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Apple tv 4th gen file format issue and remote app

HaruAoki

HaruAoki

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 14, 2014
87
4
Australia
Hello,

I picked up a Apple TV (4th gen) at the Apple store today and have had some issues, like some movies in Home sharing and other not working on Apple TV and getting the error (This content cannot be played because its format is not compatible with the Apple TV)

I contacted apple and told me to summit the file that is not working due to some types of .MP4 may not be working correctly with Apple TV for then to see what the issue may be, they then told be they will get back to me sometime early next week

For now there is a work around I have found to fix this issue:
If I convert the files from .MP4 to .MP4 again (or the file format of your file) this will fix the issue allowing the videos to work again on the apple tv)

The second issue I've been having is with the Remote app on IOS, this issue may just need a update with the remote app just asking to make sure, with the app the Apple TV is not showing up even tho it's using the same Apple ID, Home sharing is on and is on the same network.

Thos the app is still not picking up the Apple TV, has anyone had this issue or have any idea how to fix it?


Thanks for reading this post will update if I find any more issue till then I hope your all having a great day!
 
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File formats are always a sticky issue with Apple devices, though there's always the possibility of a bug this early in its lifespan.

As for the remote app, it's really odd. With mine it doesn't show up in devices or anything. I just select my library, then when I start playing something the usual AirPlay icon shows up in the now playing screen allowing me to switch it over to the Apple TV. Does this not show up in yours?
 
I cant understand they launch the product without the remote app compatible, erige someting with the Siri remote its too slow and complicated.

What about photos library? I cant see my photos on icloud library,
 
It would seem, for whatever (stupid) reason, at the moment the Photos app on the Apple TV only shows shared albums. Seems like a daft decision and I hope it changes, but thats what it is just now as far as I can tell.
 
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TrueBlou said:
It would seem, for whatever (stupid) reason, at the moment the Photos app on the Apple TV only shows shared albums. Seems like a daft decision and I hope it changes, but thats what it is just now as far as I can tell.
Click to expand...
They may be concerned that people's naughty photos will suddenly pop up on their TV's.
 
8CoreWhore said:
They may be concerned that people's naughty photos will suddenly pop up on their TV's.
Click to expand...

People shouldn't be so naughty then :D I'd rather they provided the option to set specific images or libraries to be not included than the other way around, it'd be quicker and easier.
 
TrueBlou said:
File formats are always a sticky issue with Apple devices, though there's always the possibility of a bug this early in its lifespan.

As for the remote app, it's really odd. With mine it doesn't show up in devices or anything. I just select my library, then when I start playing something the usual AirPlay icon shows up in the now playing screen allowing me to switch it over to the Apple TV. Does this not show up in yours?
Click to expand...

no think shows up for the remote app will wait for a update to see if this gets fixed. its funny tho some mp4 works and some dont, will just have to convert video files for now since thats work.
 
TrueBlou said:
It would seem, for whatever (stupid) reason, at the moment the Photos app on the Apple TV only shows shared albums. Seems like a daft decision and I hope it changes, but thats what it is just now as far as I can tell.
Click to expand...

On your computer go to iTunes>File>Home Sharing. You will be able to select what Photos albums you want to share. (You must be on the same WiFi network as the Apple TV). Not exactly intuitive, unfortunately.
 
djborden said:
On your computer go to iTunes>File>Home Sharing. You will be able to select what Photos albums you want to share. (You must be on the same WiFi network as the Apple TV). Not exactly intuitive, unfortunately.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I know how to share them the old fashioned way, though I appreciate your taking the time to offer advice anyway. I had just hoped that as I use Photos on my Mac, which is set up to use the iCloud Photo Library, and as all of my iOS devices also use the same iCloud Photo Library and the Apple TV claims to be using that iCloud Photo Library. That I wouldn't have to faff about with manual intervention anymore.

After all, the Mac and all of the iOS devices manage to stay perfectly in sync without me having to get involved. I think it should be the same on Apple TV.


