Q: how do get airplay from my mac to the Apple TV

Howdy MiaDad,

It sounds like you would like to use the Airplay feature from your mac to the Apple TV. I found this article for you to help you get that setup named:

iTunes: Using AirPlay

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5922

Enabling AirPlay from iTunes on your computer

To use AirPlay Mirroring, you will need the following:

• iTunes 10.2 or later
• Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation)
• AirPort Express
• Wi-Fi (802.11a/g/n) network

To stream music or videos from your computer to an Apple TV or AirPort Express:

1. Connect your computer and Apple TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open iTunes.
3. Locate and click the icon to the left of the iTunes LCD window.
4. Select your Apple TV, AirPort Express, or AirPlay-enabled speakers or receivers from the list of available devices that appears and begin playback.

Note: The images of a TV screen or speaker next to each AirPlay device in the AirPlay menu indicate the type of media content you can stream to that device.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

All the best,

Sterling