Having problems with AppleTV?

Having issues with AppleTV? You're not alone? We've experienced a number of problems over the last 12-15 months with clients reporting that it takes some time to get picture and sound from their AppleTV devices. Here's some brainstorming, thoughts and a possible fix.

We are only getting these calls with the older AppleTV units (generation 3). The newer units are generation 4 and we haven't seen the same problems with these. If you bought your unit 2+ years ago, you may have a generation 3 model. If you have one of these, read on as these ideas may be pertinent to you.

DISCLAIMER: This is my own theorizing and isn't based on any fact or anything I've read...Apple, please don't sue me. BEGIN: I noticed problems started on my older Gen 3 AppleTV unit about 18 months ago. When I would turn on the system as I always did, instead of the Apple menus and icons for Netflix, Prime Video, etc. coming up after 5-10 seconds, I regularly had just a black screen. My TV and all other components, including the AppleTV were on...I just had no picture or sound. After doing some testing, I experienced that the picture and sound would normally come back on after I would repeat the TV input commands. This is normally indicative of an HDMI "handshake" issue where the components don't recognize each other and you have to do the equivalent of reaching out your hand again (in this case, the TV's hand) so the TV can communicate with the AppleTV. Once I would choose the correct input on the TV again, I almost always get picture and sound and my AppleTV is functional.

I think the Apple changed their protocol via a firmware update and this changed the way that the AppleTV communicates via HDMI. In turn, this made it so the AppleTV doesn't behave the way it used to. The reason I think this is that prior to 18 months ago, we didn't come across this problem. Now we see it very regularly with older AppleTV units and it happens with different brands of TVs and audio/video receivers. So what's the fix?

If you turn on your older AppleTV and you don't get picture or sound, give it about 10 seconds and then repeat the TV input command. This will reinitialize the handshake and you should be in business. If it still doesn't work, this could be a common power-cycle issue and this is typically fixed by unplugging the power from the AppleTV, wait 30 seconds and then plug it back in. Add one of our BOBs to make this simple.

Simple system resets

Still have questions? Let San Diego's technology experts help you with your stereo, television and streaming device needs!

Martin Logan tower speakers are even better when they come with FREE subwoofers!

FREE FREE FREE!!!!!! One of our favorite speaker brands, Martin Logan, is doing some great stuff for this 2019 Holiday and beyond. For a limited time, get FREE subwoofers with the purchase of selected speaker pairs. See below for details.

If you love amazing sound and saving some $$$, you're in the right place. This Martin Logan sale runs until January 5th, 2020 or while quantities last. Want to get a listen and get expert advice about which speaker is best for you? Give us a call and let San Diego's best Martin Logan dealer provide you with fantastic sound and FREE stuff!.

San Diego Martin Logan dealers Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County, CA including Del Cerro, Allied Gardens, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, La Mesa, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Imperial Beach, Pt Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Alta Del Mar, Del Mar, Olivenhain, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Blossom Valley, Alpine, La Mesa and El Cajon...we;re here too.

Netflix not working on Roku? See below

Roku and Netflix are 2 great products...until they stop working together. Did Netflix just stop working on your Roku device? They just did an update that screwed things up. If you're not getting Netflix anymore:

1) Try going to another service such as Amazon, Hulu, etc. This will let you know if there is a global Roku issue or if it is limited to Netflix. If you can get picture and sound with these other apps, go to Step 2.

2) Go to the "Home" screen, "Settings", "Display Type" and then take your Roku off of "Auto Detect" and choose another resolution. You should see options such as 1080p, 1080i, etc.

3) Once you make this change you should be back in business! NOTE: Some Roku units may have slightly different terminology. If you don't see the exact terms in #2, use the closest variant (ex: "Display Type" might be "Resolution").

Still need help getting Netflix working with Roku? Call us and let San Diego's technology experts help you with streaming, WiFI networks and today's technology.

Black Friday Sonos - Don't deal with these crowds...call us!

Sonos Beam, Sonos Playbar and Sonos SUB wireless subwoofer

Enjoy time with your friends and family and save $$$ with just a phone call or e-mail. We're offering 20% off on selected Sonos products for Black Weekend (there is no Black Friday any more). Until 12/2/2019, save 20% on:

Sonos PLAYBAR...20% off!

