what does it mean when it says that network time needs to be set

Is this an Apple TV question? If not, you might get more help in the watch forum.

That means it's not properly connected to the network

Make sure DNS is set to auto (settings - general - network)

If on wifi try ethernet

Make sure router has port 123 open (refer to manual if unsure)

Test on another network

Please give the version of your Apple TV, and the software version. This Identify your Apple TV model - Apple Support may help if unsure.

What are you doing when you see this message?

The version isn't relevant, when the ATV isn't able to set date/time it's due to an issue with the network connection

If your Apple TV stops at the date and time screen during startup - Apple Support

Hello vazandrew,

I agree, but the OP said there was a message saying network time needs to be set. So I wanted to clarify that this is the typical startup problem, and not some other issue.

Again, that message will come up when there is a network connection issue (and can't reach the server to set the date/time). There is no other issue.