Q: What is the maximum number of Apple TVs (3rd gen) you can connect to 1 Mac running iTunes?

Apple clearly states that up to 10 devices can use homesharing and that 5 Apple TV1's only can be used, so it's not the case that limitations are not advertised anywhere.

The only trouble I've ever had in over 7 years of using and experimenting with the Apple TV is about once every 4-6 months with the Apple TV1, in which case it's easily fixed by going to add another library (a passcode is then generated) and then cancel, no need for any restarts, restores or the like. With the later models, the only issues I've had connecting are when I've deliberately created interference on the network, other than that I've had no connection issues.

I think your issue is likely network related, which of course is for you to fix and not Apple.

Network related.  The cop out of every Apple network problem.  Well, it is NOT network related.  I have both wired and wifi ATVs in the home.  I have two dozen other computers and other devices using this network with no issues.  This has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with "network issues".  It has to do with poor Apple product software development.

Apple does not "clearly state" anything of the sort. If it were so "clearly" stated, then why this thread in the first place?  Perhaps it would be good to read the title of this thread.  ATV "manual" - no mention.  iTunes manual - none to be found.  Oh yes....it is CLEARLY "stated".  WHERE?

LOL.  Apple censored my reply because it was not "constructive".  It was simply TRUE.  Well. that is what I expect from CRAPPLE.

Once again.

You can authorise up to 5 computers (not iOS devices) to share your iTunes account.

Apple TV 1's aren't Computers nor are they iOS devices, they have their own limit of 5 devices.

You can homeshare up to 10 associated iOS devices (including computers) from your iTunes account, although you can homeshare more iOS devices if they aren't associated.

Apple TV's aren't listed as associated devices in your account, but do use an association on a temporary basis if necessary.

You can demonstrate this last point yourselves, associate 10 devices with your account and try using iTunes match on an Apple TV.

Network related.  The cop out of every Apple network problem.  Well, it is NOT network related.

Then unfortunately I think you will struggle to find the solution to your problem, as you are most likely looking in the wrong area.

I spend many hours reading about and testing things on the Apple TV, there are a couple of bugs I'm aware of, but when it comes down to networking the only bugs I see discussed are from a small minority who seem to have difficulty excepting the situation. Ask yourself this, if there is a bug, why does it not affect everyone using the same hardware with the same software.

If you have doubts, take your Apple TV and your to an Apple Store (or even a friends house), but the Apple Store would be a more controlled environment) and check it out.

As I pointed out in my apple-censored reply, I am a software engineer fully capable of understanding these issues and I recognize poorly written software when I see it.  Limitations should be clearly stated, not buried.  You keep repeating the limitations as if they should be common knowledge so your argument lacks validity from the outset.  Additionally, error messages should be clear and concise.  Showing Cannot Connect... Is useless.  I have seen better open source software.  Apple apparently likes to censor criticisms of their products from the customer from which they have taken money.  That is no surprise to me.  Multiple ATV upgrade issues, the inability to provide useful error messages, and the very poor documentation of limitations are just a few examples of very poorly written software products.  Customers should not have to put up with this.  iTunes is notorious as being poorly developed and apple still has not provided a viable home media streaming product.  No, iTunes is not a viable solution in that space.  All that I can say is thank God that Apple is not putting out an integrated tv product.  Given the performance of ATV, that product would be a dismal failure.

Oh....and you can drop the network issue thing.  That is just redirection.  my network has nothing to do with the software limitation that you keep pointing out.  So, which is it?  I have dozens of devices on my network including two wifi thermostats that are more reliable than ATV.  So, again.....that points to ATV and iTunes, not my network.

BTW, look me up on LinkedIn John Spahn. Quantum corporation.  Have a look.  I am not an amateur, my friend.  I develop device firmware for a living.

Hi Winston Chruchill,

I have the problem to get a connection to iTunes after 5 ATVs. I have done a test in my lab with the following devices

• 16 Port Gigabit Switch
• 7 ATVs 3rd gen and latest Software
• all devices are connected direct with an ethernet cable to the switch
• IP-Adresses are fixed configured
• each ATV has a unique name
• latest iTunes Version on a MacPro 2008
• latest iTunes Version on a MBP 2013
• iMac 5K
• one connection a Business Internet Access with 75mb/s down and 10mb/s up

Summery

• It doesn't matter which Mac I use, the problem is excactly the same
• the first 5 ATVs can connect to iTunes (it doesn't matter to which mac)
• the sixth get the error message, that the it cannot connect to the "Computer"

Does anyone have an idea if this restriction is only a value in plist file or somewhere else?

Regards Thomas

HHas anybody figured out this issue?

I still have this issue.  It's very annoying having to quit iTunes, restart it just so I can use my Apple TV.  It's been a few years, has anyone found a fix yet?