When we think about a set-top box, then the first device that should come to our mind is the Apple TV. This tiny device can stream audio and video contents to an output device using the internet.

The projector is one of the most used output devices nowadays for its versatility, ease of setup, and more extensive screen compatibility. You can connect this device with Apple TV to take your viewing experience to the next level.

If you are looking for a complete guide to connecting Apple Tv to a projector, then you are at the right place. Here we will discuss this in detail. So let’s go and find the solutions without any gossip.

What is Apple TV?

Apple TV is not what it sounds like. It’s not a television; rather, it’s a media player and microconsole developed by Apple Inc. It’s like Roku, Chromecast, and other streaming devices.

Apple TV is a tiny set-top box that allows the TV and other output devices to display contents from the internet. It is also used to stream music, play games, watch podcasts, and many more. The only method allowed to control this device is remote.

Common Connectivity Options of Apple TV and Projector

The prime function of the Apple TV is to receive audio and video content from the internet and stream them in an output display device. To stream content, we need to connect Apple TV to an output device like a projector, television, monitor, etc.

To use Apple TV to stream video on a projector, we need to connect them. We can easily connect two devices using various ports available on both devices. Let’s identify all available ports on all generation Apple TVs:

1st Generation

• HDMI and component video (480p or 720p)
• 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
• Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) 
• Optical and RCA stereo audio
• IR receiver
• USB 2.0 (for service and support)

2nd Generation

• HDMI (720p)
• 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
• Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
• Optical audio
• IR receiver
• Micro-USB Type – B(for service and support)
• Bluetooth

3rd Generation

• HDMI (720p or 1080p)
• 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
• Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
• Optical audio
• IR receiver
• Micro-USB Type-B (for service and support)
• Bluetooth

4th Generation (Apple TV HD)

• HDMI 1.4 (720p or 1080p)
• 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
• Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac with MIMO)
• Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology
• IR receiver
• USB Type-C (for service and support)

5th Generation (Apple TV 4K)

• HDMI 2.1 (Dolby Vision Supported video up to 4K60 HDR10 )
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 802.11ax Wi‑Fi 6 with MIMO; simultaneous dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
• Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
• Thread
• IR receiver

So only an HDMI port is available in the latest model of Apple TV to connect with a projector.

Now let’s talk about connectivity options on a projector. We need to identify them to know the compatibility of ports on both devices. Most of the projectors have the  following connectivity ports available:

• HDMI port
• SD Card slot
• USB Port
• DVI-D
• VGA port

List of The 4 Best Projectors for Apple TV

1. Sony Full 4K HDR Video Projector for TV
2. Optoma UHD51A 4K UHD Smart Home Theater Projector
3. Epson 4K PRO-UHD (1) 3-Chip Projector with HDR
4. Acer V6810 4K Ultra High Definition Home Theater Projector

How to Connect an HDMI Available Projector with an Apple TV?

On the latest projectors, an HDMI port is standard. If your projector has an HDMI port, then it will be easy to connect with Apple TV as Apple TV has an HDMI connectivity option available. You need a both-sided HDMI cable to connect both devices. This cable is provided with a projector, and if you don’t have one, then you can easily buy it. Let’s connect both devices using the HDMI port step by step:

• Step-1) Turn off both devices by unplugging the power cable.
• Step-2) Insert one end of the HDMI cable to the Apple TV and another part to the projector.
• Step-3) Plug power cables and turn both devices on.
• Step-4) Now, on the projector menu, search for the source option. Then select HDMI as the source medium.
• Step-5) If Apple TV is connected to another device like iPhone or Ipad, then make sure that both are connected to the same internet connection.
• Step-6) That’s it. Now your Apple TV is connected to your projector.

Things to do when HDMI ports on a Projector are in use?

Most of the projectors have limited HDMI ports. Sometimes we may use up the available HDMI port either to Connect with a gaming console or other streaming device. In that case, you might wonder how to connect Apple TV to a projector?

Don’t worry because you can easily collect or buy devices like an  HDMI switch. The HDMI switch is an HDMI splitter, with one end with a male HDMI connector and the other end-has three HDMI female connectors. You can insert the male part of the HDMI switch to the projector’s HDMI port to extend the HDMI ports and connect other devices using these female HDMI ports.

How to Connect a Projector with an Apple TV Without HDMI?

Though the latest projectors have HDMI ports, old projectors might have no HDMI ports available. You may think you can’t connect to the Apple TV if your projector doesn’t have HDMI. Don’t worry at all. You can join without an HDMI port.

Things to Consider Before Connecting Without HDMI

• Choose a suitable port: Besides HDMI, your projector has other connectivity options like VGA, DVI-D port, and  USB port. You can select any port among these to connect with your Apple TV.
• Buy or Collect Adapter: As the latest Apple TV has only an HDMI port to connect with other output devices, we need to collect or buy adapters or converters.
• You can also buy a cable with one side HDMI and other side suitable ports like VGA to HDMI cable( One side VGA and another side HDMI).

The available converters you can buy:

1. VGA to HDMI
2. DVI-D to HDMI
3. USB Type-B to HDMI
4. USB Type-C to HDMI

Connecting Apple TV to a  Projector Without HDMI

VGA to HDMI

• Step-1) Unplug both the Apple TV and projector to power off.
• Step-2) Collect or buy both-sided HDMI cables if you use an adapter.
• Step-3) Using Adapter: Insert the VGA side of the adapter in the Projector’s VGA port and insert one side of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port located behind the adapter. Insert the other side of the cable into the Apple TV HDMI port.
• Step-4) Using Converter Cable: insert the VGA side of the cable in the projector’s VGA port and connect another side of the cable to the HDMI port of the Apple TV.
• Step-5) Plugin the power cable of both devices to power on.
• Step-6) Then, on the projector’s settings menu, select VGA as the source medium.

DVI-D to HDMI

• The first two Steps are identical to the previous section.
• Step-3) Using Adapter: Insert the DVI-D side of the adapter in the Projector’s DVI-D port and insert one side of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port behind the adapter. Insert the other side of the cable into the Apple TV HDMI port.
• Step-4) Using Converter Cable: insert the DVI-D side of the cable in the projector’s DVI-D port and connect another side of the cable to the HDMI port of the Apple TV.
• Repeat Steps 5 and 6 but select DVI-D as the source medium

USB to HDMI

• The first two Steps are identical to the previous section.
• Step-3) Using Adapter: Insert the USB Type-B/C side of the adapter in the Projector’s USB Type-B/C port and insert one side of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port located behind the adapter. Insert the other side of the cable into the Apple TV HDMI port.
• Step-4) Using Converter Cable: insert the USB Type-B/C side of the cable in the projector’s USB Type-B/C port and connect another side of the cable to the HDMI port of the Apple TV.
• Repeat Steps 5 and 6 but select USB as the source medium

Our Recommendation

Always choose a projector with HDMI available. Because connecting Apple TV with a projector using HDMI is the easiest way.

If your projector has multiple connectivity ports like VGA, HDMI, or DVI-D, then you should choose an HDMI port to make the connection. HDMI is the most used HD signal that transfers both audio and video signals at the same time. It is faster and more preferable as recent devices use HDMI ports than VGA and DVI-D ports. As HDMI can transmit audio and video HD signals together, we don’t need to use separate audio and video cables.

Conclusion

You can easily connect your Apple TV with a projector. Just identify ports before making a connection and ensure that available ports on both devices are compatible.

If ports on both devices are not compatible then use suitable adapters or converter cables to make connections.

We have discussed connecting to Apple TV with a projector and its available options. I hope this article helps you with the complications of connecting an Apple TV to a projector.