Sonos BEAM...20 % off!

Sonos PLAYBASE...20% off!

Sonos SUB...20% off!

Sonos AMP...20% off!

Here's some information about which soundbar to buy:

https://www.airetheaterdesigns.com/blog/item/243-sonos-beam-vs-sonos-playbar

We are off for the Holiday but we're processing all orders via phone or e-mail. Questions? Let our Sonos experts guide you towards the perfect audio solution for Black Friday.

Looking for Black Friday Sonos specials? Don't worry! Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County which includes Del Cerro, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, La Mesa, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff CA, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cielo, The Bridges, The Crosby, The Lakes, Torrey Pines, Alta Del Mar, Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, Coronado, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Need help in Murrieta, Wildomar, Temecula, Fallbrook or Bonsall...we're there too. House by Pardee, Shea, Lennar or other builders? We can help! 

Salamander Designs audio cabinet - Single design for 4 or less components

Today's furniture piece of the day is from one of our partners...Salamander Designs. This particular piece in Salamander's CORSICA line is designed for 4 or less components and is a great option when you want something that is stylish, functional (has proper depth for all components) and that provides adequate ventilation for all of the audio/video gear that is inside.

This line is built in multiple configurations that are made up of 1-4 pieces like the one above. If you have equipment for your entire home including routers, modems, whole-house amplifiers, subwoofers or need room for records (we stil sell turntables!), one of the larger configurations may suit your needs. Need an audio cabinet for your equipment? Let San Diego's leading Salamander retailer show you the many styles and configurations of TV stands and audio furniture that are available today.

"I need a Salamander Designs dealer near me!" Don't worry! Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County which includes Del Cerro, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, La Mesa, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff CA, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cielo, The Bridges, The Crosby, The Lakes, Torrey Pines, Alta Del Mar, Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, Coronado, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Need help in Murrieta, Wildomar, Temecula, Fallbrook or Bonsall...we're there too. House by Pardee, Shea, Lennar or other builders? We can help! 

Sunbrite outdoor television in our San Diego office

Miragevision outdoor television in full daylight - On a conventional TV you wouldn't see a picture!

Seura Mirror TV - In addition to outdoor TVs, Seura also makes custom sets like this

Being that we don’t live in Greenland, Alaska, etc., we have a fantastic opportunity in Southern California to enjoy our backyard spaces ALL YEAR LONG! Fortunately, our brands of outdoor televisions allow you to maximize your backyard fun 365 days a year!

Outdoor televisions are designed to be weatherproof, are much brighter than a conventional TV and are more robust than standard sets. Our outdoor TVs from Seura, Miragevision and Sunbrite have offerings for:

• Full and direct sunlight – Choose one of our BEST level TVs from Seura or Miragevision

• Partial sunlight – Choose one of our BETTER level TVs from Seura or Sunbrite

• Shaded areas – Choose one of our GOOD level outdoor TVs from Seura or Sunbrite

These sets come standard in sizes from 32” to 86”. Interested? Give us a call and see how San Diego’s experts in outdoor televisions can enhance your backyard fun.

P.S. An outdoor television isn’t as fun without an outdoor audio system. See our earlier article about outdoor audio and outdoor speakers at the link below.

https://www.airetheaterdesigns.com/blog/item/210-outdoor-speakers-san-diego-outdoor-audio-installations

UPDATE! Samsung has just entered the arena with their "Terrace" outdoor TV line. These televisions have the brightest picture we've seen at the price point which is fantastic for conditions where there is partial or full sunlight. These Terrace outdoor TVs come in 55", 65" and 75" sizes (QN55LST7, QN65LST7, QN75LST7). We'll add a supporting article about them shortly.

Samsung 55" Terrace TV with Klipsch outdoor speaker system

Your dealer for outdoor televisions in Southern California is here! Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County which includes Del Cerro, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, La Mesa, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff CA, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cielo, The Bridges, The Crosby, The Lakes, Torrey Pines, Alta Del Mar, Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, Coronado, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Need help in Murrieta, Wildomar, Temecula, Fallbrook or Bonsall...we're there too. House by Pardee, Shea, Lennar or other builders? We can help!