I should also mention I am referring to the Photos app on Apple TV that uses the iCloud Photo Library, rather than what is available through the Computers app, which uses Home Sharing, in case no one could guess from the above rant ;)
 
Last edited:
The remote App says for Apple TV 3rd Gen and earlier, and theres no longer a Remote App setup option in the Apple TV General Settings menu. I think we're getting hosed on this one...
 
Carmenia83 said:
The remote App says for Apple TV 3rd Gen and earlier, and theres no longer a Remote App setup option in the Apple TV General Settings menu. I think we're getting hosed on this one...
Click to expand...

HaruAoki said:
Hello,

I picked up a Apple TV (4th gen) at the Apple store today and have had some issues, like some movies in Home sharing and other not working on Apple TV and getting the error (This content cannot be played because its format is not compatible with the Apple TV)

I contacted apple and told me to summit the file that is not working due to some types of .MP4 may not be working correctly with Apple TV for then to see what the issue may be, they then told be they will get back to me sometime early next week

For now there is a work around I have found to fix this issue:
If I convert the files from .MP4 to .MP4 again (or the file format of your file) this will fix the issue allowing the videos to work again on the apple tv)

The second issue I've been having is with the Remote app on IOS, this issue may just need a update with the remote app just asking to make sure, with the app the Apple TV is not showing up even tho it's using the same Apple ID, Home sharing is on and is on the same network.

Thos the app is still not picking up the Apple TV, has anyone had this issue or have any idea how to fix it?


Thanks for reading this post will update if I find any more issue till then I hope your all having a great day!
Click to expand...
I reported this too. Now I notice that the specs page says only 640x480 mp4 will work, but H.264 is fine up to 1080p. "I've got a bad feeling about this drop.... Aliens"
http://www.apple.com/tv/specs/
 
I am getting the same message "format not supported by Apple TV" with videos that I used to be able to watch on the 3rd Gen Apple TV but now not with the 4th Gen Apple TV. Am I missing something? Am I being an idiot?
 
HaruAoki said:
Hello,

I picked up a Apple TV (4th gen) at the Apple store today and have had some issues, like some movies in Home sharing and other not working on Apple TV and getting the error (This content cannot be played because its format is not compatible with the Apple TV)

I contacted apple and told me to summit the file that is not working due to some types of .MP4 may not be working correctly with Apple TV for then to see what the issue may be, they then told be they will get back to me sometime early next week

For now there is a work around I have found to fix this issue:
If I convert the files from .MP4 to .MP4 again (or the file format of your file) this will fix the issue allowing the videos to work again on the apple tv)

The second issue I've been having is with the Remote app on IOS, this issue may just need a update with the remote app just asking to make sure, with the app the Apple TV is not showing up even tho it's using the same Apple ID, Home sharing is on and is on the same network.

Thos the app is still not picking up the Apple TV, has anyone had this issue or have any idea how to fix it?


Thanks for reading this post will update if I find any more issue till then I hope your all having a great day!
Click to expand...

Had the same issue with my new Apple TV. iTunes would not convert saying the video was already in the correct format. Read a lot of posts about this and decided to re convert my video with my software. Then I discovered a new setting in my conversion software for the "new" Apple TV! I tried to convert again using this new setting and it worked great. Plays great with great resolution and no issues! Apparently Apple did make some changes again in the new Apple TV but my Conversion software is right on top of it! Very pleased with them! It's MAC" "video Converter.
 
Outerlimitsfan said:
Had the same issue with my new Apple TV. iTunes would not convert saying the video was already in the correct format. Read a lot of posts about this and decided to re convert my video with my software. Then I discovered a new setting in my conversion software for the "new" Apple TV! I tried to convert again using this new setting and it worked great. Plays great with great resolution and no issues! Apparently Apple did make some changes again in the new Apple TV but my Conversion software is right on top of it! Very pleased with them! It's MAC" "video Converter.
Click to expand...
Yea, most of them can support aTV4 going forward, but it doesn't solve it for the vast catalogs many of us have, and since Plex can read all of those older standard mp4 files, many of us have moved past the "Computer" apps limitations.
 
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