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Q: I cannot get a signal on my TV from Apple TV

I purchased Apple TV last week from the Apple store, plugged it in to my main tv and it worked fine. I now want to use it in my other downstairs room and when I plug it in to that TV using the same HDMI cable it is unable to recognise Apple TV.

 

When I turn on the TV and Apple TV it has the Apple symbol for 1 second and then disappears and says "unknown device" on my tv screen.

 

Any help would be appreciated,

 

Thanks

Mark

Posted on Aug 20, 2016 3:13 AM

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Q: I cannot get a signal on my TV from Apple TV

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  • Helpful answers

  • by a brody,Helpful

    a brody a brody Aug 20, 2016 11:13 AM in response to StateOfPlay_UK
    Level 9 (66,781 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Aug 20, 2016 11:13 AM in response to StateOfPlay_UK

    That can happen if the HDMI cable is a faulty one.  Also if the cable is not snugly in its port on either end that can be a problem.

  • by a brody,Helpful

    a brody a brody Aug 20, 2016 11:13 AM in response to StateOfPlay_UK
    Level 9 (66,781 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Aug 20, 2016 11:13 AM in response to StateOfPlay_UK

    The other thing is, since you are using Airplay, I wonder if you have Home File Sharing turned on.  If it is not on, it may not recognize it either.

  • by Winston Churchill,Solvedanswer

    Winston Churchill Winston Churchill Aug 20, 2016 7:52 AM in response to StateOfPlay_UK
    Level 10 (103,392 points)
    Apple TV
    Aug 20, 2016 7:52 AM in response to StateOfPlay_UK

      1. Check that the HDMI cable is correctly seated at both ends.

      2. Try disconnecting the cable and connecting it again.

      3. Try another HDMI cable.

      4. Make sure your TV supports 720p (Apple TV 2 Only)

      5. Try the Apple TV with another TV

     

    Apple TV 2/3

     

    You may wish to try the following:

     

    Press and hold the menu and the up button simultaneously on the remote for six seconds, the Apple TV should then begin to cycle through the various resolutions available to it at 20 second intervals.. If you see a picture appear up on your screen, use the remote to scroll down to the OK option and select it.

     

    Apple TV 4

     

    You may wish to try the following:

     

    Press and hold the menu and the volume down button simultaneously on the remote for six seconds, the Apple TV should then begin to cycle through the various resolutions available to it at 20 second intervals.. If you see a picture appear up on your screen, use the remote to scroll down to the OK option and select it.

  • by StateOfPlay_UK,

    StateOfPlay_UK StateOfPlay_UK Aug 21, 2016 1:38 AM in response to Winston Churchill
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 21, 2016 1:38 AM in response to Winston Churchill

    Thank you for your response. I eventually found the solution by following your post and holding the menu and volume button down for 6 seconds.

     

    Thanks for the great advice.