Skip to Content
Pointer Clicker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read more.

How To Connect Apple TV To A Projector?

How To Connect Apple TV To A Projector?

Sharing is caring!

Congratulations on your new Apple TV! You’re one step closer to experiencing movies like never before. But wait, how do you connect the Apple TV to your projector for a bigger and better movie-watching experience?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this easy-to-follow guide, I’ll show you how to connect your Apple TV to projectors with HDMI input ports or older models with VGA, RCA, DVI-D, or S-Video ports.

In addition, I’ll introduce you to the wireless HDMI Transmitter and Receiver that eliminate the need for cables.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy your favorite movies on the big screen. Let’s dive in and make your movie nights unforgettable!

Wired and Wireless Solutions

The first-generation Apple TV allowed video output through both HDMI and component video ports. However, the component video port was subsequently eliminated in the second-generation Apple TV.

Currently, the HDMI port is the sole video output option available on Apple TV, including the latest Apple TV 4K model.

So I will walk through wired and wireless methods for connecting your Apple TV to a projector.

I’ll start with the wired solutions, which will depend on whether your projector has an HDMI input port or not.

Projector With HDMI Input Port

This is the simplest scenario where you only need to use an HDMI cable to connect the Apple TV to your projector.

Materials Needed

Step-by-Step InstructionsApple TV connect to an Epson projector with HDMI cable

Step 1: Use an HDMI cable to connect one end to the HDMI OUT port on the Apple TV and the other end to the HDMI IN port on the projector.

Step 2: If needed, adjust the Input settings on the projector to HDMI

Projector Without HDMI Input Port

In case your projector lacks an HDMI input port and instead has VGA, RCA, DVI-D, or S-Video ports, you can use one of the converters listed below to connect your Apple TV to the projector:

Below is my demonstration example for the HDMI-VGA converter. You can apply in a similar way for the other converters.

Materials Needed

Step-by-Step Instructionsdiagram to use HDMI to VGA connector to connect Apple TV to a projector

Step 1: Power the HDMI – VGA converter.

Step 2: Connect the HDMI connector on the converter to the HDMI OUT port on the Apple TV.

Step 3: Use a VGA cable to connect one end to the VGA OUT port on the converter and the other end to the VGA IN port on the projector.

Step 4: On the projector, change the Input setting to VGA if needed.

Step 5: Use an AUX cable to connect one end to the AUDIO OUT port on the converter and the other end to an external speaker.

Wireless HDMI Transmitter and Receiver

If you’re looking for a more convenient option, I have a wireless solution that eliminates the need for cables. 

By using an HDMI Transmitter and Receiver, you can easily connect your Apple TV to the projector without dealing with physical connections.wireless HDMI Transmitter and Receiver

However, it’s important to note that this solution does come with a few drawbacks. 

The HDMI Transmitter and Receiver tend to heat up quickly after a short period of operation.

Additionally, I have observed some input lag when using the HDMI Transmitter and Receiver to connect my PS4 to the projector for gaming purposes.

Nevertheless, when using the HDMI Transmitter and Receiver to connect my Apple TV to the projector, the movie experience remains acceptable.

Materials Needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Please refer to the connection diagram below to use the HDMI Transmitter and Receiver to connect your Apple TV to the projector.diagram to use wireless HDMI Transmitter and Receiver to connect Apple TV to projector

The final setup will look like this picture:final setup with wireless HDMI Transmitter and Receiver to connect Apple TV to projector Step 1: Power on the HDMI Transmitter and Receiver, projector, and Apple TV.

Step 2: Use a toothpick to press the Reset button on the HDMI Receiver to initiate a reset. Skip this step if your HDMI Receiver does not have the Reset button.reset button on wireless HDMI Receiver Step 3: Connect the HDMI connector on the HDMI Transmitter to the HDMI OUT port on the Apple TV.wireless HDMI Transmitter connected to Apple TV via HDMI Step 4: Use an HDMI cable to connect one end to the HDMI port on the HDMI Receiver and the other end to the HDMI IN port on the projector.use a HDMI cable to connect projector to wireless HDMI Receiver Step 5: If needed, adjust the Input settings on the projector to HDMI.

Step 6: Wait for the “Please tap the button to cast the screen” message to appear on the projector screen.message of HDMI Transmitter to tap the button to cast the screen Step 7: Press the pairing button on the HDMI Transmitter to link the HDMI Transmitter to Receiver and start casting.press the cast button on wireless HDMI Transmitter Now you can view the Apple TV home screen on the projector screen.Apple TV home screen on projector screen

Bonus: First-generation Apple TV

The old Apple TV model, such as the first-generation Apple TV, will have two options for output video: HDMI or component ports.

You can utilize any of the aforementioned methods to connect your first-generation Apple TV to your projector using HDMI.

If you prefer to connect your old Apple TV to the projector using component ports, you will need a dedicated converter like Portta Component to HDMI Converter.

Watch the below video to learn more about the converter and how to use it.

Component to HDMI Adapter Unboxing and Detailed Review

 

How was content created? This piece is created collaboratively, with tech editors generating ideas, conducting testing, and proofreading meticulously, while AI assists in fine-tuning.

Sharing is caring!