However, you'll have to buy one and try it first; we tried this on 3 TVs (an old one, a few years old one and a brand new one) and it worked on the old cheap ones but not on the Phillips.  So there seems to be no way of telling if your TV USB outlet will support this or not.

I would hazard a guess that in the picture, because the aerial socket and electrical sockets are down low, there is no socket behind the TV.  So anything you do with your smart TV box, you'd still need to run the TV power cable down to the socket.

With this is mind, I think if it were me the only option would be to have the sockets moved (and maybe the aerial one whilst they're at it).  Many rooms are not designed to have a TV on the wall which is what most people do now, so sockets are often set low to the ground