Simple (Apple Software) Export options for the Apple TV
Since the Apple TV 2 is able to play higher quality video than the Apple TV 1 was, it's desirable to choose optimal export settings when creating or converting your own video for either of these devices.
This Tip provides simple steps using presets and does not discuss how to use manual settings, it's assumed that anyone using manual settings has enough experience to do so.
Export options from Apple Video creation software differ from application to application, some have presets for the Apple TV 1 and some have presets for the Apple TV 2.
The Table below lists Apple software which can be used to create or convert video for the Apple TV, whether it has presets for the Apple TV and additional information about exporting using that software.
| Software Product | Apple TV 1 Preset | Apple TV 2 Preset | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|
iMovie (Ver 6 and prev) | Yes | No | Export for the Apple TV 1: Choose 'QuickTime' from the 'Share' menu, then select 'Expert Settings'from the 'Compress movie for' drop down menu, click 'Share' and then select 'Movie to Apple TV' from the 'Export' drop down menu, complete by clicking 'Save'. Export for the Apple TV 2: Either choose manual settings or export as full quality and create an Apple TV 2 version from the resulting export file using QuickTime X. To export at full quality, Choose 'QuickTime' from the 'Share' menu, then select 'Full Quality' from the 'Compress movie for' drop down menu, click'Save' and complete by clicking 'Share'. |
iMovie (Ver 7 and later) | Yes | Yes | Export for the Apple TV 1: There are several options for exporting for the Apple TV 1. The best option is to choose 'iTunes' from the 'Share' menu, select 'Large' from the list of resolutions and complete by clicking 'Publish'. Export for the Apple TV 2: There are several options for exporting for the Apple TV 2. The best option is to choose 'iTunes' from the 'Share' menu, select 'HD 720p'from the list of resolutions and complete by clicking 'Publish'. For Standard Definition content it's recommended that the video is exported for the Apple TV 1 ('Large') to reduce the space consumed on the hard drive, since there is no improvement in quality to be gained by using the 'HD 720p' setting. |
QuickTime Pro (Ver 7 and earlier) | Yes | No | Export for the Apple TV 1: Choose 'Export' from the 'File' menu, then select 'Movie to Apple TV'from the 'Export' drop down menu, complete by clicking 'Save'. Export for the Apple TV 2: Exports for the Apple TV 2 need to carried out using manual settings. |
| QuickTime X | No | Yes | Export for the Apple TV 1: Standard Definition content may be converted using the 'iPod and iPhone 3GS' setting. There are no suitable settings for converting High Definition content for the Apple TV 1 in QuickTime X. Export for the Apple TV 2: Choose 'iTunes' from the 'Share' menu, select the 'iPad, iPhone 4 & Apple TV' option and complete by clicking 'Share'. |
| Final Cut Express | Yes | No | Export for the Apple TV 1: I suggest exporting to a QuickTime Movie from FCE and then using QuickTime Pro to convert for the Apple TV 1. To export to a QuickTime Movie, Choose 'Export' from the 'File' menu, select the 'QuickTime Movie...' option, complete by clicking 'Save'. If using the preset option make sure your projects are set up using non anamorphic settings or the conversion to Apple TV format will create a video with the wrong aspect ratio. (If you are using High Definition content at 25 fps, the Apple TV preset will create a movie at 720p - 720p at 25 fps will play on the Apple TV 1). To use the Apple TV preset, choose 'Export' from the 'File' menu, select the 'Using QuickTime Conversion...' option, then select 'Movie to Apple TV' from the 'Format' drop down menu, complete by clicking 'Save'. Export for the Apple TV 2: Either choose manual settings or export as a QuickTime Movie and create an Apple TV 2 version from the resulting export file using QuickTime X. To export to a QuickTime Movie, Choose 'Export' from the 'File' menu, select the 'QuickTime Movie...' option, complete by clicking 'Save'. |
| Final Cut Pro X | No | Yes | Export for the Apple TV 1: There are no settings in FCP X that can be used to create video for the Apple TV 1. Choose 'Export Movie...' from the 'Share' menu, select'current settings' from the 'Export' drop down menu, complete by clicking 'Next' and then 'Save'. Then use QuickTime Pro to convert the resulting export file for Apple TV 1. Export for the Apple TV 2: Choose 'Apple Devices' from the 'Share' menu, select the 'Apple TV'option, complete by clicking 'Share'. |
| GarageBand | Yes | No | Export for the Apple TV 1: Choose 'Send Movie to iTunes...' from the 'Share' menu, select 'Apple TV' from the 'Video Settings' drop down menu, complete by clicking'Share'. (If you are using High Definition content at 25 fps, the Apple TV preset will create a movie at 720p - 720p at 25 fps will play on the Apple TV 1). Export for the Apple TV 2: Choose 'Send Movie to iTunes...' from the 'Share' menu, select 'Full Quality' from the 'Video Settings' drop down menu, complete by clicking 'Share' and create an Apple TV 2 version from the resulting export file using QuickTime X |