Q: how to connect a macbook to an apple tv

You will want to setup home sharing and/or AirPlay...

Use Home Sharing to share iTunes content with other devices - Apple Support

Use AirPlay to wirelessly stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

https://www.apple.com/support/appletv/airplay/

1. Make sure both the laptop and ATV are connected to the same WiFi network.

2. Go into settings on the ATV and make sure AirPlay is turned on.

3. Go into system Preferences, display and turn on AirPlay and the Apple TV should appear as an option.

You should now see the laptop on the TV.

Which MacBook do you have? Only the 2015 model supports AirPlay.

That is incorrect.  AirPlay has been around for years...

Duane wrote:

 

Which MacBook do you have? Only the 2015 model supports AirPlay.

It's not as clear cut as that...

Use AirPlay to display video from your Mac on an HDTV - Apple Support

any of the following Mac computers with OS X Mountain Lion v10.8 or later:

• iMac (Mid 2011 or later)
• Mac mini (Mid 2011 or later)
• MacBook (Early 2015 or later)
• MacBook Air (Mid 2011 or later)
• MacBook Pro (Early 2011 or later)
• Mac Pro (Late 2013 or later)

You do realize that the MacBook was produced until 2010 and then stopped. The MacBook has only made a reappearance in 2015.

Therefore, the only MacBook which supports AirPlay is the latest model.

You do realize that the MacBook was produced until 2010 and then stopped. The MacBook has only made a reappearance in 2015.

Therefore, the only MacBook which supports AirPlay is the latest model.

You may turn out to be right, but all Apple's laptops have been called MacBook (blank) for years...  I took it as a generic term.  On a pragmatic level, if they follow my instructions and have a non-supported model, they will quickly find the option is not there...  If it is supported, they will be on their way...

.

Vinceassociate wrote:

 

You may turn out to be right, but all Apple's laptops have been called MacBook (blank) for years... 

That is not correct. Apple has referred to them as "MacBook", "MacBook Air", and "MacBook Pro".

I took it as a generic term.  On a pragmatic level, if they follow my instructions and have a non-supported model, they will quickly find the option is not there...  If it is supported, they will be on their way...

I understand, but in this discussion area details matter. You can spend a long time trying to help someone accomplish something which is impossible with their hardware and software.

Apple has referred to them as "MacBook", "MacBook Air", and "MacBook Pro"

Which makes them all MacBooks to the average user.

in this discussion area details matter

Like asking the user what specific model laptop they have before telling them only the 2015 model works...

. (It is unfortunate that I have to make these blank posts so that the last post to the thread will appear. )

Vinceassociate wrote:

in this discussion area details matter

 

Like asking the user what specific model laptop they have before telling them only the 2015 model works...

Yes, that is exactly what I did in my first post to this thread.

"Which MacBook do you have? Only the 2015 model supports AirPlay."