set up Apple TV without a remote

Welcome to the Apple Community.

It isn't possible to set up the Apple TV without the original remote, you can purchase these from the Apple Store.

Not true, tried this video out and it works!

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=AcwI_HOZrMQ&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DAcwI_HOZrM Q

I had a similar, though not identical problem. I also took an apple tv to a hotel and forgot the remote. However, in this case, I was using my express modem to wirelessly distribute the hotel's LAN into my room. Although I had used the ATV on my home wireless network, I had never used it with the apple express modem that I brought. This was easily solved by changing the name and password of the apple express modem using airport setup utility on my macbook air (I guess that the airport setup app available for iOS would have also worked) The ATV connected to the wifi just fine and there was no need to set up a third party tv remote. After that I could control the ATV using the iOS remote app.

Hello Mr. Wily -

Can you explain how to work around the lost remote using the Apple TV box (all I have now) and the updated iTunes? I have a MacBook Pro and lost my Apple TV remote. Unfortunately, it was paired w/ that remote. I did have everything hooked up but really don't have a clue how to get the computer / iTunes to connect with the AppleTV box. Is there a way to do this?

Thanks to you and/or anyone else who can help on this!

I'm having the same issue. If you've received any information or direction on this issue please let me know.