how can I watch itunes purchases on my samsung smart tv?

I used to be able to play iTunes movies to my TV using family share on my PC. I haven't tried that in a while, so I'm not sure it still works that way. We have a first generation Apple TV, but when we got a smart TV last Christmas we assumed we wouldn't need it. I don't want to hook up ANOTHER component...I'm not even sure I have room to do so, anyway. I am VERY disappointed that there is not an iTunes ap for smart TV. It seems a ridiculous, money losing decision for Apple.

There is no way to play movies or TV shows from the iTunes Store directly on your SamsungTV. Those can only be played in Apple's own apps and devices. Since you don't see a purpose in getting an Apple TV so you can stream the movies and shows to your TV, you'll need to connect your MacBook to the TV via a cable as you did before.

Regards.

Same problem ... and I can't understand why they don't develop an app like Amazon Instant Video. I will stop bying from them and get from Amazon , which you can watch anywhere ( Ipad, computer and TV !!! without adding another paraphernalia !

Completely agree!!! The last thing you need is another bit of hardware. Its about time Apple dropped the requirement of having an Apple TV box (+£100) to watch iTunes movies. Clearly there are Apps out there that can enable this functionality ie Amazon. Time to wise up Apple or loose this "content market" race. :-(

Virtual Apple TV appliance (ie App) would be great... As with other virtual appliances, will pay still. I have a tv aerial / plug and wall tv on bracket to hide all the wires in bedroom. However I have no where to put the Apple TV unit! I even own two apple TVs already - just let me watch my movies...

I Agree.....I too have 2 other apple tvs & a couple iPads......I'd like one tv to be without all the extra box accessories since it's hanging on the wall. I guess I'll start having to purchase my videos on the Samsung tv since it allows a multitude of other apps.

Hey charissa7 .... i have the answer you may need!

There is an amazing FREE server named Plex. Go to the website and install the app on your MacBook. Now open the app and follow the instructions to select your movie folder. You would want to select your iTunes movie folder in this instance. You can select a different folder for TV shows. You can also select more than one folder for each category. Now while plex matches your movies with MetaData and cover art etc, go to your TV app store and install plex. Follow through the instructions and add your IP to Plex on your TV. And there you go, wirelessly streams your contact over your internal network! It works great I have used this for a long time.

Any questions just ask 🙂

Yep, I have the same problem so I'm glad a few of you mentioned going to Amazon to buy online. Let's hope I can do that on my Samsung Smart TV. I haven't used it very much as I hate their set up. It drives me nuts. Charissa7, I would also love to know what else Apple TV offers that would make me go and buy a separate product on top of what I already have ... JimJam4, thanks for the tip on Plex too. If all else fails, I'll use that. I hate using the movie downloads that are on the Samsung my partner has and would much rather use iTunes. Go figure why you're not Apple ... trying to keep people "locked in" yet again and yes, of course, there's the whole business of Apple "joining" with others to make things easier when they don't want to because of some silly hoo hah in the past. It's the past for goodness sake.

just spent about 3 and a half hours trying to figure this out too. My thorough investigation included all kinds of downloading/conversion tactics because yes, all I want to do is watch the PURCHASED videos that i have in itunes on the devices I ALREADY own. I have no insight to share in solving the problem but just want to chime in with my IMMENSE DISSATISFACTION with itunes and apple regarding the frustration that they knowingly inspire in the clients they are SUPPOSED to be serving, by forcing them to invest in unnecessary hardware. IF THEY NEED TO BE SO GOSHDARN STINGY AND FORCE EVERYONE TO USE EXCLUSIVELY APPLE THINGS, AN APP NEEDS TO BE CREATED FOR SMART TV OR CHROMECAST. they're only hurting themselves by making customers feel compelled to pursue ILLEGAL MEANS by which to watch the files ALREADY PURCHASED in a way that is convenient for them

Well said abreda777! I just wish the people who NEED to read this post, do!!!

For the benefit of others, Plex (as of Oct 2015) cannot play DRM protected media files.

On the downside, you can't download Amazon Instant Videos as you do with iTunes videos. But Apple must be losing money over this, as they did yesterday when I thought I'd just check out amazon before downloading a movie, and found I could rent it there for just the same price as from Apple.

The problem with Amazon is that you cannot download.. So if for some reason they no longer have the digital content or you have no Internet you cannot watch what you purchased.. and if you are buy 4 seasons of a show for 120 you want to be able to watch internet or no internet!

Thank you...I will try this!

Actually, I forgot -- there is a way to do it with software. Just install a DLNA media server such as Serviio (serviio.org), which can transmit videos over your local network. When it's up and running it should show on your TV's list of sources and then you can display items on your computer on your TV set. Caution: this is not the easiest of programs to use, and is prone to generate error messages. Being frustrated with that I did a search on 'dlna mac' and found a sourceforge application Universal Media Server. It started off so well, and then ... . I'll just post this for now and report back if I manage to get good results from it later (one issue is that when you install it it offers the chance to choose favoured directories and says you can always do it later in the preferences, but there ain't no preferences available!).